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

Aug 19, 2010, McCabe's Guitar Shop

McCabe's guitar shop in Santa Monica is a local institution that is much more than just a guitar shop. They specialize in acoustic, stringed instruments and you'll find all kinds of stuff you've never heard of before, dulcimers, baritone ukeleles, dulcimers and more. Whether you are a musician and need supplies or a repair or just a Los Angeles family and want to check out all the cool stuff, its a fun stop.

Also, McCabe's hosts great small, intimate music performances by unbelievably good artists of all types.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "McCabe's Guitar Shop"

Aug 19, 2010, Los Angeles Trees

In the mood for some gratuitous nature and beauty? So are we. We aren't botanists, we can't tell you the scientific names of all the trees in Los Angeles. But we can still appreciate them.

This page is simply to show trees and nature in LA, to quell all the naysayers that think LA is just a metropolitan concrete jungle. Hurray for trees!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Los Angeles Trees"

Aug 19, 2010, Third Street Promenade

The 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica is a pedestrian-only strip of 3rd Street which is chock full of shops, restaurants and movie theaters, kinda like an outdoor mall. However, it can be more fun than all that.

The street performers can vary from average to downright fantastic. The crowds can get crazy on the weekends but it is a fun area to hang out and people watch and it is only minutes from other great Los Angeles family friendly attractions like the Santa Monica Pier.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Third Street Promenade"

Jul 29, 2010, Share Your LA!

We love Los Angeles and we're sure some of you do too!

We decided to give you all a chance to share your LA with us and our visitors! We want to know what you love about LA. What are your favorite restaurants, places, beaches, neighborhoods, hotels, etc? Or just share a memory about LA, a defining moment in your love affair with our city.

You can upload your story and pictures too and they will be featured on our site! So get started and share your story with us!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Share Your LA!"

Jul 29, 2010, Los Angeles Hiking Trails

Los Angeles and its evirons are chock-full of hiking trails, the problem can be finding them. We haven't found any one good source online that lists them all.

There are too many to list here, but we will try to list some of our favorite areas which are rich in hiking trails in the LA area. Some are no more than a little trail head and others are large parks with hundreds of miles of trails.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Los Angeles Hiking Trails"

Jul 28, 2010, Griffith Park

Right in the middle of the city, Griffith Park is much more than just a great place to hike and picnic. It has great views of the city and has tons of other things to do for the whole family, including the LA Zoo, a carousel, pony rides and miniature trains, a train museum, the Greek Theater and lots more!

Griffith Park is over 4000 acres to explore, about 5 times bigger than Central Park in New York! if you don't want to travel too far outside the city and want to fulfill your craving for nature and fun, this is the place for you!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Griffith Park"

Jul 23, 2010, We Saw an Octopus!

Yes, its true. We saw an actual octopus. No, not at the Long Beach Aquarium!

We saw this real, live, baby octopus in its natural habitat... walking down the street on Melrose. Just kidding. This little beauty was at Leo Carrillo state beach, our favorite beach in the whole wide world. OK, well maybe Cassis in France competes. We had SO much fun today. Saw tons of crabs, a sea hare and even saw two hermit crabs swap into new shells right in front of us! What did you do today?

Permalink -- click for full blog post "We Saw an Octopus!"

Jul 23, 2010, Hiking in Los Angeles

We are in the process of building a new section on hiking parks and trails in Los Angeles at Hiking Parks in LA! LA does have hundreds of acres of nature chock-full of hiking trails of all kinds. The problem is, it can sometimes be hard to hear about them.

In this new section we are going to start adding info about various areas that are great for hiking in and around Los Angeles. To start off, we have one of our favorites already posted... the Topanga State Park is a huge area of amazing natural beauty. Fortunately for all of us, it is accessible to the public and has hundreds of miles of beautiful hiking trails. More parks and hiking info will be on the way shortly!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Hiking in Los Angeles"

Jul 22, 2010, Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

If you don't feel like making the trek out to the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific but want to explore a little ocean life, check out the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium!

