Day Trip - Malibu's Tide Pools

As much as I love the beach, I'm not the best a sitting still. So I'm always looking for ways to enjoy the surf without having to stay put, and recently a co-worker was telling me about a great day trip to explore the tide pools of Leo Carrillo State Park.  Just 30 minutes north on the PCH, and filled with anemones, crabs, sea cucumbers and starfish, it is the perfect ocean side compromise for LA's next hot day.

Or make it a weekend! Just 1.5 miles from the beach, Leo Carrillo State Park also offers lots of campsites shaded by giant sycamores.  Book online at Reserve America!

Malibu's Hidden Hindu Temple - Inner-City Escape

As you may remember, earlier this year I was surprised to find a fuax-ghoast town deep in Malibu mountains. Today, I was equally surprised to find out that the very same mountains have another seemingly-out-of-place secret: a hidden Hindu Temple.

Built in 1981, you may recognize it from a cameo in Beverly Hills Ninja or one of Brittany Spears's baby blessings. But on any given day this beautiful temple offers a serine escape from the city, while providing space for meditation and picknicking. It even has a full stage for special cultural and Hindu programs...

Get Me There: Located in the Malibu Mountains of Calabasas its a quick drive up the 101 or the PCH.  
When Do I Go:  The temple is open every day of the year, with Monday - Friday summer hours of 9:00a to 12:30 Noon & 5 to 8p. But on Weekends its open from 8a to 8p
What Do I Bring: I quite mind, and shoes that are easy to slip off... most people enjoy the temple bare foot. You can also leave your wallet at home because there is no admission and parking is free... I feel relaxed already!

LAX's Food Face Lift

According to the LA Times, LAX may soon be getting a much needed culinary face lift.  Following in the footsteps of the far superior Terminal 2 at SFO, airport officials awarded contracts on Monday to some of SoCals best eateries. As long as the city council doesn't stand in the way, we could soon be chomping on the elite edibals of Govind Armstrong's  8oz. Burger, Neil Fraser's Grace, Mark Peel's Campanile and Jimmy Shaw's Loteria Grill. YUM!  

But thats not all.... if all goes to plan, terminals 7 and 8 would gain the lush libations of Seven Grand, the grub of  BLD, Marmalade Cafe and the Counter, the sweet treats of Yogurtland and the java of Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Don't fret my my American Airlines loyalists, Terminal 4 would add Cole's famous french dip sandwiches, a L.A. Gourmet Street Truck station, La Provence Patisserie & Cafe, Real Food Daily and Starbucks....this is soooooo much better than my current LAX layover staple (an overpriced watered down airport bloody mary) that I think I just drooled all over my desk. 
2012 couldn't come quicker for LA travelers! 
Cheers,
Whit

Weekend Trip ~ Laguna Beach

L.A.'s infamous 'June Gloom' is fast approching but before it gets here, one of my dear friends Samantha (who is also the author of the amazing blog - ThingsSammyLoves) has asked me to help her plan a quick, dog-friendly trip to Laguna Beach. So Sammy (and everyone reading) here is my ideal weekend jaunt, to one of SoCal's last under-developed beach communities.

Originally founded as an artist's getaway, Laguna Beach retains it's cool artistic edge, with nice galleries, good food and lots of fun summer arts festivals (including the kickin' Doheny State Beach Blues Festival on the 21st). It has some of the OC's nicest beaches, so be sure to stay at The Pacific Edge Hotel, where you'll be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the Pacific. This adorably hip hotel has two key elements 1. A beach front property and 2. a dog friendly policy (at no extra charge!). It's surfer spirit and bo-ho beachy style is divine and with rooms starting as low as $169 a night, this hotel is quick trip perfection. 

Give Me Something More:   I could easily spend a weekend next to one of the hotels 2 pools, or strolling up and down the main beach, but for those of you who are a bit more adventurous here is my list of Laguna Beach Must Do's:  

~Go Kayaking: Check out the world famous coastline during a 2 hour guided eco-tour at La Vida Laguna. They'll outfit you with everything you need, except a swim suit, for $75.  If paddling isn't your thing... they'll also rent surfboards, snorkels and sups.

