Category: activities

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Weekend Events: Nov. 22nd-25th

Now that we’ve had our Thanksgiving feast and with the family still likely in town, it’s time for the real tinseltown fun. From Turkey Trots to Santa’s Christmas Tree lot, there is plenty of festive beats this holiday weekend!

With all the hustle and bustle of our weekday routine we bring you a curated list of the weekends top activities happening throughout the city of stars.

Discover your inner Angeleno!

Limited engagements taking place this Nov. 22nd-25th

Thursday & Friday nov. 22nd-23rd

Turkey Trot

Turkey Trot

November 22

Location: Downtown

If your looking for something to combine giving back and the exercise you’ll need alongside your festive feast, the Turkey Trot answers that call.  A charity race through DTLA benefiting The Midnight Mission, give thanks this season to your cardio incentive.

The Queen Mary 

November 23-January 6th

Queen Mary Christmas

Location: The Queen Mary, Long Beach

The Queen Mary is a graceful step back in time. Whether you opt to enjoy their first class dining on Thanksgiving(November 22nd) or prefer to savor an extra day until the annual Christmas celebration begins. Decked out in twinkling lights that nestle perfectly with the night sky is a months worth of live music, food & drink, and family activities to delight the all aboard the iconic ship.

STANLEY KUBRICK’S SOUND ODYSSEY (OPENING NIGHT)

Nov. 23rd-25th

Location: Walt Disney Concert Hall, DTLA

Combining film clips with live performances of the scores, we bring to life the iconic music chosen by late legendary director Stanley Kubrick – from Beethoven to Penderecki.

Pre-Concert Event: Drinks in the Garden
Come early on select Friday nights and enjoy complimentary drinks and a unique view of the DTLA skyline from the Garden. Then head over to the Upbeat Live pre-concert talk in BP Hall (select nights only).

Pre-Concert Talk: Upbeat Live
With Bernardo Rondeau – 7pm
Enhance your concert experience with a pre-concert talk starting at 7pm. Upbeat Live provides historical and cultural context for many concerts, featuring engaging speakers, audio examples, and special guests. These events are free to ticket holders and are held in BP Hall, on the second floor, accessible after your ticket is scanned.

Saturday Nov. 24th

UCLA Football VS. Stanford

Location: Rose Bowl, Pasadena

UCLA Football will wrap up the 2018 season by playing host to the Stanford Cardinal this Saturday, November 24, at the Rose Bowl Stadium with a 12:00 p.m. kickoff. In appreciation of their selfless service and efforts to keep our community safe, UCLA Athletics is proud to offer four complimentary tickets to Saturday’s game to all first responders. This offer can be redeemed at the Rose Bowl Stadium Box Office on Saturday by showing any valid first responder identification.

For UCLA vs. Stanford Gameday presented by McDonald’s, parking lots will open at 6:00 a.m. Fans are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and pre-purchase parking online here for $5 off on-site pricing.

SENIOR PET ADOPTION FAIR

Location: Wallis Annenberg PetSpace: Playa Vista

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month and Wallis Annenberg PetSpace is devoted to finding forever homes for senior dogs and cats! We are proudly partnering with the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control to offer senior dog and cat adoptions at this special event. Meet with experts at booths to learn about the amazing qualities of senior pets and how enriching life can be with one of these companion animals. Plus, discover products and nutritional offerings specifically geared toward older pets. Younger guests can join a very special Paws & Pages storytime session, as Lisa Wiehebrink will be reading her Gray Whiskers book and signing copies too. Face painting and refreshments will also be provided, free of charge. Be sure to bring the entire family to this heartwarming event!

Holiday Marketplace

Location: Craft and Folk Art Museum, Los Angeles

It’s a match made in artisanal, #shoplocal heaven at the return of the Craft & Folk Art Museum’s Holiday Marketplace. It’s a slightly more global take on the local makers scene, augmented by music and snacks, with the added benefit of taking in the museum’s current round of impressive mixed-media shows and installations. Tip: The faux-fur safe room by Uzumaki Cepeda might come in handy for weary shoppers seeking a calming respite. The jewelry, textiles, ceramics, and unique, sustainable home goods are not only irresistible but also cash and carry — so consider getting in on the Saturday morning preview brunch not only for early access to the goods but also fresh coffee and fancy treats. VIP preview brunch: Sat., Nov. 24, 10-11:30 a.m., $15.

