The grave course of events set in motion by Thanos that wiped out half the universe and fractured the Avengers ranks compels the remaining Avengers to take one final stand in Marvel Studios’ grand conclusion to twenty-two films, “Avengers: Endgame.”
Kevin Feige produces “Avengers: Endgame,” and Anthony and Joe Russo are the directors. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Michael Grillo, Trinh Tran, Jon Favreau, and Stan Lee are the executive producers, and Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely wrote the screenplay.
A whole new world of imagination is just around the corner, as Disney has released it’s first full-length trailer for the upcoming live-action adaptation of Aladdin. In the trailer, fans get a closer look at the expansive story, including a better glimpse of Will Smith’s genie.
The film’s previous teaser, which was met with mixed reviews, was the first time viewers were given a chance to look at Smith’s version of the classic blue character we’ve all grown to cherish. This trailer gives Disney the opportunity to silence any doubts about the character, providing much more screen time for Genie while not forgetting to showcase the film’s lead characters and iconic moments.
With just month’s away from the Aladdin’s big debut, are you excited for the film? Aladdin stars Will Smith as the Genie; Mena Massoud as Aladdin; Naomi Scott as Jasmine;Marwan Kenzari as Jafar; Navid Negahban as the Sultan; Nasim Pedrad as Dalia and Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders. Take a look at the new poster below!
The magic begins on May 24th, 2019.
Take a look at the new theatrical poster for Disney’s upcoming live action film, Aladdin!
Belmond El Encanto is a luxurious hideaway in the Santa Barbara hills (photo - Greg Aragon)
The Belmond El Encanto hotel has welcomed discerning guests since 1918. Perched in the hills above Santa Barbara, this iconic hideaway offers serene seclusion in a relaxed, yet luxurious setting of lush gardens, winding paths and private bungalows. It is has been described as Hollywood glamour in a modern classic and after my recent visit, I can see why the likes of Clark Gable and Carole Lombard were regulars to the resort.
My getaway to El Encanto began recently when a friend and I checked into a gorgeous, deluxe premier bungalow. Immersed in a forest of gardens and trees, the 650-sq-ft bungalow was private and elegant. It was highlighted by a large main room with hardwood floors, a king bed, sofa and chairs, a cozy fireplace and lots of windows. The room also boasted a mini-fridge, Nespresso coffee-maker, iPod dock station, office desk with Wi-Fi, and a widescreen HDTV.
The bungalow suites are private, elegant and surrounded by lush gardens (photo – Greg Aragon)
The bungalow also came with a private patio with tranquil garden views, and a huge, marble bathroom with heated stone floors, deep soaking tub, and a separate, glass shower.
When not relaxing in the room in my Belmond bathrobe with a glass of Santa Barbara wine, I enjoyed the rest of the seven-acre hotel property. A landmark since the 1920s, the Belmond El Encanto completed a $134-million renovation in 2013 to become Santa Barbara’s only Forbes Five-Star resort for three consecutive years. Today the hotel features 92 California-styled suites and bungalows, overlooking the Santa Barbara “American Riviera” and the Pacific Ocean. The architecture is a mixture of Craftsman-style and Spanish Colonial.
The zero-edge pool offers relaxation and great ocean views (photo – belmond.com)
One of my favorite hotel spots beside my room was the zero-edge pool. Overlooking the ocean, the heated, outdoor, saline pool is a great place to absorb the Santa Barbara sun and charm. Below the pool is the hotel gym, where I worked out after lazing poolside.
For dinner, my friend and I experienced the Belmond Dining Room. Offering contemporary California-coastal cuisine, the restaurant is known for artisanal ingredients and rich flavors, matching the region’s culinary abundance. For our meal we sat on the outdoor terrace, admiring the lights of Downtown Santa Barbara twinkling below.
Our dinner began with Hawaiian kampachi sashimi appetizer with lime caviar, celery, black olive, pineapple vinaigrette, and sumac. We followed this with a glass of Flor De Campo Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County and an heirloom beet salad with cooked and raw beets, halloumi cheese, local figs, caramelized sesame seeds, and tahini dressing.
