My husband & I will be in LA during week of Thanksgiving. We enjoy looking at architecture, mansions and furniture. We have already been to Hearst Castle a few times over the years. Any suggestions for this trip. We are willing to drive to an over night destination. Thanks for any help.

Myran,
Call the Los Angeles Conservancy and ask about tours. They often have a tour that highlights grand old homes of LA; for instance, the Doheny estate.
Also, call the Robinson Gardens in Bevery Hills. The gardens are the main draw and they are only open a few days a week with limited hours and limited number of people. The tour includes a tour of the home. The other estate that is also a grand garden is the Huntington Museum and garden in San Marino ( near Pasadena). It's gorgeous and serves a lovely tea,as well. My last suggestion is the West Adams Historical Society. This area, near USC, hosts many large, I mean large, turn-of-the-century homes that are being restored. The West Adams area is a gem,but is bordered by less savory areas. I think they have a special tour around Thanksgiving.

Hope this gets you started.

Michele

Thanks Michele

Myrna, I strongly recommend you contact the LA Consevancy, they have excellent programs. You may also enjoy visiting the Gamble House in Pasadena. It is a turn of the century Arts & Crafts masterpiece built by Greene & Greene for the Gamle family (of Proctor & Gamble fame). It is a beautiful home, and there are other interesting homes in the neighborhood built by Greene&Greene as well as Frank Lloyd Wright. Have fun.

The Pasadeny Symphony hosts a tour of homes in Pasadena with their Christmas decorations, around Thanksgiving time. There are about 6-7 upscale homes that you tour (interiors).

Most definitely see the Gamble House in Pasadena built by Charles and Henry Greene. This is "the masterpiece" by these guys not only for its facade but for the rich interiors and better yet, all the original furniture and lighting. They have a wonderful tour of the house and it is spectacular! The Pasadena area is filled with many different styles of homes i.e. Ennis, Neutra, Batchelder, Frank Lloyd Wright etc.)
There is also a book called "Los Angeles, An Architectural Guide" by David Gebhard and Robert Winter which is fantastic. It lists the architecturally significant homes in the L.A. area with some photos the addresses and a brief history on each.
Also if you haven't already, see Richard Meiers Getty museum. If it's a clear day you can see to the ocean and the gardens are delicious!

The Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills is quite spectacular, with an interesting history.

The Getty Museum is a must-see.

Both are very convenient to the Holiday Inn Brentwood-Bel Air at the Sunset Boulevard exit.

www.gocalif.com has a great California driving directory that they send out for the asking

Thanks for the suggestions. Keep them coming. We go to LA area twice a year to visit relatives. While they are at work, we try to see the sights. Been to all the "tourist" locations. Now looking for some history.