Cheap & Cheerful Tournament of Roses Parade Camping Tips - Pasadena

While sleeping on the sidewalks is not usually a big draw, on New Year's Eve in Pasadena, it's a hot ticket! Why? Because that is how mere mortals can get front row curbside view of the Tournament of Roses Parade.

Veterans of this annual ritual say the South side of Colorado Blvd offers the best view, and if you want to sit there, you better get there by late afternoon/early evening Friday. And once you get there,plan to stay put, as it only gets more crowded with the passing of time.

For more overnight sidewalk camping tips visit:

www.latourist.com/index.php?page=rose-parade-tips


Parking is such a big deal, there is a whole page dedicated to it on the Tournament of Roses website--Know before you go!

www.tournamentofroses.com/the-rose-parade/the-parade/parking


Yes, it's easier to stay home, but the bragging rights of sleeping on the parade route last a lifetime. Go for it!

Cheap & Cheerful New Year's Firework's - Marina Del Rey

Hey Those people in Marina del Rey love a party! Fireworks are scheduled for 11:59 on Friday with an explosive final 30 second countdown. As with the boat parade, spectators tend to gather at Burton Chace Park, (13650 Mindanao Way) and Fisherman's Village, (13755 Fiji Way)

There are ten county public parking lots in the Marina. That sounds like a lot, but get there early. NOTE there is NO street parking in Marina Del Rey.

And dress like an Eskimo, because it is going to be C O L D!

http://www.visitmarinadelrey.com/schedule/events

Cheap & Cheerful New Year's Eve - Pasadena Universal City, Long Beach

New Year's Eve is traditionally a hyper-priced event. Happy to report there are some festive, inexpensive options.


KIDSSPACE MUSEUM - PASADENA
If you have small kids and the prospect of staying up till midnight only to be awakened at 5 a.m. is not appealing, head to Pasadena! Kidspace Children's Museum (480 N. Arroyo Blvd.,)rings in the "noon" year during lunch on New Year's Eve. The Museum opens at 9:30 a.m., music starts at 11 a.m. sparkling cider is served and the arrival of noon is celebrated with a balloon drop. Then everyone can go home for a nap!

www.kidspacemuseum.org

(626) 449-9144


UNIVERSAL CITYWALK - UNIVERSAL CITY
Billed as "L.A.'s largest FREE New Year's Eve Party," CityWalk (100 Universal City Plaza) will have two stages featuring live bands starting at 9:00p.m and fireworks at midnight.

There are three viewing areas for the fireworks: the Cinema Plaza Stage, The Globe Fountain Stage and The WaterWorld Arena Fireworks Viewing Area.

General Parking is $15.00. Your least expensive dining options will be in the food court, upstairs on the Hard Rock Cafe side of CityWalk.

www.citywalkhollywood.com
Event Hotline: (818) 622-1111


DOWNTOWN LONG BEACH

Another street celebration to check out is in Downtown Long Beach.

If out with the family, head to the Nautical Shell (in between PF Chang's and Gladstone's) at 6:00 p.m. to enjoy live music and kid's activities, with fireworks at 9:00 p.m.

If a later evening is what you are looking for, head up to Pine Avenue and Broadway for outdoor bars, dancing and live music from 9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. To catch the The Queen Mary midnight fireworks show, just look up.

Parking in downtown lots runs between $7.00 and $10.00. Free Transit Bus service will be available in Long Beach from 5:00pm til the last bus rolls at 2:30a.m.

www.dlba.org/nye2010_page

(562) 436-4259


HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Cheap & Cheerful Indoor Activities - Los Angeles

Okay , okay, the rain is coming back Wednesday. By popular demand here are 7 fun ideas for the price of a movie or less. Explore your city without getting soaked!

San Antonio Winery Wine Tasting -Downtown $8.00

Guitar Center Demo Products -Hollywood - Free

Rollerskating - Glendale $6.75/$3.50 skate rental

California Science Center - Downtown - Free/$8.00 parking

Silent Movie - Fairfax District - $12.00

Bowling - Studio City - $3.00 till 5 pm Shoes $4.00

Spa Admission/Simple Soak -Koreatown - $15.00

Get the details scrolling through Cheap & Cheerful Los Angeles--and feel free to send in your suggestions for either the outdoor or indoor list.