For the main course, I devoured wild king salmon with cauliflower espuma, heirloom carrots, crispy quinoa, and smoked tomato jam. My friend enjoyed Wagyu ribeye steak with fingerling potatoes, seaweed tapenade, watercress, and miso mustard.
The El Encanto has a classy dining room, bar and lounge area (photo – Greg Aragon)
After dinner, we retreated to the lounge/bar area, where we sipped wine beside a large fireplace and listened to a classical guitarist. We concluded the evening by the fireplace in our own room.
In the morning I had an incredible, rejuvenating deep tissue massage at the El Encanto Spa. The full-service spa offers a range of treatments and services including a romantic couples treatment room, manicure/pedicure stations, dedicated facial suites, massage and wet rooms, private outdoor terrace and relaxation lounge. My relaxing, 50-minute rubdown was a perfect complement to the luxurious Belmond surroundings I found myself in.
After the massage, I joined my friend for a 10-minute walk to the Old Mission Santa Barbara (www.santabarbaramission.org). Founded by Spanish Franciscans in 1786, the mission sits on 13 acres overlooking the ocean. The grounds include the beautiful Mission church, Historic Cemetery and Mausoleum, and multiple lush gardens, including La Huerta Historical Garden, which features authentic and ancient Mission-era plants, trees and paintings.
Old Mission Santa Barbara is a short walk from the hotel (photo – Greg Aragon)
The Mission also houses a nine-room museum of historical artwork and artifacts, which includes the Chumash Room, featuring Native American artifacts, along with traditional crafts and tools; a re-creation of a 17th century kitchen with original 1790’s adobe wall and 1805 front stone wall; a Padre’s bedroom with chess set, Bishop’s glasses, staff and desk set; and a Trades room with agricultural, blacksmithing, and weaving tools, as well as historical mission-era photos.
Back at the El Encanto ,we had lunch in the lounge and then watched the turtles play frolic in super slow-motion in the lily pond.
The hotel grounds offer serene scenes, such as a lily pond with turtles
The Belmond El Encanto is located at 800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. The hotel also offers free shuttles to town and complimentary Electric Faraday Bikes to ride. For more information, reservations and current specials, call 805.845.5800 or visit: www.belmond.com
Captain Marvel is taking the cinematic universe by storm, breaking countless records and raking in an estimated $61.4 million on its opening this past Friday. According to Box Office Mojo, the latest Marvel release is now the third highest March opening of all time, shattering expectations with a staggering total of 456 million worldwide.
It doesn’t stop there, as the numbers continue to climb well past Disney’s estimated 153 million. The film’s success marks a bright spot in a year full of heavy hitters and also paves the way for more female-centered films to take on the Hollywood establishment. Similar to Wonder Woman, Captain Marvel is a shining example of what women in cinema can accomplish.
Brie Larson’s hard work and dedication shines, in addition to the countless women who helped bring Captain Marvel to life. From co-director and writer, Anna Boden to composer Pinar Toprak, there are so many trailblazing monuments to this film’s success. Strong females can’t be held back, and the general media consensus agrees, with big titles like Variety, Entertainment Weekly, and Vanity Fair chiming in. All the media buzz is bringing a clear and ever important message to the forefront: Women can and will lead the way in epic fashion.
Going into its second week, Captain Marvel still has plenty of room to shatter even more records, following in the footsteps of Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War. Though, there is still some resistance to the latest Marvel installment, as seen with the recent changes to Rotten Tomatoes user reviews due to trolling and sexist flaming on the site prior to the film’s release. When viewing various social media posts, that same level of behavior is still very much rampant.
Yet, no level of posturing or immature Internet retaliation can change the fact that Captain Marvel soars beyond it all, not caring to look back. The film and all those involved don’t have anything to prove and have everything to gain in the process. Marvel Studios went all in, pushing towards the horizon of what the future could bring, and from a genre that is male dominant in story and fan base, it’s about time that the universe experiences the wider scope of storytelling that gives women role models, positive messages, and strong reinforcement.
What’s important now is for the industry to follow in Captain Marvel’s example. This is not a one off miracle or just another super charged popcorn flick; it has so much more to give. Your move Hollywood. What comes next?
