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Out and About: Pumpkin Patches in and Near L.A.!

Looking for the perfect pumpkin? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re looking for a quaint patch or a massive farm featuring family games, there are plenty of patches in LA to suit your fancy. Every October, tiny parking lot patches sprout up all over the city and local farms bring out their best orange squash – from tiny little fellas to massive twenty-pounders.

 

  1. Tanaka FarmsLocation: Irvine

Want to take your pumpkin picking up a notch? Make your way to Tanaka Farms in Irvine for a Hello Kitty-themed farm experience (admission is $4) featuring festive activities like wagon rides, a corn maze, petting zoo and sunflower fields. Just note that this themed patch gets very busy, so parking reservations are required in advance on weekends ($10).

  1. Bones Pumpkin Patch

When it comes to celebrity sightings, you probably wouldn’t think of visiting the local pumpkin patch. But at longtime favorite Mr. Bones, Hollywood stars and their offspring can’t stay away from the Halloween fun. This family-owned, Los Angeles mainstay would pop up every year in Beverly Hills before recently moving to its new location in Century City.

  1. Tapia Brothers FarmLocation: Van Nuys

Get lost. No really, get lost in Tapia Brothers Farm’s epic corn maze (an entire lot across from the patch itself) with a much-needed map and a sheet full of trivia questions. Scavenge through the maze for the answers and once you’ve found them all, submit your name in a drawing for a chance to win a cash prize – an early treat for your navigation efforts.

  1. Forneris FarmsLocation: San Fernando Valley

Forneris Farms is back again with a four-acre cornfield maze, weekend pony rides, live entertainment and of course, an impressive selection of pumpkins. Tractor rides will take pumpkin patch goers on a narrated tour through the cornfields and around the farm. Kids can enjoy their own harvest haven by running through a hay bale mini maze, climbing the hay pyramid and getting wild in the giant pumpkin jumper.

  1. Underwood Family FarmsLocation: Ventura County

Every October, Underwood Family Farms becomes an autumnal wonderland as it celebrates its annual Fall Harvest Festival with different events every weekend ranging from Western Weekend to All About Pumpkins. For the entire month, guests can come and be entertained by live music, animal shows, corn mazes and an endless amount of pumpkins. Admission is $16 per person for the first two weekends and then $22 for the following weekends in October.

 

  1. Tina’s Pumpkin PatchLocation: Sherman Oaks

There’s something about encountering a friendly llama that makes the trip to this tiny but charming patch so worth while. Maybe you’re not into the whole pumpkin picking thing – or even Halloween at all – but interacting with these highly entertaining petting zoo animals is one memory you need to create.

 

  1. Shawn’s Pumpkin PatchLocation: LAX/Westchester

Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch is definitely the spot for you. Like most patches, admission is free and activity prices usually range from $3-$9 with most falling toward the cheaper end. If it’s anything like past years, the massive size of this pumpkin patch, guarantees tons of pre-Halloween fun.

  1. Pa’s Pumpkin Patch

Who said county fair season is over? There’s no reason a pumpkin patch can’t bring back the same memories of booth games, carnival rides and sugary indulgences. Treat yourself to a weekend of classic festival favorites like giant slides, fun houses and more – all harvest-themed, of course. The patch is also full of haystacks, corn stalks and gourds.

  1. Whittier Pumpkin PatchLocation: San Gabriel Valley

If you’re an SGV dweller looking to entertain your youngsters, head to Whittier Pumpkin Patch. Pick a pumpkin with your family and enjoy their petting zoo, inflatable jumpers and pony rides.

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Weekend Events: September 27-29

It’s the last weekend of September and the first weekend of the maximum amount of fall fun kicking off in L.A. From scary pop-ups to retro-arcades, the city of stars in showing out this weekend. Spend some time out on the town and discover your inner Angeleno!

