[5String43]

+1 on San Sylmar - Google that, and also "Nethercutt Collection." Very much worth the time of any car guy. The main facilility requires reservations, which are hard to get, especially on notice this short. The big Nethercutt museum across the street, however, is open to all comers, and is worth the visit just by its lonesome.

Unfortunately, I find that Autobooks/Aerobooks, which is moved and is under (relatively) new ownership, is but a shadow of its former self. Still has a good selection of hard-to-find magazines, though; not at all far from Pasadena and very easy to get to. Who knows, on a weekend you might run into Leno. I did last time I was there.

If you have a set of wheels, you might want to take a drive up the famed Angeles Crest highway, which just reopened after 18 months of construction following intense flood conditions that washed part of it away. It's Mecca, if you like corners with names like The Steps, Spinning Heel, Carousel, Squid's Leap, and more. It's also hell if you get caught speeding up there, which is highly possible, given the level of enforcement up there these days onaccounta lots of motorcycle fatalities. You've been warned. But 20 or so miles up you'll find a cafe called Newcomb's Ranch. It is The Hangout, especially if you like sportbikes. Go on a weekday. Avoid the entire highway on weekends. Just. Not. Safe.

If Spousal Unit is along, also consider the Huntington Library and Gardens in South Pasadena. Nice place. You'll get points because she'll like it.

Dealerships? Best bet around Pasadena is Rusnak's, on Colorado. Audis, Porsches, Jags and more. No Lambos, I don't think. Closest one of of those is out west in Calabasas, just off the 101. At least I think it's still there. If you're interested, PM me and I'll do a bit of research.

Best restaurant in the area just closed, now it's probably Far Niente, on Brand Blvd. in Glendale; plenty of good ones in Pas, though. Best burger in the area, bar none, is at Damon's, also on Brand in Glendale - Bacon/Avocado cheeseburger. Yum. Best Mexican food is, in my estimation, Mijares, right off Pasadena St. in Pasadena. Again, if you're interested, PM me and I can be more precise.

-Jon