San Luis Obispo Train

Whether for taking in the waters or taking in the sun, California beaches have long been a destination for vacationers and locals alike. That much hasn't changed, but what has changed dramatically is what both men and women wear to the beach. Huell is joined by a Hollywood costume designer to find out how California culture, especially movies, influence what people wear to the shore everywhere. And who better to talk about bathing suits than Esther Williams? Huell interviews the "Million Dollar Mermaid" poolside.

On this desert adventure, Huell visits the Anza Borrego Desert State Park and the community of Borrego Springs. The Park is the largest state park in California, with five hundred miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas and miles of hiking trails. It's one of the most beautiful places on earth. Huell then gets to know the locals in town and visits some wonderful businesses. He samples some goodies at the Fudge Factory and checks out some very unique art at Liesel's Art Studio and has lunch at an unlikely French bistro, the French Corner.

California has many defining icons, but few sum it all up like swimming pools. In this episode, Huell tours five historic pools which have all played an important part in our State's history. Starting in L.A. at the pool at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel painted by famous artist David Hockney and the Olympic pool at the L.A. Coliseum, site of the 1932 Olympic games, Huell travels north to the stunning " Neptune Pool" at Hearst Castle and finishes up at two great lost pools in San Francisco, the Sutro Baths and the Fleishhacker pool. Put on your water wings and jump on in.

Huell travels to the Central Coast to visit an abalone farm. For years, Californians could pluck these mollusks off the rocks at low tide. However, overfishing and pollution has led to their decline. The Abalone Farm Inc. in Cayucos has been growing and selling the edible sea snails since 1968. Huell also goes to a local cafe to sample some farm-raised abalone.

Huell drops by the California State Mining and Mineral Museum in Mariposa to see our state's official collection of more than 13,000 minerals, rocks, gems, historic artifacts and fossils.

The first on the entire west coast, with 142 years of service to our nation, the Mare Island Naval Shipyard has been a long time builder of California's naval gold. Join Huell as he takes us on one of the last tours of the base which is to be closed due to military downsizing. He also visits with former workers who show him the dry dock building slips of ancient battleships and modern nuclear subs, a sailors graveyard, the tree-lined streets of "Officer's Row", and the first naval chapel on the west coast.

“Outpost” was once the largest neon sign in the world and stood above Runyon Canyon near Hollywood during the 1920s. The neon sign was a rival at that time to the Hollywoodland sign, and amazingly has been brought out of the past by Huell. Discover this California landmark, as it currently lies covered by weeds and dirt above the modern day Runyon Canyon Hills

Rescued from future development and a history of oil drilling, the 42-acre Madrona Marsh Nature Preserve in Torrance is one of the last remaining vernal marshes in Southern California. The non-profit, volunteer organization Friends of the Madrona Marsh fought vigorously throughout the '70s and '80s to save this delicate natural habitat. Although Huell's visit shows us a great success story, he also learns that the restoration is ongoing.

Welcome to Suisun Bay, home to one of the strangest fleets of ships you'll ever see, the "Mothball Fleet". Hundreds of ships all chained together, from tub to tanker, from Victory to cruiser, these ships are part of our National Defense Reserve Fleet. Come aboard with Huell as he tours some of these historic ships harking back to our state's — and our nation's naval past.

Huell Howser vists the Wild Mushroom Fair at the L.A. Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.

Huell visits Temescal Gateway Park in Pacific Palisades which was a major center of the Chautauqua Movement in the 1920s and 30s.

 

Huell visits a dry lake bed in the Mojave desert that is so gigantic that it is the site of Edwards Air Force Base and a landing strip for the Space Shuttle. In the 1920s and 30s it was also used by hot-rodders from all over southern California as a speed trails course for their fast cars. Muroc Dry Lake has remained off limits since WWII, until recently when the Air Force re-opened the dry lake bed, inviting back all the old-timers for a weekend of racing. Thousands of car enthusiasts showed up for this historic event.

Huell joins the Orange County Model Sailing Club as they sail their radio-controlled schooners around the lake at Mason Regional Park in Irvine.

Huell travels to the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in the East Bay. It was once a thriving coal and sand mining area, and is now a great place to bike and hike while taking in the beautiful landscape filled with blue oaks, manzanitas and carpets of springtime flowers. Huell also stops by the Underground Mining Museum and also hikes to the remains of the mines.

Huell goes in search of two animals found in our state today which aren't supposed to be here. First, he travels to Catalina Island in search of historic buffalo — the descendants of fourteen which were brought over from the mainland for a silent movie shot in 1924. Next, Huell travels to Ft. Tejon State Historic Park between Bakersfield and Los Angeles, in search of camels used during the 1850's by the U. S. Army in hopes of developing improved transportation across the arid west. It was dubbed the "great camel experiment" and was a bizarre chapter in our states history book.