Captain Marvel has arrived at the El Capitan Theatre and is turning the clock back to the 90s in epic fashion. From now until March 24th, moviegoers will get their chance to experience the fierce power of Carol Danvers in a way that can only be done at the El Capitan.
Jump right into the action with exclusive photo opportunities, including an up close look at Brie Larson’s iconic costumes from the film. The outfits are out on display in the main lobby, with a special throwback surprise photo location that is sure to turn the nostalgia level to high gear.
Partnering with the Disney Studio Store, there will also be plenty of unique merchandise opportunities from collectible popcorn tins to film crew gear. If you want to show your Captain Marvel pride after the show, make sure to stop and take a look!
You can purchase your tickets by visiting the El Capitan’s official site. If you want to learn more about Captain Marvel, don’t forget to check out the full scoop by reading our official film review!
Make way for the world’s most beloved street rat as this diamond in the rough brings high adventure to Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. The show faces a tough crowd as it plays to a local audience that was most familiar with a live musical version of the 1992 Disney animated feature just a couple of miles north in the Hyperion Theatre at the Disneyland Resort. One can’t help but be critical of the Broadway performance that follows a favorite theme park show that performed for 13 years. But never fear, the Disney Theatrical production team makes this show it’s own. Take the humor, for example, the script is littered with playful puns over an exhausting list of pop culture references. This helps keep the show more timeless and not so reliant in changing outdated humor. It’s refreshing and very memorable once you know them.
The cast of characters is mostly what you would expect to know and love. Aladdin, played by Clinton Greenspan, slips in very well as the protagonist aiming to win the heart of Princess Jasmine. The princess herself, played by Lissa deGuzman, maybe the role considered most deviated from any previous incarnation. It’s more like a person playing a character rather than being the character. This is most likely be due to the production’s vision rather than the performer. The character seems to purposely not want to meet the expectations of what a person of royalty would act. A free spirit if you will. But when it comes to her playing a joke, that seems to really push boundaries. Jafar, performed menacingly by Jonathan Weir, plays the antagonist in search of a magical lamp that summons a powerful genie to grant three wishes.
As for Genie, Major Attaway comes direct from Broadway with this tour company. He performs the role to the delight of audience laughter despite some distracting comedic timing. Some parallel characterizations unique to the Broadway musical involves the sidekicks to Aladdin and Jafar. Instead of the adorable monkey Abu as Aladdin’s partner in crime, we are treated to not one, not two, but three human partners in crime named Babkak, Omar, and Kassim. Oddly enough, also color coordinated with the RGB (red, green, and blue) color model. Perhaps a tongue-in-cheek awareness to Disney’s own trio of ducklings Huey, Dewey, and Louie? Zach Bencal, Philippe Arroyo, and Jed Feder play each other and Aladdin off well with humor and insights. Jafar’s loyal minion Iago molts his parrot feathers to be a human follower of Jafar’s evil plot. Jay Paranada plays him with a ridiculously fun flair to match his ridiculously large pants.
Disney’s Aladdin utilizes a brilliant scope of colors, set design, dance choreography, and dazzling costumes that will keep the imagination alive. From the bright neon fabrics of Agrabah to the pristine whites of the royal palace, and, of course, the wash of golds inside the Cave of Wonders. Some may oppose the dramatic brights of the city, but the opening song number “Arabian Nights” divulges and sets up that this is not your typical fictional city. Amongst other lyrical changes to the theatrical version to set the show’s tone. The palace itself focuses on displaying a white, probably plain, cleanliness adorned with intricate wall panels. A contrast to life inside and outside the palace walls. The interior of the Cave of Wonders is adorned with an endless amount of gold. It’s literally everywhere from the rock walls, to the face of the cave, and eventually the ensemble costumes. As shiny and bright as everything is made to be, there is little to break up the monotony of the color scheme.