This practically hidden little aquarium facility is inexpensive and fun for the kids to explore (and touch!) some sea creatures. They are open for parties and groups too and have some interesting educational programs.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Santa Monica Pier Aquarium"

Jul 8, 2010, Santa Monica Seafood

Santa Monica Seafood is or favorite market for fresh seafood in the LA area. It is where we hit when we get our, very frequent, craving for Moules et Frites.

There is a great selection of fresh seafood and the new location has a great oyster bar and cafe.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Santa Monica Seafood"

Jul 8, 2010, Candy Cane Lane

Candy Cane Lane is the unofficial name of a small neighborhood in Woodland Hills that goes all out each winter, trying to out-do each other with winter and Christmas decorations.

Grab a cup of hot cocoa and your mittens and pile into the car to cruise the block, enjoying the magic of the season. Your kids will love it!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Candy Cane Lane"

Jul 8, 2010, Allied Model Trains

Allied Model Trains is practically an LA institution. Existing here since the 40's (although not in the current location) this is your one stop shopping location for model trains.

With everything you could possibly want for model train building and collecting, this place is just fun to look around with the kids. Don't miss the big display next door in the Samy's Camera!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Allied Model Trains"

Jul 6, 2010, Brandywine Restaurant in Woodland Hills

Brandywine Restaurant is a quaint and romantic little (and we mean little) restaurant that is practically hidden away in Woodland Hills. The food is great, classic French. You'll be charmed by the couple that owns this place, he is the Maitre d' and server and she is the chef.

Definitely a great place to go for your next date or romantic night out!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Brandywine Restaurant in Woodland Hills"

Jul 6, 2010, Oak Glen California Apple Orchards

We've been going to this beautiful community of apple orchards for years. Tucked away in the San Bernardino Mountains northeast of LA, Oak Glen CA makes a great day trip for the whole family.

Games, tours, rides, petting zoos, fruit picking, food, cider and of course tons of apples, this place is a ball and a good way to enjoy the natural beauty of the areas around LA as well as the fun community that has grown up here.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Oak Glen California Apple Orchards"

Jul 6, 2010, Culver City Park (Veterans Memorial Park)

This little neighborhood park in Culver City is not the most unique park in LA but its pretty and fun. While it has all the usual stuff (baseball diamond, tennis courts, picnic benches), it stands out for having some nice open grassy spaces and a nice new kids area with soft foam flooring.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Culver City Park (Veterans Memorial Park)"

Jun 2, 2010, Taqueria El Tapatio Best Mexican Food in Woodland Hills

A new favorite of ours over the last year for best local Mexican food! We are loving Taqueria El Tapatio #1 in Woodland Hills!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Taqueria El Tapatio Best Mexican Food in Woodland Hills"

May 31, 2010, Topanga Days, We Love You!

We spent the afternoon at Topanga Days Country Fair and wish we could have hung out all three days.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Topanga Days, We Love You!"

May 30, 2010, El Patio #2, One of the Best SoCal Burritos? Oh Yes.

Yeah, okay, so Sunset did this "best burrito" in Southern California list recently and shockingly, one of our favs was on it. El Patio #2 Drive In!

Quick, go there before it gets too popular and changes! Oh, wait, I mean please don't go there. I'm hungry.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "El Patio #2, One of the Best SoCal Burritos? Oh Yes."

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.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Santa Monica Beach Hotels"

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!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Hotels in Los Angeles"

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.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Balboa Ferry at Newport Bay"

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!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Newport Beach Fun Zone"

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.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Norman's Rare Guitars"

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.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Chinatown in Los Angeles"

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.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Our Favorite Cheap Restaurants in LA"

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!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific"

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!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Los Angeles Festivals and Fairs"

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!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Pink's Hot Dogs"

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.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Raining? Head to the Star Eco Station!"

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...

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Leo Carillo Beach is Our Favorite Beach for Kids"

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.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Rancho Park or Cheviot Hills Park"