~Eat Out:  For those of you who like to eat organic, check out Zinc Cafe they have  a nice selection of everything organic and a menu that will be kind to our Summer waist lines. Also, be sure to have a hearty breakfast, preferably after a morning surf, at Las Brisas Restaurant. Chow down on their famous $15 breakfast buffet that includes a design your own omelet bar (Note: it is $39 for Sunday Brunch, but that includes unlimited glasses of bubbly).
~Go For A Walk (ing Tour): Head to the Visitors Center and pick up a map for your self-guided walking tour of the historic bungalows, cottages and homes built by some of the OC's earliest residents.

Get Me There: Roughly an hour south on the 5, Laguna is the perfect distance to get away...without being far away.

Fingers crossed that this weekend trip will be some... ThingSammyLoves ! 

xo!

HomeAway (from home) Fridays ~ WeHo

My boyfriend and I recently started talking about moving in together, and ever since I've been tearing through catalogs, searching my favorite design blogs (especially apartmenttherapy.com) and looking everywhere (even on some of my favorite home rental sites) for design inspiration.... So this week I thought it was only appropriate to post a rental with superb, experimental and jovial design taste.  So next time you have an in-law in town, or even if you are planning an inner-city escape, check out this awesome 1bedroom apartment in the cutest part of WEHO.

It is only $135 a night (plus a $40 cleaning fee) and is located in the most central location of L.A. You are just blocks from the city's best shoping, eating, drinking and art. It has free wireless internet, a fully equipped kitchen, fresh bedding and bath towels, coffee & tea, and a parking space. If you are traveling with a friend, the sofa in the living folds out to accommodate them.

Give Me More:

~For my fashionistas its a few blocks from the best designer shops in LA; Opening Ceremony, Paul Smith, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, A.P.C., Maxfield, H.L.N.R, and many others are a 5 minute walk away.

~For my foodies The Ivy, The Farmers Market, The Village Idiot, Animal, Comme Ca, Urth Cafe, Koi, STK, Belmont, Bastide, Nobu are basically in your backyard. 

~For my dancers check out Voyeur, FuBar, Bar Lubitsch, Winston's Bar, The Surly Goat, Cocodeville and the Troubador for great live shows.

Let me know your thoughts on the design...anything you love? hate? envy? 

Day Trip ~ The Colony Beach, Malibu

The weather is supposed to be in the 80's this weekend, so deciding what kind of a trip I would post about, was easy: A Beach Trip. But the question still remained... Which Beach? 
I love all of our LA beach but one in particular stands out. So, when Zuma is just too far, and Santa Monica and Venice just too filthy, and Hermosa and Manhattan too flooded with frat boys. Take my advise and head 15 minutes up the PCH to The Colony Beach in Malibu. 

Tucked away and hidden from sunburned tourists and beach going amateurs, The Colony Beach is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with friends, sneak a beer, read a book and beat the heat. On a side note: My boyfriend recently bought me a FlipCam, and on a recent trip to The Colony Beach with a few friends I gave video journalism a go! Its my first attempt, so I'm begging for your patience and understanding, but hopefully it gives you a sense of the beach and gets you excited to go!

Get me there:  From Downtown take the 10 west to the PCH. Head North till you hit the intersection of the Webb Way. Take a Left. At the first stop take a Right onto Malibu Rd. Curise for about 1.2 miles, and on your left hand side between lots 24724 and 24700 you'll find The Colony Beach. Take the sandy steps down to the beach, pick your plot and enjoy.

Give me food: While it pails in comparison to the original in New York, Cafe Habana does the trick after a long day in the sun.  Recommendations: the grilled Mexican corn and a mojito. If you don't want to waste a minute of your day indoors, you can always pick up a sandwich or snack at the Ralph's too.

Let me sleep: Soak up some vitamin D while catching some z's right there on the beach.

HomeAway (from home) Fridays ~ I'm on a Boat

I've been so busy catching up on work since I spent most of last week in Sayulita, Mexico...that I was almost going to skip my HomeAway post today. But then my good friend Elaine called and asked me if I could help her find a cool place, around L.A., near water, for a fun weekend getaway with a few friends.  I guess it turns out the awesome Venice bungalow I posted about here is already booked up for the summer (Hopefully by my loyal readers. Wink!). So while this post won't have a lot of fluff or extra info, it will hopefully point Elaine, and all of you reading it, in the right direction for a great holiday weekend..... on a BOAT!

