I don’t know about you, but this year seemed to fly by! Like any year there were ups and there were downs, but happily it was mostly ups! As far as travel is concerned I wasn’t sure I’d ever beat 2016, but with trips to, New Orleans, the American Southwest, and London as well as road trips throughout California, and extensive exploration of my home town Los Angeles I would say 2017 definitely gave it a run for it’s money.
Plane View
2018 is already filling up with plans for Atlanta, Georgia and possibly Austin, Texas early in the year. Both are places I’ve never been, and of course I’m angling to get in another trip to my beloved NOLA, maybe Spring Break? As for the rest of the year, its still open, but I’m excited to see what’s in store, and I’m confident I’ll work out plenty of fun adventures! Before I close the book on 2017 here’s a look back at some of the highlights:
January
We took a mini road trip to meet friends in La Quinta and along with a visit to Joshua Tree National Park it was the perfect way to get the year started!
Sunrise over La Quinta
The Joshua Tree National Park is located just over two hours from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. People come from all over the world to enjoy the park’s unique trees and alien like desert terrain. Hiking, camping, rock climbing and stargazing are just some of the activities available within the park.
We’ve always loved Santa Barbara, and its close proximity to LA is a real treat! Quick trips just for lunch have even been known to happen!
Lifeguard Tower Santa Barbara California
Even closer to home, but still feeling like a world away is Malibu. One of our favorite “escapes” is Sunday brunch at the Malibu Farms restaurant, located at the end of the Malibu Fishing Pier, which overlooks Surf Rider Beach.
A record year of rainfall and the resulting flower super bloom prompted our March visit to the Anza Borrego Desert State Park. I had to see all those amazing flowers!
Anza Borrego Desert
Deciding to go on this little adventure at the last minute meant accommodation choices were somewhat limited, so we decided to stay on the coast in La Jolla, the Jewel of San Diego. So, two birds with one road trip… Desert and Coast.
NOLA Again! In April, we visited NOLA for the sixth time. A day trip to visit the plantation homes was a highlight of our visit this year!
Oak Alley Plantation
As I write this I’m dreaming about 2018’s visit, because it’s definitely happening! If you haven’t been yet, consider making 2018 the year you finally go. It’s always amazing, but did you know that it’s the 300th anniversary of New Orleans? There’s sure to be plenty going on, so what are you waiting for? LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER!
I already love all the lifeguard towers that dot the beaches here in SoCal, so imagine my surprise and delight when I came across this fabulousness during my morning ride! I’m so excited to say that the City of LA voted to make this wonderful statement permanent
I admit that during my 8 years living in the Bay Area, I spent very little time exploring San Francisco’s many unique neighborhoods. We did our best to remedy that during our June visit! We chose to explore the vibrant Mission District, where we discovered delicious food, a fabulous park, and amazing street art! So in other words, my perfect day!
July’s found us on an epic 2000 + mile road trip through the great American Southwest! We made stops in Las Vegas, Zion, Bryce, Arches, Monument Valley, the Antelope Slot Canyons, and the Grand Canyon to name a few!
The Famous Las Vegas SignZion National ParkBryce Canyon National ParkArches National ParkMonument Valley Tribal ParkUpper Antelope Valley Slot CanyonThe Grand Canyon
Although I was initially apprehensive about driving so far on my own, as you can see from the photos above the trip was a success!
To say I am a fan of public and street art would be an understatement! The idea of bringing a piece of it home a dream. Dreams can come true, and they did with the installation of this @bumblebeelovesyou’s piece in my own backyard!
Historically September has been a slow month for us, if you don’t count that one time, when we ditched work and school and set off for a road trip through Portugal and Spain! That was fun! However, like many before it, this September found us sticking close to home. Exploring Downtown LA and its many tasty treats was a highlight!
Bottega Louie’s Famous MacaronsHistoric Angels Flight
While I didn’t travel in the month of October, I had the best time playing tourist, or maybe I should say, tour guide, when friends flew in for a visit!
Downtown Los Angeles Art District
We hit the Hollywood Sign, the Bowl, Disneyland, Korea Town, Venice Beach, and Downtown LA to name just a few!
The Hollywood BowlUrban Lights Exhibition at LACMA on Museum Row
Grateful for friends and family who travelled from both near and far to celebrate Thanksgiving with us, we were also grateful for the amazing Southern California weather, which allowed all 25 of us to eat outside!
Ending 2017 just as we started it, on a high note, we celebrated the winter holidays in London! My favorite city in the world! Highlights include: Ice Skating at the Tower of London, meeting up with friends, attending A Christmas Carol at Windsor Castle, Afternoon Tea, New Year’s Eve fireworks and more… I’ll be sharing our many adventures in the coming weeks. Stay tuned…
Wishing you and yours all the best in the coming year.
I love receiving mail, don’t you? Not email, I’m talking about the old-fashioned paper kind that gets delivered to your postbox by a mailperson. I love to send it, and I love to receive it, but the truth is I’m sending and receiving almost no mail these days with one major exception: Holiday cards!
Merry Christmas from Venice Beach!
Every December I look forward to finding cards from friends and family near and far in my mailbox. I love to see how much everyone has changed over the past year and reading about what everyone is up to.
No matter how techy the world gets, I will still send an annual holiday card, and I plan to do so for the foreseeable future. However, I will admit to agonizing over getting it done.
For this year’s card, the boys are posing at the Venice Beach Art Walls, and in front of one of James Goldcrown’s newest #bleedinghearts Walls. There are a few of these Love Walls around town and I love how much joy they bring.
Bah Humbug
Even though Tim refuses to be on the card, and I refuse to be on it without him, that would be weird, I try to make sure the card represents us as family.
The last time Tim and I were on the card… Elliot wasn’t even born!
That’s why this year’s theme is centered around a love of street and public art! Our family has spent a large part of the last year creating, exploring and photographing art, which is why it made perfect sense that our card represent all of those things.
Outtakes
In my attempt to capture the perfect shot the boys and I visited some of our favorite areas of town, and I feel like we got two great photos! Two is great considering the antics, which ensued, and the location of the sun, which was definitely working against us.
Last year I lucked out, I told the kids we were just practicing, and I got what I felt was the “perfect” shot on my very first try! As you can see from the outtakes above this year didn’t go quite as smoothly, and after torturing both myself and the boys in my attempt to get ANY decent shot, I realized that last year’s greatness was in large part because that image is a silhouette. No weird faces, closed eyes, or silliness, at least none that anyone can see.
2016’s holiday card.
In preparation for this year’s card we actually tried our hand (finally) at creating our very own “graffiti” on the Venice Beach Art Walls! We had an amazing time spray-painting our beachy yet Christmassy mural then the boys posed while I took their photo!
We’re definitely hooked on wall painting, and will absolutely be creating more “masterpieces” in the very near future! I know posting here isn’t exactly the same as sending real snail mail, but I don’t have your address, so this will have to do.
