In and Around Los Angeles Blog & What's New?

Feb 2, 2010, Hotels in Los Angeles

We've been getting lots of emails asking about where to stay in LA! Of course a hotels section was in order.

So far we've posted a page on Santa Monica Beach Hotels but more will follow soon! In particular, we'll give you our tips on the best areas to stay in the LA area including hotels near LAX, in Beverly Hills and of course in Hollywood! Stay tuned!

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Feb 2, 2010, Santa Monica Beach Hotels

As promised, here is the first page of tips about where to stay in the LA area. Santa Monica is right on the beach. It is a beautiful and fun place to center your visit, surrounded by natural beauty as well as fun destinations and great restaurants.

That view is looking out from the row of hotels along Ocean Ave, a perfect location to stay. There are hotels ranging from the shi-shi resort-spa type to simple 50's styled surf motels and everything in between.

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Dec 16, 2009, Balboa Ferry at Newport Bay

Your kids will love driving your car right onto a boat! Yup, this ferry shuttles between Balboa Island and the Balboa peninsula of Newport Beach all day long... And you can drive your car onto it!

Besides being an easy and direct route to get across the Newport bay it is fun too. The peninsula end takes off right from the Newport Fun Zone.

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Dec 16, 2009, Newport Beach Fun Zone

Newport Beach is a beautiful and fun spot for the whole family. I mean, its a beach but its also a quaint and lovely beach community. Tucked up next to the bay and just a short walk across the peninsula from the great beach is this mini fair.

Carousel, Ferris wheel, games, arcades, food and bars, there is a bit of everything for the whole Los Angeles family!

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Nov 25, 2009, Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans is not your every-day guitar shop. Its neither a big-business chain with oodles of new flashy instruments like Guitar Center or a crappy little guitar shop trying to scrape by.

This little hole in the wall is a gem of a guitar shop with a simply awesome layout of rare, classic guitars of all types. Even if you aren't a guitarist it is a fun place to visit.

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Nov 24, 2009, Chinatown in Los Angeles

Sure every big city has a Chinatown, but here is our very own version with a unique slice of Chinese culture.

Close to downtown and many other attractions, this funky little neighborhood is interesting, cheesy and even a bit ghetto wrapped up into one big egg roll. Whether you go for the history, the shopping or the unique foods (sea cucumber anyone?), its a fun stop for the whole family.

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Sep 28, 2009, Our Favorite Cheap Restaurants in LA

Yup, we've been working hard at having fun and eating well and yet again have a whole new section! The Favorite Cheap Restaurants in LA is already full of several of our favorite cheap but delicious eats in the LA area.

Whether you want a great tiny taco stand (Yuca's Taco Stand) or quite simply the best Cuban food we've had (Versailles Restaurant), there is something here for you and we'll keep our favorites coming so that you can pig out in LA without breaking the bank.

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Sep 16, 2009, Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific

The Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific has dozens of exhibits to entertain you and your little ones for a fun day out. And the fun is not all looking! You can actually touch many of the animals, including birds, sharks and sting rays in the outdoor exhibits. Yes, I said you can touch sharks!

Definitely a Los Angeles family friendly space, this place is a lot of fun for the whole family, and educational too!

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Sep 16, 2009, Los Angeles Festivals and Fairs

We have a whole new section! The Los Angeles Festivals & Fairs section is up and running and is already full of fun ideas for the whole family. There are dozens of fairs and festivals in the LA area every year but even if you live here you might not know about most of them.

Well there is the LA county fair of course, which we just experienced for the first time, believe it or not. But we've also already posted on Oktoberfest at the Alpine Village, the Watermelon Festival, and the Pomona Fairplex. More to come!

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Sep 10, 2009, Pink's Hot Dogs

The most famous hot dog stand in LA, and one of the most famous restaurants in los angeles, Pink's is a Hollywood classic since the 30's, serving the poor and the rich and famous alike. The chili dogs are to die for, but the line is almost always long. But thats ok, its open late into the night to fulfil your cravings whenever they come.

From simple chili dogs to complex specials with double dogs, bacon, guacamole and just about anything else you can imagine topping a dog with, the menu here is actually quite extensive so there is something for everyone... Except those on a diet!

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Jun 5, 2009, Raining? Head to the Star Eco Station!

Yeah, okay, it is raining today. Doesn't happen too often, but when it does, there are a number of things to do with the kids. How about heading to the Star Eco Station this weekend?

Pet some snakes and lizards and learn all about environmental stuff, the illegal pet trade and other great stuff. All of their animals are rescued and the tours go on the half hour all weekend.

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Jun 4, 2009, Leo Carillo Beach is Our Favorite Beach for Kids

The weather is warmer and the tidepools are brimming with life at Leo Carillo. We try to go there as often as possible this time of year to see seastars, hermit crabs and so much more...

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May 6, 2009, Rancho Park or Cheviot Hills Park

What do we love about Rancho Park? Well besides the fact that we go here every year to see fireworks on the 4th (much easier than the race to the beach with a toddler) they offer loads of great programs you wouldn't expect, like yoga and watercolor painting.