Cheap & Cheerful Outdoor Activities - Los Angeles

Okay the skies have cleared and you have a little time for yourself. Don't waste another minute indoors --Here are 6 ways you can get out and enjoy the city.

Outdoor Ice Skating in Santa Monica or Downtown

Driving Range in Koreatown

Tennis Reservations all over town

Skate Parks in Venice, Simi Valley and Glendale

Batcade Batting Cage in Burbank

Bike Paths at the Beach Cities and in Van Nuys

Scroll through Cheap & Cheerful Los Angeles for hotlinks to this information and loads more ideas.

Happy Holidays!

Cheap & Cheerful Christmas Procession - Olvera Street

I am not a particularly religious person, but the Las Posadas tradition at Olvera Street (845 N Alameda Street)(213) very dear to me.

What started out as a Mexican Indian winter tradition of celebrating the birth of the god Huitzilopochtli, Las Posadas was hijacked by Spanish conquistadors as a way to celebrate the procession of Mary and Joseph in anticipation of the birth of Christ. The end result is a charming blend of native and Christian traditions and songs.

This can be a evening for the family, as the children's piñata breaking and live entertainment begin at 6 p.m. I usually opt to have a corn tamale or some flan with a friend and then meet at the Avila Adobe at 7:30 for the procession. This newly forged community proceeds through the merchant booths singing a combination of Spanish and English Christmas hymns. The evening is then toasted with hot chocolate and pan dulce for everyone. Do take the time to view the creche in the main square as it is really beautiful.

Participation in the ceremony, hot chocolate and pan dulce are free.

And while you are there, Olvera Street is stocking stuffer, last-minute present heaven! And with all this horrible rain, the stores could really use your business. Cloudy but no rain yet, I think I am going to go tonight!


Las Posadas runs on Olvera Street from December 16 to 24.

http://www.olvera-street.com/html/las_posadas.html

Parking is available in adjacent lots. for directions
http://www.olvera-street.com/html/directions___maps.html

(213) 628-1274

Cheap & Cheerful Bean Bag Lounge -Venice

I usually don't write up stores... but then again stores don't usually offer a free cup of Turkish coffee and wifi while you sit on their merchandise.

The Venice Love Shack (2121 Lincoln Blvd) the self proclaimed "coziest bean bag showroom in LA" encourages people to take a break on their way to or from the beach. It looks incredibly cheerful and comfortable with beanbags, futons and sofas in jelly bean colors.

SO next time you find yourself hopelessly snarled in traffic on Lincoln, here's a pleasant way to wait it out.



http://www.veniceloveshack.com/

310-306-6742

Cheap & Cheerful Cosmic Christmas - Glendale

So I didn't even know Glendale had all digital domed theater, let alone a planetarium!

The Glendale Community College Science Center (1500 North Verdugo Rd.)is presenting "Cosmic Christmas", a 5o minute program on their custom built 30-foot diameter domed screen. The show will close after December 19. If you cannot get to Glendale in time for Cosmic Christmas, fear not, other shows are presented throughout the year.

Admission is $12.00 for Adults (12 and Over) $6.00 for Children under 12. To make a seats reservation, email buehler@glendale.edu with the Show Date,Show Time,and Number in Group. Payment is made at the door, cash only. No Credit cards.

There is parking available on campus, I would ask campus staff as to your best bet for a short walk to the planetarium.



(818) 551-5275.


http://www.glendale.edu/planetarium/index.htm

Cheap & Cheerful Oceanside Christmas Tour - Malibu

Here's a great way to catch the Holiday Spirit! The Adamson House,(23200 Pacific Coast Highway) Malibu's glorious ocean side Spanish adobe opens its doors for special Friday night holiday tours, Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18.

It's the closest thing to traveling back to 1930 on a winter's night.

