In and Around Los Angeles Blog

Jan 13, Lifecrowd.com - Our Newest Site Sponsor!

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:18:56 GMT

Hello All!

We are very excited to introduce you to our newest In-and-Around-Los-Angeles.com site sponsor, Lifecrowd!

Lifecrowd is an online destination connecting those eager to discover, share and participate in fun activities and meet new people. Lifecrowd enables users to pursue and experience new interests, as well as meet new people, by making the quest a simple process. The site shows people fun activities to try in LA such as banzai tree trimming, card counting, sushi rolling, moonlight kayaking and wine & cheese pairing.

If you are looking to explore LA and life in general, we encourage you to check out one of their events. Signup now and a get $10 credit to apply towards any activity you book!

Go check out Lifecrowd.com today! Cheers!

Dec 20, Red Lion Tavern in Silver Lake

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:28:51 GMT

Transport yourself to a dark German beer hall or lounge out in the beer garden, this funky and cool little place in Silver Lake is a fun night out both for the great German beers and the grubby German food.

Extra cool because there are 3 or 4 distinct dining/drinking "environments" within this one bar, each time you come back you can have a different experience!

Aug 2, Kidspace Children's Museum

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 23:36:26 GMT

OK, so this children's museum isn't a "museum" per se. It doesn't have works of art or other collectibles. I suppose a better description of the Kidspace Children's Museum would be a science museum or "exploratorium" but its more than either of these.

Whatever you want to call it, Kidspace is a great place for kids to explore, learn and play. It is in beautiful Pasadena, in the same park area as the Rose Bowl. If you are a Los Angeles family, it is worth a trip out there to explore!

Jun 18, Seahorses at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 04:51:53 GMT

Our good friends at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium and Heal the Bay have recently opened a new exhibit that we thought you'd all be interested in, especially those with kids (or just a love of science and nature and learning new stuff!). The Pacific seahorse exhibit is the first of its kind at the aquarium and features the Pacific seahorse, Hippocampus ingens to us geeky types (by the way, there is a part of the brain called the hippocampus, named for its resemblance to the seahorse… I told you we are geeky!). Growing up to 12" in length, they are one of the world's largest seahorses and happens to be the only one found along our coast!

Photo below by Tara Crow...

For all you philanthropists and nature lovers out there, the Pacific seahorses at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium are up for their "aquadoption" where you can help support the care of these unique animals in the exhibit. For the rest of June there is a special deal on "aquadopting" a seahorse, which will increase in July. If you want more information about sponsoring a seahorse, check out the Aquadoption Program and help today. Check out the seahorses and many other exhibits and animals at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium during public hours, Tuesday through Friday from 2:00 to 6:00 pm and weekends from 12:30 to 6:00 pm.

Have fun!

May 3, Topanga Canyon Neighborhood

Tue, 03 May 2011 16:54:31 GMT

We've already told you about the natural beauty of the Topanga State Park. But what about the Topanga community and neighborhood?

Topanga is like a slice of the 60's in Los Angeles. Surrounded by natural beauty, this quirky, crunchy community is interesting and fun. There is something magical about this place that we can't quite put our finger on. If you hate "tree-huggin' hippies" then this place might not be your cup of tea. But if you appreciate a more natural and quiet way of life, you might feel right at home.

May 3, Los Feliz & Silver Lake Los Angeles Neighborhoods

Tue, 03 May 2011 06:07:11 GMT

We just added Los Feliz & Silver Lake to our Los Angeles Neighborhoods section.

These funky little villages within LA have a lot to offer. With a lot of unique character and personality they have a great blend of young hip fun and artsy/snooty/bohemian intellectualism. Whether you are looking for good food, great gelato, a cool bookstore or a quirky coffee shop to hang out in, you'll find it here.

Apr 27, Moon Bounce Rentals in Los Angeles

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 20:17:07 GMT

We get a lot of emails asking about bounce house rentals. You know, those bounce houses that you see in peoples' front yards for kids birthday parties? Whether you call them a moon bounce, a party jumper or whatever, they are serious fun! I know most of us parents didn't grow up with these, they are a relatively new invention, but if you haven't tried one you should, they are even fun as an adult. You won't be able to keep the smile off your face. And your kids will love them even more. These inflatable bouncers can literally make your kids birthday party, or any other occasion for that matter.

Well we came across a great party rental company that supplies these fun bounce houses called i Moon Bounce Rentals. They have a big selection of party jumpers rentals of different sizes and styles, from castles to Disney characters. Some even have water slides built in!

The moon bouncers are less expensive than you might think and they come and set it up and break it down quickly and quietly. Also, you may have heard that some of these party jumpers have lead in them. Yuck! Well, no fear, all of i Moon Bounce Rentals' bounce houses are lead free and they are cleaned after each use.

So if you are planning a kids party be sure to check them out. They service the Los Angeles area.

Feb 21, Legoland California

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:41:13 GMT

Legoland is an amusement park centered around the popular building toys of the same name. And like the toy, this kid-focused park is quite interactive and entertaining.

Yes, there are rides, but there are also dozens of displays and play spaces that allow kids to get in on the action and explore. Rather than just standing around in lines all day, your young ones can run around and play. We think this an excellent alternative amusement park, particularly for any Los Angeles family with young kids.

