With so much already closed down, we concentrated on “weird places” from Roadside America and Atlas Obscura for our final full day in “sunny” California.
The oldest Big Boy statue.
A short hike in Griffith Park took us to Bronson Canyon and its cave. This has been used in films and TV shows for generations.
The MST’d “Robot Monster” (1953).
The Batmobile rocketing out of the Batcave (1966).
Then, it was off to Griffith Observatory, also a well-used location for TV and movies. The Observatory was closed, but the exterior and its (soggy) views were open.
Next, we went to the HQ of Funko (the oversized head character toys). It’s both a store and a major stop for photo ops. We only went there because it was open, but I’m glad we did.
“Maclunkey.”
Then, we headed into downtown.
The Angel Flight Funicular is the world’s shortest railway, running all of 100 feet up and down a hill.
This is LA’s City Hall, which appeared on screen quite a bit, including doubling for the Daily Planet in the 50’s George Reeves Adventures of Superman series.
Here’s a giant chair (we seem to collect these) in the Fashion District.
Time for lunch at Canter’s Deli!
The waitress thanked us for coming in—the place was almost empty, which is NOT normal.
I got the Turkey Club with Avocado…
…and Mindy got the Monte Cristo.
Wo were planning to go to the Museum of Neon Art—but it was closed. So, after a stop at the hotel for a food coma nap, we drove over the Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Gardens for some famous final destinations.
Bea Benadaret played momma Kate Bradley on Petticoat Junction—and the voice of Betty Rubble.
Criswell predicted the future—and did the narration for Ed Wood’s epic “Plan 9 from Outer Space” (1959).
The final comic to join the Three Stooges.
One half of the legendary Laurel and Hardy duo, and master of the “slow burn”.
Well, we’re exhausted. Back to the hotel for packing and a quick snack. Tomorrow, we visit a queen and wing our way back to Ohio.