Friday, September 27

I Like Scary Movies

Location: 2118 East Seventh Place, Los Angeles

Artist Maximillian’s popular horror-themed pop-up I Like Scary Movies returns for Halloween season September 20 through November 17. The detailed and beautiful series of installations is a love letter from the artist to iconic horror films like The Lost Boys, Beetlejuice, and The Shining. Runs Wednesday through Sundays.

Van Nuys Art Festival

Location: Civil Center, Van Nuys

The third annual Van Nuys Arts Festival showcases the artistic talents and skills of local residents. This years theme is “The Glow Up” and the Van Nuys Civic Center will be transformed into an outdoor virtual forest with interactive art installations, live music, a 3-D maze and more.

Park After Dark Program

Location: Paramount Ranch, 2903 Cornell Rd, Agoura Hills

The Stars of Paramount Ranch – Go behind the scenes with a ranger and explore Paramount Ranch at night! See the eerie remains of Western Town. Stand on a dangerous, abandoned racetrack. Gaze into the sky to see the stars that still shine here. Bring a flashlight, water, and wear sturdy shoes. Stargazing will be available if the sky is clear.

Saturday, September 28

Union Station’s Retrocade Experience

Location: Union Station, DTLA

Enjoy free play of over 50 classic arcade games from the 70’s-90’s during Union Station’s Retrocade Experience happening September 28-29. Guests will also get to enjoy classic arcade food, 80s soft drinks, a Pac Man competition, along with beer, wine and specialty-themed cocktails. Admission is $5 to the experience.

Fantail Wine, Beer & Food Festival

Location: USS Iowa Battleship-250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro

 

Relive the 1940’s aboard the historic Battleship USS IOWA when 40’s On The Fantail Wine, Beer & Food Festival takes over the ship for a day of live music, swing dancing, food and drinks all to raise funds for Mission 22, a non-profit working to combat veteran suicide. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase.

14th Annual Wag ‘n Walk

Location: Rancho Simi Community Duck Park amphitheater, 1765 Royal Avenue, Simi Valley

Wag ‘n Walk is a three-mile fundraising walk for you and your dog. Vendors, music, prizes, dog adoptions, and silent auction/raffle items. Event T-shirt and goodie bag for walkers that raise at least $100. Registration is FREE.

Sunday, September 29

Mexico in a Bottle: South to North

Location: LA Plaza De Cultura y Artes-501 N Main St.., Los Angeles

 

 Mexico in a Bottle: South to North is a special tasting event that explores Mexico’s regional spirits and flavors through craft spirits, art, food, and music. Over 100 expressions of spirits will be offered plus bites from several restaurants including Guelaguetza and Madre.

Abbott Kinney Festival

Location: Abbott Kinney

The Abbot Kinney Festival in Venice has been dubbed the coolest block in America by GQ Magazine. Enjoy over 350 vendors, eclectic boutiques, artisan eateries, food trucks and booths, kids’ rides and games, four music stages, three beer gardens, and more along the mile-long street.

28th Annual California Lemon Festival

Location: Girsh Park, Goleta

As always, the Lemon Festival will feature the most extensive ‘Safety Street’ in the county. Stop by for their wildly-popular pie-eating contests, arts and crafts vendors, and more food than you can shake a lemon-scented stick at. A petting zoo and amusement park rides add to the many things that make the California Lemon Festival fun for the whole family.

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Weekend Events: September 20-22

The last weekend of summer is here and the weather already knows! With L.A. getting into the Fall spirit, there is a bounty of fun to be had. Whether you’re wanting to go full fall fun or hang on to the last days of sunny season, we have you covered! Read our weekend round-up of fun things to do and discover your inner Angeleno!

Friday, September 20

Hello Kitty Friends Around the World Tour 

Location: Chinatown LA Plaza Village

Celebrates Hello Kitty’s 45-year anniversary with a multi-room, sensory-rich, brilliant walk-through adventure!  From September 20 through October 20 you’ll get to enjoy all things Hello Kitty. The 10,000-square-foot pop-up takes you aboard ‘Hello Kitty Air’ to virtually visit London, Paris, New York, Honolulu, and Tokyo.

