I made it to the end of January before escaping to L.A. It's probably my 10th time visiting the City of Angels, and really I could've just laid in the sun, on the sidewalk outside of LAX and been content, but I decided to be a bit more ambitious and cover some of my favorite spots.
Top of my list was naturally the first stop: Runyon Canyon! This somewhat hidden gem, tucked in the Hollywood Hills, behind Sunset Blvd in West Hollywood, is the perfect spot to capture some breathtaking snapshots of the L.A. area, take your furry friend for a challenging walk, and really truly sweat like you mean it! Water bottle and camera in hand, get as intense of a workout as you can handle...and unwind by practicing your downward facing dog in a yoga class on the grass at the bottom.
After dominating Runyon Canyon, the last thing I wanted to do was crawl back into the parking lot that was the 405, so happy hour at The Den on Sunset Blvd with some old friends was the perfect opportunity to wait out rush hour. A small, easy to miss chalet-like bar with a cozy patio and fresh chocolate chip cookies on the menu. Fate? I think so.Moving out of the crazy, star-studded glamour of West Hollywood and inching West towards Beverly Hills, Brentwood, and Santa Monica, it's fascinating to observe the gradual change in the scenery...and even the people. Personally, the further west I traveled, the more comfortable I felt. A quick drop in at Sprinkles for one of their famous gourmet cupcakes is about all I can personally stomach in the high brow, designer-labeled neighborhood of Beverly Hills. However, practice patience and head a bit further West and you will find yourself in the quite charming, (a little) less pretentious, neighborhood of Brentwood. Clean, quiet streets, cute shops and cafes, and still an abundance of fashionable restaurants and lounges for those who prefer to see and be seen. A major plus? Ten minute drive down Santa Monica Blvd to the beach!
Brentwood also gained some major points in my book with a couple of spots that simply made me feel at home. The Liverati Cafe is the type of cafe/coffeeshop you would find on a side street in a quiet, charming town in Italy. This cafe is bustling in the morning...a perfect place to grab a cappucino and a scone or biscotti, and either have a chat with one of the regulars, or snag a spot in the sun to welcome the day. By my second morning there, I felt like a regular! Another MUST do/visit/eat is Susie Cakes cupcake shop. Although I'm partial to any charming bakery, especially ones that have yet to be 'discovered', there is no bias when I say these cupcakes are absolutely unbelievable. Yes, they literally melt in your mouth; Yes you are thrown into a sugar coma for a good 15-20 minutes; and YES Susie Cakes puts Sprinkles cupcakes to shame. Well done, Susie Cakes, well done!
Of course, a trip to L.A. is never complete without some quality beach time. Santa Monica offers pretty much every piece that a 'fantasy day package' could offer. Wander the streets of the bustling 3rd st promenade, do some shopping and grab a bite to eat. Take a stroll along the beach as the waves crash and roll up to tickle your feet, or get a game of beach volleyball going. Enough activity for the day? Dish out 5 big ones and grab a spot on the Pacific Wheel on the Santa Monica Pier, and watch the sunset over the ocean. Best 5 dollars you'll spend in a long time, I promise! Top your Santa Monica day-0-fun with some ice cream as you meander back to reality. Cheesy?? Yes! Unforgettable day to end your California escape from frigid, gloomy Minnesota?? You betcha! ;)
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