This 47 foot motor yacht, docked in Marina Del Rey, has everything a house would, except a foundation. It has a flat screen TV, large master bedroom with a California king, bamboo hardwood floors, granite counter tops, a guest bedroom room, a pretty (for a boat) bathroom, a roof deck with a BBQ and a full kitchen with all of the accessories you would need....and I almost forgot to mention its only $140 a night! So in the words of our generational icon, Adam Sandberg, "I'm On A Boat!"

Opps. How'd that last picture get in there?!?! 

Have a great weekend everyone...my Sayulita trip details and photos are coming soon! xo

Inner-City Escape L.A. - Brewery Artwalk and Yamashiro Farmers Market

This weekend most everyone I know will be heading out to the desert for Coachella, but personally I'm looking forward to staying behind and exploring a less crowed Los Angeles. There are two different events topping my weekend itinerary. The first is the Yamashiro Garden Market and the second is The Brewery Artwalk, but lets start with Yamashiro because that happens tomorrow (and every Thursday until September).

1. The Yamashiro Garden Market (same thing as a Farmers market) takes place on Thursday nights from 5-9:30pm. Its the only evening farmers market that I know of, and I think more should follow suit. Those of you who have been to Yamashiro (the iconic Hollywood sushi resturant) know that it has the most exceptional views of Los Angeles. Perched high in the Hollywood Hills you can buy local produce, sip on some wine or just enjoy local music while looking out over the Hollywood skyline. They also just opened Pagoda Bar, an outdoor lounge near the pool, serving specialty cocktails like the scrumptious Q-Tea: a refreshing blend of Cucumber Water, Agave Nectar, Fresh Lemon Juice and Oolong infused Vodka. So after you've picked up your weekend produce and chowed at a local vendor (most people will recommend the $6 taco plate) have a night cap under the stars. 
Note to all the men reading this post: Its also a perfect (inexpensive / creative) date night.

 

Get Me There: The market is located in the parking lot of Yamashiro Sushi (1999 N. Sycamore Ave. Hollywood, CA 90068). Here's the deal with parking. If you get there early enough you can valet at Yamashiro for $2 with validation (this is what I recommend), if not they direct you down to La Brea to catch a free shuttle. Or, if like myself you live in Hollywood, just walk. Its supposed to be 75 on Thursday. Enjoy the night (and cocktails) without hesitation.

2. The Brewery Art Walk is a bi-annual open studio event at the worlds largest art complex in downtown L.A. It was converted from the industrial buildings of an old Pabst Blue Ribbon brewery and bottling plant (Quick: alert the Hipsters) and is now home to over 100 resident artists. So not only will you be able to buy their original works at studio prices, you'll also know where the live. (I hope that didn't sound too creepy). From 11am - 6pm on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend wonder the large complex and enjoy all types of art, from skate decks to sneakers, prints to paintings, sculpture to interactive art. Entrance is free and parking is plentiful so why not call on your inner creative and get inspired. 

 

Get Me There: The Brewery is location at 2100 N. Main Street right off of Hwy 5.  Now go get you artsy on and enjoy! 

Have a great weekend. Cheers!

HomeAway (from home) Fridays ~ Venice Beach

One of the things I love to hate about L.A., is it's size, scope and sprawl, but when we have days like today, and it’s close to 80° in March, all of sudden it all feels quite alright. Its this type of weather that that reminds me L.A. is large enough to take a vacation and never have to leave the city. So jump out of bed, pack a beach bag and head west to your HomeAway from Home in LA's own Venice Beach. 

This 3 bedroom Balinese bungalow is the perfect beat-the-heat retreat. There are extra rooms to bring your friends and the perfect backyard to throw the ultimate beach BBQ (did I mention the jacuzzi and fire pit?). A four block walk to adorable Abbott Kinney and just a few blocks from that...the infamous Venice Beach. Rates start at $230 and it books up fast, so book (here) now.