Wherever you are and however you celebrate, we wish you the merriest of Christmases and a happy New Year!
What’s my favorite thing about living in a popular vacation destination? The number of visitors! I absolutely love it when friends and family come to visit (hint, hint), and not only do I love their company, but it’s the perfect opportunity to be a tourist in my own town! Bonus: All those delicious meals together!
Surfing with friends from out of town!
In my quest to discover new places and roam far, I’d been missing out on great experiences closer to home. Over the past year and a half I’ve been doing my best to remedy that, and featured many of our around town adventures in my previous list, 50 things to do in LA, but since then I have discovered a whole new mess of fun ideas, many within a few miles from my front door, but all within a days drive!
50 MORE Things To Do in Los Angeles:*
1.The Famous Santa Monica Stairs
Location: 699 Adelaide Drive, Santa Monica
You’ll feel less guilty about all the amazing LA food you’re going to eat if you start your day with a workout. At the top of “The Stairs” you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, and who knows, you might even find yourself working out next to your favorite celebrity…
2. Main Street Santa Monica
Location: Start Between 2nd and Nielson at Strand
Santa Monica’s Main Street, is just a bit off the main tourist path, which neans you’ll find plenty of one of a kind shopping, restaurants, street art, and less tourists!
3. Cookie Good
Location: 2448 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica
Cheeto flavored cookie anyone? Not your thing? Don’t worry Cookie Good, has “normal” flavors too! The cookies here are so delicious we bought a dozen different flavors and took a bite of every single one!
4. Kazu Nori
Location: 120 Broadway #104, Santa Monica
Kazu Nori is small and it’s popular, so get there early, or be prepared to wait. The menu consists of one thing: hand rolls. They’re made to order and to delicious perfection.
5. Patrick’s Roadhouse
Location: 106 Entrada Drive, Santa Monica
Just across the PCH from North Santa Monica Beach, Patricks Roadhouse has been a local and celebrity favorite since 1973. The old time atmosphere is quirky and very family friendly. The portions are huge!
6. Nighthawk Restaurant
Location: 417 Washington Blvd, Venice
You’ll find cereal milk cocktails and other breakfast items with a fun twist at Nighthawk a trendy late night spot just blocks from the beach.
7. Salt & Straw
Location: 1357 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice
Salt and Straw’s ice cream is delicious, but don’t take my word for it, the ever present line should speak for itself. One reason the line is so long… you can sample as many flavors as you want!
8. Wurstkuche
Location: 625 Lincoln Blvd, Venice
Wurstkuche’s exotic sausages and delicious fries are a savory and popular treat. There is a constant line out the door, but don’t be fooled you’ll find a large amount of communal seating in the back.
9. The Venice Sign
Location: Pacific Ave & Windward Ave
The Original Venice Sign was hung across Windward Avenue at Pacific by Abbot Kinney himself, this current version was installed in 2007. Most often lit with traditional white marquee lights, the Sign changes throughout the year in support of various events and holidays.
10. Hatchet Hall
Location: 12517 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles
With it’s quirky decor, bustling atmosphere and fabulous service dining at Hatchett Hall is sure to please, but it was the rolls that really won me over! I just can’t stop thinking about them!
11. The Venice Canals
Location: Enter the Grand Canal at Washington Blvd and Strongs Drive
The famous Venice Canals! No, not that other city in Italy with canals, these are the ones in Los Angeles! Did you know we have our own?!
12. Sony Studios Tour
Location: 10202 Washington Blvd, Culver City
The Sony Studios Tour is a behind the scenes walking tour located on a working studio lot. You’ll get a chance to visit and see props from TV and Movie sets as well as learn about the magic of movie making. The tour is offered for ages 13 and up.
We love our excersie in LA, and we love our stairs. It’s even better if we combine them! Try the ones at the Baldwin Hills Overlook where on a clear day you can see all the way to Downtown LA and beyond.
14. Furaibo
Location: 2068 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles
You’ll find Furaibo in LA’s Japan Town, not to be confused with Little Tokyo. They are famous for their Japanese style chicken wings, which are amazing! Bonus: There is parking in the back.
15. Paley Center for Media
Location: 465 N Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills
Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, just one block off of Rodeo Drive, the Paley Center for Media has revolving exhibits that explore the connection between media and society.
16. Beverly Hills Hotel
Location: 9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills
The Beverly Hills Hotel opened in 1912, before Beverly Hills was even a city! You can’t miss its iconic pink paint and famous sign, and you don’t have to be a guest of the hotel to enjoy one of it’s many iconic dining establishments!
17. Sprinkles Cupcake ATM
Location: 9631 South Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills
Wait, what? A 24 hour ATM that only sells cupcakes and cookies? Where can I find that? Beverly Hills of course!
18. Sprinkles Ice Cream Shop
Location: 9631 South Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills
While vistiing #17 we discovered that Sprinkles also has an ice cream shop! We couldn’t resist, and I’m so glad we didn’t! This was some incredible ice cream, and the red velvet cones were amazing! You’ll find the Sprinkles ice cream shop just next to the Cupcake ATM.
19. Sugarfina Candy Boutique
Location: 9495 S Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills
Adults and children alike will enjoy a visit to this sweet spot! Sugarfina was born in LA, but features gourmet and unqiue candies from around the world. They even offer candy tastings!
20. Malibu Country Mart
Location: 3835 Cross Creek Rd, Malibu
The Malibu Country Mart feartures high end shopping, a wonderful playground and delicious dining options! The best part… it’s just a stones throw from the famous Malibu beach!
21. Neptune’s Net
Location: 42505 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu
Fish & Chips, motorcycles, and gorgeous ocean views! Need I say more? You’ll find Neptune’s Net just a short drive up the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway.
22. Folk Art & Craft Museum
Location: 5814 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
The Craft and Folk Art Museum is housed in an adorable little building just opposite the Labrea Tar Pits. You can’t miss its cheerful black and yellow design. The exhibitions are revolving and feature current day artists with a unique twist or smaller exposure.
23. The Berlin Wall
Location: 5900 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
Did you know you can view part of the Berlin Wall in LA? The largest remaining stretch of the original Berlin Wall is located just across from LACMA on Wilshire Blvd’s Museum Row.
24. Melrose Avenue Shopping
Location: Between La Cienega and North Highland
One of LA’s most famous streets, Melrose shops you’ll find everything from vintage Dr. Martens to today’s most current and upscale fashion brands. Stroll up one side and down the other and along the way keep your eye out for some of LA’s most popular Insta walls.
25. Fairfax Avenue
Location: Between Melrose and W. 3rd Street
Home to the ultra trendy Supreme and Rip n’ Dip streetwear shops, you’ll also find many other one of a kind shops and galleries, mixed in among this area’s excellent dining choices, which include Canter’s Deli, Prime Pizza, and number 26 on this list, which is so delicious it deserves it’s own spot!