2nd Annual Art Women Art Week

Location: E.P. & L.P., Melrose Ave.

E.P. & L.P. along with Melrose Rooftop Theatre will host the 2nd annual Art Women Art Week series from September 15 – 21. The weeklong female-forward series is dedicated to highlighting women in the creative arts with a line-up of talks with female entrepreneurs, actors, producers & screenwriters paired with a curated movie screening.

Food Truck Fridays

Location: Pacific View Mall

The Pacific View Mall hosts gourmet food trucks every 3rd Friday of the month in the parking lot next to Trader Joe’s, along Mills Road. Hours are 5-9pm and event features over 20 food trucks, like Cousins Maine Lobster, The Underground Gourmet Food Truck, The Grilled Cheese Truck, Sweet Arleen’s, Steamy Bun Truck, etc.

Saturday, September 21

Olga Pericet

Location: Ford Theatres, Los Angeles

Olga Pericet comes to the Ford Theatres for a one-night-only flamenco performance that blends tradition with contemporary vision. Featuring award-winning flamenco dancer Olga Pericet audiences will be dazzled by the art of dance, right under the stars of one of LA’s best amphitheaters. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase.

Museum Day L.A.

Location: Various Locations

Over 10 L.A. County Museums Will Be Free For Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day. Participants include the Japanese American National Museum, the GRAMMY Museum, Autry Museum of the American West, USC Pacific Asia Museum, and more.

Ventura County Coastal Cleanup Day

Location: Various Locations

The mission of the Ventura Countywide Coalition for Coastal and Inland Waterways is ‘Promoting clean & healthier beaches, rivers and creeks, throughout Ventura County. Be one of 60,000 people to take part in the upcoming 35th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day! Volunteers will remove debris from the coast, creeks, rivers, lakes and shorelines all around California protecting wildlife from harm while taking care of our environment.

Sunday, September 22

Roaring Twenties Speak Easy Party

Location: Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round

The Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round will be hosting a Roaring Twenties Speakeasy Party with a Vintage Cirque Sideshow. There will be a talented cast of eccentric performers along with other DJ entertainment and live music by Holy Crow Jazz Band. Other highlights include merry-go-round rides, strolling performers, cirque games, dance exhibitions, and more.

Movie & Bites

Location: Japan House

Japan House host Movie & Bites a combined screening and culinary event featuring a discussion, a screening of the acclaimed Japanese film “The Flavor of Green Tea Over Rice” (1952) by legendary filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu and bites of salmon ochazuke plus popcorn during the screening.

Malibu Lagoon Field Trips Hosted by Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society

Location: Malibu Lagoon

The Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society (SMBAS) hosts Malibu Lagoon Field Trips the 4th Sunday of every month. Adult Walk starts at 8:30 a.m. for 2-3 hrs. The group meets at the metal-shaded viewing area next to parking lot. SMBAS makes a special effort to make these monthly Malibu Lagoon walks attractive to first-time and beginner birdwatchers. Brings binoculars and cameras. Kids are welcome to attend and take part.

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Home Tips: Prep Your Closet for Fall!

Summer is coming to an end, and even though Californians don’t need to brace themselves for a cold season with plush sweaters and puffer coats, a new season comes a new wardrobe. Time to put away your denim shorts and sundresses. However, this does not mean cramming stained or unloved items into a box and stowing them away under your bed.

For clothes to look their best—and to ensure they last for seasons to come—it’s important to prep and store them the right way. Here, we’ve rounded up a few tips for sorting out the items you don’t want, cleaning the ones you do, storing them in a way that won’t ruin them, and unpacking your in-season wardrobe no matter what time of year it is.

Follow these tips to seamlessly transition your wardrobe from warm weather to cold and back again.

Spruce Up Your Shoes

Be vigilant with your shoes. Mucky sandals will rub off on other items and packing away smelly sneakers is a recipe for disaster. Use a soft bristle brush to rub off any caked on dirt, then clean the shoes with detergent and water, baby wipes, or with a cleaner made specifically for the material. Check the brand’s website as most provide detailed cleaning instructions.