The tours are conducted at will start at 7:00, 7:30 and 8 p.m. and begins with holiday refreshments and ends with every guest receiving a hand crafted tile as a memento of the evening.

The cost is $15.00 per person. Reservations and prepayment are required. There is plenty of free parking.

Yes. it's tough to get across the west side during rush hour on a Friday, but this is truly worth it.


http://www.malibu.org/events/icalrepeat.detail/2010/12/03/229/-/adamson-house-christmas-tours

If you can't make the Friday night tours, the regular Adamson House tours are offered 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, last tour at 2:00 p.m. These tickets are $2.00 to $5.00 cash only; children 5 and younger are free, and no reservations are needed.

(310) 456-8432

http://www.adamsonhouse.org/

Cheap & Cheerful Boat Parade - Marina Del Rey

....AND FIREWORKS! Those people in Marina Del Rey know how to start a party.

This Saturday, December 11th at 5:55pm (that's what they say, 5:55...) the 48th Annual Marina Del Rey Holiday Boat Parade kicks off with a fireworks display. The Main Parade runs from 6:00pm to 8:00p.m. All boats will begin circling the main channel of the Marina.

Good viewing spots include Burton Chace Park (13650 Mindanao Way located at the end of Mindanao Way between G Basin and H Basin.) where the parade announcers will be and Fisherman's Village (13755 Fiji Way). If you want to make an evening of it, you can make a reservation at one of the restaurants in Fisherman's Village.

Now, about parking: there are ten county public parking lots in the Marina whose parking fees will be waived for the spectators of the parade. Get there early, this is always a mob scene. PLEASE NOTE there is NO street parking in Marina Del Rey.

And Dress warmly, it's always chillier by the ocean at night.

http://www.mdrboatparade.org/home.htm

(310) 305-9545

Cheap & Cheerful Ice Skating - Santa Monica

Ice at Santa Monica (1324 5th St. - Corner of 5th St. & Arizona Ave.) is a terrific skating rink for westsiders. or should I say rinkS-- Both an 8000 square foot main rink and a smaller 400 square foot rink (for children 8 and under) is provided.

Like all good things, it won't last forever. Last day for skating will be February 15, 2011. Hours are Mon-Thurs 12:00 noon to 10:00 pm, Fri noon - midnight, Sat 10am to midnight, Sun 10 am to 10 pm.

$10 includes skate rental. Skating lessons and season passes are available.

Metered parking is available on Santa Monica Blvd.

http://downtownsm.com/about/icerink.html


(310) 496-9880

Cheap & Cheerful Hollywood Secrets -Beverly Hills

What do you mean you've never been the The Academy's Fourth Floor Gallery?

For those of you who thought the the Academy of Motion Picture Art and Sciences (8949 Wilshire Boulevard) was for members only, well, you were only half right.

The Public is welcomed Tuesday – Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,Saturday – Sunday: Noon to 6 p.m. to view changing exhibits from the Academy's vast library of photographs, costumes set models and personal affects of cinema luminaries.

The current exhibit is Ingmar Bergman: Truth and Lies.

Admission is free, but parking is metered.


http://www.oscars.org/events-exhibitions/exhibitions/2010/bergman.html

(310) 247-3000

Cheap & Cheerful Ice Skating - Pershing Square

It's Baaaack!

What better way to liven up a lunch break or wait out after work traffic then heading over to Pershing Square (532 South Olive St.) for some ice skating.

Enjoy Los Angeles' largest outdoor skating rink for a very reasonable $8.00. ($6.00 per skating session, $2.00 skate rental.)Check the website for the Family Four Pack or the Eight Pack Skate Pass. There is savings in numbers!

The rink is open Monday—Thursday 12:00pm to 10:00pm, Friday—Sunday 10:00am to 10:00pm with special extended hours on holidays.

If you are driving into downtown to skate, your best bet for parking is the underground lot at Pershing Square, Monday-Friday $6 before 5:00 p.m., $5 after 5:00 p.m., Weekends $5 all day -- with skating validation.