26. Jon and Vinny’s
Location: 412 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles
Excellent food, service and celebrity sightings are what you can expect at Jon and Vinny’s. No wonder it’s consistently listed as one of LA’s top restaurants. Getting a table can be tough, so book ahead, or consider a late lunch when you might even be able to walk right in.
27. The Original Farmers Market LA
Location: 6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles
The entire family will love wandering within LA’s Original Farmers Market where you’ll find stall after stall of delicious food items, restaurants, and shops.
28. Dupars Pancakes
Location: 6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles
Located inside the Farmer’s Market listed above, Dupar’s has been whipping up their famous pancakes since 1938! They’re an LA institution, and they really are THAT good!
29. Georgetown Cupcakes (Free)
Location: 143 S Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles
Would you like a free cupcake? Georgetown Cupcakes is giving you one! All you have to do is check out their online fridge cam for the secret cupcake of the day. Tell them the flavor when you walk in and they’ll give each member of your group a complimentary cupcake!
30. Laurel Hardware
Location: 7984 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood
Don’t be fooled by the exterior when you pull up outside Laurel Hardware, one of West Hollywoods most trendy eateries. It may look like an old hardware store from the outside, but the inside is gorgeous and the food is delicious, as are the cocktails.
31. Brothers Korean BBQ
Location: 3680 W 6th St, Los Angeles
Brothers Korean BBQ is our family’s go to for special occasions. The service is excellent as is the food. My favorite part: all the “sides” that come with your meal.
32. The Wiltern
Location: 3790 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
Located at the corner of Wilshire and Western the Wiltern was built in 1931 as a vaudville theater. It was restored to it’s original glory in 1981 and today its a live music venue.
33. Neutra VDL House
Location: 2300 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles
Architecture lovers won’t want to miss a visit to the Neutra VDL House built by the famed Modernist architect Richard Neutra 75 years ago. Tours of the home and garden are available, and are given by architecture students.
34. Alfred’s Coffee
Location: 3337 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles (Multiple Locations)
If you ask me Alfred’s Coffee has their priorities straight, because, while it may be cliche, as far as I’m concerned nothing happens before coffee! With locations all over town, including a tea room, you’ll be able to get your priorities straight as well!
35. LA Zoo
Location: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles
We’ve been to over 25 zoo around the world, so I think you can trust me when I say the LA Zoo is fun for the entire family!
36. Greek Theater
Location: 2700 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles
The Greek Theater is located inside Griffith Park and is an outdoor venue. The Theater seats less than 6000, and is a great place to see a show.
37. See a Movie at Hollywood Cemetery
Location: 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles
Consider attending an outdoor movie screening at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery! Even if you can’t make it to an organized event you might consider a visit anyway, as the cemetery is the final resting place of many famous Hollywood and musical icons.
38. The Hollywood Bowl
Location: 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles
The Hollywood Bowl is located one mile from the famed corner of Hollywood and Highland in… You guessed it, Hollywood! The Bowl seats 17,500 people and is an open-air venue. Getting there can be a challenge, but it’s worth it!
39. Capital Records Building
Location: 1750 Vine St, Los Angeles
The Capital Records Building is a historic landmark, and has been featured in a number of movies and television shows since it’s completion in 1956. Located just north of the famous corner of Hollywood and Vine you can’t miss it’s iconic round shape, which resembles a stack of records.
40. The Bradbury Building
Location: 304 South Broadway at West 3rd Street
Built in 1893, the Bradbury Building is an architectural landmark. While the outside might not seem like anything particularly special, its the inside’s Victorian Era atrium with it’s grandiose iron work, 50 foot ceilings, and open cage elevators that really shine. Fans of the movie Blade Runner, starring Harrison Ford, might recognize the atrium space as Sebastian’s home.
41. Angels Flight Railway
Location: 356 S Olive St, Los Angeles
The newly reopened Angels Flight Railway has been in operation on and off since 1901, and at 298 feet is the world’s shortest railway. The Angels Flight Railway is a treasured piece of LA history, and it has given more than 100 million rides!
42. Grand Central Market
Location: 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles
The Grand Central Market opened in 1917 and has been operating continuously ever since. A popular destination for locals and tourists alike, no matter you food tastes you’ll find something for everyone in your group! From Thai sticky rice to cheesecake, a Jewish deli, vegan choices, a cheese shop, Chinese food, produce stands, a butcher shop and so much more. There’s even a PB&J shop!
43. Birdies Restaurant
Location: 314 West Olympic Boulevard Los Angeles
Birdies, is well known in LA for both their donuts and fried chicken, so of course you have to try both! The donuts are baked fresh every two hours!
44. Sweet Tooth’s Walking Tour of DTLA
Location: Start Here
This family friendly dessert walking tour of Downtown Los Angeles includes delicious treats AND iconic sights, Life is short… dessert first!
45. Dodger Game
Location: 1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles
Baseball fans will love a visit to the iconic Dodger Stadium perched on the hill overlooking downtown LA. Be sure to get a Dodger Dog while you’re there! Play Ball!
46. Downtown Los Angeles Sample Sales
Location: 860 S Los Angeles St, Los Angeles
LA’s Fashion District is home to over 1,200 showrooms, representing over 4,500 fashion lines. Many of them hold sample sales on the last Friday of the month. The Cooper Design Space building right in the heart of the Fashion District is a great place to start.
47. Old Town Pasadena
Location: Colorado Boulevard
Old Town Pasadena is a great place to spend an afternoon! There are endless options for food, so you’ll be hard pressed to choose which of the many yummy treats you’ll try while walking around. We picked this taiyaki up from Stray Cat Poke & Dessert!
48. Rose Bowl Flea Market
Location: 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena
The Rose Bowl, located in Pasadena, is about 25 minutes from Downtown Los Angeles. It is of course famous for hosting THE Rose Bowl of football fame, which is held on New Year’s Day, but it also plays host to a monthly flea market!
If thrill rides are your thing, you’ll want to head to Six Flags Magic Mountain for roller coasters galore!
50. Mini Monster Milk Tea
Location: Universal City Walk, Universal City
If you love boba tea (I do!) and cute things, then you’ll want to stop in at Mini Monster! The delicious boba is served in your choice of unique and reusable jars in various fun shapes!
Manhattan Beach has fabulous beaches and a quaint downtown. Its just one of the many wonderful smaller beach cities between LA and San Diego, and definitely my favorite!
*to help you make the most of your LA visit I’ve tried to group everything by neighborhood.
* As fast as we “check things off” we think up more fun and interesting ideas, so stay tuned for EVEN More Things To Do in Los Angeles coming soon…
*Be sure to check official websites for operating hours and ticket prices.
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Can a person be too happy? Is that even possible? I didn’t think so, but I admit to being accused of it on occasion. Yep, that’s right, I was once accused of smiling too much! That was awkward, but you can’t keep me down! I’m a morning person, I end most sentences with exclamation points, and in general I’m a pretty cheerful person, so when I heard about a place that was literally called: Happy Place, I knew I had to go there. Stat!
