L.A.'s secret labyrinths
Our first stop was the Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens located in L.A.'s West Adams District on the property of a historic mansion, once home to famous Hollywood director and choreographer Busby Berkeley.
The site is now home to the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness, which opens to the public as a day retreat where people can relax in nature without leaving the city.
You can walk the hand-carved stone outdoor labyrinth or find peace and quiet in the meditation garden.
We also stopped by the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, where we found another hidden labyrinth located on the cemetery's Gardens of Contemplation. The labyrinth is modeled after one in the Cathedral at Chartres, France [Watch video].
Two hidden escapes: Lake Shrine and Naples Gondola
The Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine, also referred to as Lake Shrine, is a spiritual sanctuary located on a hill in Pacific Palisades overlooking Malibu Beach. This serene setting includes a lake, an outdoor temple, waterfalls and symbolic monuments.
Down in Long Beach, the Gondola Getaway offers gondola cruises through the canals of the Naples neighborhood [Watch video].
Hidden cultural treasure: Weisman Art Foundation
In 1982, Fred and Billie Weisman created the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation, a one-of-a-kind private museum of sorts for the public to enjoy their collection of more than 400 masterpieces - all located inside their private home.
They felt fortunate to be able to have acquired incredible art over the years and believed in making art accessible to everyone interested. It was their gift to the public.
Their private collection includes works by renowned greats like Picasso, Cezanne and Magritte [Watch video].
Discover the Velaslavasay Panorama Theatre
The Velaslavasay Panorama Theatre is the IMAX of the 19th century. Located in the West Adams District, the Velaslavasay Panorama is an exhibition hall, theatre and garden dedicated to the production and presentation of unusual visual experiences [Watch video].
Cavalia, the amazing horse extravaganza
The amazing horse extravaganza known as Cavalia returns to Los Angeles and Eye on L.A. takes you there. Created by Normand Latourelle, one of the visionaries behind Cirque du Soleil, Cavalia combines acrobatics, dance, music, multimedia and aerial artistry with stunning performances by dozens of horses [Watch video].
Technique Restaurant at Le Cordon Bleu
If your meal isn't quite right, send it back. At Technique Restaurant in Pasadena, it's encouraged. The restaurant is a training ground for students of the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts.
This hidden dining gem allows you to enjoy a delicious gourmet meal at bargain prices [Watch video].
Adventurous cooking: Wolvesmouth Supper Club
For some of L.A.'s most adventurous cooking you'll have to get in line, online. Avant-garde chef Craig Thornton, also known as Wolvesmouth, hosts underground dinner parties for a lucky few of his online followers [Watch video].
EYE deal: Be one of Eye on L.A.'s viewers selected to receive a special invitation to the next Wolvesmouth dinner. Submit your name online at www.wolvesmouth.com.
(In the "Freestyle" section, make sure to mention that you are an "Eye on L.A. viewer.")
Two hidden spots: Townhouse and Eastside Luv
Eye on L.A. found two more hidden hot spots. In West L.A., Townhouse in Venice has been around since 1915. The basement of this old saloon has been restored to its condition in the vintage days of prohibition.
In East Los Angeles, check out Eastside Luv. This Boyle Heights hangout is clad with red velvet and Chicano art, making it a cultural treasure worth discovering [Watch video].
Virginia Robinson Gardens in Beverly Hills
The Virginia Robinson Gardens in Beverly Hills features a mansion and extensive gardens open to the public. Operated by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, the historic mansion, once owned by retail giants Harry and Virginia Robinson, offers more than six acres of beautifully manicured landscapes. There are five distinct gardens filled with exotic trees and plants.
The gardens are open to the public by appointment only [Watch video].
Los Angeles' Secret Gardens
Eye on L.A. discovered three hidden Japanese gardens in Los Angeles. They are perfect spots for a quiet escape without leaving the city. These gardens are open to the public [Watch video].
Tournament House of Pasadena
The Tournament House of Pasadena is the official headquarters of the Tournament of Roses Association. Originally the home of the Wrigley family and also famously part of Millionaires Row on Orange Grove Boulevard, today the mansion is open to the public.
Free tours are offered every Thursday, 2 - 4 p.m. between February and August. Guided tours start at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. [Watch video]
Paramount Ranch
For 25 years, a who's who of Hollywood practiced their craft at Paramount Ranch - including director Cecil B. Demille and actors Bob Hope, Gary Cooper and Claudette Colbert. In 1927, Paramount Pictures purchased these 2,700 acres of the old Rancho Las Virgenes for use as a "movie ranch."
Now part of a national park, this Old West ghost town continues to attract productions, fans of western films and visitors from throughout L.A. [Watch video]
See the complete list of all of the places featured on this week's episode.
See an interactive map of all of the places featured on this week's episode.
[Original air date: February 12, 2011]