The Broadway musical brings back many classical music and song favorites from the collaboration of Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice. The new songs added to this production fits well enough and serves a purpose to push the story forward. “Proud of Your Boy” and “High Adventure” were restored after being cut from the original film and is a delightful welcome. However “Somebody’s Got Your Back” during a prison scene seems to slow down the show’s pace and is a bit of a head-scratcher. There is a melody in “These Palace Walls” that sounds awful recognizable from the song “Rhythm of the Tambourine” from the Disney live musical adaptation of “Hunchback of Notre Dame”. Another disappoint was, oddly enough, “A Whole New World”. The delivery of the duet felt emotionless. The sensation of “awe” is attempted visually with the Aladdin and Jasmine on a character-less magic carpet ride against a blinking starfield backdrop. A subtle curtain ripples across the dark stage. Then the couple jump into a wave of shooting stars as the magic carpet hovers in front of the glowing moon that dissolves into the earth. A bazaar (pun intended) image.
Overall, this is a great time at the theatre with family, friends, or significant other. Nostalgia may take hold for those who have watched the movie or seen the Disneyland Resort show countless times. This is one Disney Theatrical Broadway show that should be seen before the end of its Costa Mesa run on March 23.
Wickedly enchanting news is developing now that Walt Disney Studios has revealed that Maleficent will be returning to the silver screen much sooner than we all expected. The surprise news has revealed the film’s dark new title and release date.
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil flies into theaters on October 18th, 2019, bringing back a star studded cast of favorites including the dark fairy herself, Angelina Jolie. She will be joined by Queen Aurora (Elle Fanning) in addition to Michelle Pfeiffer. You can learn more about the film by clicking here.
To celebrate the news, Disney has also released this special teaser poster, which beautifully brings Maleficent out of the shadows. With a huge slate of films on the way, 2019 is proving to be a big year for Disney. Stay tuned!
Whether you fly from one side of the galaxy to another, spend your time on a moisture farm on a remote desert planet, or are leading an epic struggle against the First Order, there isn’t anything that can compare to the fun that awaits in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at the Disneyland Resort. Opening this May, the new land will instantly transport guests to the remote planet of Batuu, filled with one of a kind experiences, unique sights, smells, tastes, and so much more!
Through the Play Disney Parks App, guests will find themselves in the middle of an epic and immersive experience that will bring the power of Star Wars full circle. Guests will get the opportunity to aid a smuggler, join the Resistance, or pledge themselves to the dark deeds of the First Order. Prepare yourself for something unlike anything you’ve experienced before with this helpful guide at what’s to come this summer in a galaxy not so far away.
Welcome to the Edge of Wild Space: Black Spire Outpost on Batuu
Batuu is a far-flung destination along the galaxy’s Outer Rim, on the frontier of Wild Space – the uncharted region beyond all known star systems. Batuu is home to Black Spire Outpost, an infamous port for smugglers, traders and adventurers wishing to avoid any unnecessary … entanglements with the First Order. Along the way, guests may encounter some familiar faces, from Rey, Finn, and Poe to BB-8 and Chewie.
Star Wars Adventures Come to Life in Two Thrilling Attractions
For more than four decades, Star Wars fans have imagined what it would be like to blast across the stars inside the Millennium Falcon or race through the halls of a Star Destroyer. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will feature two signature attractions that turn those dreams into reality.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, will take guests into the cockpit of “the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.” They will take the controls of the Falcon in one of three unique and critical roles as the ship hurtles through space. Some will be pilots, some gunners and some flight engineers, creating multiple ways for guests to experience the attraction.
Set to open later this year, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance places guests right in the middle of the Rebellion and gives them an active role in the fight against the First Order, including a faceoff with Kylo Ren. Their journey takes them inside a full-size starship and aboard a nearby Star Destroyer.
A Diverse Menu of Food and Beverages Await
What does Blue Milk actually taste like? That question and more will be answered when guests visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and experience the new land’s expansive array of food and beverages. Guests will walk through a bustling street market, where vendors offer various local delicacies, including an Outpost Mix of uniquely flavored popped grains from Kat Saka’s Kettle, a unique popcorn snack with a combination of sweet, savory and spicy flavors.
At Oga’s Cantina, even the blaster-bolt scorches on the walls tell a story. Here, guests will gather to share their tales from around the galaxy as they enjoy exotic beverages served in unique vessels and listen to spirited musical entertainment provided by DJ R-3X, otherwise known as Rex, the former Starspeeder 3000 pilot droid from the original Star Tours. Rex re-invents himself as the cantina’s DJ, and he’s as quirky and talkative as ever.