In fact the moment I saw the advertisement I clicked buy tickets and scooped up the max allowed (8) for opening day. My friends we were coming for the Thanksgiving holiday break and I just knew they would want to share in all that happiness… or at least I hoped they would! Lucky for me, they did and we had the best time!
If you’re wondering, Happy Place is very similar to The Museum of Ice Cream, which if you don’t already know, is basically room after room of colorful photo ops. If you’re into taking selfies this is your heaven, and even if you’re not… Wandering through 13 + brightly lit rooms decorated to the hilt, and filled with cheerful activities, photo ops and yummy treats is a pretty great way to spend an afternoon! Raise your hand if you love an afternoon of silly fun with your besties!
Raise your hand if you love fun!
Here is a preview of just some of the fun we had during our visit.
Upon entering Happy Place you’ll be asked to watch an adorable little video, which basically spells out the rules, no selfie sticks, enjoy yourself, the path is one way only…
For the sake of everyone’s happiness there are a few rules…
After the video you’ll head down the entrance hallway…
And through the door…
Giant Shoes
Can you guess what these shoes were made of?
Lovable Sea Monster
The first two rooms were cheerful, but we weren’t exactly sure how to interact with them, I guess we needed to warm up a bit…
XO
…Becuase we figured it out in the next room, which also happened to be my favorite!
If You’re Happy and You Know It…
Celebrate Everyday!
I’m a big fan of celebrating! Really, any excuse will do! We couldn’t open any of the 400 presents on the walls, but did get these delicious cake pops!
Balloons!
Pop Up Flowers
We all loved this fun room where you could pop up among the flowers like gophers!
Topsy Turvy
I’m afraid this room was a bit beyond our capabilites, we weren’t quite sure how to make ourselves appear upside down. I ended up rotating the photos. My dad was definitely the best at this, I think I may be choking that teddy bear!
Four in One
The next “four” rooms were really all in one room together. The lines to get photos were quite long,especially for the rubber ducky tub, but we perservered…
Live Laugh Love
Rainbow Hearts
Rubber Ducky You’re the One
Mirror Mirror
The End of the Rainbow
This room was fun, but the “gold” is a bit rough on your feet when you land, and if you’re wearing a skirt or dress, you’ll want to hold on to it as you jump!
Snow Confetti Angels
We don’t get much opportunity to make snow angels here in SoCal, but confetti works too!
Snow Confetti Globe
The final room, and a favorite of our group, we loved this confetti filled dome! Once the door was shut the fans came on and the confetti was flying! Lucky us, no one was waiting and we got to go twice! You can’t believe the places the confetti finds itself…
Once you’ve had your fill of photos head to the final room for popsicles, lemondade, the gift shop, and a few final photo ops!
One last Photo Op!
With the exception of a few rooms you’ll be taking all your own photos during your Happy Place visit, or you can ask the friendly staff to take your photo. This “garden” had a camera set up, which took us a few tries to get just right. Once we were satisfied we emailed the photos to oursleves!
Whoops! We weren’t ready!That’s better!Third times the charm!
You’ll work up an appetite during your Happy Place visit, but don’t worry, you’ll find delicious RAINBOW Grilled Cheese sandwhiches just outside at The Happy Toast food truck! The perfect way to end an already fun afternoon!
Tips & Advice:
The Happy Place is located in the Downtown Los Angeles Arts District at 1242 Palmetto Street.
Parking can be a bit hectic. If you can, I suggest grabbing a spot on the street, but if there isn’t any available there are number of nearby lots.
Arrive 20 minutes before you timed entry to queue up.
The only restroom is at the start.
Don’t forget to bring your camera!
The rainbow grilled cheese sandwiches were delicious, but at $12 each priced a bit high.
If you have time explore the neighborhood, its one of my favorites, you’ll find plenty of street art, shopping, and delicious food all within blocks of Happy Place.
Will you be in the LA area in the next few months? Check out the Happy Place official website for ticket information. Not coming to LA? Don’t worry, sign up online for updates and information on the Happy Place’s next destination. You never know where the Happy Place will pop up next. The Museum of Ice cream has since opened locations in both San Francisco and Miami, and I hear the Color Factory could be headed to LA soon. My fingers are crossed! Stay tuned…
Hilarystyle is about travel, fashion and fun, but I admit it’s been awhile since I’ve written about fashion. Truth be told it’s hard to think about a change in wardrobe when here in LA it hardly seems like we ever have a change in seasons. Not that I’m complaining about what feels like perpetual summer.
Late October in Los Angeles feels just like summer!
Recently I had a chance to visit the sample sales in LA’s fashion District and I’m hoping I’ll have a chance to get some use out of the more wintery items I picked up during my upcoming visit to England.
What is a Sample Sale?
Sample sales are a way for fashion brands to unload excess merchandise and make room for the upcomning season. You’ll find current season items including accessories and apparel all for very reduced prices. During my recent visit I picked up items for everyone in my family.
Some showrooms feature multiple fashion brands
Where can I find a Sample Sale?
Designer showrooms are located at 9th and Los Angeles Street in Downtown LA’s Fashion District.
Ted Baker has a showroom in the Cooper Design Space Building
The Fashion District is home to over 1,200 showrooms, which represent over 4,500 fashion lines. WOW, that’s a lot of shopping!
You’ll find a large majority of those 1,200 showrooms inside The Cooper Design Space building right in the heart of the Fashion District.
When Can I shop?
Sample sales are usually held on the last Friday of the month.
Not every showroom hosts a sale every last Friday, but many do, and its fun to go from floor to floor poking in and out of the different showrooms. Look for the boards in the lobby listing which showrooms are having a sale, and where they’re located.
What if I’m not there on the Last Friday?
Many brands will hold additional sample or warehouse sales throughout the year, so make sure to add your name to their showroom email list, and you’ll be notified of when and where.
How Do I Pay?
Not all of the showrooms accept credit, so make sure to bring plenty of cash.
Can I try stuff on?
For the most part Showrooms aren’t set up with dressing rooms, but many allow you to try items on over what you’re already wearing, or if you want you can find a spot off to the side and do a quick change… I wore a dress when I visited, which made trying on a little easier.
I’m hungry after all that shopping Is there food nearby?
Downtown Los Angeles is one of my favorite places to explore. There are endless options for fun and food! Here’s a list of some of our favorite spots:
Birdies, is well known in LA for their donuts and their fried chicken, so consider trying both! The donuts are baked fresh every two hours. Since you saved all that money at the sample sale you might consider trying the gold donut… it’s only $100!
Gold leaf donut a mere $100
Bottega Louie, is known for it’s colorful and photogenic macarons, but it isn’t just about the sweets and treats, it’s also a full service restaurant with a full bar and a gourmet market.
Kazu Nori is small and it’s popular, so get there early, or be prepared to wait. The menu consists of one thing: hand rolls. They’re made to order and to delicious perfection.
