Officially incorporated in 1906, the city of Glendale is just minutes from both Los Angeles and Hollywood. Colorful murals, statues and sculptures adorn its public spaces, such as the Glendale Police Department and Civic Center, while public parks dot the city limits. Despite its proximity to L.A.'s bustling streets, Glendale itself has retained a small-town feel and is home to a variety of authentic eateries, private shops and a small community theater.
Located on North Orange Street in the heart of downtown, the Glendale Centre Theatre is the longest continuously-running "centre-staged" theater in the country. This intimate, arena-style theater showcases a variety of musicals, dramas, comedies and holiday classics annually and has done so for over 60 years.
The Glendale Centre also hosts the Children's Theatre, enabling children to experience live performances "in-the-round," as was the custom during Shakespeare's time.
Glendale is home to a number of shopping outlets and plazas, including the Glendale Galleria, located in central downtown. This tri-level mall is the second largest in Los Angeles County and boasts over 200 specialty stores, including the first three-story Target store in the United States.
Additional shops include LEGO, Apple, Ann Taylor, Oakley, SWATCH and Coach, as well as five department stores. The mall's food court includes over a dozen eateries, and a full-size Red Robin.
Established in 1923, Kenneth Village, located on Kenneth Road in northwest Glendale, is a collection of nearly 30 specialized eateries and shops. Available venues include George's Cucina Italiana, Itza Knittery, a knitting and crochet store, Kenneth Jewelers and Village French Bakery.
Glendale offers a handful of small city parks, including Pacific, Maple and Palmer parks, and Adams Square Mini Park. The largest, however, is Griffith Park, located on the city's western edge. This park is home to nearly a dozen attractions, like the L.A. Zoo, the Greek Theater, Griffith Observatory and the Autry National Center, which now houses the Museum of the American West.
Also situated within the park is the Southern Railroad, which includes a collection of 1/3-scale reproductions based on classic American trains of the 20th century. Several of these offer passenger rides around the park grounds.
Touted as the "premier roller-skating rink in all of Los Angeles County," Moonlight Rollerway is an historic rink that features a regulation-size maplewood skating surface. Since opening in 1950, the rink has hosted birthday parties, private events, skating competitions and shows, and has been featured in more TV shows, music videos and movies than any other skating rink in the world. A pro shop, mini arcade and snack bar are all on site.