I have plenty of complaints about many Los Angeles parks, I'll admit it. So many of them are called "parks" but are nothing more than a baseball diamond and other designated sports areas. Cheviot Hills Park (aka Rancho Park which is what everyone we know calls it) is almost like this with the golf course and all...but they make up for it with trees and green.

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May 5, 2009, Foster's Freeze - Another "Classic" LA Ice Cream Joint

Did you know that the first ever soft serve ice cream in California was here in Los Angeles (well, Inglewood, actually) at Foster's Freeze back in 1946?

This place holds all kinds of warm and fuzzy memories for Josh as a kid...as well as for his dad when he was a kid too. The weather is warm, go get yourself a chocolate dipped cone!

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May 3, 2009, Pan Pacific Park

The weather outside is lovely...no time like right now to start focusing on Parks and Nature in Los Angeles!

First up is good old Pan Pacific Park which is where we headed yesterday after lunch at the Farmer's Market.

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Apr 23, 2009, Another Reason to Love Los Angeles: French Dip Sandwich

Did you know that the French Dip Sandwich was invented here in Los Angeles? You knew that, right?

Head to Philippe the Original, where they were invented and have been served for over 100 years!

We also like their hot mustard, coleslaw and pickles...all made in house of course!

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Apr 15, 2009, Family Friendly Los Angeles Day Trips: Underwood Family Farms

Before it gets too hot, now is a great time to visit the Underwood Family Farms! So much to do here for the kids, they won't want to leave. Fortunately, they'll be so tired out they'll sleep on the ride home.

Pick your own produce, petting zoo, train rides, feed carrots to animals...pure "get out of the city" fun!

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Apr 14, 2009, Tommy's Burger. Mmmmmmm

Oh how I love me some Tommy's Burger! It is soooo bad that I can't resist. Messy chili burgers and messy chili fries. You know you want it.

Another classic "old LA" food joint.

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Jan 30, 2009, We Love the Petersen Automotive Museum

Even for people not into cars (ahem, like me) the Petersen Automotive Museum is a great place to visit!

Most people don't realize that the entire 3rd floor is devoted to families, where kids can play, learn and explore. It is firmly on our "favorite LA family" places to visit!

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Jan 27, 2009, Dolphins at Zuma Beach

Dolphins at Zuma Beach last week!

No, really, that is a dolphin. Promise.

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Jan 19, 2009, Manhattan Beach & Roundhouse Aquarium

It was 85 degrees here yesterday. So why do I love LA? Because we can go to Manhattan Beach in January.

Enough said.

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Jan 13, 2009, We LOVE the Los Angeles Farmers Market

You know, when I first moved here I pretty much hated everything except the beach, weather and the Original Farmers Market. That pretty much summed it up.

A lot has changed since then (namely, I love a whole lot more now) but 3rd & Fairfax will always hold a special place in my heart as being my first LA love.

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Jan 12, 2009, I heart Larchmont Village

If we had a few million dollars laying around, we'd totally drop anchor near Larchmont Village.

Taking a stroll to the farmer's market on Sundays, grabbing bagels and coffee on Wednesday afternoons (cuz if you have a few million laying around you can do that on Wednesdays) and...

Luckily there are rental properties for us dreamers, eh?

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Dec 31, 2008, Prehistoric Pets - Free Family Fun

Have a kid who loves lizards or dinosaurs? You must take a family trip to Prehistoric Pets even if you don't plan on adding a pet to your family.

It is free to visit the huge collection. Well, except for the part where your child begs you to take something home and you can't resist.

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Dec 30, 2008, The "Secret" Los Angeles Dog Beach

I love this hidden away Los Angeles dog beach and I don't even have a dog. It is beautiful, secluded and is a perfect "nature" beach with views and tide pools.

Of course you have to not mind dogs since you'll be sharing the beach with them.

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Dec 29, 2008, Winter at the Los Angeles Zoo!

Now is the time to head to the Los Angeles Zoo! Well, next week (after the kids go back to school) anyway. Winter is our favorite time to go. Not too hot and totally empty. The animals are practically begging for some excitement.

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Dec 28, 2008, Discovery Science Center

The Discovery Science Center is firmly on our "worth the drive" list when it comes to family friendly Los Angeles outings.

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Dec 24, 2008, Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica Beach is a classic destination for LA families and tourists.

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Dec 14, 2008, Muscle Beach (both of them!)

Muscle Beach brings up images of huge, buff body builders and Arnold Schwarzenegger. At least for me. Did you know there are actually two Muscle Beaches? Each with their own flavor and history?

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Dec 12, 2008, Contact In & Around Los Angeles

Contact In and Around Los Angeles with your tips, questions, feedback.

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Dec 12, 2008, Venice Beach

Discover Venice Beach!

Venice Beach is one of those "only in LA" places that make this city so unique.

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