Sometimes it's fun to be a tourist in the town you live in and it doesn't have to be tacky. You inevitably see things you take for granted - like the striking way the sun makes its urgent decent behind russet hills promising a new day in its silhouette. Or seeing the same performers on Venice Beach beach do their "final show" all day every weekend for decades. The joy is seeing it from a new perspective and making the journey as eventful as the destination. I had visitors over the weekend so we ran the circuit of must see LA landmarks. Rather than gazing upon the hillside to view the H O L L Y W O O D sign from the madness that is Hollywood Bl., make the extra effort to meander Griffith Park and end up at the newly remodeled observatory where expansive city views are nothing short of spectacular. On a clear day (usually in winter) you can see Catalina Island to the west and snow-capped Big Bear to the east. The program and planetarium show at Griffith observatory is informative and nicely executed. Some exhibits are even interactive; for example, you can jump up and down in front of the seismograph and try to create an earthquake. And look out for the ring of Uranus!
Whilst in Venice, better than the famed boardwalk is Abbott Kinney. It's fun to leisurely promenade the boulevard deking into artisan work spaces or comb musty old buildings for vintage finds. Aside from the best and cheapest burger in town grilled Sunday afternoons at the Rooster Fish, my favorite thing about Abbott Kinney is the Meditrina cafe. Delicious meals is the least of its allure. Make sure to get a table on the patio where afterward you can take the garden path around the sculpture gardens. Everything is for sale and tenderly cared for. And whatever you do don't miss the gelato! My favorite is pistachio but coconut and mango are also refreshing and scrumptious.
Happy trails!
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