I consider myself to be a pretty responsible person. I meet my deadlines, respond to emails in a timely fashion etc. but once in a while I get the urge to run off and play hooky. Nothing refreshes and revitalizes me quicker than a dash to somewhere fabulous even if it’s for just an hour or two.

I keep a running list of spots I call my “happy places”. Some are far flung and require lots of planning but most are just a short drive or bike ride away.

One of my favorite and frequently visited happy places is Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens in Pasadena. As soon as I step past the ticket booth, any cares I may have carried in quickly fall away. Around every turn there is something lovely to behold – a new flower blooms, a gentle scent soothes. I always intend to check out the latest exhibit in the museum but before I know it, I’ve wiled away all my time in the gardens and the guards are calling closing time but that’s okay, that just gives me an excuse to return again on another day.

Summer hours: (May 31 – September 6) 10:30 – 4:30 Closed Tuesdays
www.huntington.org