Southern California Holidays come in many flavors. I was reminded of this on Sunday as I headed down Pacific Coast Highway to catch some of the festivities.

On my right, the surfers were in the water. On my left, a couple just as vintage as their rare old red MG, sped along, top down, Santa hats bobbing, scarves flying. Then out of nowhere a biker in full Santa costume zipped past! Obviously late for an appearance!

For me, that’s what makes a Southern California Christmas so much fun – you never know what you will encounter. The snowflakes may be miles away in the mountains, but nine times out of ten, the spirit will be here!

Sample that spirit with Orange County’s many festivities:

Roger’s Garden is a good place to start. Known to be a spectacular holiday wonderland, the gardens were filled this past Sunday. And right in the midst of all the lush décor two miniature trains were speeding around tracks threaded through a flaming red poinsettia garden. Every little boy there stood glued to the spot, along with lots of dads, reliving days gone by. I’m sure they all wished they could recreate this scene at home.

Roger’s Gardens also has the most prime collection of holiday flowers, Christmas trees and wreaths, collector ornaments, and gourmet foods. It’s a perfect staging ground for holiday parties. Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., now through December 23^rd. Santa shows up from noon to 6 p.m. on weekends. In Corona Del Mar, 2301 San Joaquin Hills Drive.

Next, you might visit The Original Fish Company in Los Alamitos. Famed for attracting celebrities and great reviews, this is a natural for dinner with friends. As you leave be sure to pick up some party fare from their fish market counter. Check all of their recipes at their site. The Crab Quesadilla and Salsa is the best. Open Monday through Saturday, 11 am to 10 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 10 pm. At 11061 Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos. Take the Katella exit from the 605 Freeway North.

For holiday entertainment, It’s A Wonderful Life becomes This Wonderful Life, at the Laguna Playhouse. Frank Capra’s classic film is superbly interpreted with James Leaming portraying Old Man Potter, George Bailey, Clarence the Angel and Mary, now through December 24. (No evening performance on Christmas Eve.)

Next stop, a visit to Christmas past at the Heritage House in Santa Ana. Take the family and enjoy an afternoon exploring California history. The Kellogg House is one of several buildings from the 1890’s sitting in the midst of 12 acres of gardens and citrus trees. Filled with rare antiques, it’s beautifully decorated for the season. Open Fridays, 1 to 5 p.m., Sundays, 11 am to 3 pm at 3101 West Harvard, Santa Ana.

Last minute stocking stuffers can be rare gifts at reasonable prices in Laguna Canyon’s. Crystal Image, 2171 Laguna Canyon Rd., offers an unmatched collection of fossils, crystal and minerals with prices starting around $15. John Barber Glass Designs, 21062 Laguna Canyon Rd., will be offering refreshments, entertainment, and a studio clearance sale on December 17-18, 10 am, 6 pm. Blown glass balls make special gifts, or festive decorating accents.

The ultimate Christmas tree is lit every night at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, in the plaza near Bloomingdales. Since the eighties it has been recognized as one of the largest decorated trees in the country.

Its located in Newport Beach at 401 Newport Center Drive.

Whatever you choose, we wish you a Merry Holiday!

As you thread your way down PCH, the views are amazing, and over a hundred art galleries, restaurants, and fashion boutiques are all within easy walking distance. Parking can be a challenge. But there are free public lots available in the heart of town, and anybody who visits more than once quickly figures out parking solutions.

Luxury hotels like the Montage, and classic spots like Hotel Laguna attract Hollywood’s brightest.

Justin Bieber shows up with some frequency at the Montage, as does Harrison Ford. Warren Buffet, Jennifer Aniston and Diane Keaton have all owned ocean view property here along with many other celebrities. New movies frequently film on Laguna’s seven miles of spectacular bluffs and beaches.

Oliver Stone’s Savages, began shooting here about a month ago with John Travolta and Uma Thurman starring in this soon to be released drug cartel story.

The Laguna Beach Art Museum leads a once a month Thursday ArtWalk, as prime galleries open their doors, with special showings and wine and cheese. The Laguna ArtWalk is a great way to get to know Laguna, meet the locals and feel the pulse of a city that lives its art.

Moving on to fashion, Laguna offers one of the most intriguing collection of fashion boutiques and specialty shops in O.C. Forest Avenue is the hub with classics like Louise’s Place, while Tommy Bahama’s Bar and Grill let’s guys simultaneously sample the island lifestyle in food, drink and fashion.

Dan Miller Fine Jewelry heads up a long line of outstanding jewelers based in Laguna. Anastasia, is one of the many avant garde boutiques that will persuade you that this is all justifiable. The Black Flamingo, Envy and Muse are musts too.

EuroPapi has the final word in motorcycle streetwear. Toes on the Nose, Thalia Surf Shop, Hobies and Laguna Surf and Sportswear are just a few of the many surf and watersport shops here. Many of the shops offer pro surfing lessons and water equipment rentals. Ice cream, cupcakes, gelato and candy shops also abound to keep your shopping fueled.

Laguna Canyon is a whole different matter:

Laguna Culinary Arts offers gourmet treats and wine tasting. They share the canyon with the Laguna College of Art and Design and the Laguna Wilderness Preserve. If you love fossils, museum sized crystal, and rare stones, Crystal Image is a cool find. Crystal Image has the market covered with rare crystals and minerals priced from $15 to $25,000, and up. The sizes offered range from a few ounces to thousands of pounds! Just wondering through their showrooms is an adventure.

Artists with glassblowing, welding and painting studios populate the canyon and supply the annual Sawdust Festival and Winter Fantasy festival with stunning pieces of art. The glass blowing is fascinating to watch and even more fantastic to own.

When you are shopped out, nearby cafes and restaurants unfurl savory menus. The Sun Dried Tomato, Zinc Café & Market, a vegetarian find, and Rock’nFish restaurants are typical top flight choices.

If you so happen to have a golfer tagging along, Aliso Creek Golf Course and Inn makes the south end of Laguna worth a visit. Drive back into the canyon for golf, lunch or a memorable dinner.

Summary of a day in Laguna:

To be sure, you will come away with some very special finds. You’ll have an exhilarating time. nd the food here is always superb, along with Laguna Beach’s vistas, beaches and alcoves, as well as its one-of-a-kind surroundings amazing.

And PS, it will definitely not be just another day here–Laguna Beach never is.

This creates a flamboyant, whimsical and edgy statement without it being overdone (if done right!). But there are some people–women and men–boys and girls, who are seemingly ashamed of their cultural heritage. Barring those, the rest of us are happy to show the world where we came from.

