The LA Arboretum: More than just trees!

This peacock struts his stuff in the flower garden at the LA Arboretum.

The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden has the unique duality of representing several continents worth of foliage while simultaneously being conveniently located just off of the 210 freeway in Arcadia.  Featuring lush jungles, sprawling lawns, stunning deserts and historical architecture tucked away among the trees, a day at the Arboretum is not only a stroll around the world but a walk through time.  There are classes for the whole family, from yoga, art and flower arranging to story time for the kids.  There is even a class on obedience training for your canine kin! As an added attraction, peacocks roam the grounds, sounding out their eerie cries and basking in picture perfect sunbeams.  Parking is free, and admission is low compared to other local gardens, with a free day once a month on the third Tuesday. Definitely worth a day or two of exploration, and don't forget the sun screen!

Good Eats in LA: An Urban Piknic!

Chardonnay and Pumpkin Ravioli, a delicious dinner at Piknic!

If you're looking for a delicious meal, try Piknic, a chain of restaurants found only in Los Angeles.  The menu includes classics, for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as California favorites for all hours, but also has some exclusive surprises, like the Pumpkin Ravioli (which I highly recommend!).  The omelets and burgers can be customized any way you like, and there is a full bar with happy hour specials.  The atmosphere is laid back, the design is urban and the Playa Vista location in particular was a popular locals' hangout from 4pm-7pm.  This is a great place for a night out with the gang or an intimate meal with that special someone!

Tankland!

Many tanks greet you as you enter the American Military Museum.

Filled with actual military vehicles from across history, the American Military Museum is nestled behind a stand of trees off of Rosemead Blvd in South El Monte that you could have driven past a hundred times and never noticed.  However, this jewel of a museum is worth spending a day exploring!  From tanks to helicopters, jeeps to amphibious vehicles, the museum manages to cram years of history onto a few acres of land.  When you pay your admission, a reasonable $5 for adults, you are given a guide book to use that tells the history of each item in the park.  Prop helmets, belts and jackets are available if you want to take a picture and tell all of your buddys about the day you stormed the beaches of Arcadia.  They even host parties for the young, or young at heart.  There is not a lot of shade, so bring sun screen and wear comfortable shoes, but parking is free! 

The Ice Cream & Soda Pop Stop



Classic Banana Split at the Fair Oaks Pharmacy.



The Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain has been a local destination in South Pasadena since 1915.  With its delicious ice cream treats and old fashioned sodas its a little slice of the past, filled with tons of collectible items and gag gifts.  Sandwiches and salads are also served, as well as a variety of coffee drinks, if you're not jumping straight to dessert.  There is free parking around the corner, and lots of shops to browse to walk off the calories.  Great for a date, family outing or just to treat yourself, but if you're planning to order a sundae, bring a friend!  Portions are more than one person can handle!

The Old Mill - Art, History, Gardens & Events

The Old Mill in San Marino, CA

The Old Mill, or El Molino Viejo, was created by Spanish settlers to provide food for the nearby San Gabriel Mission.  The mill has changed hands many times over the years, but is currently a beautiful museum and garden.  The museum allows you to walk through the halls of the Mill itself.  Dioramas, photos and displays paint an in-depth picture of the area's past, while the upper floor features local artists.  The gardens are filled with fruit, flowers, wandering paths and hidden alcoves, perfect for a romantic date.  Admission is free, but the museum has very limited hours, 1pm-4pm every day but Monday and Holidays.  Parking is extremely limited, but street parking is plentiful.  Membership to the museum allows you to attend garden dinner parties with live music in the summer.  This is a hidden gem of Southern California history, and I highly recommend it for both locals and tourists alike!

Griffith Observatory - Out of this world

Compare the planets of our solar system - Griffith Observatory.

Griffith Observatory has much to offer both the traveling tourist and the local visitor.  With its amazing views of both the Los Angeles basin and the stars and planets beyond Earth, the Observatory has enough to see and do to fill an entire day!  You can stroll along the outer walkway and spy on the city below with handy telescopes, learn astronomy in the many exhibits, take in a show at the planetarium, or join the dozens of amateur and professional astronomers in viewing the heavens at the monthly star parties held on the Observatory lawn (see my calendar to receive alerts!).  There is a cafe and gift shop, and minor fees for planetarium shows, but entry to the Observatory and Museum is free, meaning you could bring a picnic lunch and spend the whole day without spending a dime!  The trickiest part of visiting is the parking, which can stretch for a mile down the hillside in either direction.  Weekends are especially busy, so be prepared to walk for about 10-20 minutes on you way up, but don't forget to enjoy that view if you do!

Fill Your Cravings at Crave Cafe!

Crave Cafe in Studio City.

This is the perfect spot for you and your friends to stop by when you're wandering around the valley wondering what to do in the wee hours of the morning.  With a combination of salty and sweet treats, as well as sandwiches, salads and pizza, the Crave Cafe is a delicious place to satisfy the tastes of your whole group.  Prices are reasonable, but parking can be a trick durring peak hours.  With two locations in the valley, Sherman Oaks and Studio City, and open 24 hours most days (closed Sunday), I highly recommend stopping by for a crepe, burger, cupcake, pizza, mocha and baklavah!