Join Huell at the old fashioned roadside attraction Confusion Hill that features a "gravity house" where water flows uphill, a mini train ride through the ancient forest, the largest freestanding redwood chainsaw carving in the world, and the Redwood Shoe house. But it's not just fun and games, this spot has some pioneering history as well.

It's the oldest Japanese-style garden in the United States. Located in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, the Japanese Tea Garden has been part of that city's landscape for over one hundred years. In this episode of "California's Gold" host Huell Howser strolls through the serene garden enjoying its paths and bridges and flowering cherry trees. Huell also learns of the garden's rich history from descendants of the original Japanese family who at one time lived on and cared for the grounds.

Huell is greeted by dogs of many breeds and their owners at the Beverly Hills Dog Show. Enjoy big dogs, little dogs, shaggy dogs, hairless dogs and some with very unusual coiffures.

Named in honor of Augustus F. Hawkins, who represented South Central Los Angeles from 1963 to 1991 in the U.S. House of Representatives, Augustus F. Hawkins Natural Park provides open space serenity in the heart of Los Angeles. It was once a cement pipe storage yard and is now an 8.5-acre state-of-the-art natural park which hosts numerous interpretive and learning programs. Join Huell as he visits the park and some eager Junior Rangers.

Huell travels back to a bygone era when he tours the Aztec Hotel and the Wigwam Motel, two popular attractions along “The Main Street of America,” Route 66.

Porto’s Bakery in Glendale is a family-owned and operated business with roots in Cuba. Join Huell as he samples Cuban sandwiches, guava pastries and decadent cakes.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is a 14,000 acre sanctuary of old growth coast redwoods, which offers hiking, nature study, wildlife viewing, beach combing, picnicking, a visitor center with exhibits and a nature store. Join Huell as he hikes to Fern Canyon, one of this state park's most enchanting locations.

 

 

 

 

 

Huell’s off to the San Francisco Bay area to learn about the largest train ferry ever built. The Solano train ferry shuttled trains and passengers back and forth between Port Costa and Benicia. It once served as a vital link in the Central Pacific and and later the Southern Pacific Railroad Lines.

Huell visits five historically significant locations in Chatsworth, including the olive trees, a pioneer church, Stoney Point, and a barn that was home to TV's Mr. Ed. He ends the day at Homestead Acre — home to the Chatsworth Historical Society.

Huell travels to the city of Pacific Grove located on the Monterey Peninsula to visit Asilomar. Meaning “a refuge by the sea,” Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds sits on 107 breathtaking acres. The conference grounds began in 1913 as a camp and conference site for the YWCA, and its historic buildings were designed by the California architect Julia Morgan, who also designed Hearst Castle. Today, among other activities, the facility is home to the California State Parks training facility.

Huell rides into Mexico on the famous Tecate Train.

Huell indulges in a summer treat at Fosselman's Ice Cream Co. in Alhambra, a 95-year-old family-owned business that still uses an original family recipe.

 

 

 

 

 

Huell treks to Mammoth Lakes with the Dept. of Water and Power to look at the immense snow pack and how it relates to Southern California’s water supply.

It was the very first mining community in California, starting up operations in 1845. Before it closed down for good in 1976, it also held the distinction of being the largest, richest mine California has ever known, processing over $700,000,000 in metallic wealth.

Lodi is known as the "Zinfandel Capital of the World" and not only has a wonderful wine community, but is filled with all sorts of things for visitors to enjoy. Huell visits the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center, to get the lay of the land and then its off to Michael David Vineyards to see how this fifth generation family run business works. Huell then travels to Micke Grove Park, which has everything from a zoo to a Japanese tea garden. There is a tour of the historic downtown district and a visit to the very first A&W Root beer in the nation.

The California desert has always been a place filled with mystery ... and surprises! When you travel through our desert you're never sure what you're gonna see, who you're gonna meet, or what strange and wonderful experiences you're gonna have. Huell Howser discovered that first hand on a recent trip to the Salton Sea community of Niland.

Every spring, California blooms anew, bringing forth a striking display of flowers. Huell visits three places across the state where the splendor of California is in full bloom: Daffodil Hill in the Gold Country, the Ranunculas fields of Carlsbad Ranch, and the California Poppy Reserve in Antelope Valley -- all amazing vistas where swaths of color stretch as far as the eye can see.

Huell visits the Monterey Customs House State Historic Park, discovers the tallest bridge in California, and checks out the town of Cool -- all unplanned adventures.

Located east of San Diego and encompassing 25,000 acres, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park was devastated by the wildfires in October 2003. Join Huell on a somber visit to the park as he learns about plans to help these wildlands recover quickly and prevent future damage to this fragile landscape.

Huell goes to sea on an urchin diving adventure off the Channel Islands. Huell joins the crew of the fishing boat “Janice Anne” as they travel to the waters off the Channel Islands to go Urchin diving. Urchins are big business in California and some call them “Blue Water Gold”. Huell finishes the show at Piranha, a popular sushi restaurant in Santa Barbara for an urchin feast.