Trinidadian Anya Ayoung Chee, winner of Season 9 Project Runway, proudly showed her potpourri of heritage by designing and creating a collection that reflects her cultural aesthetic.

Although mostly Chinese, Ayoung Chee admitted that her fashion point of view stemmed from her African heritage. Unlike most designers who cave into the pressures to be mainstream, Ayoung Chee proved that by staying true to one’s true fashion voice, success is possible.

If you happen to lack a cultural reference, experiment with different ethnic inspired pieces until you find a fashion that meets your need to make a statement–whatever that may be.

Mixing cultural influences is also a great way of making an otherwise boring outfit into your own individual fashion forward thinking. Pairing Eastern with Western – Indian and Chinese – and other endless permutations, is a great way to push the boundaries when it comes to fashion.

Other options could be mixing lovely Native American inspired prints with African or even Aztec, since the lines are somewhat similar. The thing to remember about mixing patterns is to find the common threads–so to speak–and go from there.

It doesn’t have to be completely literal, but when used it truly creates unique pattern that would be all yours. Just be wary of the hodgepodge patterns that confuse rather than inspire.

Another great way to experiment with fashion and culture is with accessories, since it’s less risky then wearing clothing.

It’s also more cost effective since you can try different options without going bankrupt. I also happen to like ornately designed statement necklaces and bangles, so why not try the latest trend – Native American inspired feathered earrings and necklaces.

The wonderful thing about fashion is that it can help us stay tethered to our cultural heritage or it can inspire others to appreciate the gorgeous fashions from around the world. Whether you’re expressing your own cultural garb or trying on one for size, remember that it’s more important to be open minded (resist the urge to go totally global all at once). That may create the risk of looking too costumey, but if you do your research right and start slowly at first, you’ll soon find your own culturally inspired fashion look.

Photos courtesy of arzoo magazine, alibaba, and ayosdito

D.J. Schwartz is Travelin’ Local’s Editor-in-Chief. He is helping to build Travelin’ Local into the number one online lifestyle magazine for Los Angeles and Southern California. A California native born and raised in La Jolla, CA, he is an occasional contributing writer. Only a year plus old it has a readership from around the world interested in the Los Angeles and Southern California mystique, lifestyle, trendsetting, and its residents diverse interests. With its 100% original writing and photographs, Travein’ Local stories cover our myriad of neighborhood enclaves and well and not-so-well known places, along with our area’s diverse and beautiful cultural, historical and physical infrastructure that’s in our own backyard–if we just look around.>

Today our focus is the well known and lauded fashion voltage to Newport’s legendary Fashion Island.

Perched on the bluff with ocean breezes and views to spare, Fashion Island is one of the most prestigious open air retail centers in Southern California–and one of the best in the country.

Every year Fashion Island attracts some 13 million visitors to its sleek playground.

I was there on a warm weekday afternoon recently and it was all too easy to linger. Mere realities like work deadlines and appointments easily became nothing but a distant memory as I became one with my suroundings on this day’s lush golden afternoon sunshine.

The Fashion Island outdoor cool outdoor setting, set amidst signature stores, trendy boutiques, and special little cafes beautifully blended with its numerous lush gardens and gurgling fountains.

The OC leisure scene is now in full swing. Southern California casual hums alongside various nifty perks. Nearby at the new Nordstrom’s Starbucks bar, a sleek black Lamborghini was casually parked at the curb.

Recently, the owners, The Irvine Company, made improvement to the Center’s original design to keep pace with the new Pelican Hills Resort nearby.

Spending over a a hundred million dollars, the Fashion Island owners cleverly shifted Fashion Island’s locale and temperament–from Spain to Italy, by reproducing European street locales.

Often enough by elegantly infusing hand carved granite fountains and Italian streetlights as backdrops for Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Macys, and Nordstroms.

Fashion forward trendsetters are always being added to Fashion Island’s bevy of refined style, including Dean and DeLucca’s gourmet foods, Michael Stars, women’s sportswear, and Dick’s Sporting Goods among the newest.

Click on the Fall Trend Guide for more stores to learn about that are here.

If you spend the afternoon and are not ready to leave, Roys Fusion, Flemings Steakhouse and True Foods, are all top notch dinner options, all clustered together in the Center

Situated across from the 8 screen cinema complex lies Or, the luxury resort Island Hotel, the fabled Ritz Restaurant and Rogers Gardens.

Fashion Island is an elegant open air shopping center–complete with a plethora of fine dining and entertainment choices– deftly mixing coastal ease with trendy sophistication.

Back in 1967. Fashion Island set the bar high with its massive bronze wind chime sculpture by sculptor, Tom Van Sant, that still stands tall at the mall’s southwestern entrance.

At that time, The Guiness Book recorded it as the world’s largest wind chime at that time. And that’s the way things happen at Fashion Island–with direct impact and unmistakable drama.

Holiday Note: About a week before Christmas, one of the tallest trees in the nation is transported here and is lit in Bloomingdale’s courtyard. If you’re in the area come one come all to a holiday treat you’ll soon not forget.

Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center, Newport Beach. Driving directions: From Los Angeles take the 405 San Diego Freeway South. Then exit 10 to merge onto CA-73 toward San Diego to exit 14A and merge onto MacArthur Blvd., and head down Newport Beach until you turn onto San Miguel Drive. If you’re coming from the opposite direction, from the Newport area, turn on Newport Center Drive as you head south on Pacific Coast Highway.

Its located two blocks from the beach and is directly tangential to the famous 3^rd Street Promenade.

The open air and breezy at Santa Monica Place which features many stores including its anchor tenant Nordstrom Department Store.

Included here are such famous and beloved band name stores as Michael Kors; as well as they hyper hip brand of Joe’s Jeans.

This place is for “fashinistas,” and the bottom line is this is where the rubber hits the road, and you’ll be able to meet your exact, chic and special shopping needs here year round; because whatever your desire, need or want, you’ll find it here–at “>Santa Monica Place

.

Just a little over a year ago, Santa Monica Place’s grand opening was front page news and now it’s another place in town to find that special something; or to spend an idle afternoon or day here relaxing over a leisurely lunch or a to mellow out and to kick back after a hard days work.

It’s just another day in paradise to be sure; but also a place for walking around to celebrate your surroundings in beautiful Santa Monica–window shopping, people watching or just having fun with a friend.

With its approximately 80 stores and restaurants on three separate levels, it’s really an amazing place for everyone to come here and have fun–leave your troubles behind for awhile.