Sunday nov. 25th

The Hollywood Christmas Parade

November 25

Location: Hollywood Blvd, Holllywood

Also, the annual Hollywood Christmas Parade is returning this month! The parade, which will be held November 25, will feature many performers including The Village People, Ruben Studdard, Tom Dixon, and many more! A great event to add to your things to do list! Also, attendees will enjoy a night filled with marching band shows, larger-than-life balloon figures, and even an appearance from Santa. A concert for ticket holders will be at 5 p.m., with the procession starting at 6 p.m. Tickets range from $32 – $85. More details HERE.

Langham Winter Festival

November 25th

Langham Winter Festival

Location: The Langham, Pasadena

The landmark Langham Hotel host their final Heritage with Heart event of the year. Already regarded as one of the premiere luxury resorts in southern California, the hotel will usher in the holidays stylishly. Enjoy the hotels tree lighting ceremony, a live performance by the Lythgoe Family, holiday food and of course Santa.

My Fair Lady

Location: Aero Theatre, Santa Monica

4K Restoration! MY FAIR LADY, 1964, Hollywood Classics, 170 min. Dir. George Cukor.

Domineering speech expert Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison, in his finest performance) transforms 19th-century Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle (the never-lovelier Audrey Hepburn) into a beautiful, swanlike lady, in director George Cukor’s sumptuous adaptation of the Lerner & Loewe musical classic. Winner of eight Academy Awards including Best Picture, Director and Actor. Co-starring Stanley Holloway, Wilfrid Hyde-White, Theodore Bikel and Jeremy Brett. With the song favorites “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?,” “The Rain in Spain,” “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “Get Me to the Church on Time” and more! 

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Rodeo Realty Giving Back To The Homeless

Throughout the year, Rodeo Realty takes part in giving back and helping many organizations.

For example, in November, Rodeo Realty is helping the homeless. This year, the company is giving back by helping The People Concern. Many Rodeo Realty agents are volunteering and preparing meals to feed the homeless. The People Concern helps families, as well as many others who have nowhere else to turn.

In addition to that, Rodeo Realty is sponsoring The Great Thanksgiving Banquet. The Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission puts this annual event together. Homeless individuals will be bused to the Help Center in the Valley where they will enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal. Rodeo Realty agents are giving back by volunteering their time to feed the less fortunate.

 

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Top Tips For Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood

Looking for something fun to do for all ages? One place to consider is Universal Studios Hollywood. This film studio and theme park is one of the most popular theme parks in California! If you’re planning on visiting Universal Studios Hollywood soon, a little planning and preparation can go a long way! Take a look at the tips below. Hopefully this will help you navigate Universal Studios Hollywood like a pro.

Ticket options

1. Order you tickets in advance. Online general admission tickets are typically cheaper and range between $99 – $129.

2. If you’re not really sure on what day you’re planning on visiting, you can purchase their Anytime Admission tickets online. You can visit Universal on any date you choose.

3. Get Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter when you purchase online tickets. The Early Park Admission allows you to enter the park one hour before it opens and is subject to availability. Check out their calendar for availability.

4. Get in front of the line to all attractions and shows when you purchase the Universal Express Pass. This will cut your wait time in half and helps during busy days like weekends and holidays. Prices typically run $169 and up.

5. Children two years of age and younger get to enter the park for free. Just keep in mind that there’s a height requirement to various rides.

6. Want to get the VIP experience? The Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience package gives you valet parking, unlimited access to shows and rides, a personal tour of the park, breakfast in the VIP lounge, access to sound stages, prop warehouse, and other restricted areas, an all-you-can-eat lunch at the Moulin Rouge dining room. Children under the age of 5 are not allowed for this package. Prices are currently around $349 and up.

7. Planning on going with a big group? Universal offers discounts for group of 10 or more. For more information and to reserve tickets, call 1-800-959-9688.

8. Stay away from third party resellers and buy directly from the park.

Best time to go to the Park

9. If you can help it, avoid going to the park when children are out of school.

10. Fall and spring are the least congested. The busiest season is the summer.

11. Want to see a celebrity? Check out the Universal Studios Hollywood calendar to see which celeb will be at the park.

Tips on the Park

12. Get to the park early to beat the crowd.

13. Try visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter first, which is located at the front. This area can get extremely packed later in the day.