Huell Howser travels to Weaverville Joss House Historic Park, home to a Taoist Temple of Worship and the oldest still-in-use Chinese Temple in California.

Huell's off to the Irvine Ranch Land Reserve. More than 50,000 acres of permanently protected open space in the heart of Orange County which offers a rich menu of recreational opportunities. The land is diverse; stretching 22 miles from the mountains to the sea and comprising more than half of the historic 93,000-acre Irvine Ranch.

Huell visits Alum Rock Park in San Jose.

In 1945, J. Paul Getty acquired his Malibu retreat which now includes a Romanesque gallery full of priceless art. Huell also tours the propety's historically-accurate Ancient Roman crop garden.

 

 

Meet the famous western duo, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, (and Trigger) and hear them sing their trademark song; meet Herb Jeffries who starred in black westerns in the late 1930s; and watch the festive 17th Annual Black Cowboy Parade in Oakland.

 

 

 

 

 

Once the second largest city in California, Columbia is a wonderfully preserved gold rush-era town, and it’s where Huell attends the annual Columbia Diggin’s celebration.

Step back in time with Huell for a "Road Trip" to Ferndale -- an entire town that holds the distinction of being California Historic Landmark #883.

Huell inspects beautiful Victorian architecture, gets some refreshments at the westernmost bar in the continental U.S., visits a historic pharmacy, and stops by a Gingerbread Mansion.

After the "Road Trip" is over, stay tuned for a bonus visit to Clendenen's Cider Works in Fortuna -- home to some of the best fresh squeezed apple cider in the state.

Huell visits a koi farm and is amazed to see everything that goes into raising these beautiful fish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Huell visits Tampico Spice Company and sees how the spices are ground, sifted, and mixed into aromatic blends. He also learns the history of this local institution, which has been run by the Martinez family since 1947.

Apollo 14 launched in the late afternoon of January 31, 1971. Inside, astronaut Stuart Roosa had packed a small container filled with hundreds of tree seeds. After splashdown these seeds were germinated and planted all over the world. Join Huell as he starts his quest to find the Moon Trees. First stop is at the Placerville Forrest Service where we meet up with one of the people who actually helped plant the seeds, then we’ll travel all around the State to find where the Moon Trees are still standing.

Huell travels to Chico to join the celebration of the arrival of thousands of waterfowl that come from the north to spend their winters in the temperate North Valley climate. Snow Geese, Tundra Swans, Sandhill Cranes, Pintail Ducks and many more, fill the rice fields and wildlife refuges throughout the area. The Snow Goose Festival has grown to be one of the major Birding and Wildlife events in the state of California and you'll be amazed at the shear beauty of this spectacle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Huell has the adventure of a lifetime, skydiving with the world-famous U.S. Army Golden Knights.

 

 

 

 

 

The Central Garden, created by renowned artist Robert Irwin, lies at the heart of the Getty Center. The 134,000-square-foot design features a natural ravine and a tree-lined walkway that leads the visitor through an extraordinary experience of sights, sounds, and scents. Huell gets a special tour from Jim Duggan, the Central Garden's curatorial advisor and the gardeners who keep this living sculpture alive for everyone to enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Huell tours the gardens of the world-famous Hearst Castle.

 

 

 

 

 

Huell goes on a ladybug hunt in a secret location and discovers where ladybugs really come from. You'll be surprised and overwhelmed by what he uncovers.

 

 

 

 

 

Huell tours the Fresno County Fruit Trail, an 80-mile stretch of orchards as well as the top pitted-fruit producing area of the world. The Fruit Trail is a great spot to sample locally-grown nectarines, apricots, peaches, and plums. Huell even stops by a gallery where local artists have shown their appreciation for the region's agricultural beauty.

It seems the most unlikely food to build a celebration around, but Huell partakes in the annual Scandinavian rite of passage -- Lutefisk. At the Sons of Norway Lodge in Van Nuys, Huell watches as members transform smelly, dried, leathery fish into a warm entree. Luckily for some members, there are Swedish meatballs, Norwegian bread, and sweets in addition to the fish.

The Japanese New Year tradition of making mochi is alive and well in southern California. Huell uncovers the labor-intensive process of concocting the rice cake -- also known as "food of the gods" -- that begins with huge pots of steamed rice.

The Kruegermanns started making pickles in Germany in 1896. The family immigrated to California in 1965 along with their secret family recipes for pickles and sauerkraut. In this episode, Huell spends the day with this wonderful family at their 25,000-foot facility, where he learns all about the art of sauerkraut.

 

Huell embarks on an early morning adventure, talking to some of the hundreds of people who hike to the top of Mt. Hollywood every day for their physical and mental well-being.