Like all good things in life, this won't last forever. The Ice Rink will close January 18.

http://www.laparks.org/pershingsquare/rates.html

Cheap & Cheerful Light Festival -CANCELLED

Say it ain't so!

For the past 14 years, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has transformed a one-mile segment of Crystal Springs Drive in Griffith Park into a wonderland of shimmering lights.More than half million visitors each year brave the cold to participate in this joyful traffic jam.

However, the cost and amount of time that would be required to halt a major construction project - the installation of a major water line, the River Supply Conduit - as well as the installation of the new zoo parking lot forced a decision to cancel this year's Light Festival.

While I can't argue with the city trying to contain costs, this is a huge disappointment, My suggestion would be to enjoy the Santa Express ride in Griffith Park this year and hope for the return of the light festival next year.

You can get a sense of the festival presentation by visiting

http://www.dwplightfestival.com/

Cheap & Cheerful Trip to the North Pole - Griffith Park

You would have to be the ultimate Grinch not to embrace this charming local tradition!

Starting tomorrow, Saturday November 27, 2010 and Sunday November 28, visitors of Travel Town (5200 Zoo Drive) can board the Santa Express for a surprisingly quick trip to Santa’s North Pole Village. Mrs. Claus and Santa’s Elves will greet arriving visitors before meeting the Big Guy to discuss one's current Christmas wishes. Every child visitor is presented a little gift from Santa.

The return trip from Santa’s Village will transport visitors through a wonderland of Holiday lights and scenery before returning to the station. The first train leaves about 5 pm each night and the last train will leave at about 8 pm.

The Santa Express will continue on December 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 and December 15th through December 23rd.


Tickets $7.00 per person with infants 18 months and under free

Digital Photos with Santa are $5.00 each.


Tickets are available by reservation for specific days and may be bought at the Travel Town ticket booth or online (click on the heading of this post to visit the official website) Tickets are also sold to walk-ups at the gate until capacity is reached.


All Aboard!

http://www.griffithparktrainrides.com/content/travel-town-santa-train

323-662-9678
818-881-2586
emailinfo@gprah.com

Cheap & Cheerful Scenic Drives -Los Angeles

When you live in a city that spans in excess of 460 square miles, your car is a big part of the experience. As a result, we have some pretty great drives. Fuel up and off you go!

Two of my favorite is traveling either east or west on Mulholland Drive with its ever-changing city and valley views. Or for a postcard worth experience, travel west on Sunset Blvd from Beverly Hills to Pacific Coast Highway and pass some of the most impressive real estate in the country. When you arrive at Pacific Coast Highway, Don't stop! Turn right and head north to the county line and take in the California Coast.

For a list of of Scenic Drive visit

http://discoverlosangeles.com/getting-around/land/scenic-drives-in-la.html

Happy Motoring!

Cheap & Cheerful Trading Post - Fairfax High School

Swap Meet, Flea Market, Trading Post. Call it what you will, trolling markets of second hand items is an outdoor sport in Los Angeles.

While the Melrose Trading Post (7850 Melrose Avenue) is a far cry from the Rose Bowl Swap Meet, it has does have an advantage in that it is a weekly event. Staged in to parking lot of Fairfax High School (SE corner of Melrose and Fairfax) from 9:00am to 5:00pm every Sunday, shoppers can browse through an array of clothing, furniture, art, jewelry,records (remember those?) and bric a brac The scene is complete with food vendors and live entertainment.

Admission is $3.00 for adults. $1.00 for Children
Metered street parking is available, the early bird gets the good spot.


www.melrosetradingpost.org

Cheap & Cheerful PreHistoric "Pit Stop" - Mid Wilshire

Every Los Angeles elementary school age kid can tell you what a great place the (Rancho) La Brea tar pits is! The reason why it tops school field trip lists is that the George C. Page Museum (5801 Wilshire Blvd.) is recognized for having the largest and most diverse assemblage of extinct Ice Age plants and animals in the world.
Where else can you get a sense of what Los Angeles was like between 10,000 and 40,000 years ago, when animals such as saber-toothed cats and mammoths roamed what now is the Mid-Wilshire district? The Page Museum Laboratory is also an active research facility where visitors can watch bones being excavated, cleaned and repaired. The real crowd pleaser though is outside the Museum, where life-size replicas of several extinct mammals are featured.

