As part of the continuing Road Trip Series Across America, the next city being visited by Jacqui Cooper (Host of JCooperTravels) is Sierra Madre, California.
Jacqui Cooper (Talk Show Host - JCooperTravels) speaks with Mayor Rachelle Arizmendi, Mayor of Sierra Madre & Vice-President/COO at PACE about its hide-away location and special attractions.
The city is in the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley below the southern edge of the Angeles National Forest. Pasadena and Altadena are to its west, with Arcadia to its south and east. Sierra Madre is known as "Wisteria City", and its city seal is decorated with a drawing of the now widely known 500-foot (150 m) vine. It is also called the "Village of the Foothills" and was an All-America City in 2007.
To listen to our conversation, click here for the Talk Show Podcast
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To visit Sierra Madre's city website to learn about ongoing activities visit:
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The City of Sierra Madre with a population of approximately 11,000 is a unique village located in Los Angeles County at the base of the San Gabriel Valley Mountains. Sierra Madre is a residential community, proud of being the Village of the Foothills. Its small size and quiet neighborhoods lends itself to the small town atmosphere the residents are proud of maintaining. The City is a full service municipality operating with a $20 million budget that funds 68 full-time employees assigned to eight operating departments. Government services are primarily funded by property taxes, local taxes, and user fees. The local economy consists primarily of professional service providers and specialty retail shops and restaurants.
It is home to the Guinness Book of World Records: Largest Wisteria Vine In The World
This lovely “Lavender Lady,” as some call it, is the largest flowering plant in the world. Every spring, more than a million gorgeous purple blossoms drape from its tangled branches. Its seeds originally came from China, and two homeowners planted it in 1894 to celebrate their new house In a sad twist of fate, the wisteria (this particular plant is referred to as the “wistaria” rather than “wisteria”) eventually grew so large it destroyed the home it was planted to honor. It now occupies a staggering one-acre stretch of space.
Though the Guinness Book of World Records lists the vine as the world’s largest blossoming plant, the massive specimen is strangely hard to see. As it’s on private property, the public is only able to visit the behemoth beauty once a year during the annual Wistaria Festival. On this day, the whole town (plus plant-loving travelers) gather to celebrate this local celebrity.
It’s worth the wait. Witnessing this rare botanic gem is a true treat. Being able to walk under its sprawling canopy of delicate purple flowers is a magical experience. It’s no wonder it’s considered to be one of the seven horticultural wonders of the world.
Another place to visit is the Mater Dolorosa Monastery
In the foothills of Sierra Madre is an 80 acres (320,000 m2) retreat with a bubbling fountain and verdant gardens. Mater Dolorosa Monastery's first permanent structure was built in 1931. In 1949, the new retreat house was built and dedicated. The Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center (Mater Dolorosa means "Mother of Sorrows") has provided an environment of peace for monks as well as Methodists, and Presbyterians. It is a place where, for almost a century, Catholic monks and their faithful have sought tranquility, and where Rose Bowl-bound football teams have found a good night's rest away from the temptations of Los Angeles and Pasadena.
Shortly before the Rose Bowl game in 1958, Ohio State Coach Woody Hayes started looking for a place to sequester his team from the temptations of Los Angeles. The Mater Dolorosa monastery in Sierra Madre offered secluded serenity, along with a small company of black-robed friars to make sure the team didn't get into any mischief. The Buckeyes won the game. Other team coaches have followed suit.
If You Are Looking To Find Movie Backdrops, Sierra Madre has been featured in the following:
In 1910, New York filmmaker D. W. Griffith began producing movies in town, using townspeople as extras.
1941 The Great Man's Lady, based on the short story "The Human Side" by Viña Delmar, at the Pinney House, starring Barbara Stanwyck, Joel McCrea, and Brian Donlevy.[citation needed]
1954 Eddie Foy, Jr. and The Seven Little Foys was also filmed at the Pinney House, starring Bob Hope and Milly Vitale
1956 Strange Intruder
The 1956 version of The Invasion of the Body Snatchers was filmed in town; it starred Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter, and Larry Gates.
In 1976, Alfred Hitchcock filmed segments of Family Plot in Sierra Madre's "Pioneer Cemetery".
John Carpenter filmed a scene for Halloween at the Pioneer Cemetery in 1978.
1980 horror film The Fog by John Carpenter filmed at the Church of the Ascension.
1981 horror film Halloween II by John Carpenter filmed at the center of town. The shape crosses Sierra Madre Boulevard and heads up Baldwin.[citation needed]
1982 Halloween III filmed at The Buccaneer and in Kersting Court
In 1983, Testament was shot entirely on location in Sierra Madre.
In 1985, Better Off Dead was filmed on both Baldwin Avenue and Mountain Trail.[citation needed]
1988 Return of the Living Dead Part II
1990 David Lynch filmed Twin Peaks in the Pioneer Cemetery. (553 East Sierra Madre Boulevard)
1993 Groundhog Day
1994 Ed Wood (Alverno High School, 200 North Michillinda Avenue
1998 The Wedding Singer starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore (43 Sierra Place)
2001 The Princess Diaries (film) (Internal high school scenes filmed at Alverno Heights Academy, 200 North Michillinda Avenue)
2001 Legally Blonde (Delta Nu sorority house filmed at Alverno Heights Academy
2005 Kicking and Screaming at Bean Town Coffee Bar in downtown Sierra Madre; starring Will Ferrell, Robert Duvall, Kate Walsh (actress), and Josh Hutcherson.[89]
2010 Glee (TV series) Season 2, Episode 3 "Grilled Cheesus," Episcopal Church of the Ascension (25 East Laurel Avenue) as Mercedes' church
2017 The House[citation needed]
2017 Unforgettable starring Katherine Heigl and Rosario Dawson, filmed in downtown Sierra Madre and at Sierra Madre Elementary School (141 West Highland Avenue).
2017 Lady Bird (film) (Alverno Heights Academy, 200 North Michillinda Avenue)
2018 Ocean's 8[citation needed]
2018 Bird Box (film), starring Sandra Bullock, filmed in front of City Hall and Memorial Park.[citation needed]
Various movies have been filmed at Mater Dolorosa Monastery.
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It is not surprising that staycations are becoming more popular. They are more cost effective, accessible, and offer you and your family peace of mind. Whether you don’t want to risk traveling under the current circumstances, or want to try something new, staycations are worth it. Not only do they provide a perfect alternative for traveling during COVID, they also change your perspective towards the city you live in or are visiting and help you make wonderful memories.
Now is the best time to see your city or a city near you through fresh eyes. Act like a tourist and make the most of the upcoming Spring Break to explore the beauty of your city while enjoying a 5-star lifestyle at 3-star prices™!
Questions? Email jcoopertravels@gmail.com.
