My goal for 2009 was to update this blog on a weekly basis...I missed a few weeks, but usually, there was new info posted to the site on Sundays.
I do not plan on updating the site much in 2010 unless I hear of something super interesting. Thanks for following my posts in 2009 and all the best to you and yours in 2010!!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Griffith Park Holiday Light Festival
If you're not yet in the holiday spirit, maybe a holiday light festival will do the trick for you. For pretty much the entire month of December, you can enjoy a beautiful holiday light festival in the Griffith Park area.
The month starts off with vehicle free nights, in which you can bike ride through the neighborhood and as you get closer to Christmas, vehicles are allowed. If you'd like, you can also park at the LA Zoo and take a shuttle and enjoy the ride through the festival.
For more information, visit: http://www.dwplightfestival.com/
The month starts off with vehicle free nights, in which you can bike ride through the neighborhood and as you get closer to Christmas, vehicles are allowed. If you'd like, you can also park at the LA Zoo and take a shuttle and enjoy the ride through the festival.
For more information, visit: http://www.dwplightfestival.com/
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Free Day at Disneyland
This year, you get to go to Disneyland for free on your birthday; next year, they're being a little more flexible with when you decide to use your free admission. In exchange for a day of volunteering, Disney is offering you a free admission to a Disneyland resort in 2010.
Its simple, all you have to do is sign up for the program beginning 1/1/2010. Then you select a participating organization to volunteer with and once your service is completed and verified, you get your free admission!
For more information, visit: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=Give-A-Day-Get-A-Disney-Day
Its simple, all you have to do is sign up for the program beginning 1/1/2010. Then you select a participating organization to volunteer with and once your service is completed and verified, you get your free admission!
For more information, visit: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=Give-A-Day-Get-A-Disney-Day
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Off N Running
Interested in taking a scenic tour of Beverly Hills or Santa Monica and concurrently getting your workout? How about a "Running From the Paparazzi" tour where YOU get to dodge photographers? Select from 3 different running/walking tours (all tours ranging from 2 - 5 miles) for about $60.
For more information visit, http://www.offnrunningtours.com/tour.html.
For more information visit, http://www.offnrunningtours.com/tour.html.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Amazing L.A. Race
Ever thought that participating in the Amazing Race would be fun? If so, you may want to try participating in the Amazing L.A. Race. This race is described as a scavenger hunt/guided tour/race, and the world's only competitive sight seeing tour. The group is broken down into teams of 2 - 8 individuals. Each team is given a list of clues that will take them through Hollywood and Downtown L.A. landmarks (on foot and via public transportation). The team to finish first wins.
The race lasts between 4 and 5 hours. Registration is $59.00 per person, but currently you can get tickets for $29.50 on www.goldstar.com.
For more information, visit: http://www.amazinglarace.com
The race lasts between 4 and 5 hours. Registration is $59.00 per person, but currently you can get tickets for $29.50 on www.goldstar.com.
For more information, visit: http://www.amazinglarace.com
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Mission Inn
If you're up for a 1 hour drive and you appreciate unique architure, you may want to check out the Mission Inn in Riverside. Three years ago, I went to the Mission Inn for a friend's rehearsal dinner and I was surprised by this stunning Riverside landmark.
The Mission Inn is comprised of a hotel, spa, restaraunts, and chapels. A couple hours to walk around the premises and catch a meal at one of the restaurants should be enough.
For more information, visit: www.missioninn.com
The Mission Inn is comprised of a hotel, spa, restaraunts, and chapels. A couple hours to walk around the premises and catch a meal at one of the restaurants should be enough.
For more information, visit: www.missioninn.com
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Local Film Festivals
This weekend I found out about two film festivals, the AFI Fest and the Santa Monica Film Festival, taking place in the greater Los Angeles area. The AFI Fest started on 10/30 and ends on 11/7; the Santa Monica International Film Festival starts on 11/14, but I can't quite figure out when it ends.
