Tonight I was Ultraweb-wondering and came across a pretty active Brookdale Lodge Facebook group, which has rekindled my ridiculous obsession with this place.
The wedding was held outside during fall. I remember being absolutely enthralled with the backyard of the bride's family. Their backyard extended out pretty far, complete with those gorgeous Santa Cruz redwoods adorned with hilarious psychedelic faces, and an extra large tortoise that enchanted guests as it wondered around the beautiful grounds.
I believe we played it safe and stayed at a Best Western or something, while the majority of the wedding party stayed at the Brookdale Lodge. JMR and I drove around a bit exploring the adorable town of Felton, and ended up dining at the Brookroom the night before the wedding. Complete with a legit river running through the dining hall, it was one of the most amazing experiences I'd ever had. Can't remember the food or what we had, but take a look at this:
I'm grateful we got to experience this at least once before the latest owners took it over and apparently tried to eradicate the some of the more paranormal aspects of this once amazing place, screwed up building codes, and essentially fucked it into the ground.
I don't know why the hell I have such intense interest in places such as these, like the Salton Sea, for example, that was once bustling and attracted the best of the best: James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, etc. The rather rapid decline is just fascinating and pulls at my heartstrings like a bitch.
Apparently thieves have managed to steal those bitchin', huge lanterns recently, as well, which breaks my heart.
Our last jaunt up to Santa Cruz last year definitely had to include a stop by this odd, haunted, historical place, and it was unfortunately not shocking to see the sad state of Nobody-Gives-A-Shit after obsessively reading any snippet of news and goings-on of the Brookdale Lodge. I got out and walked around for a bit, saw the garbage and rather rapid decay that was apparent. At least two cop cars circled around the place because things like this are basically shit for human parasites who will build meth labs and spread the scariest breeds of STD's around these parts.
According to the latest news, the Brookdale Lodge went on the market for about 7 mil, and is rumored to be selling for about 4 mil now. I really hope someone awesome with a genuine appreciation for this NoCal landmark purchases it and renovates it with the love and care it so desperately needs.
As a side note, I came across some pictures of old ticket stubs and the goddamn Insane Clown Posse played there back in 2000. Nice!
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Somewhat unrelated, but the day after tomorrow JMR and I are taking a little mini-vacay staying at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo for the first time and it's pretty ridiculous the level of excitement I have. I've stopped there a few times over the past few years, most recently returning back to Ventura County from San Jose with two of my closest gal pals after seeing Winger the night before. Which is I think the last time I attempt to mix certain things with alcohol. Yeah. Ever thought you melted into a large PA during a loud rock show with your body?
Anyhow, we intrigued and/or scared the crap out of the cute young waiter with our delirious, spirited banter discussing the weird, somewhat recent phenomenon of on-air news reporter strokes.
Anyhow, I shall retire as my hair must be properly did tomorrow afternoon. Thank you for reading, for listening, and for being fellow travelers. Safe travels, happy thoughts, creativity, inspiration, give lots of love, and don't ever be afraid to embrace and nurture your Weird.
Oh, and delightful journeys of self-appropriation as well.
xoxo