Although parking in Santa Monica is a never ending battle, until 12/31/11, you’ll receive three free hours of valet parking included with your meal at Blue Stove in Nordstrom, The Curious Palate, Forty Carrots at Bloomingdale’s, La Sandia, Ozumo, Pizza Antica, Primi al Mercato, Sonoma Wine Garden, True Food Kitchen, Xino or Zengo.

Since I live close by, my best option for coming here is taking Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus, to walk around the area and beach, while doing some window shopping as well.

Lord knows, I’ve got enough shoes, handbags, and clothes; but as the saying goes, a woman can never have too much for her fashion needs, and Santa Monica Place is that perfect place to find that extra “something” for your wardrobe or for a gift for anyone you know.
]]> http://www.travelinlocal.com/santa-monica-place-a-shopping-mecca/feed/ 0 http://www.travelinlocal.com/venice-canals-included-walking-tour-the-completed-addition/ http://www.travelinlocal.com/venice-canals-included-walking-tour-the-completed-addition/#comments Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:10:28 +0000 D. J. Schwartz http://www.travelinlocal.com/?p=31123 Venice California is one of the most unique and vibrant communities in Southern California. From its beautiful Boardwalks, quiet residential streets, Venice’s history spans its famous Canals, its many local artists and art scene, shopping districts, as well as its myriad of residences throughout its eclectic neighborhood enclaves.

Many of Venice’s streets used to be canals, but are now home to murals, historic homes, and art galleries of all types.

The Venice (Canals included) Walking Tour – The Completed Edition–takes a distinctive look at both the Venice of today and of yesterdays.

Spanning just over 4 miles, this walking tour highlights Venice’ history, architecture, beach, shopping, and much, much more.

Each of the Venice (Canals included) Walking Tour – The Completed Edition’s 68 postcard size pages–tells many stories of a city on the precipice of both its revolution and evolution.

Complete with maps, a detailed history, and photos this walking tour starts and ends one block from the beach; but spans a city with a rich past and a energetic future.

Priced at only $4.99, the price of a couple of coups of coffee, you’ll bring a bit of paradise to you – for you to always enjoy.

Like fine wine tasting, this is fashion tasting at its very best.

Come to browse your favorite boutiques, people watch, window gaze or restaurant graze. South Coast offers the premier luxury shopping experience with Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstroms as anchors for Gucci, Versace, Tiffany, Hermes, Jimmy Choo, Donna Karan, Cartier, Georgio Armani, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Montblanc, Rolex, Prada, Luis Vuitton, Chloe, Piaget, Bvlgari, and many more of the world’s most famous names. Click on the Fall Portfolio for more.

South Coast Plaza Shopping Mall leads the nation in retail sales of approximately 1.5 billion dollars annually–as shoppers from around the world stream across its marble floors and fill its 250 stores.

Backed up with 30 restaurants including Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdales, the Rainforest Café, and Vie De France.

The Plaza occupies three levels and 128 acres. Enclosed malls are linked by the Bridge of Gardens walking bridge and its Grand Terrace that’s surrounded by a web of sleek hotels, theatres, and restaurants.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts is just across the street, adding to the Plaza’s attractions with the 3,000-seat Segerstrom Hall, the new 2,000-seat Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, the 500-seat multi-functional Samueli Theater, the 250-seat Founders Hall and the 46,000-square-foot Arts Plaza.

If you dine at Scott’s Seafood nearby, they ring a bell to let you know when it’s curtain time.

From its inception in 1967–in the lima bean fields of Henry Segerstrom’s Orange County real estate empire–South Coast Plaza has spiraled into a Federally Trademarked moniker–as its “The Ultimate Shopping Resort.”

Designed by Victor Gruen, South Coast Plaza was built in the same year as was the development of Fashion Island Shopping Center in Newport Beach.

For many years at Christmas time, I have zipped down the San Diego Freeway, exiting at Fairview Avenue and scooting into the back entrance of South Coast Plaza.

Then hours later, I happily loaded my car’s trunk with bags of gifts, as my holiday shopping was complete. Long before it became an international symbol, South Coast Plaz always had the most thoughtful gifts for friends and family, the best stores for kids’ games, puzzles and toys, and the newest look or the smartest bag.

It is by far the ultimate shopping experience.

South Coast Plaza is located at 3333 Bristol St., in Costa Mesa, CA – Directions: The Plaza can be reached from the San Diego Freeway, the 405, the Corona Del Mar Freeway, the 73 and the Costa Mesa Freeway, 55. From Los Angeles take the 405 Freeway south, exiting on North Bristol Street, then proceed to the front entrance or Fairview St., and make a right turn onto South Coast Drive to the Plaza’s rear entrance.

Known as a community gathering spot for the last hundred years, the plaza now hums with visitors looking for records, books, watches, estate jewelry, sheet music, art, toys, furniture, linens, vintage clothing, china, crystal and much more. You can buy a treasure for pennies or spend a bundle as you prowl through a superb collection of stores.

Springing from Orange County’s early Sunkist citrus industry, the Orange Circle is ringed with historical old homes and choice restaurants (see our recent Olde Towne foodies story). To find out what the all the buzz is about – just take the 55 or the 57 freeway and head for Orange Circle.

Tours & Treats just In time for Halloween

Treats in the Street Autumn Festival, Olde Towne Orange Plaza, Thursday, October 27^th from 4:00 – 7:00pm. Trick or Treat at participating merchants, kids games in non-profit food booths and a Kids Costume Parade. For costumes to go: Army-Navy Store and vintage clothing in the many antique shops. Ghost Tours Haunted History Ghost Walk. Old Towne Orange 2011 Home Tour, November 5^th-6^th from 10:00am-4:00pm.