14. The park has two lots, the Upper and the Lower lot. Build out your day so you’re not going back and forth between lots. Also, the Lower lot (the smaller of the two) is usually less buy and is near some of the most exciting rides; Revenge of The Mummy The Ride, Transformers: The Ride 3D, and soon, Jurassic World, which is set to open next year in 2019.

15. Download the Universal Studios Hollywood app. The app gives you information on upcoming shows, ride wait times, restaurant and shop locations, as well as character meet and greets.

16. Free WiFi is available at the park. While at the park, use it to view wait times HERE.

17. Make sure to bring an empty water bottle into Universal Studios Hollywood and fill it up at one of the fountains inside the park. The theme park can leave you dehydrated with all the excitement and walking.

18. Non-english speakers can visit Guest Relations for tour times. Studio Tours are offered in Mandarin and Spanish.

Tips on Rides and Shows

19. Don’t care to split up from your group? Single Riders Line is a great option for you and one of the fastest ways to get on a ride.

20. Also, did you know the park offers a “child switch” program? If a child isn’t old enough or tall enough to ride—one or two adults can wait with the child in the Child Switch room while the rest of their party enjoys the attraction. When the party returns, the adults can switch with the ones waiting, without having to wait in line all over again.

21. Express passes are not accepted at Ollivanders Wand Shop. This line is the longest in the mornings when children and adults are buying their wand for the day. Wands allow you to perform magical spells at most of the Harry Potter world.

22. If you’re a die-hard Potter fan, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the place you have to visit! Here you’ll be transported into a magical world the moment you step in.

23. Consider taking the Studio Tour if you decide to visit the park. Guests will get to see some of the most iconic movies that have been filmed like JAWS and Psycho. In addition to that, you’ll also get to experience King Kong 360-3D and a ride along tour with the cast of Fast & The Furious, a hyper-realistic journey with  a crazy car chase adventure.

24. Looking to attend one of the most popular shows in the park? Make sure to see WaterWorld. Run time for this show is 20 minutes, so head on over when you need a break or are tired of standing.

25. The old Jurassic Park closed earlier this year. Universal Studios Hollywood plans to update the ride as Jurassic World in 2019.

26. Looking for a perfect cool down option for the little ones? The Wet Zone area known as Super Silly Fun Lands, offers more than 80 water play features.

Tips during Holiday Time

27. Enjoy a dazzling light show by Night Time Lights at Hogwarts Castle. This is available during the summer and in the winter time as well.

28. From November 17, 2018 to January 6, 2019, enjoy holiday themed everything at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Expect Christmas décor, and holiday themed food and drinks.

29. During the holidays, enjoy the return of “Grinchmas”. This annual event will take place weekends on December 1 and 2, 8 and 9, and daily from December 14 – 30. Here you can catch performances by Martha May Who-vier and the Who-liday Singers, as well as see a 60-foot tall “Grinchmas” tree.

30. Don’t have plans for New Year’s Eve yet? Universal Studios Hollywood will have various party areas filled with drinks, music, and dancing. At midnight, enjoy a countdown and fireworks!

31. Another fun time to visit Universal Studios Hollywood is during the Lunar New Year. For 2019 the park plans to have a Dragon Warriors Kung Fun training show, live performances, and Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop.

Eating Options

32. Feast on Hogwarts approved British fare at the Three Broomsticks in Wizarding World. This rustic tavern has a menu that includes Fish & Chips, Beef Sunday Roast, and Shepherd’s Pie. For a group of five, consider “The Great Feast” which includes roasted chicken, ribs, roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, and steamed vegetables.

33. Harry Potter fans can enjoy a taste of Butterbeer inside Hogs Head Pub. Here you can order the exclusive Hog’s head Brew or the Pumpkin Juice, wine, spirits, and other beer selections.

34. For a variety of food options, consider Springfield U.S.A. This place has many eateries, bars, and items from the show.

35. Also, CityWalk has many food options such as Karl Strauss, Margaritaville, and Voodoo Doughnut.

36. So, remember you can go in and out of the park. Hold on to your ticket and get your hand stamped.

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Weekend Events: Nov 16th-18th

With a new month comes new activities and events! Although November is already here and almost gone, there are still plenty of things to do this month. Therefore, here are some of the best events happening in and around Los Angeles that you should consider adding to your weekend calendar.

