Places To Go

Rubel's Castle

If you’ve ever wanted to see a castle up close and personal, you’re not only in luck, you’re in for a treat. Up in the quiet residential community of Glendora sits the unexpected and quite unconventional Rubel’s Castle.

As a child, Michael Rubel loved to build forts. With the city dump just next door, Rubel turned “one man’s junk” into fort building materials. A child’s passion became a man’s obsession.

The son of a former Ziegfeld Follies girl, and a father who worked as a radio gag writer, Rubel, at the age of 20, returned to Glendora after three years of travel and purchased the 2.5 acre parcel of land that would become his legacy. Rubel’s likeability and charm eventually enticed his Glendora friends and neighbors to take part in the building of this medieval masterpiece—without plans, engineering or permits.

Built mostly out of river rock, the fortress is completely decked out with all the classic castle features; clock towers, turrets, a drawbridge, a cannon, along with countless other wonderful eccentricities. The castle walls are filled with every imaginable throwaway: bottles, hard hats, toasters, even a motorcycle. 

To some, Rubelia is a magical place. To others, a pile of junk, but the passion and community spirit that built this fortress is undeniable. You’ve never seen anything like it. Guaranteed.

Rubel donated the castle to the city’s historical society and tours can be scheduled.

Archery in the Arroyo

Archery’s rise in popularity reached new heights over the last two years, particularly among females, due in large part to the release of two films, The Hunger Games and Brave, both of which feature teenage girls wielding bows. There are now archery classes teeming with teens (yes, I said it) wanting to wield a bow. But where does one master this ancient-yet-suddenly-coveted skill?

One of the oldest archery ranges in the world, and only one of two in Southern California, is located right here in the tranquil setting of Pasadena’s Lower Arroyo Seco. A natural valley created by the waters of the gorgeous San Gabriel Mountains, the Arroyo is the home of an archery club called The Pasadena Roving Archers, a part of the Arroyo’s history and who “have been dedicated to the art of the bow and arrow since 1935.”

As such, they were given the task of maintaining and operating the range. Incorporated as a non-profit, Pasadena Roving Archers (PRA) membership includes adults, young adults and children. Archers of all levels are welcomed.

An alluring aspect of archery is that whole families can do it together. Archery is a safe activity that can develop discipline and focus, as well as confidence and coordination. It’s been called “the sport for kids who hate sports.” The competition is between the archer and the target.

PRA members have taken courses and passed tests on safety as well as coaching techniques. Some of their instructors have worked as archery consultants for the entertainment industry. Classes with the PRA is a great introduction to archery.

Lessons are offered on Saturdays between 8:30 am and 2:30 pm. First time students are free. Arriving early is strongly advised. Lines begin to form around 7 am. For more information, visit www.rovingarchers.com.