The Shops & Galleries

Art

Chuck Jones Center for Creativity, 131 W. Chapman.
Copperwood Artware, 148 A, N. Glassell
The Exchange Fine Arts Gallery, 195 S. Glassell
The Gallery on Glassell, 115 N. Glassell
Orange Circle Tattoo and Custom Culture Art, 227 East Chapman
Schroeder Studio Gallery, 112 E. Maple

Lodging

Ruta’s Old Town Inn, 274 N. Glassell

Antiques & Collectibles

A&A Antiques, 142 N. Glassell
A&P Collectibles, 151 N. Glassell
Antique Depot, 155 S. Glassell
Antique Mall of Treasures, 109 S. Glassell
Antique Station, 178 S. Glassell
Chapman Antique Mall, 201 E. Chapman
Country Roads Antiques, 204 W. Chapman
Down Home Antiques, 200 E. Chapman
George the Second, 114 N. Glassell
Grand Avenue Antiques, 140 N. Glassell
It’s About Time Antiques, 131 N. Glassell
Mr. C’s Rare Records, 148 N. Glassell
Muff’s Hardware, 135 S. Glassell
Now and Again, 20 Plaza Square
O.C. Estate and Jewelry Co., on the Circle
Orange Circle Antique Mall, 118 S. Glassell
Plaza 42 Antiques, 160 N. Glassell
Summerhill Ltd., 110 S. Glassell
Tea Leaf Cottage, 141 N. Glassell
The Architectural Gallery, 123 N. Olive
The Vault, 74 Plaza Square
Welch & Wares Estate Jewelry, 108 S. Glassell
Woody’s Antiques, 169 -173 N. Glassell

Specialty Shops

Army-Navy Store, 131 N. Glassell
Orange Paint Store, 396 W. Chapman
Black’s Furniture, 335 W. Chapman
Bob’s Shades & Linoleum, 208 E. Chapman
C.W. Moss, 402 W. Chapman
Charming Shoppe, 140 S. Glassell
Eikon Home, 142 S. Glassell
Enchanted Florist, 107 S. Glassell
Elsewhere Vintage, 133 W. Chapman
Frog’s Breath Cheese Store, 143 N. Glassell
Good Feet, 227-A E. Chapman
Heavenly Hostess, 80-84 Plaza Square
Imprinted Memories, 162-B N. Glassell
Julep’s, 115 N. Orange
Licata Orange Nutrition, 161-A N. Glassell
Matsoka Trading Co., 123 N. Glassell
Moonlight Graham, 401 W. Chapman
Orange Candy Co., 144 N. Glassell
PJ’s Petals, 145 N. Lemon
PX Jeweler’s, 136 N. Glassell
Radio Shack, 101 S. Glassell
Renee’s Jewelers, 136 N, Glassell
Rockwell’s Creative Cakes, 145 N, Lemon
Rocky Mt, Chocolate Factory, 152-D N. Glassell
Tesserae Tile & Stoneworks, 114 -1/2 S. Glassell
The Dragonfly Shop, 260 N. Glassell
The Hope Chest, 105 W. Chapman
The Running Lab, 155 N. Glassell
The Spotted Moth, 138 S. Glassell
The Victoria Company, 146 S. Glassell
Third World Gifts & Handarts, 152-B N. Glassell
Two Little Monkeys, 109 N. Glassell
Two Sisters, 138 S. Glassell
Smokin’ George’s, 42 Plaza Square

Hours vary by store.

Parking in Old Towne:

There is no charge for parking in Old Towne, but most public parking areas have time limits. There is a two hour parking limit for parking along Chapman and Glassell, unless otherwise posted. The public parking lots have three hour limits. And there are two lots with no limits: Lemon St. Parking Lot, northeast corner W. Chapman and Lemon; Metrolink Parking Lot, north side of W. Chapman, just west of the railroad tracks. Also, many residential streets are permit parking only.

However, from Santa Monica to the Hollywood Hills to Downtown LA–free and affordable–means that there remains ways and means for many people here to do thing they find appealing. Especially during these tough times.

As an ode to our City of the Angels and for both our residents, and visiting guests, let’s get started:

1. Hike to the Hollywood Sign

Since arriving here a few years ago, I have had an ongoing love affair with the Hollywood Sign and environs.

Indeed, on clear days, I look for it where ever I am in the city, and you’d be surprised how often I see it! You can’t touch the sign, but you sure can get pretty close. And if you traverse its hills on a clear day, your views of the city from the Hollywood Sign are gorgeous and amazing.

2. The Getty Center

If you love art, you can’t miss the opportunity to get to The Getty. World renowned in its collections, The Getty’s ever changing artist landscape keeps visitors coming back for more. Entrance to The Getty is free; but there is a parking fee of $15.00. However, if you park after 5:00pm, parking is free. Better yet, if you take public transit, you don’t have to worry about parking.

3. Santa Monica Pier/3^rd Street Promenade

If enjoying the sun, people watching, and shopping on your list of things to do in LA, then you’ve come to the right place. Between the Santa Monica Pier and the 3^rd Street Promenade, you’ll find all that and more. Paid public parking is available, and if you walk a bit, you can find free side street parking. Or better yet, bike there.

4. The Venice Boardwalk/Venice Canals

There is no place in the world like Venice. Its uniqueness stands out in so many one-of-a-kind and interesting ways. Between enjoying the sites, pursuing the public murals, watching the street performers, and listening to the surf, shopping and people watching--you’ll never be at a loss for things to do in Venice.

In all of LA, the Venice Canals are one of my favorite spots. With its Quiet walkways surrounded by beautiful architecture in an untraditional setting. (Keep an eye pealed for Travelin' Local's complete Walking Tour!

5. Griffith Park

For hikers, train enthusiasts, also children of all ages, combined with visiting the Griffith Observatory, at Griffith Park, you're bound to have tons of fun.

It's 1,134 feet above sea level, and provides the best views of Los Angeles bar none. So, pack a picnic and spend the day. And parking is free, too.

6. Olvera Street/ El Pueblo de Los Angeles

As one of the oldest parts of Downtown Los Angeles and part of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument, history is alive and vibrant here.

Directly across the street from Union Station, you can walk its cobble and brick streets and absorb our city's history, how the city was first settled, and see the oldest residence in town.

7. Downtown LA Walking Tour

To be sure, we still have a walking tour of Downtown LA for free, and it’s Travelin’ Local's. One of the first tours we did was walk the streets of downtown discover many of her treasures. Just follow along and you’ll discover a side to Los Angeles you probably were not aware of or ever knew existed.

View Walking in LA in a larger map

8. Hollywood Walk of Fame

You won’t find it anywhere else but here! We have sidewalks lined with movie and television stars to current motion picture heroes, pioneers of film technology and lore--to yesterday’s radio actors. Plus, with other attractions including the Capital Record's building, Grauman's Chinese Theater, and the Hollywood/Highland Center, there's plenty to do and find here.

9. Miracle Mile/La Brea Tar Pits/The Grove Shopping Center

Within this 3 mile radius, we provide Walking Tour, of the area where you get to experience history, shopping, architecture. It's even fun for the whole family.

View Mid-Wilshire Walk in a larger map

The La Brea Tar Pits are part of LA’s unique history, and LACMA is right next door. Although they do charge admission, you can still find free days every month, and of course, shopping at The Grove, remains one of LA premiere shopping destination.

10. Universal City Walk

With their many concerts and DJ events (a few free), dining or watching the latest movie, Universal City Walk has to be on your must-go list. And, quite frankly the place is a blast!

