Itinerary Historic Pasadena

Pasadena Heritage’s Sixth Annual Craftsman Weekend, celebrating Pasadena’s contributions to the American Arts and Crafts movement, is a perfect time to explore the rich history of this “Crown of the Valley.”

Friday Night

Nothing quite recalls the opulence of Pasadena’s golden age like a visit to the Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel. Have a martini at the bar and imagine you’re back in the early 1900s when the railroads, trolleys and climate made the city a resort destination. The hotel sits on the same site as the Huntington Sheraton, which for its nearly 80 years hosted presidents, celebrities and foreign dignitaries. (It was found to be seismically unsafe 12 years ago.) In its restoration, the Ritz-Carlton did a wonderful job of keeping the original Mission-influenced style. 1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, (818) 568-3900.

For dinner, try the romantic Raymond Restaurant, a Craftsman turn-of-the-century bungalow that once housed the caretakers to the Raymond Hotel, which in its time was a rival to the Huntington. 1250 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, (818) 441-3136.

Saturday

Begin the day by touring “Pasadena Impressionists of the Craftsman Era” at the 1905 Edward Blinn House. The exhibition will feature the works of Franz Bischoff, Benjamin Brown, Alson Clark, Granville Redmond and others. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $5. Edward Blinn House (now the Women’s City Club), 160 N. Oakland Ave., Pasadena. (626) 441-6333.

Craftsman era activities continue with a lecture series, including “The Development of California Impressionism--Art Exhibit and Lecture,” with Irvine Museum Director Jean Stern, 1 to 2 p.m. at the Women’s City Club; and “Pasadena and the American Arts & Crafts Movement,” with historian Kennon Miedema, 3 to 4 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, 200 S. Euclid Ave., Pasadena. Lectures $10 each. (626) 441-6333 for reservations.

Take time out to visit the Pasadena Historical Museum, which houses a display of memorabilia, paintings and photographs chronicling Pasadena’s history. Thursday through Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. $3 to $4. (818) 577-1660.

Attend an evening tour of the historic 1908 Gamble House from 7 to 9 p.m. Designed by Charles and Henry Greene and commissioned by the Gamble family (of Procter & Gamble), this architectural gem is one of the finest examples of the Craftsman era. 4 Westmoreland Place, Pasadena. $15. (626) 441-6333 for reservations. A limited number of tickets still available. Regular tours available every 20 minutes Thursday through Sunday, noon to 3 p.m. (818) 577-1660. $3 to $5; no reservations required.

Sunday

Sample more of Pasadena’s turn-of-the-century architecture at the drive-yourself Craftsman Home Tour. The tour features five period homes where docents will provide guided tours. A range of styles will be represented, including a two-story cabin with tree trunks integrated into its structure and a single-story bungalow designed by Alfred Heineman. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $25. Call (626) 441-6333. Admission to the Craftsman Furnishings and Accessories Exhibition and Sale at the Masonic Temple is included in the home tour admission price. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Without home tour ticket, $5.

Top off the day with a trip to Pasadena’s historic theater, the Pasadena Playhouse. Founded in 1917, the playhouse flourished for 50 years, was dark for 20 and reopened in 1986 with an elaborately restored auditorium. Opening Sunday is Anne Meara’s comedy “After-Play” with Beatrice Arthur. 5 p.m. Regular schedule: Tuesday through Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 5 and 9 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m. Ends Dec. 21. $13.50 to $42.50. 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena, (800) 233-3123.