In any case, you can obtain FREE passes to either festival.
To obtain more info, be sure to check their websites:
http://www.afi.com/
http://www.smfilmfestival.com/
In any case, you can obtain FREE passes to either festival.
To obtain more info, be sure to check their websites:
http://www.afi.com/
http://www.smfilmfestival.com/
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Themed Restaurants
Yes, I know, themed restaurants can be cheesy, but if you go with a group of friends, it can definitely be fun.
Below is a list of some restaurants you may want to check out:
Medieval Times (Buena Park, CA) takes you back to the 11th century where royal families invited guests to watch knights compete on horseback. Tickets for adults are $55.95 plus tax; tickets for children are $37.95 plus tax. Online you can find coupons for $15 off adult admission; $10 off children admissions. There is also a Four Pack promotion where you can get 4 admissions for $120.
For more information, visit: http://www.medievaltimes.com/
Pirate Dinner Adventure (Buena Park, CA_. I think the name says at all. Admission for adults is $56.95 plus tax; admission for children is $37.95 plus tax. You can also get an online coupon for $10 off adult admission; $5 off children's admission.
For more information, visit: http://www.piratesdinneradventure.com/
Below is a list of some restaurants you may want to check out:
Medieval Times (Buena Park, CA) takes you back to the 11th century where royal families invited guests to watch knights compete on horseback. Tickets for adults are $55.95 plus tax; tickets for children are $37.95 plus tax. Online you can find coupons for $15 off adult admission; $10 off children admissions. There is also a Four Pack promotion where you can get 4 admissions for $120.
For more information, visit: http://www.medievaltimes.com/
Pirate Dinner Adventure (Buena Park, CA_. I think the name says at all. Admission for adults is $56.95 plus tax; admission for children is $37.95 plus tax. You can also get an online coupon for $10 off adult admission; $5 off children's admission.
For more information, visit: http://www.piratesdinneradventure.com/
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Long Beach
Today, I figured I'd write about Long Beach since I ran around the city today as part of a half marathon (my first!).
I was surprised to see how much there is to do in the city. I knew about the Queen Mary (http://www.queenmary.com/) and the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific (http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/), but I didn't know about a lot of other places.
If you enjoy art, Long Beach features both the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA, http://www.molaa.com/) and the Long Beach Museum of Art (http://www.lbma.org/). Additionally, there is the Long Beach Opera (www.longbeachopera.org/) and the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra (www.lbso.org/), which you may enjoy.
If the arts aren't your thing, you may like to take a trip on the Rocket Speed Boat (http://www.rocketboat.net/). Trips are available for $15 adults and $10 children (there is a $2 coupon on their website). If you're interested in a party boat, they offer that, too!
Another thing that caught my attention was the Murder Mystery Dinner cruises (http://www.dinnerdetectives.com/). For about $60 you get a 3 course meal and live entertainment.
The Tall Ship American Pride (http://www.americanpride.org/) definitely stood out from the other boats in the area. You can board this tall ship to take a trip to Catalina, to go whale watching and various other fun excursions depending on the time of the year.
If shopping is your thing, they have that, too! There are many shops and restaurants, including:
http://www.shopthepike.com/ and http://www.longbeachcityplace.com/. At the Pike, you'll even find a ferris wheel!
I was surprised to see how much there is to do in the city. I knew about the Queen Mary (http://www.queenmary.com/) and the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific (http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/), but I didn't know about a lot of other places.
If you enjoy art, Long Beach features both the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA, http://www.molaa.com/) and the Long Beach Museum of Art (http://www.lbma.org/). Additionally, there is the Long Beach Opera (www.longbeachopera.org/) and the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra (www.lbso.org/), which you may enjoy.
If the arts aren't your thing, you may like to take a trip on the Rocket Speed Boat (http://www.rocketboat.net/). Trips are available for $15 adults and $10 children (there is a $2 coupon on their website). If you're interested in a party boat, they offer that, too!
