Out and About: West Hollywood Edition

West Hollywood is full of amazing sites, bites, shops and sounds. The style of which depends on your preference. From the Rock History of the Sunset Strip to priceless art hung in Miracle Miles Museum Row. Spend a day on Route 66, and discover one of LA’s most popular neighborhoods!

From AM:

If your an early riser we recommend a morning jog along the city’s most famed hiking trail–Runyon Canyon.

Runyon Canyon

The trail is always buzzing with celebrities and LA locals kicking off their morning fitness routine. Feel free to bring your furry friend too as Runyon Canyon is a pet-friendly jogging trail with amazing city views!

After you have worked up your energy settle down for a quintessential California meal at the neighborhood favorite–BBCM or The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker if you can say that three times fast.

BBCM Cafe

Sit outside under perfectly pruned Olive trees while you enjoy the LA morning sun and their selection of gourmet organic menu options.

Once you’ve finished with breakfast, it is time to venture off to the days next destination. We recommend a quick Uber ride over to the Miracle Mile where LA’s top museums await you.

LACMA

Start off at LACMA to view a range of Modern Contemporary Art and Exhibits. For those that prefer the kind of art that hits the road, the Peterson Automotive Museum is right across the street.

Peterson Automotive Museum

And for our movie buffs, soon enough the Academy will debut their Museum right alongside LACMA where priceless wardrobes and set pieces from famed films will be on view.

Stride a bit further outdoors and you’ll likely smell before you see–the La Brea Tar Pits. Long before Tesla’s roamed the streets of LA, Mastodons called it home.

La Brea Tar Pits

This landmark exhibit is still an excavation site for paleontologists that continuously discover new artifacts preserved in the tar of its former residents.

Needing a bit more culture on the top of your Contemporary Sundae?  The MAK Center now serves as an Art & Architecture headquarters of LACMA but is most notably known as R.M. Schindler’s 1920’s abode. The homes current mainstay are the events and exhibitions that take place there throughout the year, as well as the children’s activities available daily.

To Afternoon: 

Once you’ve had your fill of Weho’s art scene, make your way to famed Melrose Ave. Predominantly known as the hub for the city’s best in unique and chic apparel.

Vivienne Westwood

From Vivienne Westwood to John Varvatos, there is something stylish for all.

After your fashion overhaul is complete, it’s time for an afternoon nosh! Don’t stray away from the street your on because Melrose Ave. also serves as a premiere dining destination.

For gourmet Mexican, Gracias Madre rains supreme. So much so you’ll have a hard time believing its a vegan restaurant! Feeling for a bite on the heavier side?

Gracias Madre

Across the way and by way we mean street, is Cecconi’s. From the owners of Soho House, Cecconi’s is a pristine take on southern Italian. Between the modern designed interior to the delectable menu options, you’ll feel molto buona(very good)!

Cecconis

After a filling lunch, we recommend taking part in West Hollywoods Architectural Walk. Created by the West Hollywood Preservation Alliance, Walkable Weho: Architecture & Golden Era Walk is a captivating walk along the city’s premiere living gems.

Villa D’Este- West Hollywood

Begin your journey at Tara, the historic landmark building named after Tara from Gone with the Wind. Gaze upon 15 of Weho’s most famed residences, ending on the historic La Fountaine. Designed by Leland Bryant, the apartments served as a former home to celebrities like Bette Middler and Steve Martin.

To PM:

By the time you’ve walked, shopped and seen yourself out, it’s nightfall in LA and the real fun begins! Depending on your preference, the night in Weho can take you to any number of places. We recommend starting off with dinner at beloved eateries like Lucques or The Tower Bar.

Tower Bar- Sunset Tower Hotel

You’re likely to see a few famous faces along with enjoying award winning meals.

For our funny boned individuals, the Sunset Strip is home to comedian stomping grounds the Laugh Factory and the Comedy Store.

The Comedy Store

Both establishments have welcomed the likes of Eddie Murphy to Chevy Chase and still do the trick to this day.

Needing something on the buzzy side, further down the strip you’ll find the famed Rock N’ Roll Road.

The Roxy

With landmark venues like The Roxy and The Viper Room, you’ll not only be in the presence of Rock legend history, you may also discover a new favorite band.

Inspired to sing your own heart out?

Blind Dragon

Blind Dragon is the areas premiere Karaoke Bar from the h.Wood Group team(The Nice Guy, Delilah, 40 Love) with creative craft cocktails and belt worthy tunes.

For those wishing to dance the night away, 1OAK is never a disappointment if you don’t mind the line to get inside.