A multi-purpose transport shuttle docked on top of a large hangar will beckon guests into Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, a designated location for traveling food shuttles. Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs is in much demand for his culinary skills, so he moves from site to site in a modified Sienar-Chall Utilipede-Transport that becomes a mobile kitchen and restaurant. His travels across the galaxy allow him to fill his pantry with exotic ingredients he uses to make new and unusual dishes. He is proud to present Tuggs’ Grub, a “traveling diner for diners traveling,” inspired by dishes he created during his time working for Maz Kanata on Takodana.
In the Black Spire Outpost market, Ronto Roasters will draw attention from passersby with its large podracing engine firing up a barbecue pit for mouth-watering Ronto Wraps. When hungry customers queue up to order, they will encounter a former smelter droid, carefully turning the spit of meats. Guests will also be able to choose from a variety of exotic non-alcoholic drinks like the Sour Sarlacc or Tatooine Sunset.
Elsewhere in the market, the Milk Stand will offer two local favorites – Blue Milk and Green Milk. Blue Milk was first seen in “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” when Luke Skywalker sat down for a family meal. Green Milk was introduced in “Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi.”
Take a Piece of the Star Wars Galaxy Home from a Vibrant Market
Food is one of many discoveries just waiting to be made while wandering the lively market of Black Spire Outpost, where guests will encounter a robust collection of merchant shops and stalls filled with authentic Star Wars creations.
The Droid Depot will invite guests to construct their own astromech droids. Patrons will pick pieces and parts off a conveyor belt to build one of two core models (R-series or BB-series) and they can customize their droids with various parts and colors. These droids will be capable of interacting with elements in the land. Additional programming chips and accessories can be added to further customize these new friends. In addition, the Droid Depot will offer pre-built droids, droid-inspired products and more.
At Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers, guests will have the opportunity to customize and craft their very own lightsabers. In this mystical experience, guests will feel the Force as they build these elegant weapons from a more civilized age.
Inside Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, guests will find a selection of rare and mysterious items for sale representing different eras of the Star Wars galaxy, including holocrons, ancient Jedi and Sith artifacts, lightsabers and more. As they explore the nooks and crannies of the shop, guests will also see Dok at his desk as the large Ithorian checks his inventory, takes incoming calls and barks the occasional order at his assistants.
In addition to these special experiences, the Black Spire Outpost market will feature the Creature Stall dedicated to the plethora of rare and fascinating creatures that populate the galaxy, as well as Black Spire Outfitters, showcasing the latest in accessories. Guests will also find the Toydarian Toymaker, a stall full of toys crafted by a Toydarian (the flying alien species first seen in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace).
Guests can also demonstrate where their loyalties lie with the gear and accessories they purchase within the land. Resistance Supply is a “makeshift” supply location at the Resistance’s hidden command area. The stall sells Resistance pins, badges, hats, and other accessories to help guests feel like part of the cause. First Order Cargo, meanwhile, is a temporary First Order storage dock near the market. Easily identified by a never-before-seen First Order TIE echelon, the cargo location will offer guests a chance to pledge their loyalty by purchasing pins, caps, gear, model ships and more.
Play Disney Parks Mobile App Deepens Guest Engagement with the Land
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the first land within a Disney park designed to integrate with the Play Disney Parks mobile app, which debuted last year and offers interactive adventures and experiences that bring surrounding environments to life at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. When guests use the app, it will provide new opportunities for them to engage with the land, such as translating a galactic language, learning what’s hidden inside crates and containers, or accomplishing certain tasks by participating in missions.
Guests also can use the Play Disney Parks app to interact with a variety of elements in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, such as droids, ships, media screens, door panels and antenna arrays.
Iconic Musical Score for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Music has been an integral part of Star Wars from the moment the iconic themes of Academy Award-winning® composer John Williams first introduced us to this galaxy. The music for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge continues that tradition with a suite of all-new Williams-composed themes written especially for the land and its attractions. Along with a collection of original cantina songs created by composers and songwriters from around the globe, this new music will deepen guests’ connection to the land as Williams complements and builds upon the iconic fanfares he created for the Star Wars films.