Another thing that caught my attention was the Murder Mystery Dinner cruises (http://www.dinnerdetectives.com/). For about $60 you get a 3 course meal and live entertainment.
The Tall Ship American Pride (http://www.americanpride.org/) definitely stood out from the other boats in the area. You can board this tall ship to take a trip to Catalina, to go whale watching and various other fun excursions depending on the time of the year.
If shopping is your thing, they have that, too! There are many shops and restaurants, including:
http://www.shopthepike.com/ and http://www.longbeachcityplace.com/. At the Pike, you'll even find a ferris wheel!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Los Angeles Crime Tours
Believe it or not, there are a few tour companies in the area that specialize in infamous Los Angeles crime scenes.
Esotouric offers various tours, including one focusing on the Black Dahlia. Tours typically take place on Saturdays, last an average of 3 hours, and cost about $60.
For more information, visit: http://www.esotouric.com/
Dearly Departed offers The Tragical History Tour which highlights locations of celebrity scandals and death. The tour last about 3.5 hours and costs $40. Tours are available practically every day of the week.
Dearly Departed also offers a Helter Skelter Tour, which is darker that The Tragical History Tour and focuses on the Manson Murders in the area. This tour also lasts about 3.5 hours and costs $50. It takes place one or twice a month.
Last but not least, this month, Dearly Departed will be offering a Hollywood Horror Film Location Tour. This tour lasts 4 hours and costs $50. It will take place on Saturdays and Sundays towards the end of the month.
For more information, visit: http://www.dearlydepartedtours.com/
Esotouric offers various tours, including one focusing on the Black Dahlia. Tours typically take place on Saturdays, last an average of 3 hours, and cost about $60.
For more information, visit: http://www.esotouric.com/
Dearly Departed offers The Tragical History Tour which highlights locations of celebrity scandals and death. The tour last about 3.5 hours and costs $40. Tours are available practically every day of the week.
Dearly Departed also offers a Helter Skelter Tour, which is darker that The Tragical History Tour and focuses on the Manson Murders in the area. This tour also lasts about 3.5 hours and costs $50. It takes place one or twice a month.
Last but not least, this month, Dearly Departed will be offering a Hollywood Horror Film Location Tour. This tour lasts 4 hours and costs $50. It will take place on Saturdays and Sundays towards the end of the month.
For more information, visit: http://www.dearlydepartedtours.com/
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Enjoying the Outdoors
If you're tired of being indoors all week and are longing to spend some time outside, consider visiting the following gardens for a nice walk on a beautiful day.
Virginia Robinson Gardens
One of the first homes in Beverly Hills, Virginia Robinson Garden is a 6 acre estate full of exotic gardens. Guided tours are available on Tuesday - Friday from 10am to 1pm, however, reservations are required. Admission fees are $10 for adults; $6 for students & seniors, and $3 for children.
For more information , visit: http://www.robinsongardens.org/
Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Featuring countless plant collections from around the world, the Arboretum stretches over 127 acres (across the street from the Santa Anita race track). The arboretum offers concerts, tours, events and activities. Admission fees are $8 for adults; $6 for students & seniors, and $3 for children.
For more information, visit: http://www.arboretum.org/
The Huntington Library
The Huntington Library features not just a research library, but an art collection and 120 acres of botanical gardens. The gardens feature a desert garden, a Japanese Garden, a Rose Garden and a Chinese Garden. Admission fees range from free for members to $20 for adults on weekends, so be sure to check the website for more info: http://www.huntington.org/
Virginia Robinson Gardens
One of the first homes in Beverly Hills, Virginia Robinson Garden is a 6 acre estate full of exotic gardens. Guided tours are available on Tuesday - Friday from 10am to 1pm, however, reservations are required. Admission fees are $10 for adults; $6 for students & seniors, and $3 for children.