The Grand Central Market is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and no matter their food tastes you’ll find something for everyone in your group. From Thai sticky rice to cheesecake, whisky and cheese, a Jewish deli, vegan choices, coffee, Chinese food, green grocers and so much more. There’s even a PB&J shop!
Salt and Straw’s ice cream is delicious, but don’t take my word for it, the ever present line should speak for itself. One reason the line is so long… you can sample as many flavors as you want!
Salted Malted Cookie Dough
Pie Hole offers up a variety of fun pie flavors both savory and sweet, so no matter your tastes you’ll be guaranteed a unique and tasty treat! I wish I could show you a photo of the pie, but it never lasts long enough to take a photo!
Wurst Kuche’s exotic sausages and delicious fries are a savory and popular treat. There is a constant line out the door, but don’t be fooled you’ll find a large amount of communal seating in the back.
Little Damage is a family owned soft serve ice cream shop in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. With trendy black cones and unique flavor choices, Little Damage, is not your average ice cream… its ice cream with a Goth twist!
I’m all shopped out. What else can I do in the Neighborhood?
Check you these related posts for even more downtown inspiration:
Music plays a large roll in our family’s everyday life; in fact as I write this I can hear my older son practicing his guitar in the other room. Lucky for us we all have similar taste in music. I’m not sure how this happened, but I know we really lucked out, and I’m so grateful! Especially, since the loud noises coming from the other room actually resemble songs I like!
Simon has been joining us for live music events since he was six years old (yes, we use earplugs), and now that Elliot is old enough all four of us are going! We’ve been busy these past few months exploring LA’s music scene.
Here’s the scoop on sound, seating, parking and everything in between at the 5 different venues we’ve recently visited. We’ve even included a few of our favorite songs for your listening pleasure!
5 LA Places to Get Your Groove On:
The Rose Bowl
Band: Green Day
The Rose Bowl is located in Pasadena, about 25 minutes from Downtown Los Angeles. It is of course famous for hosting THE Rose Bowl of football fame, which is held on New Year’s Day, but it also plays host to a monthly flea market. The stadium is open air and seats just under 91,000 people.
Billy Joe Armstrong puts on a fabulous show.
We all agreed that the sound was great! We had general admission floor tickets for this show, and if possible I would recommend them. The Rose Bowl is quite large and the stage is far from the stands.
A great show all around!
There were plenty of food and drink options inside the Rose Bowl, however if you have time you might consider grabbing a meal in Old Town, Pasadena, which is a fun place to explore.
Loved all the confetti!
Parking options: Parking at the Rose Bowl is expensive. There are shuttle options, but we wanted flexibility, so opted to pay the whopping $40 fee to park in the official lot. In the end it was worth it for the convenience, as it turned out we exited the parking lot right near the freeway.
Tip: Purses were not allowed at this show. You’ll want to check the venue’s website prior to your show for any restrictions.
Green Day: She from the album Dookie
Video of “She” from the show:
Forgive the quality of the video, but… dancing!
We saw this yummy treat in Old Town when we passed by Stray Cat Poke & Dessert! Funny thing is… we were on our way to dinner.
The Regent Theater
Band(s): Night Riot & The Dreamers
Located in Downtown Los Angeles, The Regent Theater originally opened in 1914, and is the oldest building on the block. The venue is quite small with a capacity of only 1,100 people, which in my mind makes it the perfect place to see a show. We all agreed the sound was good, and because of the intimate size of the theater so was the viewing.
NIght Riot
We had a great time at this venue, and will definitely be attending another show here! Its downtown location means you’ll find plenty of both parking and food nearby. We like Little Damage for it’s ice cream, Birdies for it’s chicken and waffles, and Kazu Nori for its hand rolls. Kazu Nori is just across the street!
The Dreamers
The Regent hosts other events as well, one of which is the Rock n’ Roll Flea Market held on the 1st Sunday of the month. I’m looking forward to checking this out soon!
The Dreamers and Night Riot opened for The Maine.
Tip: The Dreamers was an all ages show, but you’ll want to check before purchasing tickets.
Dreamers: Sweet Disaster from the Album This Album Does Not Exist
Night Riots: Contagious from the Album HOWL
Sweet Disaster Video:
Little Damage just happened to be on the way to the car, so of course we had to stop!
The Greek Theater
Band: The Shins
The Greek Theater is located inside Griffith Park and is an outdoor venue. The Theater seats less than 6000, and in my opinion is a great place to see a show. Tim wasn’t as sure, as he is more partial to the northern Greek Theater located in Berkeley, California. We both agreed the sound was only okay, but I loved the setting.
The Shins
There are concessions including a bar onsite, but as the venue is inside Griffith Park there are no other food options. You might consider grabbing a bite in nearby Silver Lake or Los Feliz.
A rare date night.
Parking options: There is plenty of parking available. We paid $15 and walked a short distance uphill to the Theater. Had we paid online in advance we would have saved $5, or alternatively we could have paid more and parked even closer to the venue’s door.
Tip: Purses were not allowed at this show. You’ll want to check the venue’s website prior to your show for any restrictions.
The Shins:
The grilled bread was delicious
Prior to the show we grabbed dinner at Wolfdown a fun laidback restaurant in Silver Lake, one of my favorite neighborhoods.
The Hollywood Bowl
Band: Depeche Mode
The Hollywood Bowl is located one mile from the famed corner of Hollywood and Highland in… You guessed it, Hollywood! The Bowl seats 17,500 people and is an open air venue. Getting there can be a challenge, but it’s worth it! I think the sound at the Bowl is great, and so is the service!
We chose to eat an early dinner on Hollywood Boulevard and walk to the venue, but there are plenty of food options within the venue as well.
Tip: Our seating choice came with the option to order food and beverage directly, which was very convenient. We ordered a bottle of wine right to our seats!
Parking options: Parking at the Bowl can be challenging and expensive, and once you’ve parked you can’t leave until the show is over. If you don’t want to drive there are shuttle options. Check the website for more information. We chose to use Lyft, and it worked perfectly for our needs.
Tip: if you must drive, and you don’t want to park onsite, park in the Hollywood & Highland Complex and walk one mile to the Bowl.
Even with a fancy ticket our seats weren’t that close.
Depeche Mode: Precious from the album Playing The Angel
Somebody Video:
If you’re hungry after the show look for the danger dog vendors. They can usually be found outside of any major event, and all over the city. I recently had my first one…Delicious!
The Forum Band: Fall Out Boy
The Forum, located in Inglewood, is the former home of the Los Angeles Lakers, and only about 3 miles from the Los Angeles International airport (LAX). Depending on the event The Forum seats as many as 17,500 people. I thought the sound was only okay, but my son loved it, and these tickets were his 15th birthday present, so in this case that’s all that mattered.
Not the best seats, but we had fun!