Including more than 30 great restaurants and places to eat; a 19-screen movie theatre featuring an eight-story-high IMAX®, seven hot night spots including the new Jon Lovitz Comedy Club and the new Samba Brazilian Steakhouse & there's a lounge and believe it or not an indoor sky-diving and more than 30 stores to peruse. And general parking rates start at $10.

What do you think? Did we miss anything?

Olde Towne Plaza in the traffic circle at the intersection of Glassell and Chapman Streets in Orange has been a welcome gathering place for over a century. A year ago we spotlighted this popular area and now we are back with Part II, the latest foodie updates. We are also planning another visit to do Part III, a close up of this antique/collectible haven, one of the best in Orange County.

Gabbi’s may really have started the trend with gourmet Mexican that puts a delectable new spin on everybody’s favorites. Haven Gastropub followed with first cabin gourmet pub grub and superior craft brew selections. Francolis moved from Fashion Island in Newport to a hundred year old building in downtown Orange, bringing authentic Italian food, great wines, and loads of atmosphere.

Next, the Daily Treet became Bruxie Gourmet Waffles, with lines of eager eaters stretching out to the curb. A new take on the Belgian waffle, “bold folds” become street food for breakfast, lunch, snacks or desserts!

Then on Friday nights Orange County Wine Trolley began touring nearby historic neighborhoods offering choice restaurant sampling’s; and then gourmet food trucks started offering hungry palettes in the Orange Cycles bike shop parking lot. Bruery Provisions checked in with brews, cheeses and gourmet take-out sandwiches.

Kimmie’s Coffee Cup, known for their “made from scratch” creations, began offering even more choices and the Filling Station, under new ownership, launched a new dinner menu.

Meanwhile, Ruby’s Streamliner Diner came to town in the historic Santa Fe train depot and Manhattan Steak and Seafood, began hosting a jazz band in the bar and blue cheese stuffed olives in their martinis. Avila’s El Ranchito replaced PJ Abbeys in that historic former church and longtime favorites, Felix’s Continental Café, Watson’s Drugstore and Soda Fountain and Paris in a Cup, continue to excel in offerings of fine cuisine.

You may find it hard to make a choice, but after you dine, you have another fun decision to make.

Within easy walking distance, you’ll find historic neighborhoods, leading art galleries, and one of the best collections in Orange County of prime antique shops plus collector corners with rare collectibles, vintage clothing, records, books and periodicals.

Olde Towne has been repeatedly voted Orange County’s favorite downtown. Located at the north end of central Orange County, Orange was established in 1886. The plaza was the original social and commercial hub of Orange. The Plaza Historical District attained significance throughout the state as a historical landmark in 1981, and was placed on the National Registry of Historical Places in March, 1982.

Added note, the seventy-four year old Plaza Park Fountain at the center of the circle is being refurbished and will be reinstalled around the first of October.

Lunch, Dinner, Coffee, Tea or Chocolate…

Restaurants:

• Bagel Me, 60 Plaza Square
• Blue Frog Dessert House, 136 S. Glassell
• Cafe Lucca, 106 N. Glassell
• Cherry on Top, 117 N. Glassell
• Citrus City Grill, 122 N. Glassell
• Courtyard Deli, 162 N. Glassell
• Bruery Provisions, 143 N. Glassell
• Bruxie Waffles, 292 N. Glassell
• Byeblos, 129 W.Chapman
• El Ranchito, 182 S. Orange
• Felix’s Continental Cafe, 36 Plaza Square
• Francoli’s Gourmet, 100-104 S. Glassell
• Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen, 141 S. Glassell
• Haven Gastropub, 190 S. Glassell
• Jalapenos, 154 N. Glassell
• Kimmies Coffee Cup, 190 S. Glassell
• Manhattan Steak and Seafood, 202 S. Main St.
• O’Hara’s Pub, 150 N. Glassell
• Old Town Grinder & Ice Cream Parlor, 177 N. Glassell
• Omega Burger, 309 W. Chapman
• Paul’s Cocktails, 207 W. Chapman
• Pizza Hut, 396 W. Chapman
• Plaza 149, 149 Glassell
• Renata’s Cafe, 227 E. Chapman, Suite F
• Rutabegorz, 264 N. Glassell
• Ruby’s Streamliner Lounge, 186 N. Atchison
• Taco Adobe, 121 N. Lemon
• The Beach Pit BBQ, 128 N. Glassell
• The District Lounge, 223 W. Chapman
• The Filling Station, 201 North Glassell
• The Perfect Circle, 165 N. Glassell
• Tokyo Cafe, 161 N. Glassell
• Two’s Company, 22 Plaza Square
• Watson’s Drug Store & Soda Fountain, 116 E Chapman
• Wahoos Fish Tacos, 226 W. Chapman
• Zito’s Pizza, 156 N. Chapman

Tea Rooms and Coffee Houses:

• Paris in a Cup, 119 S. Glassell
• Starbucks. 44 Plaza Square & 101 E. Chapman
• The Ugly Mug, 261 N. Glassell

Parking in Olde Towne:

There is no charge for parking in Olde Towne, but most public parking areas have time limits. There is a two hour parking limit for parking along Chapman and Glassell, unless otherwise posted. The public parking lots have three hour limits. Parking on Palm between Glassell & Olive is 30-Minute parking and there are two lots with no limits: Lemon St. Parking Lot, northeast corner W. Chapman and Lemon; Metrolink Parking Lot, north side of W. Chapman, just west of the railroad tracks. Also, many residential streets are permit parking only.

Or how about doing some window shopping?

Or maybe you need to find a cool gift?

Have you walked along Abbott Kinney Boulevard yet?

Home to both home-grown artists and nationally recognized designs, Abbott Kinney is a mix of modern style and old world charm. Stretching one mile between Main Street and Venice Boulevard, Abbott Kinney Boulevard, as KCET puts it, is “a new Rodeo Drive with attitude.”

And that attitude is going to get much bigger this weekend.

On Sunday, September 25^th, from 10:00am until 6:00pm, the 27th Annual Abbott Kinney Festival is taking place.

With music, food, and over 100 participating shops, this year’s Abbott Kinney Festival purpose is “promote the vibrant creativity that makes the beachside community of Venice, California so unique.”

And this year’s Festival may be its biggest and best yet.

In addition, the Abbot Kinney Festival seeks to be an environmentally and socially responsible event. Following are just a few examples of what they are currently doing to reduce their ecological footprint:

1. We encourage food vendors to provide biodegradable utensils and attendees to bring reusable utensils, shopping bags, and beverage containers to avoid excessive waste.