For more information , visit: http://www.robinsongardens.org/
Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Featuring countless plant collections from around the world, the Arboretum stretches over 127 acres (across the street from the Santa Anita race track). The arboretum offers concerts, tours, events and activities. Admission fees are $8 for adults; $6 for students & seniors, and $3 for children.
For more information, visit: http://www.arboretum.org/
The Huntington Library
The Huntington Library features not just a research library, but an art collection and 120 acres of botanical gardens. The gardens feature a desert garden, a Japanese Garden, a Rose Garden and a Chinese Garden. Admission fees range from free for members to $20 for adults on weekends, so be sure to check the website for more info: http://www.huntington.org/
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Derby Dolls
I've never been to an L.A. Derby Doll event, but it is definitely on my things to do list this year. From what I understand, an event/game consists of two teams of 5 hardcore "no non-sense" ladies roller skating on an indoor track and basically roughing each other up in an effort to win the game!
If it sounds like its your type of event, be sure to check their website out: http://www.derbydolls.com/la/index.html
The next event is scheduled for October 3rd and the season ends in early December, so don't miss out!
If it sounds like its your type of event, be sure to check their website out: http://www.derbydolls.com/la/index.html
The next event is scheduled for October 3rd and the season ends in early December, so don't miss out!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Marina del Rey Harbor Tours
Hornblower Cruises and Events is now offering 45 minute narrated tours of the Marina del Rey harbor. Tours depart every Saturday and Sunday between 12 and 5 (every hour on the hour) and no reservations are necessary. Tickets can be purchased for $11 for adults and $7 for seniors, kids and military.
For more information, visit: http://www.hornblower.com/md-harbortour.asp?port=md&WT.mc_id=&WT.dcsvid=1270856624
For more information, visit: http://www.hornblower.com/md-harbortour.asp?port=md&WT.mc_id=&WT.dcsvid=1270856624
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Walking Tours - Los Angeles Conservancy
If you feel like taking a walk, you may want to consider a walking tour offered by the Los Angeles Conservancy.
"The Los Angeles Conservancy, the largest membership-based local historic preservation organization in the country, is dedicated to the recognition, preservation, and revitalization of the architectural and cultural heritage of greater Los Angeles."
The Conservancy offers a myriad of walking tours (usually on Saturdays and Sundays) at roughly $10 per person. I've only taken one tour, The Broadway Historic Theater District tour, but I loved it. Just be sure to wear your walking shoes and bring your camera and some water with you.
Other tours include: Angelino Heights, Biltmore Hotel, Art Deco, Downtown Renaissance, Evolving Skyline, Historic Core, Union Station and Union Station Family.
For more information, visit, http://www.laconservancy.org/tours/tours_main.php4#about
"The Los Angeles Conservancy, the largest membership-based local historic preservation organization in the country, is dedicated to the recognition, preservation, and revitalization of the architectural and cultural heritage of greater Los Angeles."
The Conservancy offers a myriad of walking tours (usually on Saturdays and Sundays) at roughly $10 per person. I've only taken one tour, The Broadway Historic Theater District tour, but I loved it. Just be sure to wear your walking shoes and bring your camera and some water with you.
Other tours include: Angelino Heights, Biltmore Hotel, Art Deco, Downtown Renaissance, Evolving Skyline, Historic Core, Union Station and Union Station Family.
For more information, visit, http://www.laconservancy.org/tours/tours_main.php4#about
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Beach Day
How about we keep it plain and simple today? If you want to enjoy a beautiful summer day in California, go to the beach!
There are plenty of beaches to select from. Orange County officially has the cleanest beaches, but L.A. County has some decent ones, too. My favorites would have to be Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Will Rogers State Beach. I hear Paradise Cove is also a great one.
