The Pier... A Fascinating Place for this Hick from Utah - Roy

The Pier... A Fascinating Place for this Hick from Utah

I live far from the ocean (Utah), but have had the joy of visiting the Santa Monica Pier 3 times over the past 4 years. I am an avid Three's Company fan, and when I made my first trip to the Santa Monica Pier, I almost found myself looking around for Jack, Crissy, Janet, Mr. Furley, and Larry riding the carousel and bumper cars and shopping for T-shirts. When I subscribed to the Pier's newsletter, I discoverd the fascinating history of the Pier. I recall seeing a low-budget movie made in the '60s that starred Dennis Hopper. The main character fell for a mermaid lady who lived on the Pier. I often wonder how many other movies were filmed at the Pier.

I am nearing retirement, and one thing I plan to do when I leave the rat race behind is stay at the Holiday Inn near the Pier and just hang out for a few days. I love to people watch, and it will be so nice to just sit and enjoy watching other people enjoying the Pier. My wife, who is just a youngster at age 54, will want to ride the carousel. In the few days that we will stay in Santa Monica, I'll take enough videos and photos to keep us entertained for years. Of course, one must-do activity will be to rent bicycles and ride to Venice Beach. It's too far for an old codger like me to walk.

People who live in Santa Monica, especially those who are within walking distance of the Pier, probably don't realize how fortunate they are. To those of us who rarely get to visit Santa Monica, there is a mystical power that draws them to the Pier. Thanks for helping keep this magical place open for newer generations to enjoy.

Dwight Turner
Roy, Utah