The Troubador

Otherwise, the true all-nighters venture over to the city’s Santa Monica Blvd for a truly lively atmosphere. The Troubador is always sure to put on a good show being another landmark musical hub.

Doheny Room

Next door The Doheny Room serves bites and sips downstairs with a NY club like atmosphere upstairs. And with party favorites like Pump, The Abbey, and Revolver throughout the street, you’ll have your pick of places.

No matter how your night ends, you can do no wrong along Route 66

 

 

Out and About: Beverly Hills Edition

By: Samira Murphy

Every so often, at some point in your busy week, it happens–you get to play tourist for the day. Whether its hopping in the car for a scenic drive down the coast or popping into Fred Segal’s for an afternoon nosh, “me time” is so crucial. 

Once a week, we will cut the clutter and provide you with hidden gems in the city of stars and beyond. From Beverly Hills to the San Fernando Valley, take time to explore your neck of the woods!

“Beverly Hills what a thrill!”

Troop Beverly Hills
Troop Beverly Hills

Outside the glitz and glam of Rodeo drive, there are quite a few iconic points of interest in the 90210.

If one feels like taking a trip down tinsel town lane, Greystone Mansion or the Virginia Robinson Gardens prove to be an ideal way to spend the better part of your day.

Brimming with a rich history of yesteryears, these homes still stand as the Icons of their area code.

Greystone Mansion
Greystone Mansion

Greystone Mansion host many events throughout the year, from music in the garden to theatrical productions.

Upcoming soirees include Twilight on the Terrace-Sept. 30th from 4-7pm and Tour of the Best Kept Secret-Nov. 11th 11:00am-3:30pm. Or one can pursue around on their own accord daily from 10am-5pm(excluding holidays). For more info click here.

Not stopping short on the Tour de BH, the Virginia Robinson Gardens serves as the city’s first luxury estate. It does so by treating its visitors with an illustrious peak at its rich history by advance bookings only.

Virginia Robinson Gardens
Virginia Robinson Gardens

What’s so appeasing about this tour over the next? The Virginia Robinson Garden tours are Docent led. Taking visitors through six acres of unique botanical garden, including the largest collection of King Palms in the Western Hemisphere. Similar to Greystone, Robinson Gardens also host a series of events. From intimate lectures with notable members of the community to botanical illustration classes, there’s something for all to enjoy.

Most recently, they hosted their annual Friends of Robinson Gardens Gala that recognized, our own Syd Leibovitch, President and Founder of Rodeo Realty with the Spirit of Beverly Hills Award.

For more info on tour dates and events click here.

Wanting a little more fresh air? Why not stroll down the recently restored Beverly Gardens park and Bridle path?

Beverly Gardens Park
Beverly Gardens Park

Originally developed in 1907, the park is in its final stages of competition, with the majority of the 23 blocks having been made completely over. Notable landmarks include the Electric and Doheny Fountains, the Cactus Garden and the Alta Arden Pergola Garden. From Wilshire to Doheny, it’s the perfect daytime stroll.

Feeling like a splurge? You don’t have to break the bank too much with this recent shopping edition to the Golden Triangle.

Im sure you’ve seen the long ambiguous line forming around the corner of the MGM Offices? Is everyone waiting for the new iPhone? Not quite.

260 LA
260 LA

260 LA joined the neighborhood last year but has in the past month moved to a a new location, taking over the former space of Maxfield Bleu. And what is 260 LA, you may ask or already know…It’s a sample sale paradise for you inner fashion guru. Each week the shop host different designer sample sales, from Oscar de la Renta, to Moncler. Sign up for their newsletter to be in the know of whose next or pop in Tuesday-Sunday. More info here.

While in the vicinity of Rodeo Drive, take a short trip to Galerie Michael. Here you’ll find their latest works on display featuring the art of the greats captured  on canvas.

Galerie Michael is tucked up along the cobble stone of Rodeo’s more European corner. Prior featured artists included Salvador Dali and Picasso, with the Marc Chagall exhibit being their current installation. For museum times and info click here.

After all the site seeing, shopping, and strolls, there is no shortage of cuisine options in this iconic area code.

Taco Tuesdays @ Peninsula Hotel Beverly Hills
Taco Tuesdays @ Peninsula Hotel Beverly Hills

Whether you opt to break up the day with a afternoon bite at La Scala or prefer to take in the rooftop scenes later in the day during the Peninsula’s Taco Tuesday, the best way to know what’s cravings worthy in Beverly Hills is by READING OUR BLOG.

Just kidding!

You can also stay about to date with all things Beverly Hills by visiting the Love Beverly Hills website. There you’ll find limited engagements, restaurant deals and updates, as well as other neighborhood facts to keep you in the know.