There are plenty of beaches to select from. Orange County officially has the cleanest beaches, but L.A. County has some decent ones, too. My favorites would have to be Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Will Rogers State Beach. I hear Paradise Cove is also a great one.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Movies at LACMA
I recently read on ExperienceLA.com that every Tuesday at 1pm, LACMA presents TUESDAY MATINEES featuring classic films from the Warner Bros. library. The admission cost is: $2 (adults and children); $1, seniors (62+).
After doing some additional research, I found out that the museum also offers other movie screenings through its FILM SERIES PROGRAM. Unfortunately, this program will go on hiatus in November 2009, so you may want to check it out in the VERY near future. Ticket prices for these screenings are as follows: $10 general admission; $7 museum members, seniors (62+), and students with valid ID.
Tickets can be purchased at the museum box office 323-857-6010 or online, https://tx1.lacma.org/default.asp?cgCode=2&cgName=Film. Apparently, they sometimes sell out, so you may want to buy your tickets in advance. The admission fee includes both films in a double bill, unless noted, and it covers your entrance to the museum...not bad!
If you go in the evening, there is plenty of street parking, but if you decide to see a Tuesday Matinee film, your best bet will probably be the parking lot across the street from the museum.
For more information, visit:
http://www.lacma.org/programs/FilmListing.aspx
After doing some additional research, I found out that the museum also offers other movie screenings through its FILM SERIES PROGRAM. Unfortunately, this program will go on hiatus in November 2009, so you may want to check it out in the VERY near future. Ticket prices for these screenings are as follows: $10 general admission; $7 museum members, seniors (62+), and students with valid ID.
Tickets can be purchased at the museum box office 323-857-6010 or online, https://tx1.lacma.org/default.asp?cgCode=2&cgName=Film. Apparently, they sometimes sell out, so you may want to buy your tickets in advance. The admission fee includes both films in a double bill, unless noted, and it covers your entrance to the museum...not bad!
If you go in the evening, there is plenty of street parking, but if you decide to see a Tuesday Matinee film, your best bet will probably be the parking lot across the street from the museum.
For more information, visit:
http://www.lacma.org/programs/FilmListing.aspx
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Duffy Boats
Ever heard of a duffy electric boat? If you’re looking for something to do this summer and you have at least $85 to spare (for a 1 hour ride for up to 10 people), you may want to consider renting a duffy electric boat in Newport Beach (by the way, Newport Beach was recently ranked one of the best beaches in the country!). Apparently, the boats are easy to operate.
You can tour the harbor or use the boat to get to the many restaurants on the harbor. Rentals are available 7 days a week ($85/hour M-Th; $99/hour F-Su). Reservations are strongly encouraged.
For more information, visit: http://www.newportbeachduffy.com/page.cfm?pgid=37
You can tour the harbor or use the boat to get to the many restaurants on the harbor. Rentals are available 7 days a week ($85/hour M-Th; $99/hour F-Su). Reservations are strongly encouraged.
For more information, visit: http://www.newportbeachduffy.com/page.cfm?pgid=37
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Friday Night Sing-Alongs & Dance Downtown at the L.A. Music Center
I recently found the entry below on yourLAtv.com and I thought I'd share with you. Sounds great if you're interested in doing something free in the city!
Belt out popular favorites and classic tunes with hundreds of your fellow Angelenos while accompanied by live musicians. Friday Night Sing-Alongs are liberating songbirds from the shower stall and bringing them to Downtown L.A. Singers of all levels are welcome. Limited seating capacity.
For more information, visit: http://yourLAtv.com
The Music Center will also offer "Dance Downtown" twice in August and once in September. Dance Downtown basically consists of beginner dance lessons (donations are accepted) and outdoor evening dancing on Friday evenings from 6:30pm to 10:00pm.
Aug 7: Merengue & Salsa featuring live music by Charangoa
Aug 21: Argentne Tango
Sep 18: Brazilian Samba
For more information, visit: http://www.musiccenter.org/
Belt out popular favorites and classic tunes with hundreds of your fellow Angelenos while accompanied by live musicians. Friday Night Sing-Alongs are liberating songbirds from the shower stall and bringing them to Downtown L.A. Singers of all levels are welcome. Limited seating capacity.