Donate, Recycle, or Resell Unwanted Items

While it’s still fresh in your mind, sort out the old or unwanted items. Not loving that shirt or bathing suit anymore? Find a new home for it. Clothing free of stains, holes, or rips can be donated or sold. “I am very passionate about peer-to-peer resale markets such as OfferUp that allow you to sell the items you are no longer using to your local community,” says Caitlin Rose Roberts, founder of Minimize With Purpose and master certified KonMari consultant. “You never regret letting go of an item when you know it has gone to a good home!” The rest can be dropped off at textile recyclers—if your local community doesn’t have one, H&M and other stores will take them off your hands, and some might even give you a discount on future purchases. In any case, you should wash and remove stains beforehand. Once you’ve gone through your collection, you’ll most likely have a lot less to store.

Store Clothing in a Dry, Dark Space

Storing your out-of-season clothes in a clean, unused suitcase is a great use of space, as is sticking them in attractive storage containers on the upper shelves of your closet. In order to prevent delicate dresses and blouses from getting crushed, hang them in a single garment bag to keep them protected and contained. “Never store the item in a dry-cleaning bag as they trap in moisture,” says Roberts.

Unpack In-Season Clothes

If you didn’t do a thorough review of your winter wardrobe last year, do it before putting the clothes back in your closet. Check for stains and tears, and determine whether someone else might get more use out of the items. Roberts recommends Marie Kondo’s “spark-joy” test to make sure you are keeping items for the right reason. If you’re cramming your coats and boots back into your closet, it might be time to give something up.

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L.A. Eats: New Bites to Try This Fall!

One of the great joys in L.A. is the bevy of dining options. And since there are always new choices sprouting up, we thought we’d narrow down the selection. From savory Mediterranean to spicy wings and everything in between, check out some new bites this fall! Your taste buds will thank you!!

Twozone Chicken

 

Location: 3516 W 8th St., Los Angeles, Koreatown

South Korea’s Twozone Chicken opened its first stateside location in Koreatown. The fried chicken specialist is best known for its plethora of flavors. These tasty options include cajun, wasabi, and honey butter. The hotspot encourages patrons to mix and match flavors according to taste preferences.

Azay

Location: 226 E 1st St., Los Angeles-Little Tokyo

Fans of the now-closed Maison Akira in Pasadena can experience chef Akira Hirose’s cooking once again at Azay. A casual eatery, Azay serves French and Japanese breakfast and lunch. Come in before 11 a.m. for a traditional Japanese breakfast of broiled fish, rice, miso soup, pickles, and an omelette.

Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen

Location: Lake Balboa—7600 Balboa Blvd., Los Angeles.

Saffron serves up fast-casual Mediterranean fare. Diners can build their own pita sandwiches, tacos, or salad bowls with chicken, beef, or falafel. For a meal experience that is sure to invigorate the senses, Saffron is worth the trek to Lake Balboa.

Roji Bakery

Location: Mid-City—807 S La Brea Ave., Los Angeles.

Roji originated in Kumamoto, Japan, but found an equal amount if success in Mid City. With loaves of milk bread, lovely pastries, and plenty of coffee on offer, this place is perfect for mornings and afternoon pick-me-ups.

What The Cluck

Location: West Hollywood— 807 S La Brea Ave., Los Angeles.

Poached chicken is served alongside broth-cooked rice at What The Cluck.  A staple in many Asian countries this spot shares the Thai tradition of khao man gai with WeHo denizens. The first location opened in San Francisco. Hone in on the skin-on organic chicken, livers, and poached egg served with rice and plenty of the restaurant’s signature sauce.

Bianca Bakery

Location: Culver City—8850 Washington Blvd.