With all the hustle and bustle of our weekday routine we bring you a curated list of the weekends top activities happening throughout the city of stars.

Discover your inner Angeleno!

Limited engagements taking place this Nov. 16th-18th

Event highlights include a Chinese Lantern Festival, the Great Los Angeles Walk, and an Enchanted: Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens. So, make sure to grab your tickets now as these events are sure to sell out!

Friday, Nov. 16th

Chinese Lantern Festival 

Location: The Fairplex at Pomona

This specially crafted multicultural event features more than 1,000 handcrafted pieces that create a plethora of beautiful color and light displays.
This year’s theme is “The Wild,” which will feature animals represented in lanterns from five different areas of the world, Oceania, Africa, Antartica, Asia, and America. The event will be held at from November 15 – January 16 at The Fairplex at Pomona from 5:30 – 10 p.m. on Thursday – Sundays, including holidays. For additional information, click HERE.

LA Zoo Lights
Reindeer Village

Location: Griffith Park

LA Zoo will be decorated in winter splendor during Zoo Lights. While the adult portion will feature a happy hour lounge and live entertainment, kids will get to enjoy Reindeer Village. How old were you when you found out Reindeer are real? If your answer is today years old, your welcome(if not congratulations on knowing your mammal species) and also your in luck. This holiday season you’ll find your antlered friends hanging out in Reindeer Village at Griffith Park. Along with Comet and Blitzen as the main attraction, the zoo will also be decked in bells of holly. Just Kidding. But it will feature a splendor of winter decor and sites for all to enjoy.

David Sedaris: New and Unpublished Work
David Sedaris

Location: Royce Hall, UCLA Center for Performing Arts

Head down to Royce Hall at UCLA for a specially crafted intimate and engaging event with David Sedaris. The event, which takes place annually, sees the bestselling author reading newly written work that has not yet been packaged and published in a collection of essays or otherwise. The program is put on by UCLA’s Center for the Performing Arts. Sedaris’ first reading at the famous L.A. university happened on Nov. 6, 1998, making this a near-perfect 20th anniversary for the yearly visit. This event kicks off at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information, you can visit the link here.

Saturday Nov. 17th

Burbank Winter Wine Walk
Burbank Winter Wine Walk

Location: San Fernando Blvd, Burbank

Burbank’s Holiday Street Fair will take place November 17 at noon, but after 4 p.m., you and your 21+ friends can enjoy the Winter Wine Walk. The event gives you a complimentary tasting cup.  Enjoy the multitude of wine and beer tasting spots around San Fernando Blvd. During your walk you can also enjoy the live entertainment, holiday lights, and even snowfall! For info on this event, click HERE.

The Great Los Angeles Walk

Location: Pershing Square, DTLA through Santa Monica

Grab your tennis shoes and participate in The Great Los Angeles Walk! The 13th annual event will be held November 17 and begins at 9 a.m. in Downtown at Pershing Square and goes all the way to the ocean by way of Santa Monica. To join in on the all-day strut, email greatlawalk@mail.com. No entry fee is necessary. To learn more on this event, visit this link: www.greatlawalk.com/

Long Beach Airport’s 2018 Festival of Flight
Long Beach Festival of Flight

Location: Long Beach Airport, Long Beach

Enjoy a day of fun and airplanes at the Taxiway B at Long Beach Airport. The 2018 Festival of Flight is a celebration of flight with dozens of aircraft displays throughout the day. In addition to the aerial shows, attendees will also enjoy many activities such as helicopter tours, live entertainment, and kids activities. The event will take place Saturday, November 17 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and is completely free to attend. For more details, click HERE.

Sunday, Nov. 18th

Enchanted: Forest of Light

 

 

 

 

Location: Decanso Gardens, La Canada Flintridge

Experience a night filled with lights and scenery at Descanso Garden’s 2018 Forest of Light now through Jan. 6th. View the large displays taking over the park for a one-mile walk. Some of the new additions added this year include the neon-lit benches around the park, the Lightwave Lake, and the dining options that overlook the body of water. The Forest of Light will open daily from November 11 – January 6. For tickets and additional information, click HERE.