2. We strive to be paperless as much as possible. Our registration is online and publicity materials are distributed electronically. Other items are designed with reuse in mind such as our festival program guides, which are printed using recycled newsprint and soy-based ink.

3. Everything that can be recycled is done so to the best of our ability. Bins are placed throughout the festival for use by attendees and vendors. Banners are either constructed using recycled materials or designated for recycling or repurposing.

4. We urge attendees to use greener modes of transportation. Use our bike valet stations, carpool with friends, walk from nearby parking lots, or take the bus.

5. Our music stages are powered with biodiesel generators.

The Festival sounds great, but don’t just visit Abbott Kinney one day a year. It’s meant to be savored on a regular basis.

Here are a few things you might see on any given morning:

Just 125 miles north of Los Angeles, it’s a quick ride up the 101 freeway just past Santa Barbara. Turn onto Route 246 and you’ll discover yourself in a delightful village of international shops and gourmet treats. Solvang means “Sunny Field” in Danish.

One hundred years old this year, this remarkable Danish community is celebrating their success with a series of events and festivals.

Nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley, the surrounding wine country offers an inviting tour of 60 wineries looping from Solvang through Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Ballard, and Buellton. The movie Sideways was made here, and you can spot “The Hitching Post,” their favored hangout, on your way into Solvang.

With over 10 wine tasting rooms, numerous European and American restaurants, a Restival Theater and the numerous Danish bakeries also fill the village.

As you explore the area, you’re sure to hear Danes chatting in their native language. Their families have been here for a hundred years.

Flower lined streets with towering windmills offer an international mix of some 200 shops with linens, handicrafts, leather, ironwork and porcelains. You can roll around town in a bicycle built for two, four or six, or take the colorful horse drawn trolleys.

Several hotels and inns line the entrance to Solvang, letting you pick a place to stay and then park for the duration of your trip. No driving needed.

Hand dipped Chocolates, handmade Fudge, European and American menus, the famed aebelskiver (round pancakes) and authentic Danish smorgasbords are all first rate. Hotels like the four star Petersen Village Inn , provide elegant rooms with gourmet European dinners in Café Provence, that overlooks the Village’s Square.

And, there’s more. On the way back, you can make a quick side trip headed South from Solvang on Route 154 to visit the original stagecoach stop, the Cold Springs Tavern, located at 5995 Stagecoach Road, in Santa Barbara.

Further down the canyon, amidst towering trees is a bit of California history–which is well preserved and continues to thrive today, attracting locals and tourists alike.

Established in 1865, the Cold Springs Tavern was built by Chinese laborers as an official relay station over the San Marcos pass. Today it stands just as it was then, with the roadhouse gang bunkhouse and jail, and original tavern. As the halfway point from Los Olivos, stagecoaches with dusty travelers stopped here to change horses and enjoy an old west meal.

That tradition continues today with buffalo burgers, homemade veggie quiches, wines and brews, plus a popular tri-tip barbecue on Sundays, for you to enjoy.

After you’ve returned to LA; be sure to put this on your calendar for a return trip to picturesque Solvang.

Although chocolate chips can be used for a variety of recipes and foods, (Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, for example); my favorite–as most other people would concur-is the chocolate chip cookie.

So, to properly honor National Chocolate Chip Day, let’s celebrate it as it should be–by eating a chocolate chip cookie or cookies.

I’ll bet that most of you are not aware of the fact the first chocolate chip cookie was made by accident.

The story is as follows:

It all started in the 1930s, at the Toll House Inn, which was owned by Ruth and Kenneth Wakefield.

Here, Ruth would prepare delicious, home-cooked meals that would be served for her guests.

One day, while preparing a batch of Butter Drop Do cookies, a favorite recipe dating back to Colonial days, Ruth cut a bar of our NESTLÉ® Semi-Sweet Chocolate into tiny bits and added them to her dough, expecting them to melt.

Instead, the chocolate held its shape and softened to a delicately creamy texture. Source: Very Best Baking

Of course, as they say, the rest is history. Soon, the chocolate chip cookie garnered vast popularity; and now the name Toll House is synonymous with chocolate chip cookies.

But, where can you find the best chocolate chip cookies in Los Angeles?

Here’s our Top 10 list for the best Los Angeles Eateries for Chocolote Chip Cookies :

1. Cafe Dulce – 134 Japanese Village Plaza, Building E, Los Angeles, CA 90012, (213) 346-9910
2. DeLuscious Cookies & Milk – 829 North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038, (323) 460-2370
3. Diddy Riese Cookies – 926 Broxton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024, (310) 208-0448
4. Dutch Oven Bakery – 2281 Lake Avenue, Altadena, CA 91001, (626) 794-3555
5. Froma – 7960 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046, (323) 653-3700
6. Ice Cream Plus – 8158 West Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90046, (323) 656-8332
7. Lido Bakery – 3001 North Sepulveda Boulevard, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, (310) 545-8955
8. Porto’s Bakery – 3614 West Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank, CA 91504, (818) 846-9100
9. Proof Bakery – 3156 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90039, (323) 664-8633
10. Snookies Cookies & More – 1609 Victory Boulevard, Glendale, CA 91201, (818) 502-2013

All of the establishments listed also serve a variety of other food besides chocolate chip cookies–so be sure to take your time and peruse their menus.

If you want to take matters into your own hands and want to make your own chocolate chip cookies, here’s an excellent recipe:

Toll House Cookie

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
• 1 cup chopped nuts

PREHEAT oven to 375° F.
COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Sweet Eats for a Sweet Holiday – And who doesn’t like Chocolate?

Photo courtesy of College Lifestyles

Here, it’s so easy to just drop back in time and soak up the summer in Newport, especially on Newport’s Balboa Island and peninsula!

Here, you can rent bikes of every type imaginable and reserve countless boat trips and cruises as you explore Balboa Island and peninsula.

Come for an afternoon or spend a week. Just park your car and enjoy!

There are many hotels nearby–the beach is pristine and gorgeous, and there’s an excellent bike path that borders it all the way to both Huntington and Seal Beaches.

Newport Harbor’s Balboa Island is accessible by a bridge at one end. And on the other, from Jamboree Road, accessible to the Newport Harbor from the 405 or the 5 freeways–which then takes you to the bridge and the island. The other end of Balboa Island, ferry carries cars, bikes, and walk-ons that take you back in history to times of old time amusement parks. Restaurants, fashion boutiques, candy shops and bakeries abound.