Bianca Bakery has transformed the Platform into an inviting spot to gather, caffeinate, and luxuriate. Find freshly baked bread, carefully made cakes, sweet and savory pastries. Or chose a smattering of savories like open-faced sandwiches on hand.

Hot Motha Clucker

Location: Hollywood— 1708 N. Las Palmas, Los Angeles

The Nashville hot chicken trend shows no sign of slowing down. New to the touristy district is Hot Motha Clucker, which promises an “extreme chicken experience.” One of the restaurant’s best-sellers are cheesy fries topped with chopped chicken tenders.

Vox Burger

Location: Fairfax—519 N Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles.

Vow Burger is a socially conscious restaurant venture. There mission is to make a positive impact by serving an entirely meat-free menu. The result of your visit is a donation of a meal for every meal purchased.

Mon Petit Poulet

Location: Downtown—541 South Spring St., Los Angeles.

Mon Petit Poulet keeps its menu simple, offering only organic roasted chickens and a handful of sides including rice, potatoes, and a baguette. Chicken flavor “profiles” include thyme, rosemary, oranges, figs, and olives.

Pillow Talk

Location: Pasadena—526 S Lake Ave.

Check out Pillow Talk for coffee, pastries, and fanciful fruity trifles served in metal tins on South Lake Avenue. Signature beverages include a pineapple Americano and an ice tiramisu.

Ela Greek Eats

Location: Venice—307 Lincoln Blvd.

Ela Greek Eats serves fast-casual fare in a brightly lit room on Lincoln Boulevard. The menu is easy to navigate with salads, gyros, dips, as well as more traditional Greek offerings like moussaka. Most dishes are served with a choice of lamb, chicken, steak, salmon, or tuna, which means there’s something for everyone.  

KoJa Kitchen

Location: Downtown—611 West 7th St., Los Angeles.

San Francisco-based KoJa Kitchen brings its Korean-Japanese burgers to the city of stars.  Served with crispy garlic rice buns is a foodie dream in the heart of downtown. This is the 15th location for Alan Tsai and Hiep Lien, and the first in LA proper.  

Rice Guy

Location: Larchmont—615 N. Western Ave., Los Angeles.

The Filipino food movement shows no sign of slowing down. Rice Guys serves up rice bowls gussied up with an array of Pinoy proteins including grilled pork belly, coconut-poached chicken thighs, and glazed adobo chicken wings.

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Early Haunts for Fall

You’ve likely noticed the festive displays at the store. You may have a neighbor whose already decorated their lawn. If these things have happened to you, you know what that means. It’s almost the best time of the year! We’re talking about fall of course! From terrifying frights to not so scary haunts, L.A. kicks off scare season early. So why shouldn’t you? Check out our round-up of ghoulish attractions taking place now through October. Just don’t wait too long, Halloween will creep up on you before you know it!

Halloween Horror Nights

Location: Universal Studios Hollywood – 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City 91608

Face your darkest fears in Southern California’s scariest, most intense event – Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights. The movie studio that invented the horror genre dares you to enter all-new immersive worlds of living, breathing icons from the most twisted imaginations in film and television. Halloween Horror Nights will be open on select nights from September 13 to November 2.

Fright Fest

Location: Six Flags Magic Mountain – 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia 91355

Taking place on select nights from September 14 – November 3, Fright Fest offers terrifying haunted mazes, roaming zombies, the scariest clowns on the planet and spooky shows – leaving no tombstone unturned to bring the ultimate sensory overload for every range of fear. As if that weren’t enough, Six Flags has added a “twisted” element to some of their monster coasters by turning off the lights, leaving riders to face their fears in the dark.