{the living space}

{the master}

{the indoor /outdoor shower...love}

Get Me There: If you are from LA this is kind of a no-brainer, but the real secret lies in the fastest way to get from the East, to the West. Coming from the Hollywood Hills take Highland or La Brea down to Venice Blvd. Then head east until you hit Lincoln. Take right on Lincoln then a left on Vernon and wha-laa you've arrived. On a good day it takes 40 minutes (trust me. there isn't a faster way. I've tried 'em all). On a bad day, an hour, but the beach breeze and laid back Venetian attitude makes it all worth it.

Give Me Food: Simple: Gjelina. I know I preach about cooking at home, but make sure you reserve one of your west side nights for Gjelina. Its amazing, you'll probably have to wait, but again it's worth it. After your done with dinner wonder down Abbott to the  Tasting Kitchen for a post dinner cocktail. My personal favorite is the 'brave heart', but every drink is perfection, just take a look (here). On whichever night you aren't eating on Abbott load up on yummy summer veggies at the Santa Monica Farmers Market, grab a bottle of wine from Venice Beach Wines on Rose and fire up the grill.  The best part about this vacation rental is its open airy living spaces and uber generous back yard. Light some candles, play a great mix on your ipod and stay up late taking a tub under the stars. 

Give Back to LA ~ TreePeople

In addition to getting out... I'm extremely passionate about giving back and considering the global climate and the devastation from last week's Tsunami in Japan, I thought it was only fitting that this week's post explore local opportunities to get out...and give back. 

This weekend, and all upcoming weekends, TreePeople (a local environmental nonprofit) is calling on local volunteers (aka YOU) to help restore the damage from last summer's massive Station Fire in the Angeles National Forest. The Station fire was the largest and deadliest of the 2009 wildfires, burning 160,577 acres and killing two firefighters. This is an opportunity to restore the fire-damaged areas by taking a hike, making new friends and planting a tree.  

Get me there:  Register! Create an account with TreePeople to participate in this, and countless other restoration events in the LA area. If a hike in the hills isn't calling your name, there is also opportunities for street planting in Long Beach, park planting in Studio City and work days at TreePeople's beautiful 45-acre headquarters atop Mulholland Dr. where hikers, bikers and  children enjoy the trails, trees and views in one of LA’s most loved (and least known about) parks. Spoiler Alert: There will be more on what to enjoy at TreePeople park in a future post.

Give me food: Pack the perfect sack lunch, with a gourmet twist. That means, leave the little box of raisins at home, jazz up the PB&J by adding thinly sliced Granny Smith apples and be sure to include a perfectly picked piece of fruit...and if you happen to stumble upon a 8oz carton of milk (you know, like we all had in elementary school) throw it in there for nostalgia's sake.

Give me something more: While taking care of our own backyard is important, I don't want to downplay the recent tragedies in Japan.  The past week's events has  left me overcome by sadness, shock and empathy. I’ve made a donation to the Red Cross (here) I encourage everyone that has the means to give as well.

Wild Wild Western

For this trip all you'll need to get away from LA is a free afternoon and a full tank of gas.  Easy to get to, fun for photos and surrounded by great hikes. Take an afternoon to journey back in time to the Paramount Ranch. 

With a rich film history, this park has fooled movie-goers into mistaking it for the Ozark Mountains, Albuquerque New Mexico, Tom Sawyer's Missouri and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman's Colorado Springs, but you won't need a ticket to this show because admission is free (and so is the parking). The set is an honest homage to the Wild Wild West, and luckily for us, its located an hour away in the Agoura Hills. 

Get me there: Just 40 miles north on the 101 (but a century back in time) you can almost drive right into the famous faux-ghost town. Multiple hiking trails are tucked away in the valley behind the town but some of the trail junctions are unmarked, so bring a copy of the Paramount Ranch Trail guide before setting out.

Give me something more: Throughout the year there are multiple fun festivals that take place, but the one not to be missed is the Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest in early May.

Give me food:  If the mock-western town wasn't fix enough, top off the day with dinner at Old Place. The name says it all. Recently written up in LA Magazine and reviewed by the LA Times, this restaurant is my definition of perfection. Sip on a Craftsman 1903 pre-prohibition Lager while enjoying a reasonably priced and completely delicious dinner. The ambiance is king, the food is top notch and reservations recommended. What are you waiting for? Make John Wayne proud and go.