Trip to Los Angeles #1: Travel Ideas, Calling all LJ's!

Get a GPS. It beats maps and one freeway looks like another. You could start out going west and end up going north.

If you see one thing go to the Getty museum.

How long are you going to be there?

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

Thanks for the idea, Gary. I’ll be there for 3 days. GPS is a DEFINITE.

If you like Mexican food, hit the Old Mexico district in LA. It’s within the downtown area and quite a treat!

Also, although not woodworking-related, you should check out the Cathedral of our Lady of the Angels. It’s an amazing piece of architecture.

-- It takes a viking to raze a village. &mdash Blog'r: http://www.gradin.com

I grew up in the suburbs of L.A. I don’t know much of the Beverly Hills area, but there are plenty to do in and around the city. I used to be an outdoors type of person, camping out at the local mountains one weekend, rock climbing at Joshua tree the next and then rollerblading from Redondo Beach to Santa Monica Beach. The weather is really nice, especially after they got more smog conscience. I started woodworking after I moved to Texas.

Wood tour wise, you can go to the Huntington Garden and look at the Japanese garden and house, marvel at the exposed joinery. Or go to long beach and look at the Spruce Goose, the world biggest wooden boat plane made by Howard Hughs. Or try to find Sam Maloof’s house in Alta Loma just to say you’ve been there. I’ve been on top of those mountains in the background.

Eat at the Original Pantry in Down town LA.
877 S Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA 90017-2507
Phone: (213) 972-9279
They’re’ open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for honest to goodness steak, ask the sourdough bread to be grilled. Or just have their breakfast, They only take cash.

Otherwise, maybe get lost and explore. If you are lost, look for the mountains, that is north.

-- Thuan

Sounds like an opportunity for some LJ woodshop tours to me.

-- Dust collectors suck.

Easy, can’t get lost trip: From Beverly Hills, take Santa Monica Blvd. all the way down to the ocean. Great scenery, Santa Monica Pier is fun to walk around, and a couple blocks off the beach, there is a street (can’t remember the name) that is a pedestrian mall with shops and some great street musicians.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

You are right next door to Hollywood. So one evening take the wife and cruise Hollywood blvd and the
Sunset Strip. Be prepared for some strange people. Get out and check out the footprints at Mann’s
Chinese Theatre. Very interesting.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

There are some great Arts and Crafts homes in the city, but the best bet is to view the Gamble house in Pasadena, which is open to the public for tours. A Greene and Greene (architects) home, with incredible woodworking throughout, incredible craftsmanship, the kind we won’t see again…if for no other reason than the lack of timbers that size. Goos inspiration for woodworkers. At least view the info on line about the Gamble house to get a feel for what I’m saying.

Paul

-- tallpaul

Thanks for all the great ideas, guys! I think the Gamble house is a must-see, and I might try to hit up some Frank Lloyd Wright buildings. I’m just hoping the camera can hold all the pics I’m gonna take while im there. I’ll be sure to share when I get back!

Go to the Gamble House for sure. Also Sam Maloof’s house tour is very cool. The Huntington Library has a great collection of furniture too. Send me a p.m. for when you are in town. I live 5 minutes from the Gamble House. You can stop by if I am around.

-- -John "Do I have to keep typing a smiley? Just assume it's a joke." www.flickr.com/photos/gizmodyne

Also, if your wife has the day off at all, you can’t beat a drive up the 101 to Santa Barbara or a little beyond. It is only an hour or so.

-- -John "Do I have to keep typing a smiley? Just assume it's a joke." www.flickr.com/photos/gizmodyne

The Getty is a must see, bubba. All the other ideas are great too. Checkout the newly renovated Griffith Observatory too. It’s the place used for the final scene in Rebel Without A Cause. Beautiful views from the park this time of year too. Also, Beverly Hills isn’t far from Korea town where you can get great barbecue and possibly an eyeful of what passes for entertainment in another culture. For a slice, try Village Pizzeria on Larchmont, great vibe. Keep an eye out for stars and starlets but enjoy the pie, you’ll feel right at home.

If you have an interest, you could also take a studio tour and checkout the movie magic. For movie going pleasure checkout the Arclight theatre in Hollywood on Sunset Blvd. Gorgeous place to get a cocktail and catch a flick. If you dig movies don’t skip the bookstore, way cool selection. [www.arclightcinemas.com/static/Directions.html]

Also, if you like a great deli with a darn good Rueben sandwich, try Goldblatt’s on Sunset. Good for star sightings too. Parking is in the rear. You never know who you’ll see, picking out a wine, waiting on a half pound of roast beef, stuffing their face with potato salad… And if you’re renting a vehicle don’t overlook the PCH. Head north for Malibu and south for Huntington. Great ride. Enjoy L.A., it’s a great American city. One of my favs, I visit at least thrice per year.

always,
J.C.

-- "Imagination is more important than knowledge" -- Albert Einstein