Feb 21, The Baker Bakery & Cafe

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:12:16 GMT

We happened upon this place by accident. A small family run business in a strip mall in Woodland Hills, this is a real bakery, making their own fresh bread and pastries daily.

But what we really love the Baker for is their yummy breakfasts, especially their spicy signature dish, Shakshouka! Classy breakfast food that is definitely worth a stop if you are in the west Valley.

Feb 20, The Best Sushi in Los Angeles

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 06:05:10 GMT

OK, LA is near the ocean and it is a big, metropolitan city, so you'd expect it to have a lot of good sushi restaurants, right?

We'll you'd be right, there is a ton of great Japanese cuisine in the LA area and some of our favorite Los Angeles restaurants are sushi spots. We can't taste them all, but here are some of our favorites; and trust me, we love sushi!

Dec 28, Malibu Creek State Park

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 22:06:09 GMT

We just discovered Malibu Creek State Park in the beautiful Malibu hills, inland from the famous beach community of the same name.

Most people know Malibu for its private beaches and expensive estates, but there is so much more to enjoy. Miles of hiking trails and nature to explore. The visitor center along the trail is particularly cool, especially if you have kids.

Dec 28, Los Angeles Nurseries

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 22:06:09 GMT

We are plant people and so we like to frequent nurseries, whether to plan our next seasons veggie garden or just decorate our house.

There are nurseries and then there are "nurseries". Here are a few we've found to be helpful and knowledgeable while having an interesting selection of great specimens to choose from.

Dec 20, Saddle Peak Lodge

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 19:33:26 GMT

Once a remote hunting lodge in the 1800's, Saddle Peak Lodge is a gourmet restaurant that is definitely a great stop for those looking to get out of the city and into a beautiful, rustic setting.

The specialty of the house is exotic game meats but there is something for everyone. The decor is fun and beautiful, the food great and the service even better.

Oct 14, Santa Monica Pier Aquarium Halloween Fishy Fest!

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:53:09 GMT

The folks over at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium are having a special event to celebrate Halloween and Dia de los Muertos. On Oct 23rd and 24th they are having a special Fishy Fest with family-friendly presentations, crafts and lots of learning opportunities. The flier with general info is below, but note the following: On both days there will be a glow in the dark bioluminescence presentation at 2:00 p.m. and dont miss the Invasion of the Body Snatchers at 4:00 p.m., a fascinating session on the amazing abilities of marine parasites. And there is much more!

Children under 13 are admitted free with an adult; for all others there is a suggested donation of $5 or $3 minimum admission fee. For groups of 10 or more, the fee is $2 per person. Call or visit their website for more info!

Have fun!

Aug 19, Third Street Promenade

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:29:59 GMT

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.

Aug 19, Los Angeles Trees

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:29:59 GMT

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!

Aug 19, McCabe's Guitar Shop

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:29:59 GMT

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.

Jul 29, Share Your LA!

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:06:00 GMT

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!

Jul 29, Los Angeles Hiking Trails

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:06:00 GMT

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.

Jul 28, Griffith Park

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 21:18:05 GMT

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!

Jul 23, We Saw an Octopus!

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:55:17 GMT

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?

Jul 23, Hiking in Los Angeles

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 05:36:31 GMT

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!

Jul 22, Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:23:34 GMT

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.

Jul 8, Candy Cane Lane

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:36:04 GMT

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!

Jul 8, Allied Model Trains

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:36:04 GMT

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!

Jul 8, Santa Monica Seafood

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:36:04 GMT

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.

Jul 6, Brandywine Restaurant in Woodland Hills

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 21:16:31 GMT

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!

Jul 6, Oak Glen California Apple Orchards

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 21:16:31 GMT

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.

Jul 6, Culver City Park (Veterans Memorial Park)

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:02:30 GMT

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.

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

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:34:55 GMT

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

May 31, Topanga Days, We Love You!

Mon, 31 May 2010 19:32:07 GMT

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

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

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

Sun, 30 May 2010 23:57:22 GMT

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.

Feb 2, Hotels in Los Angeles

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:41:42 GMT

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!

Feb 2, Santa Monica Beach Hotels

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:41:42 GMT

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.

Dec 16, Newport Beach Fun Zone

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:24:31 GMT

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!

Dec 16, Balboa Ferry at Newport Bay

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:24:31 GMT

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.

Nov 25, Norman's Rare Guitars

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:23:09 GMT

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.

Nov 24, Chinatown in Los Angeles

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:19:53 GMT

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.

Sep 28, Our Favorite Cheap Restaurants in LA

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:56:13 GMT

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.

Sep 16, Los Angeles Festivals and Fairs

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:50:23 GMT

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!

Sep 16, Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:50:23 GMT

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!

Sep 10, Pink's Hot Dogs

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:45:06 GMT

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!

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

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:33:39 GMT

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.

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

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:17:21 GMT

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...

May 6, Rancho Park or Cheviot Hills Park

Wed, 06 May 2009 19:56:22 GMT

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.

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

Tue, 05 May 2009 23:35:57 GMT

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!

May 3, Pan Pacific Park

Sun, 03 May 2009 15:30:11 GMT

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.

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

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:52:27 GMT

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!

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

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 05:30:35 GMT

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!

Apr 14, Tommy's Burger. Mmmmmmm

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 03:36:20 GMT

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.