There are quite a few chances to experience the amazing nature that Sierra Madre has to offer.  There are quite a few parks within the city, as well as many nature conservatories that are located in the surrounding area.  One of the more popular nature conservatories near Sierra Madre is the Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Los Angeles County.

The Arboretum and Botanic Garden covers over 127 acres with plants that come from around the world, including many species that are rare or endangered.  It’s located in historic Rancho Santa Anita, and offers several historical landmarks from California’s history.

The Arboretum and Botanic Garden is always hosting activities and events, including concerts and garden tours.  There are often docent-led tours of the grounds, so be sure to check the calendar before your visit.  Some of the tours focus on the various plans species that come to the park from distant countries.

Artists flock to the gardens for the amazing plant life that they can capture on canvas.  The Arboretum offers workshops for colored pencil and watercolor artists of every level on a weekly basis.  There is also a storytelling program that takes place a few times each week that will appeal to guests of all ages.

Those with fitness in mind will appreciate the weekly Tai Chi Chuan and yoga classes.  The serenity of the gardens will help to put you in the right frame of mind for relaxation, meditation, and gentle exercise.  If you’re looking for something a bit more exciting, then be sure to attend one of the many concerts that take place on site throughout the year.  A quick check of the park’s calendar can keep you abreast of the musicians that will appear.  For those with a green thumb, there are numerous gardening lessons with information on caring for plants of all types.

With its close proximity to Los Angeles, the film capital of the world, is it any wonder that Sierra Madre, California, has a rich history of stage and theater?  The Sierra Madre Playhouse is located in the heart of a charming downtown district, and offers musicals and plays of professional quality for residents and visitors alike.

This is a family establishment that has been around since the late 1970’s, and they pride themselves on offering the best quality, live entertainment available.  Their play and musical schedule is always packed with a great variety of shows that will appeal to just about anyone.

Right now, the Tony Award-winning Da is playing, and it runs through April 17.  This is a show that should not be missed, so if you’re going to be in Sierra Madre while it’s still playing, reserve tickets immediately!

Other phenomenal shows in the lineup include Cinderella, playing May 12^th and 13^th; The Rainmaker which opens April 30^th, The Tap Chicks which begins playing June 27^th.  Sleeping Beauty will play April 10^th and 17^th, as well as May 1^st and 8^th.

In addition to these fantastic shows, the Sierra Madre Playhouse is committed to providing training to lovers of the dramatic arts.  Under the direction of June Chandler, one of the top acting teachers in Los Angeles, students can learn professional acting and audition techniques, learn how to study scenes and explore characters, and participate in two of the Sierra Madre Playhouse productions each year.  It’s an ongoing class that requires no experience, and there are no signup dates.

There is something for absolutely everyone at the Sierra Madre Playhouse.  Be sure to keep an eye on their schedule so that you can plan your visits to the city without missing any of the top-quality productions!

I’m a true blue lover of the arts, and I mean arts of all kinds.  Dance, music, visual, performing- it really doesn’t matter.  To this end, I make sure that when I visit somewhere new, I make sure that I’m aware of any special arts events so that I can be sure to plan my trip around them.

Sierra Madre is a veritable goldmine of culture.  The Foothill Creative Arts Group is constantly sponsoring events throughout the year that cater directly to artsy folks such as myself.  I don’t necessarily practice the art of gardening, but their Annual Garden Tour is something that can’t be missed.  It’s a feast for the senses, with gorgeous flowers and water features, as well as the amazing fragrances that surround each visitor.

In June, they sponsor a jewelry show called Fabulous Fabrications where jewelry designers can display and sell their creations.  It’s a fantastic way to discover new designers and pick up one-of-a-kind pieces that will enhance your collection.

If you’re just in the mood to saunter through the gallery and check out the local artists, then the Faculty Art Show is truly the best way to get your fill.  It’s held in August, and features the work of the staff teachers.  There is also a show for the children to present their work, so you can be sure to view works by future art geniuses.

In addition to the many events, the Foothill Creative Arts Group also offers classes and workshops for students of all ages.  Children can take beginning classes is art and painting, ceramics and sculpture, or puppetry.  Adult learners can try their hand at glass techniques, silk painting, enameling, mosaic art, and jewelry design.  If you feel a driving need to create, then you’re sure to find something here that will satisfy you.

If you are planning to visit Sierra Madre, then you should certainly look into visiting the Eaton Canyon Natural Area.  The canyon is located in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, and was once called “El Precipio” because of the steep gorges.  There is amazing history to discover when you visit that dates all the way back to 7000 BC.

There are several annual events held at Eaton Canyon, so you should check out their events calendar before planning your trip.  If you’re lucky enough to be in the area during the full moon, you should definitely plan to take the Moonlight Walk tour, which is held on the Friday night closest to the date of the full moon.  It is a hike, so be sure to dress accordingly.

The third Sunday of each month finds bird lovers gathered at Eaton Canyon.  The walk is free to the public, and is taken at a moderate pace.  This means that most anyone can enjoy the hike and observe the many bird species that call the Eaton Canyon Natural Area home.

On the fourth Sunday of every month, except during the months of June, July, and August, the Waterfall Nature Hike departs at 9:00 AM.  This hike is three and a half miles through water and over boulders, so it’s definitely for the adventure lover.

If these don’t happen to fall into your schedule, then make plans to attend the Family Walk.  Visitors gather every Saturday morning, even small children, to take an easy stroll through the nature trails in the park.  It’s a morning of fun, family time, and beautiful nature that shouldn’t be missed.

Everyone loves a dog, but they can be hard to keep up with in large groups, and they can also scare some of the native animals.  The park asks that you leave your pets at home.