Take your pick of watercraft and trips: Sunset gondola cruises, trips to Catalina Island, Whale watching tours (Right now the Blue Whales are turning up!), or rent stand up paddle boards, a kayak, or even an electric duffy.

Browse the shoppes: You’ll perhaps purchase a new bikini or stunning cover up, along with clever gifts, hip home décor, charming children’s fashions and collector treasures.

Dine in Newport or on Balboa: The Balboa Bay Club has a Sunday BBQ, replete with baby back ribs or chicken, salads, watermelon, and live music. Villa Nova in Newport has the best piano bar and late night suppers.

On Balboa, the dining and treats are endless. Don’t miss the frozen bananas or Balboa Bar treats!

Also, its choice of bars and bands is non-stop. Malarkey’s, Woody’s Wharf, and Newport Brew Co. keeps the peninsula jumping.

The Blue Beet in Newport comes complete with a serious martini bar and lots of funky old blues. It dates back to 1912!

Not to miss is its Fourth of July Boat Parade – If you are around over the Fourth, one of the largest boat parades in the nation is free and all of the fun starts at 1 p.m. (Note – check for road closures and consider using the ferry with a bike).

Sample a few of Newport and Balboa’s many choices and we predict you’ll be back for another round anytime, and at a drop of a dime!

Here, you’ll find wave after wave of lush landscaping, color and greenery, exquisite rooms and galleries filled with collectibles, and a sleek array of garden furniture, accessories, sculpture and fountains.

Of course, this means you’re sure to find something you can’t live without. If you are on a shopping spree, you may easily overspend. Being more frugal these days, no doubt you’ll meet the perfect plant or marvelous collectible that will be going on a date with you to your house.

Roger’s Gardens is a wonderful destination for both veteran gardeners and beginners. Also, accomplished hostesses can draw upon the landscape, patio settings and flowers to complete party after party.

On a recent weekend, I was there along with the many other visitors happily roaming among the gardens lush plants and accessories.

As a strong believer in the value of having an “outdoor room” as a way to reduce stress, I recommend Roger’s Gardens to help you create one.

Among its many benches, greenery, florals and fountains, you’ll be able to create a garden heaven for yourself. Your only problem might be too many choices–decisions, decisions, decisions!

Make it a Day and Shop at Fashion Island and then visit Roger’s Gardens

Fashion Island, is Orange County’s premier shopping center, and is adjacent to the Gardens.

For the perfect day, you could shop at Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Nordstroms or Macy’s, enjoy lunch at True Food Kitchen, the Daily Grill, Flemings or Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine, and then cross over to Roger’s Gardens for a delightful afternoon.

Roger’s Gardens is brimming with choices:

The Garden Rooms are a must. Also, the Gallery and Floral Studio are perfect for weddings, birthdays and anniversaries, seminars and collectibles.

Events for June –you can choose from edible gardens, plants that attract birds, art clubs, and a rare plant show.

Roger’s Gardens is open from 9am to 6pm daily. Their located at 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar.

The event is entitled “Snow 90210 Rodeo,” and it’s a celebration of the Holiday Season with the first-ever street-wide snowfall everywhere on Rodeo Drive for the evening.

Three shopping blocks of Rodeo Drive will be open to foot traffic only with more than 20 snow machines atop the stores, which will be in action from 6:00 – 9:00pm. There will be a total of 50 in-store events on Rodeo Drive and Brighton Way, seven gourmet food trucks and special Holiday beverages served by Beverly Hills newest award-winning bistro, Bouchon.

There will also be a special UNICEF Snowflake with 12,000 Baccarat crystals sparkle above the Beverly Wilshire at the base of Rodeo Drive.

Additionally, there will also be limited horse-drawn carriage rides with proof of purchase at participating stores during the event.

On the same day, the other famous street next on Canon Drive will be holding its annual open house. Lastly throughout the month of December all the fun will continue with a Beverly Hills Weekend Wonderland during the entire month. Oh, and don’t forget, Santa and Mrs. Clause will be at Two Rodeo Drive and the Pale Center accompanied by live holiday music courtesy of UNICEF.

Here’s the list of many of the participating stores for “Snow 90210 Rodeo:”

• Anne Fontaine
• BCBGMAXAZRIA
• Bebe
• Beverly Wilshire
• Bon Point
• Botteo Veneta
• Brooks Brothers
• Burberry
• Canali
• Chanel
• Christian Dior
• Christofle Silver
• Coach
• Damiani
• David Orgell
• David Yurman
• Dolce & Garbanna
• Etro
• Fendi
• Frette
• Gearys
• Girgio Armani
• Gucci
• Guess
• Harry Winston
• Jimmy Choo
• Judith Ripka
• Lacoste
• Lalique
• Lancer Dermatology
• Lladro Bourtique
• Louis Vuitton
• Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive
• MaxMara
• Mikimoto
• Miu Miu
• MontBlanc
• Paul & Shark
• Porsche Design
• Prada
• Richard Mille
• Rimowa
• Roberto Cavalli
• Stephen Webster
• Tiffany
• Tod’s
• Tourbillon
• Two Rodeo
• Valentino
• Yves Saint Laurent
• Westime

Participating Food Trucks

• Border Grill Truck
• Cart for a Cause
• Coolhaus
• Frysmith
• Sprinkles Cupcakes
• The GastroBus
• The Grilled Cheese Truck
• Bouchon

Whether you want to see the festivities, do some Holiday Shopping, spend some time seeing the snow, have a night out with your significant other, “Snow 9010 Rodeo,” has something for everyone.

Note: Rodeo Drive will close down at 5:30 p.m. and reopen after 10:30 p.m.because the three shopping blocks of Rodeo Drive will be open to foot traffic only with more than 20 snow machines atop the stores, which will be in action from  6 – 9 p.m.

Unique LA, of course!

Billed as “the largest independent design show in the country,” the 3rd Annual Unique LA Holiday Show, will feature over 300 hand-selected designers and artists, whom you can actually meet and greet.

This makes it easy for you to buy local and support LA’s economy. Unique LA will take place on Saturday and Sunday, December 11^th and 12^th, so you’ll have two full days to browse the booths, discover great designs and deals and have fun at the same time.

