Seduced by 'Tiki Dreams' - Page 2

"If you know the details and pay attention to the history, you have an appreciation for what these guys were doing here."

Many of the storied tiki destinations pre-date World War II, with interest building as soldiers returned home with exotic souvenirs from the South Pacific, and air travel from San Francisco and Los Angeles to Hawaii had become more common.

Adding to their immersive tiki experience, the curators have coordinated 'a total tiki takeover,' with tiki parties and events scheduled all year. They've also introduced a talented new artist, Woody Miller, "a renaissance man who does lamps, bar design, and did our official tiki mug," says Baby Doe.

When asked what sustains the couple's passion for tiki, Otto smiles and says, "Rum? Lust for vintage tiki mugs? All of this tiki lore being spread by word of mouth…Now that it's being accessed all over the world, I still like hanging out at the tiki bar and talking to people about where they've been. You learn a lot."

The von Stroheims have been producing pop culture events for over 27 years, and are the proud producers of the upcoming 'Tiki Oasis,' the largest tiki event in the world "for lovers of Island lifestyle and purveyors of Polynesian pop." This year, 'Tiki Oasis: The Enchanted Sea' takes place in San Diego, in August, blending the best of tiki with art and fashion shows, educational seminars, exotica music, a vast marketplace, and much, much more.

"Tiki has landed, it's here, it's actually historical, and it's important," says Baby Doe. "We feel really lucky that an established museum saw this [phenomenon] as an important part of our culture's existence, and now people are traveling from all over to see it."

Why not let your own Polynesian fantasies run wild—take part in both of these exciting events. 'Tiki Dreams' runs through December 31, 2023, and 'Tiki Oasis' takes place August 2-6, 2023. Rent a pool cabana and plan a California road trip you'll never forget.

And speaking of road trips, while visiting the Napa Museum, be sure to also take in 'The Great California Road Trip 1962,' another exhibit in that location (through October 8) that will tie together your whole nostalgic getaway.