The expanded universe of Star Wars is coming much sooner than expected, as Walt Disney Parks and Resorts revealed that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be opening in May 2019 at the Disneyland Resort. The official opening date is slated for May 31st, along with an opening date of August 29th at the Walt Disney World Resort.
The new land will open in two phases, starting with Phase 1 that includes the grand opening of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Later this year, the land’s second attraction, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, will debut and bring the full force of Star Wars front and center.
For all guests planning their trips to visit the new land, please note that at Disneyland Park between May 31st and June 23rd, an additional no-cost reservation will be required along with valid theme park admission. The reservations will be subject to availability and are limited, so stay tuned. More information on how to obtain a reservation will be available in the near future according to Disney Parks and Resorts.
All hotel guests staying on property at the Disneyland Resort will also receive a designated reservation to access Galaxy’s Edge during their stay. Make sure to make reservations quickly, as each hotel is bound to book up fast.
Dancers, bubbles, and a seven-foot LEGO® birthday cake were a part of the fun asLEGOLAND® California Resort kicked off its birthday month by announcing its new 20th Birthday Dance Party. The new interactive show features the Park’s newest LEGO Characters, Jake and Emily, who were named in tribute to the two most popular boy and girl baby names the year the Park opened in 1999. The special 20th Birthday Dance Party show can be seen daily starting March 16 through Sept. 1 and is filled with singing and dancing for all families to enjoy.
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That’s not all…for LEGOLAND California’s birthday on March 20, 2019, the first 1,000 kids entering the Park will receive free child-size minifigure hands and guests will be treated to a special birthday-themed Park opening ceremony where one lucky child celebrating their birthday will get an opportunity to officially open the Park for the day.
The LEGO birthday cake, created out of more than 51 thousand LEGO bricks, will also be on display showcasing the many attractions that have been added to the family theme park since it was “born” 20 years ago. The year-long celebration also includes a new LEGO Friends Birthday show, exclusive birthday desserts, pop badges and more. And as LEGOLAND California’s gift to its younger guests, all children ages 12 and under get in for free on their birthday all year long!
All 20th birthday activities are included with the price of admission into LEGOLAND California Resort. For more information, visitwww.LEGOLAND.com or call (760) 918-LEGO (5346).
Celebrating the upcoming release of Disney’s live-action movie “Dumbo,” Spirit Airlines unveiled its specially-themed Airbus A321 that features a larger-than-life image of the beloved Disney character Dumbo.
Spirit and Disney revealed the new plane with a time-lapse video of the decal-wrapping process which took place at Spirit’s state-of-the-art Detroit maintenance hangar. Check it out below:
The plane will join Spirit’s growing Fit Fleet of 132 aircraft, one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the country. The plane takes off on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) to Orlando International Airport (MCO). Guests traveling between Detroit, Orlando, San Juan, Fort Lauderdale, and Baltimore/Washington will have the chance to fly with “Dumbo” on the first three days of service.
The aircraft will then travel across the country for the next two months, celebrating the movie’s release on March 29, 2019.
From Disney and visionary director Tim Burton, the all-new grand live-action adventure “Dumbo” expands on the beloved classic story where differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take flight. Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists former star Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus. But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Dumbo soars to new heights alongside a charming and spectacular aerial artist, Colette Marchant (Eva Green), until Holt learns that beneath its shiny veneer, Dreamland is full of dark secrets.
Tehachapi in winter is highlighted by snow covered mountains and giant wind turbines (photo by Greg Aragon)
I love a scenic, Sunday drive. And when it includes things like snow, giant wind turbines and great food, then I know it’s a winner. Such was the case this past weekend when a couple friends and I drove to the small town of Tehachapi, about 115 miles north of Los Angeles.
To get there we took the 14 Freeway north near Santa Clarita for about 60 miles until pulling off onto to a street called Backus Road, near Edwards Air Force Base. This is where the fun began.
