An ornate home on the outside, the collection inside is said to be one of the most comprehensive 18th and 19th Century British and French art collections. Paintings and sculpture, furniture and tapestries, the home is filled wall to wall.

Toward the back of the house, a huge space [below] showcases some of Mr. Huntington's favorite paintings. In contrast to the library, this skylighted room was bright and airy and bubbling with activity. This room found visitors chatting, taking pictures, and yes, even looking at the paintings.

Pinkie [1797] [below left] by Thomas Lawrence, and "The Blue Boy [1770] [below right] by Thomas Gainsborough, were never meant to be paired up. In fact they were painted about 25 years apart. It was Huntington who liked them, and who hung them together in the 1920s, and is how thousands of people viewed them for years. Currently they hang opposite one another in the gallery.

We also had the chance to meet and talk with James, [left] a member of the staff who was friendly, knowledgeable, informative and fun to talk to.

Along with his other nuggets of information, James mentioned that we might consider coming on a regular day during the week, as there are about 99% fewer visitors. Thanks James!

In fact, we met a lot of friendly people at The Huntington. A staff member selling memberships was cordial, informative and not at all pushy.

The gift shop [right] is open, airy, and features lots of items custom designed for the Huntington. They have a nice collection of books for sale too.

Check out our recommendations too.

On the way back to the car, it was hard to miss the construction site for the new Munger Research Center. It will be a 90,000 square foot, $21 million addition to the library, which is slated for completion in 2004. The construction wall [below] is covered with large-scale paintings from local school children, and added a friendly and whimsical touch.

Because of the heat, we missed almost all of the gardens, but we left with a good feeling about The Huntington.

When the weather is cooler, and the crowds are smaller, we'll be back.

It will certainly not be on a free day, and may even involve buying a year membership.

We were hot. We were hungry. And we always seem to choose Pepper's Mexican Grill in nearby Arcadia, a favorite of ours since we moved to Pasadena.

Located directly across from Santa Anita Racetrack [for all the 'Seabiscuit' fans], Pepper's has a cool, 60s architectural flair.

Inside, a darker ambiance features deep woods, rich, bold colors, and fun trompe l'oeil paintings.

From the moment we walk in, the staff always welcomes us with a warm 'Hola!' and seats us within seconds. Servers Juan and Roberto always provide great service, and, even if we're not seated at their table, always take a few minutes to catch up on what's new.

Chips and salsa arrive muy pronto, and, because Megan isn't a big fan of salsa, they remember to bring us a small side of Ranch dressing. Which always takes me by surprise. The chips are always served hot, and the salsa, while a bit chunkier than I prefer, is excellent.

Latin pop music plays over the speakers, and when it's busy, the voices of groups and families echo through the cozy main room. It's a fun and somewhat noisy place.

The menu is very much old school Mexican, but features everything from enchiladas and tacos, to chile relleno burritos and specialty seafood dishes with shrimp and salmon.

The lunch specials runs from 11:00 - 3:00 and is a real value. $4.79 for a choice of about 15 items - from a tostada, and a chicken salad, to a beef burrito. I ordered #27 on the menu. A chicken burrito, served wet, with rice and beans. In fact, I always order #27. It doesn't get much simpler than that, but it's always great.

Megan got chicken fingers and French fries, which is neither Mexican nor different for her, but they too come out fresh and hot and tasty. Dianne is more adventurous at times, but this day she also ordered the #27, but with shredded beef. It was also quite good.

The food is always served fresh, hot, and with very little fuss. Portions are plentiful and chips and salsa are always at the ready. Beer and wine by the glass is served along with standard soft drinks.

The final bill came to $24.00, which includes beverages and tip.

Pepper's is one of our favorites, summer or no summer. And coupled with a visit to the Huntington, it makes for an enjoyable summer afternoon.

As for the Huntington, you may want to wait for cooler weather. Free Thursday or not, with temperatures in the 90s and 100s, you might be better off staying indoors, cranking up the A/C, and trying to decipher "The Da Vinci Code."