HAUS OF CREEP

Location: Row DTLA – 777 S. Alameda Street, Los Angeles 90021

Presented by Just Fix It Productions, Creep L.A. returns to Row DTLA this Halloween season, welcoming all into the dark heart of Downtown LA with their fifth installment: HAUS OF CREEP. The 75-minute multi-sensory exhibit brings guests into the world of Creep L.A., a darkly satirical and terrifying send-up of social media-driven culture. HAUS OF CREEP sets out to remind us that art is alive, and it can’t be restricted to a little square photo without dangerous consequences. Sept 13-Nov. 3

Paramount Pictures After Dark

Location: Paramount Pictures Studios – 5555 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles 90038

One of Paramount Pictures popular Studio Tours, the After Dark Tour gets a seasonal twist with Tales from the Other Side, a 2.5-hour walking tour that takes guests through the legendary backlot and cavernous soundstages. The tour includes a welcome champagne toast, exclusive access to Hollywood Forever Cemetery, and gourmet popcorn and movie candy hosted in an eerie location. No through Nov. 3

Dark Harbor

 

Location: Queen Mary – 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach 90802

It’s all hands on deck for Dark Harbor at the Queen Mary – 23 select nights featuring the Captain, Scary Mary and over 200 monsters haunting six terrifying mazes, nightly live entertainment, secret bars and exciting rides. A monstrous freak wave has hit the legendary Queen Mary, causing the ship to nearly capsize. The Captain and the crew are hard at work trying to salvage the ship after the Rogue wave…Or are they? Sept 26-Nov. 2

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

Location: Griffith Park Old Zoo – 4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles 90027

Taking place on Saturday, September 28 to Saturday, November 2, the 11th annual Haunted Hayride features a completely reimagined experience, including an expanded lineup of attractions and a unified theme for the very first time. This year’s Haunted Hayride will transform the Griffith Park grounds into Midnight Falls, an eerie and mysterious village set in 1985, where time stands still and it is always Halloween.

Halloween Time

Location: Disneyland and California Adventure

Spirit away for a frightfully delightful good time—from costumed Character encounters to themed attractions, creepy eats, bewitching entertainment and more! September 6 through October 31, 2019. Enjoy ghoulish fun like the Happiest Haunts tour and your time at the happiest place on earth spooktacular!

Knott’s Scary Farm

Location: Knott’s Berry Farm Amusement Park

Knott’s Scary Farm is the largest and most haunting Halloween experience in Southern California. Experience unimaginable scares and innovative thrills that can’t be found anywhere else. The fully transformed theme park features uniquely haunted mazes and attractions. That along with sinister shows and more than 1,000 horrifying creatures lurking in every corner of the park. This Halloween event has all the ingredients of a truly terrifying nightmare. But unlike most dreams, Knott’s Scary Farm is a nightmare you can’t wake up from — which makes it the thing to do for this Scare Season. Taking place Sept 19 through Nov. 2, go if you dare!

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Jimmy Heckenberg’s Donald Simon Estate Listing Featured in Real Deal

The Son of famed philanthropist Norton Simon List his BH Home and Real Deal gives an inside scoop.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (September 17, 2019)

As reported previously, Jimmy Heckenberg hold’s the listing to the lavish estate of Donald Simon, son of famed philanthropist Norton Simon. Real Deal featured the estate in a recent article highlighting the $42 million dollar home.

Designed by Peter Choate, the property is around 2-1/2 acres and sits nestled on the grounds of the L.A. Country Club. A once in a generation chance to own a home at this location or of this caliber. The 10,6000 square foot mansion is an entertainers dream with features like a tennis court and sprawling resort style pool.

The interior of the home brims with beautiful wood high-beamed ceilings, designer wall coverings and wrought iron chandeliers. The style of the estate comes as no surprise to those familiar with Choate’s work. As noted by Real Deal, Peter Choate has “worked for celebrities like Sharon Stone and Mel Brooks”.

Donald Simon has been the longtime owner of the luxury digs, designed in 1987. His father, Industrialist and Philanthropist Norton Simon,, was the driving force behind LACMA, among other things known to L.A.

To view this listing, click here.

To read the Real Deal’s Feature on the Donald Simon Estate, click here.