The 0.00 entrance fee will provide everyone that attends with unlimited access for both days of the show. Also there will be t:

• Free drinks and a hosted bar (IZZE, Honest Tea, Dry Soda, Function, and cocktails by ROOT)
• Your very own collectible tote bag, exclusive to each show… The Holiday artist is secret for now, but the spring tote was designed by LA graphic designer Keith Scharwath!
• Free eco-workshops and cool handmade activities through the weekend, brought to you by Your Daily Thread , 826LA and Common Thread Studio.
• Family/Kids creativity zone and seating area
• Access to giveaways and door prizes all weekend long
• Souvenir copy of the Vendor Directory + Mini Magazine

So for a fun, quality, and fun Holiday shopping experience this weekend, head over to the California Market Center’s Penthouse at 110 East 9^th Street, in downtown LA, from 11:00am until 6:00pm.

Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes as I’m sure you’ll be doing lots of walking, browsing, buying, and merrymaking!

If this sounds like something that’s of interest to you, I found the perfect place for you to go:

The Grow Native Nursery in Westwood

Located behind the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System building, the GNN works with the VA’s Compensated Work Therapy Program (CWT), offering a concentrated focus on native California plants as well as sustainable landscaping and gardening practices.

The veterans, who learn propagation, care and maintenance of all of the California native plants, when they complete the GNN program, learn the skills necessary to have a competitive edge in the job market, as they compete for green and environmental jobs.

First established in 1989, the 15-acre garden and nursery is open Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00am until 5:00pm. Grow Native Nursery is the second location of the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, whose mission is to promote “botany, conservation and horticulture to inspire, inform and educate the public and the scientific community about California’s native flora.”

Just off Sepulveda Boulevard, the future looks bright for the Grow Native Nursery, as they are planning to to include a number of demonstration garden plots for the general public, designed to illustrate the ways in which native plants can be used to achieve sustainable and drought-tolerant home gardens and landscapes.

This program provides veterans the chance to learn horticultural techniques in real-world, practical ways.

Behind the Nursery is the Serenity Park Sanctuary, whose mission is spelled out in the name, Parrot CARE:

• Conservation of parrots in their wild, natural habitats along with the preservation of those habitats
• Adoptions of parrots needing re-homing or placed into permanent sanctuaries.
• Rescue of parrots who can no longer live in their current situation
• Education of the public, animal lovers, and parrot caregivers on the appropriate care of parrots and the need to adopt rather than breed

Also working with the VA’s work therapy program, the use of parrots helps with the veterans’ rehabilitation, as many of these vets, due to physical and psychological impairments, need a serene place to work in preparation for returning to full time employment. The parrots are also the winners because they have a loving environment in which to live.

As I was walking around, taking a few photos, I suddenly heard someone saying “Hello. Hello.” Much to my surprise, it was one of the parrots.

Therefore, as the holidays approach, consider purchasing a plant or two from the VA, and don’t forget to say hello to the parrots.

Well, on Saturday December 4^th, from 10:00am to 4:00pm, Tender Greens in West Hollywood, located at 8759 Santa Monica Boulevard, will host the 3^rd annual Eat My Blog bake sale.

With over 50 bakers/bloggers baking over 2,000 goodies, this bake sale has a proven track record of satisfying everybody’s sweet tooth.

In the 1^st and 2^nd bake sales, over $8,000 was raised for the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank.

Here’s a list of many of the participating bakers:

• 100 Miles
• a for aubergine
• A Spoonful of Sugar
• All Jarred Up
• B-Side Blog
• Bakelab
• Bread + Butter
• Chef Debbie Lee
• Chow Balla
• Cookie Casa
• Delicious Coma
• Design Nomad
• Dessert Darling
• Diana Takes a Bite
• Dishing Up Delights
• Domestic Divas
• Eastside Food Bites
• Eating LA
• Euro Pane
• food is my nish
• food, je t’aime
• Food, she thought
• Found Baking
• G-ma’s Bakery
• gas•tron•o•my
• Gastrophoria
• Haute Health
• Hipcooks
• Hungry Passport
• Isabella’s Cookies
• Just Jenn Recipes
• Kitchy Cooking
• L.A. and O.C. Foodventures
• LA Times Daily Dish
• LA Weekly Squid Ink
• LAist
• Let Me Eat Cake
• Life With a Whisk
• Lizzy Shaw PR
• Los Angeles Met Blogs
• my last bite
• My Life as a Foodie
• Noms, Not Bombs
• Nosh With Me
• Organic Spark
• Pardon My Crumbs
• Pete Eatemall
• Place and Taste
• Ravenous Couple
• Rock My Palate
• Savour Fare
• Sprinkles Cupcakes
• Starry Kitchen
• Stellar Recipes
• Sweet Life Kitchen
• Sweet Life Kitchen
• The Catty Critic
• The Cupcake Diary
• The Duo Dishes
• The Food Librarian
• The Hollywood Corner
• the roaming belly
• The Sweet Beat
• Uncouth Gourmands
• When Adobo Met Feijoada
• Whining ‘N Dining

With this list of participants, the quantity and quality of baked goods that will be of interest for your consideration sounds endless.

All items will be priced between $1.00 to $4.00, so bring your wallet and your sweet tooth. Also, there will be plenty of items on sale for our four legged friends, too.

Unless you live under a rock, you know that this Friday is commonly known as Black Friday, a day of bargain basement prices, when stores open up at 4:00am to sell their wares to throngs of buyers.

Before the term Black Friday was an overused cliche, my children and I used used to plan our Friday after Thanksgiving. We would get the newspaper and look to see which stores had the right stuff on sale that we wanted.

Now this is back in the 90s, before Internet shopping was big. The lines were a bit long, but nothing like today. We could actually hit several stores all at once and be home by 8:00am.

Target, Best Buy, and Staples were usually high on our list, with an occasional Office Depot or Kohl’s thrown in for good measure. Of course, as soon as we got home, we would start filling in our rebate forms, carefully cutting the boxes up to get the various needed items to qualify.

These days, the lines are so long, crowds are pushy, parking is a real hassle, so who needs that misery.

So, to help you miss the crowds, but still get a great discount, that’s not only available on Black Friday, but for the entire week, Travelin’ Local is offering a 50% discount on all of our Walking Tours, including our most popular Hollywood/Highland Walking Tour, and our recently launched Westwood Village Walking Tour.

When you check out, just use the code word TURKEY, and your purchase will be reduced by 50%. So, instead of paying $9.95 for the Angelino Heights/Echo Park Walking Tour, you’ll only pay $4.97. That’s a great deal!

Since our first Walking Tour was launched, I’ve been receiving quite a few wonderful emails from people who have thoroughly enjoyed taking one of our tours in their iconic E-book form. One woman who has lived here all her life had never seen the part of Hollywood featured in our walk.

What better gift to give your friends and family than the discovery of different areas history, culture, and information about our beautiful city. Plus, walking is the best way to see the details you’d miss than by doing it any other way.