Toluca Lake Turkey Trot
Toluca Lake Turkey Trot

Location: Chase Bank Parking Lot, 10050 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake, 91602

The Toluca Lake Homeowners Association invites you to The 6th Annual Toluca Lake Turkey Trot on Sunday, November 18, 2018.  To participate, there is a $10 donation and all proceeds will be supporting the North Hollywood LAPD PAL (Police Activity League). Chaired by Ryan Kugler, this year’s event will prove to be fun for the entire family!

NY Mag’s Vulture Festival
HOLLYWOOD, CA – NOVEMBER 19: Actor Natalie Portman (R) and journalist Jada Yuan speak onstage during Vulture Festival LA presented by AT&T at Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on November 19, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Vulture Festival)

Location: The Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood

Do you have the E! News or TMZ app on your phone? Are you always in the know of who’s who and what’s what in Hollywood. Well our dear Pop Culture addicts, your in luck. This weekend features NY Mag’s Vulture Festival at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Come see all your favorites in music, TV, film and more in a two day festival extravaganza! This year’s participants include Constance Wu, Busy Philipps, Eric Bana, Connie Britton, Chloe Grace Moretz and more. Tickets can be purchased for each event here: http://vulturefestival.com/

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10 Best Happy Hours for Fall

While it’s warm as ever in LA, there’s no better way to cool down than with a cocktail at one great happy hour or another in Los Angeles. All over the city, bars and restaurants are offering great options for full-on dining, grazing with friends, or just grabbing a beer solo on the way home.

Luckily there’s no shortage of great options for happy hour dining and drinking right in one’s very own neighborhood. Here now are the best places to slip in for an early evening (or all night long) happy hour bite, presented from west to east.

Tallula’s

Talulla’s
118 Entrada Dr
Santa Monica, CA 90402
(310) 526-0027

Visit Website

This beachy entrant by the Rustic Canyon group was meant to host happy hour crowds. The menu available weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. offers steep discounts on favorites like the nachos sencillo, alongside new dishes like steak tostadas and a variety of tacos. Of course, there’s a requisite $8 margarita.

Tumbi

Tumbi
115 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 829-7200

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This modern Indian restaurant just steps from the beach in Santa Monica features happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. on weekdays with mini kabob burgers and two kinds of dosas either stuffed with fried chicken or mozzarella, tomato, and basil chutney. Burgers or dosas come with a beer for $11.

E.P. & L.P.

E.P. & L.P.
603 N La Cienega Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 855-9955

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E.P. & L.P. have a new rooftop happy hour on weekdays from 5 to 7 p.m. with $8 cocktails and $5 Asian-inspired street snacks. Bites include fried chicken sliders, szechuan fish tacos, and soy caramel popcorn to go along with a drink called Pineapple Skies, with tepache pineapple liqueur, ginger beer, and lime.

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
8500 Beverly Blvd #112
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 250-8034

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This Southern-inflected restaurant has all the mores of a chain restaurant, which it is, but with an expansive Beverly Center dining room and a wide menu of comfort dishes, it’s hard not to recommend as an after work hangout. It serves $7 bites from 3 to 7 p.m. such as brisket biscuits, barbecue shrimp, and disco fries, plus cocktails like a Frenso watermelon mojito for the same price.

Connie and Ted’s

Connie & Teds
8171 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 848-2722

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There’s a new late night happy hour for West Hollywood denizens at Santa Monica Boulevard mainstay Connie & Ted’s, with $1 oysters Sunday to Thursday evening from 9 to 10 p.m. Connie & Ted’s also has an afternoon happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m., but the late night is the only time to get those dollar oysters. Afternoon happy hour features $5 beers, $6 wines, and a $7 margarita, too.

Gusto

Gusto
8022 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 951-9800

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There’s a new happy hour at this high-ceiling Italian restaurant on West Third from 5 to 7 p.m. daily with $10 pizzas, 6 oysters for $12, and the excellent polpette al forno for $8. Nab an Aperol spritz or Negroni for $7, which makes a post-work hangout pretty darn affordable.

Gesso

Gesso
801 N Fairfax Ave #101
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 544-6240

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West Hollywood locals have a new after-work go-to thanks to Gesso’s weekday happy hour. From 5 to 7 p.m., an eclectic set of everything from hummus plates to anchovy toast to pate banh mi is all on the menu for $10. Specialty cocktails and wine by the glass also float around the $7 mark.