About Jimmy Heckenberg

Jimmy Heckenberg is well recognized in Beverly Hills and the entire Westside for his top producing Heckenberg Realty Group Sales Team. Jimmy will make the buying and selling of real estate as cost effective as possible while maintaining the highest level of service. This applies whether you are a first-time home buyer, existing home buyer or investor. He will provide you with accurate and up-to-date real estate market information, skilled analysis and sound real estate advice. He continually explores new ideas and technology in order to make the selling and buying of real estate faster, less costly, stress free and simple.

 

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Out & About: San Fernando Valley

Whether you call the Valley home or you reside just over the hill, SFV has a lot to offer. The area is bustling with hidden gems and things to do! Rather than opt for you usual routine, why not take sometime to discover something new? Read through the round-up of ways to enjoy your time in SFV from food to fun and discover your inner Angeleno!

Asanebo

11941 Ventura Blvd., Studio City 91604-2607

Like most sushi restaurants in Studio City, Asanebo is located in a nondescript strip mall on Ventura Boulevard. Inside the warm, comforting dining room, you’ll find both traditional and innovative, fusion-style Japanese cuisine, where the omakase, or chef’s choice, is recommended. Thankfully, there are three different tiers so there’s some flexibility. Named the 2014 Zagat Guide’s top food pick in Los Angeles, Asanebo is a dining gem that’s not to be missed.

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The Brady Bunch House

The Brady Kids reunite for a renovation of their famous TV house | Instagram: @hgtv

11217 Dilling St., Los Angeles 91602

One of the most famous houses in television history can be found at 11217 Dilling Street in Studio City – with civilians living inside. The Brady Bunch began shooting in 1969, and exterior shots of the house were used for 115 episodes. A newly widowed Louise Weddington Carson lived in the house at the time, and set designers attached a phony window to make it look like the two-story structure to match the interior set design. The house was revisited for a couple sequel projects, such as A Very Brady Christmas and The Bradys, a dramatic series on CBS. A fence and new shrubbery somewhat masks its immortalized TV image, but the house will forever live on in reruns of The Brady Bunch.

Eclectica Vintage

Eclectica Vintage | Instagram: @livinonluv
5663 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood 91601

There are some great vintage shops in the San Fernando Valley, but Eclectica Vintage is your go-to whether you’re looking for a bike, furniture, clothing, camera or other classic decorative items. With past experience at local studios as set designers, owners Mike Lis and Ron Lis will help you find anything you might need. Just be sure to bring cash for your purchases.

The Great Wall of Los Angeles

The Great Wall of Los Angeles | Photo courtesy of The City Project, Flickr
12920 W Oxnard St, Valley Glen 91401

At 2,754 feet, The Great Wall of Los Angeles is one of the longest murals in the world, located on Coldwater Canyon between Burbank Boulevard and Oxnard Street. The half-mile-long mural is regarded as one of the city’s most successful depictions and examples of ethnic and cultural cooperation, conceived by Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) founder, Judith Baca as part of a beautification project in the area. The Great Wall of Los Angeles was begun in 1974 and completed five summers later, involving over 400 employed youth and their families from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, as well as artists, oral historians, ethnologists, scholars and community members. Each year was dedicated to depicting a different decade in California history from the viewpoint of different ethnic minorities. Ongoing maintenance efforts are made through donations and grant funding.

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Iliad Bookshop

Photo: Iliad Bookshop, Facebook
5400 Cahuenga Blvd., North Hollywood 91601

So-named because the original location was next to Odyssey Video, the Iliad Bookshop offers over 125,000 titles at its home on Cahuenga Boulevard in North Hollywood, where the 20-year-old bookstore has been located since 2006. Specializing in used books, Iliad Bookshop buys and sells hundreds of books daily and even has a table of bargain books for less than $2 each. There are also rare books for sale, and autographed first editions can run for hundreds – sometimes thousands – of dollars. Regulars are often found scouring its shelves for hidden treasures. The hardest part of a visit to the Iliad is leaving without spending several hours there.