There are plenty of food and beverage options inside The Forum, including Pink’s Hot Dogs, which I happen to love. There is also a full bar. People were incredibly helpful and overall our experience at this venue was great!
Thankful I still get to come along
Parking options: Parking at The Forum ranges from $25 – $40, and traffic getting there is everything bad thing that you’ve ever heard about LA traffic, especially on a Friday night. We chose to take a Lyft, and there is a well marked dedicated area at the venue just for ride sharing services. They even had charging cables and coffee available while you waited for your ride.
Plenty of merchandise options.
Tip: If the line for merchandise is too long, there are places to buy inside as well.
Fall Out Boy: Immortals from the move Big Hero Six
Fall Out Boy Video:
Pink’s Chili Cheese Hot Dogs are an LA institution, so of course I had to have one!
What do you do in Los Angeles after you’ve spotted the stars, seen THE Sign, and brushed off the sand? How about a museum! With over 100 museums to choose from, you’ll get a dose of culture while giving yourself a break from all that sun.
The Broad Museum
Whatever your interests, art, architecture, entertainment, libraries, gardens, automobiles, or history I guarantee there is a museum in LA for you. I’m nowhere near making a dent, but I’ve checked off a few…
LA is a large city and many of it’s museums are spread out, but the area known as Museum Row on Wilshire Boulevard’s Miracle Mile has five wonderful museums all within steps of one another. If you were motivated it would be entirely possible to get a taste of all of them within one day.
LA County Museum of Art (LACMA)
They are: The LA County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Craft & Folk Art Museum (CAFAM), The Labrea Tar Pits, The Peterson Automotive Museum, and the Wende Museum exhibition of the Berlin Wall.
LACMA
It would take multiple visits to see everything the largest art museum on the West Coast has to offer, but if you’re short on time you can enjoy some of LACMA’s outdoor exhibits, like Chris Burden’s Urban Lights, Levitating Mass, or choose just one of the Museum’s many buildings and focus on that.
There is definitely something magical about Urban lights. The solar powered installation is made from 202 restored cast iron street lamps from 1920s and 30s Los Angeles. This is an incredibly popular place to take photos and hang out, so expect crowds.
LACMA on Museum Row
The boys loved Penetrable by artist Jesús Rafael Soto, an interactive art installation just outside the entrance to the Ahmanson Building. Made of simple yellow tubing hanging from a steel grid, this installation was meant to be touched!
Getting a people free photo is virually impossible
My older son and I visited the temporary Guillermo del Toro exhibition last year and loved it. You’ll want to check the Museum’s website for information on current and upcoming exhibitions.
We loved the Guillermo del Toro exhibition.
The Peterson Automotive Museum
Los Angeles is famous for many things, but one of them is not waking! In fact, “Nobody walks in LA”, or at least that’s how the song goes, so it makes perfect sense that there would be an automotive museum in the heart of Museum Row!
At the Peterson Automotive Museum, you’ll find cars and motorcycles representing the history of the automobile, including racecars, concept cars, movie cars and custom built cars. My favorite part was viewing the movie cars including, the bat cycle, Stephen King’s Christine, lightening McQueen and Herbie the Love Bug!
La Brea Tar Pits
Can you believe that at one time the bustling area that is now Museum Row was once the home of dire wolves, saber-tooth cats, and mammoths? It’s true! Of course that was 50,000 years ago, give or take a few thousand years…
The La Brea Tar Pits and the George C. Page Museum offer a glimpse into what life was like in the LA basin long before people came along. A few things to keep in mind: There is an entrance fee to the museum, but viewing the outside exhibits is free. You won’t see dinosaurs here, as they’d already been extinct for 65 million years when animals started becoming entrapped in the tar pits.
The Craft and Folk Art Museum is housed in an adorable little building just opposite the Labrea Tar Pits. You can’t miss its cheerful black and yellow design. The exhibitions are revolving and feature current day artists with a unique twist or smaller exposure.
The museum offers crafting opportunities and we had the good fortune to visit during a Japanese paper making demonstration.
CAFAM is special because it is a place to both see art and make art.
SAMSUNG CSC
The Berlin Wall
Did you know you can view part of the Berlin Wall in LA? The largest remaining stretch of the original Berlin Wall is located just across from LACMA on Wilshire Blvd.
The Wall is part of the Wende Museum collection. Street artists from around the world were invited to paint blank segments of the Wall to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Wall coming down.
Paley Center for Media
Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, just one block off of Rodeo Drive, the Paley Center for Media exhibits explore the connections between media and society.
During our visit we saw the Cartoon Network exhibition: 25 Years of Drawing On Creativity. We loved learning about the creation of some of our favorite cartoons! A visit to the Paley Center will give you access to their collection of over 160,000 programs covering almost 100 years of television and radio from around the world. The museum’s exhibits are revolving, so you’ll want to check the website to see what’s on.
The Broad
The Broad Museum located in DTLA is easily one of my favorite museums. Entry to the museum is free, and the collection of contemporary art is top notch! Not only that, the building itself is a work of art.
Advance reservations are required, however if you don’t have them there is a stand by line. Check the website for instructions on how best to visit and for information on current exhibitions.
The Getty Villa
Located on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, the Getty Villa is dedicated to the antiquities, and features 7000 years of ancient art. Even if antiquities aren’t your thing, The Villa itself is a site to see.
Built in the early 1970s it was modeled after the Villa dei Papiri, a roman country home that was located in Herculaneum, Italy. Herculaneum, along with Pompeii, was buried in the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD.
The Getty Center
If you’ve been to LA you might have noticed the Getty Center, a large white building perched on the hillside above the 405.
While the Getty Villa features antiquities through the fall of the Roman Empire, the Getty Center features American and European art from medieval times to the present. Not only is it considered an architectural masterpiece, but it’s surrounded by beautiful gardens and on a clear day the view of Downtown Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean are spectacular.
The Huntington Botanical Gardens has something for everyone! Museums, a library and acres of beautiful and unique gardens, including a fabulous children’s garden!
Entrance tickets are all inclusive, but because the Huntington has so much to offer it would be tough to see everything in one visit.
Architecture lovers won’t want to miss a visit to the Neutra VDL House located on Silver Lake Boulevard.
Built by the famed Modernist architect Richard Neutra 75 years ago, the VDL house was named a National Historic Landmark in 2017. Tours of the home and garden are available, and are given by architecture students.
Try to time your visit to LACMA for sundown and you’ll see Urban Lights in action.
The Peterson Automotive Museum has a dedicated children’s area and parking lot.
If you’re short on time skip the George C. Page Museum at the Tar Pits and just view the outdoor exhibitions.
Be sure to check out CFAM’S calendar of crafting events for both children and adults.
Walk all the way around the Berlin Wall, so you don’t miss the fabulous art painted on the backside.
Entrance to The Paley Center for Media is free, as is parking in the building below.
Visiting the Broad? Consider eating lunch at Otium. Easily one of the best lunches I’ve had in LA.