Spartina

Spartina
7505 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 782-1023

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This Melrose standby encourages diners to get social with its extended “Social Club,” available all day Monday and at the bar Sunday through Thursday. It’s surely a pleasant way to bring people together over $8 classic and specialty cocktails and $5 antipasti.

The Mermaid

The Mermaid
428 E 2nd St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
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This intimate cocktail lounge in Little Tokyo has a low key bar bites menu that’s even more reasonably priced during happy hour. Running from 5 to 8 p.m. daily, drinks are $1 off while the kitchen churns out some snacks like nori guac and pickled eggs. For something more substantial, there’s tangy chicken wings at just $1 each.

Bone Kettle

Bone Kettle
67 N Raymond Ave
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 795-5702

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With a sleek dining room and welcoming bar, Bone Kettle prepares Indonesian-inflected bites from 5 to 6 p.m. in Pasadena with $7 drinks. Food includes the highly regarded oxtail dumplings, steak tartare, bone marrow with scallion confit, and chicken wings.

Courtesy of Eater LA
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Out and About: Brentwood Edition

Those most familiar with LA will know that there are few areas as affluent as Brentwood with it’s quaint shops and lush greenery, it’s no wonder it ranks as one of L.A.’s most idyllic neighborhoods. Amongst the perfectly tailored lawns and architectural masterpieces is a day full of art, culture, sites, and bites.

Take some time to step outside your neck of the woods…

In the morning hours…

Mornings are best spent starting off with a perfect caffe au lait, in Brentwood there is no shortage of options. Stop by Caffe Luxxe and get your morning pick-me up within the historic Brentwood Country Mart.

Caffe Luxxe

The eatery picks and roasts their own coffee giving new meaning to hand-crafted. Select from freshly baked delights courtesy of Red Rooster Bakery and be on your way.

After your AM charge, explore some of Brentwood’s architectural masterpieces for a light dose of dream home FOMO.

For afternoon reprieve…

George Sturges House

Between the Hunt, Sturges, and Nesbitt house, you’ll have quite the day exploring these post-war artfully designed properties.  A Paul R. Williams design, the Hunt Residence was built in 1921 with elements of the Regency Revival style. The George Sturges house, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built in 1939 features Wrights Usonian style.

The Getty Center

After geeking out on home design of the retro times, venture off to see a different style of art at the Getty Center. A wonder on the scale of both culture, art, and design, the 24-acre Richard Meier designed campus boasts panoramic city views and renowned collections. Once you reach your afternoon craving stop point then have a seat in their lush garden for a midday picnic. The Getty Center boast exceptional dining options and a plethora of seating choices.

Farmshop

If one prefers to head back into town for their afternoon meal, the Farmshop is the perfect destination. Founded by Chef Jeff Cerciello, the eatery is a staple of the Brentwood Country Mart. With imaginative recipes and locally sourced ingredients, its the best afternoon pick me-up.

Your evening adventure…

Skirball Cultural Center

Once, day turns to night, a show at the Skirball Cultural Center is almost a given. Just north of the Getty, the center explores heritage, culture and ideals through permanent collections, rotating exhibits, film screenings and live performances.

Tavern

Finally, we recommend for your evening conclusion to dine as locals do, at Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne’s acclaimed Tavern. The destination restaurant features a tastefully prepared seasonal menu with a who’s who of patrons.

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Tis the Season for…the Holidays in LA pt.1

As fall turns into winter…or in LA as the weather chills down enough for you to justify your faux fur coat purchase that you’ll likely wear 2x out of the year, the city of stars also gives a bounty of fun to-do during the Holiday season.

From moonlit walks through festively strewn parks to annual magic at the happiest place on earth, add some cheery spice to your Thanksgiving through Christmahanakwanzika line-up.

Moonlight Forest

October 26th-January 6th

Aboretum’s Moonlight Forest

Location: The Arboretum, Arcadia

Enjoy the wonder of the season at the Arboretum’s Moonlight Forest, a full fledged winter spectacle for all ages. The event debuted at the end of October but churns on well into the new year featuring art, food trucks, “adult beverages, and a whole lot of fun.