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Japanese Garden

SuihoEn (“Garden of Water and Fragrance”) | Photo: Yuri Hasegawa
6100 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys 91406

Constructed over a three-year period and dedicated in 1984, the Japanese Garden at Woodley Park in Van Nuys is an oasis of serenity designed by Dr. Koichi Kawana. Ranked tenth out of 300 public Japanese gardens by the Journal of Japanese Gardening, it’s a treasure of the San Fernando Valley complete with a Zen meditation garden, Three Buddhas arrangement of stones, chisen (wet strolling garden with waterfalls), Shoin Building, Crane Island and a Weeping Willow Tree.

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Lake Balboa

Cherry blossoms at Lake Balboa | Photo: City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks
6300 Balboa Blvd., Van Nuys 91406

In 2007, a large part of Van Nuys was renamed the Lake Balboa district. Shortly after, in 2008, the district’s 80-acre Anthony C. Beilenson Park, formerly Balboa Park, received a million-dollar revamp in the form of a Maritime-themed Universally Accessible Playground, interactive drum play area, and more. Lifeguards are on-site at Lake Balboa, which is located in the park, making it an attractive place for boating and fishing. There are also barbecue pits and picnic tables, ensuring your entire family a whole day of activities. And if you’re visiting at the right time of year, you’ll get to enjoy a stroll around the lake with cherry blossom trees in full bloom. But at all times, don’t forget to enjoy the miles of trails that line the park, which branch off from the trail around the lake. Keep an eye out for nearby bike rentals.

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Sako’s Mediterranean Cuisine

Doner platter | Photo courtesy of Sako’s Mediterranean Cuisine, Facebook
6736 Corbin Ave, Reseda 91335

You don’t visit Sako’s Mediterranean Cuisine in Reseda for the decor, but for their outstanding Armenian dishes. Open since 2002, Sako’s has the same name as it did upon opening, although its current owners, John and Ani Panosian, have owned the restaurant since about 2006. The kebabs are quite special and luscious, and if you go with Sako’s Special, the Iskender Kebab, you’ll be treated to a wonderfully seasoned ground beef sirloin sliced straight from the spit. Thick yogurt, browned butter and fresh tomato sauce accent the dish beautifully. Of course, you’ll also find standbys like hummus, baba ghanouj and tabouleh on the menu – all served with warm pitas – but adventurers will love the Mediterranean spice treasure hunt all the way down the menu.

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Tonga Hut

“The Loyal Order of the Drooling Bastard” | Photo: Tonga Hut Tiki Lounge, Facebook
12808 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood 91606

Part of the unmatched charm of this Tiki Bar is that this little hideaway – and much of the current decor – dates all the way back to 1958, when it was opened by brothers Ace and Ed Libby at the height of the mid-century Tiki craze. After a period of being run down, the bar was thankfully restored to its former Tiki glory in 2005. Now, the original fountains are running, there’s new, period-appropriate artwork, and vintage, eclectic tunes in the jukebox. If you’re a local barfly, you can join The Loyal Order of the Drooling Bastard by ordering every drink in the Grog Log (which runs over 80 drinks deep) within a year. Whether you want a $2 PBR or a classic 1934 Zombie made according to Don the Beachcomber’s original recipe, the Tonga Hut is your Valley watering hole.

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Vitello’s

Photo: Vitello’s, Facebook
4349 Tujunga Ave., Studio City

The restaurant known as Vitello’s has changed hands a couple times since Sal Vitello, a baker from New York, opened the restaurant in Tujunga Village. The Rat Pack was known to hang out here, with many industry types swinging by for a plate of pasta and a drink, thanks to its proximity to the CBS Studios Radford Studios Lot and the Universal City soundstages. You’ll have good reason to stop by too, thanks to the contemporary food and drink menu. Gone are the canned tomato sauces and overcooked pasta, and here to stay are fresh seasonal ingredients and al dente pasta. Check the Upstairs at Vitello’s calendar for live performances on select nights, including jazz and stand-up comedy by special guests like Dana Carvey and Arsenio Hall.

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