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The ‘Old Secretariat’ government building in New Delhi.
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This set is inspired by a Roman arena.
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Wortley built the wooden backpack she used while retracing Alexandra David-Néel’s journey from a chair she found on the street in London.
How Elise Wortley Climbed Mont Blanc in 1830s Women’s Attire
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Simplicity is key: Just a slice of bread with a sprinkling of salt and pepper is the perfect accompaniment.
The Sweet Second Life of Creole Cream Cheese
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My rendition of frog legs, popping mushroom curry, pad prik khing with salted egg yolk, and sweet khanom thuai.
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All the United States California Irvine

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Irvine

3 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Irvine, California

Updated March 7, 2023

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Unusual Attractions in Irvine

The Orange Balloon at the Orange County Great Park at night.

Irvine, California

Orange Balloon

One of the largest helium balloons in the U.S. is a 112-foot ginormous orange.
The place where it all started.

Irvine, California

The Original Taco Bell Building

Someone really, really wanted to save this fast-food icon from demolition.
Peter the Anteater

Irvine, California

Peter the Anteater Statue

This bronze statue commemorates the strange and beloved mascot of UC Irvine—the only university to be represented by a giant anteater.
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Add it!
Permanently Closed
Tustin Blimp Hangar.

Tustin, California

Tustin Blimp Hangar #2

This enormous World War II relic is one of the largest wooden structures in the world.
1 mile from Irvine
Water Use, a “creek” that runs through the park

Costa Mesa, California

California Scenario

A small sculpture garden that provides a microcosmic representation of California.
3 miles from Irvine
Little Tree Church

Tustin, California

Little Tree Church

A very tiny church, bisected by a now-dead oak tree and marooned in the middle of a shopping center parking lot.
3 miles from Irvine

Newport Beach, California

Fashion Island Wind Chimes

These were the largest wind chimes in the world when artist Tom Van Sant created them for a California mall in 1967.
5 miles from Irvine

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Irvine

The place where it all started.

Irvine, California

The Original Taco Bell Building

Someone really, really wanted to save this fast-food icon from demolition.
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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Irvine, California

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Irvine Leaderboard

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Places Visited

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Recent Irvine Activity

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    has been to Orange Balloon

    7 days ago
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    has been to The Original Taco Bell Building

    5 days ago
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    wants to go to The Original Taco Bell Building

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    wants to go to The Original Taco Bell Building

    about 13 hours ago
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    wants to go to The Original Taco Bell Building

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