Entry to both the Getty Villa and the Getty Center is free, but both charge a $15 parking fee. Entry to the Villa requires an advance reservation.
The Huntington Gardens aren’t technically in LA, but it’s worth the trek!
Admission to the Neutra House is $15 and tours are available on Saturdays from 11 am -3 pm.
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The street art scene in Los Angeles has gone viral, one can hardly turn a corner, drive down the street, or grab a coffee without running into yet another fabulous work of art. I recently read a Bombing Science article, which listed the top 99 instagrammable cities in the world for graffiti, and It came as no suprise to me that Los Angeles, at #6, was ranked in the top 10. If you’ve been following my instagram feed you’ll know that I definitely contributed to that ranking.
Expression through art is nothing new, but with today’s social media phenomenon artists now have the ability to get their message to more people than ever before. While at times I get annoyed by the competitive nature of social media, I do love the ability to discover so much amazing art, not just here in LA, but around the world.
It’s A Living DTLA Arts District
All this positive exposure has definitely helped to bring about the mainstream acceptance of an art form that was at one time considered vandalism and nothing more. Whether it be loving, Inspirational, motivational, cheerful, political, bitter or just plain fun the street art in LA is sending a message. The question is are we listening?
Social Fatigue Media
This fun mural can be found in Downtown LA’s Little Tokyo. I just love the message @dmirworld is sending, and the moment I saw this I just knew I had to share. For me the message is so clear. It’s crazy how we get so wrapped up in social media and whether or not someone else appreciates/loves what we choose to share. I share what brings me joy and I hope that it will do the same for others!
Little Tokyo Village
Love Notes
James Goldcrown’s #bleedinghearts love walls are some of the most popular expressions of love in LA, but you’ll find messages of love all over town!
J. Goldcrown Alfred’s Coffee MelroseGina Flo w/ Beautify Earth Melrose and Western.
No longer available
Main Street Venice
Motivation, Inspiration and Imagination
Much to my delight there are messages of inpsiration and motivivation everywhere! I get so excited when I come upon something new, which is just about every time I go out and about! Like these angel wings I stumbled upon just the other day while exploring the Fashion District.
The first Angel Wings were painted on Traction Avenue in the DTLA Arts District, but lucky you they can now be found all over the world! These are just a few of the many wings located here in the City of Angels. Check the official Collette Miller Angel Wings map to see if there are any near you!
Temporary Installation
Collab with Collette Miller and WRDSMTH
The Original Angel Wings
WRDSMTH’s positive words of widom can be found everywhere in the City of Angels, as well as around the world. He recently held a solo art show featuring canvases and prints of some of his most popular street art, and I happily attended.
Here are a mix of images some from the show and some from the street.
Faisdodo
Melrose Avenue
Washinton Blvd Venice
Washington Blvd Venice
Artist: WRDSMTH The Hanger on Centinella
Meeting WRDSMTH at Fais Dodo
Sound Advice
Looking for some advice? Don’t worry you’re covered:
Explore your surroundings. Life is full of wonderment!
Unknown Venice Art Walls
Wish your dream!
Megzany Arts District Co-Op
Be the best version of you! Be happy with it!
Sidewalk Sayings
These little sayings are all over the sidewalk in LA. Some are more postitive/friendly than others, however, if like the message says, you don’t look up from your phone now and again you’re bound to miss them. At least that’s how I choose interpret it!
Artist: Thrashbird Downtown LA Arts District
Politics Politics Politics
I generally gravitate toward more positive messages when it comes to taking photos of street art, but these political murals can be found all over town. Written words or not, their messages are clear.
I literally can’t keep up with all the fabulous new art going up in this town, but I’m having a great time trying! Having already written a number of posts on LA’s street art scene I’ve done my best to feature all new images in this post! I hope you enjoy!
To discover more fun street art pieces around LA check out these related posts:
In our house we love any excuse to celebrate, and its even better if dressing up is involved, which is why Halloween is one of my favorite days of the year! Lucky for me Los Angeles is a Halloween loving town, and there is plenty of opportunity! Whether you want to get fully decked out, or just come as you are, there is something for everyone. From trick or treating in neighborhoods dressed up like film sets, and organized parties to haunted theme parks and everything in between it’s easy to get in the spirit! (Yes! Pun intended!)
Local neighborhoods really go all out with their decorations!
5 Ideas for Halloween Fun in the City of Angeles
If you’re looking for something organized consider family friendly Halloween Time at Disneyland or the spooky Halloween Horror Nights at Universal studios. If theme parks aren’t your thing, Hollywood Forever Cemetery puts on a Dia de los Muertos celebration every year, and if it’s anything like the other events I’ve attended there expect nothing less than excellence.
1. Attend Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party at Disneyland
We’ve been attending Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party off and on since the very first one, and they’re a lot of fun, but even if you don’t attend the party, the parks are decorated beautifully and will definitely get you in the Halloween spirit.
The Halloween Fireworks are spooktacular!Small World Halloween
Kids are always encouraged to wear costumes while visiting the parks, but don’t worry if you don’t have one yet, as you’ll find an extra big selection of costumes for sale in most of the shops.
Halloween Haul!
Yummy Halloween treats can be found throughout the park from glowing drinks to fancy caramel apples and more!
This year California Adventure is getting in on the Halloween Time fun, and is fully decked out! We were lucky enough to be standing in the right place at the right time when the Headless Horseman rode up!
2. Scare yourself silly at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights
I wouldn’t be caught dead at a haunted house or maze, which is why I won’t be giving you a first hand account of Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, but close friends recently went and loved it!
Bert, you look awfully happy for a guy with a knife to his throat!
Not only do they completely transform sections of the park, but you’ll be given access to areas of the Studio Back Lot that are normally unavailable during a daytime visit!
3. Visit the The Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Have you had a chance to visit the Hollywood forever cemetery yet? If not, consider making this year’s Dia de los Muertos celebration, which will be its 18th year, your first visit.
We attended a Churches concert at Hollywood Forever last October!
I’m hoping to make it this year, and I’m planning to bring the kids! We’ve attended other events at the cemetery including an outdoor movie screening, and a concert and I’m seriously impressed!
Watching Ghost World
Even if you can’t make it to an organized event you might consider a visit anyway, as the cemetery is the final resting place of many famous Hollywood and musical icons from Hattie McDaniel to Chris Cornell, and Johnny Ramone.
Concessions are available
Everything is lit up beautifully
Waiting for the show
4. Attend a Costume Party
Don’t feel like throwing a party, or waiting for your friends to do it… there are many organized costume parties all over town. Not sure what to dress up as? Don’t worry many of the parties are themed!
As I mentioned I love to dress up, and I get pretty into it! This year I was excited to be attending a party, and I had a lot of fun getting my costume together. I decided to go with something a bit more classic, but with a twist. Sort of a cute yet creepy Cheshire Cat from Disney’s Alice in Wonderland!
