With the Memorial Day weekend coming, the LA Times Travel section had a fun idea if you're looking for something local to do... go on a hunt for "Googie" architecture! For those of you unfamiliar with the term, "Googie" is considered "...a sub-category of Midcentury Modern that is bolder, more exaggerated in forms..." It's the "whimsical, Space Age look (that) grew out of the Midcentury Modern style -- think LAX's flying-saucer-like Theme Building -- and became synonymous with Southern California's fun-loving lifestyle."

The LA Times gives a great local round up of classic Googie examples that are still standing today. They range from Pann's Restaurant & Coffee shop in LA, to the Beach-Lin Car wash in Anaheim. There's also a great slideshow here too. Learn more about the history of Googie architecture and see the list LA Times recommends here.

[ images by Genaro Molina, Carlos Chavez, Lawrence K. Ho, Irfan Khan for LA Times ]