Backus Rd is lined with rocky mountain outcroppings and rustic, desert landscape, speckled with deserted structures and a few human outposts. After about 8 miles we turned onto Tehachapi Willow Springs Rd, which wound up through mountains, lined with massive, towering wind turbines and lots of snow. Thanks to recent rains, and Tehachapi’s 4,000-ft elevation, snow was everywhere and it was a memorable sight.
Built from 1980’s on, the wind machines stand up to 200 ft.-tall and have blades spanning the length of a football field. The wind farm, which boasts more than 4,000 turbines, is one of the largest wind resource areas in California.
After admiring the wind farm, we drove a few more miles to downtown Tehachapi and parked beneath the iconic Tehachapi Water Tower. I then read a little history. The area was first occupied by the Kawaiisu Indians, before settlers arrived in the 1850s to farm, raise cattle, develop lumber, and mine for gold and limestone.
In 1876, the Southern Pacific Railroad came to the valley and created the town of Tehachapi. The town grew and railroad engineers designed the ingenious Tehachapi Loop, which made it possible for trains to climb from the San Joaquin Valley and run through Tehachapi to Mojave, Los Angeles, Barstow and other eastern destinations.
Located eight miles west of town, the Tehachapi Loop is the busiest single-track in the US, connecting San Joaquin Valley to Arizona. It is considered an engineering marvel because if a train is long enough, it can enter a tunnel and pass over itself before leaving the loop. We were lucky enough to see such a train and it was another great Tehachapi sight. The loop is a California Historical Landmark, and also a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
Back in town, we learned more about trains at the Tehachapi Railroad Depot Museum (www.tehachapidepot.com), a restored train station museum, with tons of old locomotive photos, artifacts, displays, and real train tracks, with trains running by every 45 minutes. The place also has friendly volunteers that love to tell train stories.
From the depot, we walked next door to the Tehachapi Village Market Center, which is housed in a renovated 1940s potato shed. Here we discovered Kohnen’s Country Bakery, an authentic German bakery, where Thomas Kohnen bakes a variety of Danishes, éclairs, cookies and other goodies from scratch using authentic recipes he brought with him straight from his homeland.
Kohnen’s also sells a variety of fresh deli sandwiches on over 20 types of artisan breads baked daily. We went with the Reuben. Served on German rye bread, with pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, German pickle and 1000 island dressing, this might be the best Reuben sandwich I’ve ever had.
After lunch we strolled over to the Tehachapi Museum. Located in a 1932 art deco building, the compact museum features things like a 4-ft.-long femur bone from a wooly mammoth, a washing machine from 1900, a grandfather clock from 1785, an old gun collection, and displays dedicated to native Americans and Tehachapi’s WWII veterans.
From the museum we walked across the street and investigated the historic Errea House Garden. Constructed by a local doctor between 1870 and 1875, the house is built out of redwood and designed in simple, rectangular “saltbox” architectural style. Besides old furniture, the house features secluded rock garden, with shade trees and a totem pole.
Leaving the old house we walked around town, admiring the numerous large murals lining Main Street. Painted by local artists, the pictures bring to life Tehachapi’s colorful past in images such as street dancing in 1915, Native American village life, and the Tehachapi Loop.
In an exciting new collaboration with Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, the Winchester Mystery House is launching "Festival Fright Nights." This all-new Halloween event will...
As for Genie, Major Attaway comes direct from Broadway with this tour company. He performs the role to the delight of audience laughter despite some distracting comedic timing. Some parallel characterizations unique to the Broadway musical involves the sidekicks to Aladdin and Jafar. Instead of the adorable monkey Abu as Aladdin’s partner in crime, we are treated to not one, not two, but three human partners in crime named Babkak, Omar, and Kassim. Oddly enough, also color coordinated with the RGB (red, green, and blue) color model. Perhaps a tongue-in-cheek awareness to Disney’s own trio of ducklings Huey, Dewey, and Louie? Zach Bencal, Philippe Arroyo, and Jed Feder play each other and Aladdin off well with humor and insights. Jafar’s loyal minion Iago molts his parrot feathers to be a human follower of Jafar’s evil plot. Jay Paranada plays him with a ridiculously fun flair to match his ridiculously large pants.