Photos weren’t allowed at the party we attended, but they did give us these polaroids to bring home!
DIY
I love a challenge and like to do my own make up, however if you’re not up for it, or don’t have the supplies, many of the makeup shops around town will do elaborate Halloween make up for you. Keep in mind that an appointment is required, and it can it can be on the pricier side as a purchase is required. Check out SmashBox on Abbot Kinney or Urban Decay in Century City Mall.
Before
TaDa!
I got my apron dress from AJs Cafe on Etsy. She has just about every Disney character you can imagine.
Costumes from Halloweens Past
Argh a Pirate!
The Black Swan
Harajuku
Sugar Skull
5. Attend Aero Theater’s All night Horrorthon
Maybe you prefer a less conspicuous celebration? Consider attending a Horror Movie Marathon. This is the home of Hollywood after all. The Aero Theater on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica is just one of many theaters showing Halloween movies all month long. They’ll also be hosting their 12th annual all night Horrorthon on Saturday, October 28th!
Looking for even more ideas? A quick internet search should do the trick!
Interested in other fun Halloween ideas from hilarystyle? Check out these ghosts of Halloweens past:
A word of advice If you think LA traffic is bad on a “regular day” Halloween is the worst! Leave early, and once you get where you’re going, stay there. Unless you and your fabulous costume love sitting in the car for hours…
I’ve been inspired by all the mouthwatering photos of food I’ve been seeing online lately, but with literally thousands of delicious choices right here in my home town of LA, and limited time to eat out, my list of must try places was growing long. A plan was in order and I decided a food tour* was the perfect answer! Combining a visit to one of my favorite LA neighborhoods with delicious food and iconic sights sounded fun to me, but how would I keep my 9 year old son (and husband) engaged? A dessert tour of course! After all, life is short… dessert first!
There are many fabulous neighborhoods in Los Angeles, each one with it’s own charm, but it was my desire to ride the newly reopened Angels Flight Railway, that helped me choose Downtown LA for this particular adventure. A big fan of public art, I was excited to see a number of fun street art pieces along our route.
The Sweet Tooth’s Walking Tour is 1.7 miles, and can be enjoyed in both directions. We chose to walk back to our car after the tour, but there are plenty of public transportation options if you’re too full to walk. Public parking lots and metered parking are available. We found $5 parking just behind Birdies.
Birdies
Location: 314 West Olympic Boulevard Los Angeles (Stop A)
Our first stop, Birdies, is well known in LA for both their donuts and fried chicken, so of course we had to try both! The donuts are baked fresh every two hours.
To ensure we had room for all our delicious stops, we decided we’d share two donuts, and some Birdies Bites (fried chicken tenders) between the three of us. There are multiple dipping sauces available for the bites. We tried sweet Asian chili and house ranch, but left the ghost pepper mayo to braver souls.
Panda Donut
Gold leaf donut
Elliot chose a panda donut, because… panda! The strawberry donut was so delicious we forgot to take a proper photo. pictured above is the cream cheese champagne glazed gold leaf donut, a specialty donut, which will set you back $100! Other donuts range in price between $.50 for donut holes and $3.50 for fancier flavors.
Bottega Louie
Location: 700 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles (Stop B)
Bottega Louie, is known for it’s colorful and photogenic macarons, but it isn’t just about the sweets and treats, it’s also a full service restaurant with a full bar and a gourmet market.
We weren’t planning on a sit down meal, so we took our treats to go, however the lunch options looked and smelled wonderful, so I see a return visit in the near future!
LA Weekly listed Bottega Louie as one of the 10 best macarons in LA! The flavors we enjoyed were, chocolate mint, raspberry, salted caramel, birthday cake and coconut. My favorite was the coconut! Macarons can be purchased individually, or in boxes.
Elliot chose to enjoy a chocolate eclair rather than a macaron… from the looks of it he had no regrets!
Little Damage
Location: 700 S Spring St, Los Angeles (Stop C)
Little Damage is a family owned soft serve ice cream shop in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. With trendy black cones and unique flavor choices, Little Damage, is not your average ice cream… its ice cream with a Goth twist!
We sampled Unicorn Tears, a lovely blue color, which actually tasted like vanilla birthday cake. A scoop is $6 and comes with one free topping. The trendy black waffle cone (made from activated charcoal) is $1 extra.
Planning on sharing your food finds on social media? With it’s many fun signs, both inside and out, Little Damage provides plenty of opportunities for that perfect pic! But you better hurry, because it’s hot out there and the SoCal sun and soft serve ice cream don’t mix.
If there are any movie or architecture lovers in your group, they’ll love this next stop!
Built in 1893, the Bradbury Building is the oldest commercial building in the area. While the outside might not seem like anything particularly special, its the inside’s Victorian Era atrium with it’s grandiose iron work, 50 foot ceilings, and open cage elevators that really shine.
Fans of the movie Blade Runner, starring Harrison Ford, might recognize the atrium space as Sebastian’s home.
Visitors are welcome, and entrance to the Bradbury Building is free, but keep in mind the building is still in use, so access is limited. If you’re interested in exploring further there are various tours available.
The Grand Central Market opened in 1917 and has been operating continuously ever since. A popular destination for locals and tourists alike, you’ll find something for everyone in your group, no matter their food tastes. From Thai sticky rice to cheesecake, whisky and cheese, a Jewish deli, vegan choices, coffee, Chinese food, green grocers and so much more. There’s even a PB&J shop!
The hustle and bustle, neon and vibrant atmosphere make Grand Central Market a place worth visiting all on it’s own! My plan to finish our foodie tour with a taste of cheese at the DTLA Cheese shop was foiled when we realized we were just too full. Next time!
The newly reopened Angels Flight Railway has been in operation on and off since 1901, and at 298 feet is the world’s shortest railway. When it opened, one hundred years ago, its location was the main hub of commerce and entertainment in Downtown Los Angeles. The Angels Flight Railway is a treasured piece of LA history, and it has given more than 100 million rides!
Located just across the street from the Grand Central Market, Angels Flight was the perfect way for locals to get up and down the steep hill with their groceries!
A one way ride on Angels Flight is $1 payable at the upper station. Metro pass holders may ride for $.50. If you’re only interested in riding one way there are stairs located to the side of the railway. We rode up and walked back down.
Street art as seen from the Angels Flight Upper Station
The Last Bookstore
Location: 453 S. Spring St, Los Angeles ( Bonus Stop D)
If you have book lovers in your group you’ll want to make time for The Last Bookstore. Full of character and visually stunning this place is a book lovers dream!
A labyrinth of books, the comic section, the first edition vault, (literally, it was inside an actual vault), the artist studios, and a rare book room are just a few of the places you can explore during a visit to The Last Bookstore.
*This is a self-guided walking tour created by yours truly! Even with the promise of unlimited desserts I couldn’t persuade my teen to join us.
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Photos weren’t allowed at the party we attended, but they did give us these polaroids to bring home!
