If a trip to Washington, D.C. is far off in your future plans, you might consider taking advantage of a rare cultural experience debuting today at San Clemente’s magnificent Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens.
What will be the only west-coast showing of the Smithsonian Institution’s Traveling Exhibit “The White House Garden,” is a beautiful and educational presentation that tells the story of the oldest continuously landscaped gardens in the United States. Featuring stunning images and text that focus on the 18 acres of formal gardens, secluded natural retreats and expansive parkland surrounding the White House, the exhibit also references the many presidential families who have resided there through the years. On display now until February 26th, the show is a distinguished opportunity for Orange County, particularly since the gardens are a longstanding source of beauty, tradition and national pride for Americans everywhere.
In 1927, San Clemente founder Ole Hanson built Casa Romantica atop a bluff that overlooks the historic San Clemente Pier. A living demonstration of California history, culture and ecology, and a showplace for the entire Southern California region, the “Casa” as it is sometimes called is a seven bedroom, seven-bath Spanish Colonial Revival Estate designed by Carl Lindbom, who also designed La Casa Pacifica (the former Western White House, which was occupied by President Nixon while away from the official residential White House). It was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1991.
Casa Romantica provides a year-round array of exciting and enriching cultural and educational programs for all ages, special events for the community and visitors to south Orange County, plus tours of the historic estate and its award-winning gardens. It is located at 415 Avenida Granada in San Clemente and is open Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. There is a nominal entrance fee of $5 for non-members. Children 12 and under enjoy free admission.
For more information, please visit casaromantica.org or call 949.498.2139.