For more information, visit: http://yourLAtv.com
The Music Center will also offer "Dance Downtown" twice in August and once in September. Dance Downtown basically consists of beginner dance lessons (donations are accepted) and outdoor evening dancing on Friday evenings from 6:30pm to 10:00pm.
Aug 7: Merengue & Salsa featuring live music by Charangoa
Aug 21: Argentne Tango
Sep 18: Brazilian Samba
For more information, visit: http://www.musiccenter.org/
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Zip Lines
I heard on the news the other day that Southern California now has its first zip line. Zip lines are popular tourist attractions in Costa Rica, Hawaii and various exotic locations, and now we can zip line in Big Bear.A zip line basically allows you to "fly"through an area, usually a forest, at tree top altituldes. If you're afraid of heights, this probably isnt' the right activity for you, but if you're the adventurous type, it is definitely something worth considering.
Not sure what the zip lines are like in Big Bear, but if you can't get to Costa Rica or Hawaii, zip lining through Big Bear is a good alternative.
For more info, visit: http://flyingbearziplines.com/
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Outdoor Summer Events
Throughout the summer, various cities offer fun & free outdoor activities open to the public. Below, you'll find a few.
In Century City, at the mall, outdoor movie screenings take place every Wednesday at 8pm, starting June 3rd and running through the month of August. Movies include Ghostbusters, Top Gun, and My Fair Lady. For more information, visit: http://westfield.com/centurycity/news/FreeMoviesontheTerraceAllSummer.html
At the Santa Monica Pier, the Twilight Dance Series begins July 2nd and runs through September 3rd. The concerts start at 7pm and end at 10pm. There are various artists that will perform throughout the summer. For more information, visit: http://www.santamonicapier.org/fun.html#1
In Culver City, on Thursday nights from July 9th to September 3rd, the public is invited to attend the 15th Annual Culver City Music Festival. The performances will take place in the City Hall Courtyard and will feature a wide range of artists. Fore more information, visit: http://www.culvercity.org/articles/articles.asp?id=390&sec=arts
At The Grove, you can free all-time family favorite movies under the stars. Bring a blanket (no chairs, please) and enjoy the evening. Thursdays at 8pm, July 2 through August 27. http://www.thegrovela.com/calendar.php
At The Grove, visitors can also enjoy free musical entertainment at The Grove every Friday from 3-6pm; Saturday from 3-6pm and 7-10pm; and Sunday from 3pm-6pm. http://www.thegrovela.com/calendar.php
In Century City, at the mall, outdoor movie screenings take place every Wednesday at 8pm, starting June 3rd and running through the month of August. Movies include Ghostbusters, Top Gun, and My Fair Lady. For more information, visit: http://westfield.com/centurycity/news/FreeMoviesontheTerraceAllSummer.html
At the Santa Monica Pier, the Twilight Dance Series begins July 2nd and runs through September 3rd. The concerts start at 7pm and end at 10pm. There are various artists that will perform throughout the summer. For more information, visit: http://www.santamonicapier.org/fun.html#1
In Culver City, on Thursday nights from July 9th to September 3rd, the public is invited to attend the 15th Annual Culver City Music Festival. The performances will take place in the City Hall Courtyard and will feature a wide range of artists. Fore more information, visit: http://www.culvercity.org/articles/articles.asp?id=390&sec=arts
At The Grove, you can free all-time family favorite movies under the stars. Bring a blanket (no chairs, please) and enjoy the evening. Thursdays at 8pm, July 2 through August 27. http://www.thegrovela.com/calendar.php
At The Grove, visitors can also enjoy free musical entertainment at The Grove every Friday from 3-6pm; Saturday from 3-6pm and 7-10pm; and Sunday from 3pm-6pm. http://www.thegrovela.com/calendar.php
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