Adventures in LA

So the LA Times had an article recently on 11 micro-itineraries to explore the San Fernando Valley. Even though I've lived here much of my life, I realize there's a ton of stuff in LA that I haven't seen. Recently I went to the LA Times Festival of Books for the first time and had a lot of fun. Below are a few of the things I'd like to do. That's one fantastic thing about LA. You can't really get bored and there's always tons of new things to do and explore. Summer is also coming up so, more festivals, farmer's markets and things to see.

Some items suggested by the LA Times article on 11 micro-itineraries to explore the San Fernando Valley
Eat at Burbank Bob's Big Boy, explore North Hollywood and check out the Warner Brother's Studio Tour. Just a few things I need to check-off the list.

Downtown LA Art Walk
On average the 2nd Thursday of every month, it's a chance to walk about downtown LA, see some art, hang out with friends and eat out. Actually someone told me it feels like a real urban downtown city with everyone walking around.

Skirball Cultural Center Museum
The Houdini & Magician's Exhibit going on until September which we should really check out.
Noah's Ark exhibit which sounded really interesting last time I heard about it and looks like a fun and cute kid's thing.

TruckFest
According to the website, this brings together the best of LA's mega hip and tasty Food Trucks, over 200 of the hottest local artists as well as live music and much more.
Union Station Event Dates:
Sunday, May 1st 11am-5pm
Sunday, June 5th 11am-5pm
Sunday, July 3rd 11am-5pm
Sunday, August 7th 11am-5pm
Sunday, September 4th 11am-5pm

Walt Disney Concert Hall
I want to take a free tour of the place and just check it out finally.

Autry Museum
I hear it's a good place to go, so I want to check it out sometime.

Little Ethiopia
I had no idea this was even here, but drove by it on the way to a birthday party. Apparently the food is supposed to be amazing. It looked like a cute little street to walk around or spend an evening, so we'll try it sometime.

The Getty Villa
Haven't been to the Villa since I was a kid and it was the original location of The Getty. I want to check it out and I remember liking it more than the new Getty which we've visited many times.

LACMA & MOCA
Yup, never been and really need to go. Get cultured! Supposedly there's a Tim Burton exhibit coming up end of May to October. That sounds awesome.

La Brea Tar Pits
I think I probably went here as a kid but don't remember a thing. Or maybe I'm confusing memories with movies, but I don't remember this place and would like to visit.

Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park
Haven't seen the Observatory since it reopened. As a kid I got a bit bored by the observatory but might appreciate the park and such now that I'm older.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery and Movies at the Cemetery
The insanity. Watching a movie in a cemetery - how fun! Plus seeing Hollywood Forever cemetery would be interesting too.

Taking the Metro in LA
Park at a station and explore LA via Metro subway. Might need an experienced tour guide for that (hint hint) but it's something we've been wanting to try for awhile.

Da Vinci Museum in Hollywood
Apparently, there's a temporary exhibit of Da Vinci's work in Hollywood. Pretty cool! Only until end of 2011 so we should go this year sometime.


Food Places
A few places I've heard great things about that I really should try while here in LA.

Duke's Malibu - Hawaiian and beach food.
Spago's - Wolfgang Puck's famous starter restaurant.
Neptune's Net - I have been here, just never had the fresh seafood which I want to try.
Fogo de Chao - Something the husband suggested that looks yummy and worth a try. Brazillian meat and sides buffet.


Honorable Mention
DiscoverLosAngeles.com
This is a really cool website. In my research on Little Ethiopia I found a ton of stuff on here. There was an article on "Hidden Gen Neighborhoods" and first area on the list was Eagle Rock! I grew up there and it was just a little low-end town, but has become very hip and cool lately. I'll have to explore the hidden gems, as well as check this website regularly. There are various itineraries, lists of free things to do and upcoming events. This is definitely to add to my regular bookmarks to check for things to do in LA.

This is already a ton of stuff, just in LA area vicinity that I have NOT done yet. We're pretty adventurous and have already done a ton, yet the list seems to keep growing. I thought about adding a Catalina Island visit but that's for another blog post. Perhaps "California to-do" list to add Yosemite, Carmel and other places. I plan on adding to this list regularly. Anyway this is what it is for starters. I'm always up for suggestions and field trips, so share if you have a fun/cool thing in LA that people should check out!