Disney’s Festival of Holidays

Festive Holidays at Disneyland

November 9th- January 6th

Location: Disneyland and California Adventure, Anaheim

So this one is a given. There is nothing quite like celebrating the Holiday season at the happiest place on earth. From cinnamon scented “snow” flurrying through the air at the close of the holiday parade to Mickey’s jolly best, Disneyland is a festive no-brainer. A celebration of ALL holiday traditions is represented throughout both parks as the perfect day of fun for the entire family.

Pershing Square Ice Rink

Pershing Square Ice Rink

November 15th-January 21st

Location: Downtown

Certainly, one does not have to be Michelle Kwan or Adam Rippon to enjoy a day or night on the ice. That being said, Pershing Square’s DJ-led free skate sessions set the scene for their outdoor ice rink in the middle of DTLA.

Reindeer Village at the LA Zoo

Reindeer Village

November 16th-January 6th

Location: Griffith Park

How old were you when you found out Reindeer are real? If your answer is today years old, your welcome(if not congratulations on knowing your mammal species) and also your in luck. This holiday season you’ll find your antlered friends hanging out in Reindeer Village at Griffith Park. Along with Comet and Blitzen as the main attraction, the zoo will also be decked in bells of holly. Just Kidding. But it will be decorated in winter splendor during Zoo Lights, which includes NYE festivities, a happy hour lounge and more.

Turkey Trot

Turkey Trot

November 22

Location: Downtown

If your looking for something to combine giving back and the exercise you’ll need alongside your festive feast, the Turkey Trot answers that call.  A charity race through DTLA benefiting The Midnight Mission, give thanks this season to your cardio incentive.

 

The Queen Mary 

November 23-January 6th

Queen Mary Christmas

Location: The Queen Mary, Long Beach

The Queen Mary is a graceful step back in time. Whether you opt to enjoy their first class dining on Thanksgiving(November 22nd) or prefer to savor an extra day until the annual Christmas celebration begins. Decked out in twinkling lights that nestle perfectly with the night sky is a months worth of live music, food & drink, and family activities to delight the all aboard the iconic ship.

The Hollywood Christmas Parade

November 25

Location: Hollywood Blvd, Holllywood

Also, the annual Hollywood Christmas Parade is returning this month! The parade, which will be held November 25, will feature many performers including The Village People, Ruben Studdard, Tom Dixon, and many more! A great event to add to your things to do list! Also, attendees will enjoy a night filled with marching band shows, larger-than-life balloon figures, and even an appearance from Santa. A concert for ticket holders will be at 5 p.m., with the procession starting at 6 p.m. Tickets range from $32 – $85. More details HERE.

Los Angeles County Tree Lighting

November 26

L.A. County Tree Lighting

Location:  Grand Park

Looking for more things to do this month?  Head down to Grand Park to see the official L.A. County Holiday Tree lit up in a special ceremony. One of the most noteworthy events, the tree lighting ceremony is scheduled from November 26 from 5:30 – 8 p.m., and will include performances from local artists and community groups. Also, the event is free and all ages are invited to attend. For more details on this event, click HERE.

Langham Winter Festival

November 25th

Langham Winter Festival

Location: The Langham, Pasadena

The landmark Langham Hotel host their final Heritage with Heart event of the year. Already regarded as one of the premiere luxury resorts in southern California, the hotel will usher in the holidays stylishly. Enjoy the hotels tree lighting ceremony, a live performance by the Lythgoe Family, holiday food and of course Santa.

Here & Nows Blitzen

November 27-December 31st

Here and Now

Location: Arts District, DTLA

A fun winter pop-up helmed by Va’La Hospitality and Westbound’s original founder Sarah Meade, is Here & Now. The holiday themed limited engagement in DTLA’s Art district will feature a snow machine, themed entertainment and all the spiked hot cocoa and festive bites you can consume. Just remember to celebrate responsibly!

Wine Winter Wonderland

Wine Winter Wonderland

November 30th

Location: Hotel Constance, Pasadena

Holidays arrive early with this Wine enthusiast treat. Enjoy access to unlimited wine tastings(and some beer options) along with tasty bites at this vino centric festival at Pasadena’s Hotel Constance.

Looking for Pt.2? You’ll have to stay tuned until Dec. 1st for more on the Holidays in LA. So put away the festive decor, we haven’t even fried the Turkey yet!

 

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