The surrounding Hancock Park is a well tended, so do like the kids do and brown bag it!

Open 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Daily

Admission is $7.00 for Adults, $4.50 for Seniors 62 and older and Students with I.D.: and Youths 13-17 years old: $4.50, $2.00 for kids age 5-12 and free for children under 5 as well as members of the museum.


The Museum's parking lot is located at the corner of Curson Ave and 6th St, directly behind the museum (enter from the western side of Curson Ave). Monday - Friday
$1.50 per 20 minutes to a maximum of $9.00 (or $7.00 with Museum validation) Saturday, Sunday and Holidays:$7.00 flat rate
(Be sure to bring your parking ticket into the museum to receive your validation.)

http://www.tarpits.org/

If you want to make a day of it, you can also visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art which is the next door neighbor of the Page Museum.
http://www.lacma.org/

Cheap & Cheerful Museum Visit- Pomona

I Love when I come across a gem. I don't get out to Pomona often (usually has to do with the County Fair) but if you find yourself in Pomona, you MUST check out the American Museum of Ceramic Art, aka AMOCA (340 S. Garey Avenue)

Located one block away from Antique Row on 2nd street, this lovely little museum is the only one of it's kind on the west coast. Both antiquities and modern pieces are on display in an inviting and well lit space. I got to view some amazing catrina dolls from Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations. as well as some astounding pottery.

Pondered it all over a $10 all you can eat buffet at Angelo's Pizzeria on 2nd street.

AMOCA is open Wed.-Sat., 12 noon-5:00 pm & 2nd Saturday of the month, 12 noon-9:00 pm
Admission is $3.00 for Adults, $2.00 for Students & Seniors, Children 12 and under are free.

http://www.ceramicmuseum.org

Voice Telephone (909) 865-3146 or 3147

Cheap & Cheerful Train Fix - Griffith Park

We all have at least one train freak in our lives. And even if locomotives aren't your great passion, it's hard not to have a good time at Travel Town (5200 Zoo Drive)

Located in the north west corner of Griffith Park, Travel Town awakens the inner 3 year old in all of us. It's great fun to climb up and into several restored trains, learn about Los Angeles' locomotive history in the museum, ride the miniature train ($2.50 per person $2.00 Seniors) or picnic in the park like setting.

Travel Town is open daily (except Christmas Day)

Saturday & Sunday - 10:00 am to 6:00 pm PDT
Monday through Friday - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm PDT

Free parking, Free admission

For general information, please telephone the Operations Office at 323-662-5874

http://traveltown.org/visitor.shtml

Cheap & Cheerful Drive-In Montclair

Okay, gotta get the gang to chip in for gas on this one, but everyone seems to LOVE the Mission Tiki Drive-In (10798 Romona/Mission).

And what is not to love! 4 screens showing double features for $7.00 per adult, $1.00 per kid. Not dusty, old relics but contemporary films. On site Snack Bar offering "Classic Drive-in Movie Delights-and great Mexican food!" All this and a Tiki Motif.

And check out the Links page for other operating Drive-ins in Southern California.


http://www.missiontiki.com/#/now/
909-628-0511

Cheap & Cheerful Bike Path -Van Nuys

For the average urban biker, it's tough to find a place to ride for over an hour. The parks are either too dinky to get a good work out, or you have to share the way with cars or the trails are more appropriate for mountain bikers.

I recommend the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area as the best of both worlds.(6350 Woodley Ave/NW of the intersection of the 101 & 405 Freeways) 9 miles of trails means you won't be riding in tight circles, but the trails are paved so there is no anxiety over heading in the wrong direction.

For the serious cyclists, the park is home to one of Los Angeles's two velodromes.

The park is home to the Lake Balboa Golf Course, picnic tables, playgrounds, restrooms and PLENTY of free parking so you can easily make a day of it.

http://www.labikepaths.com/bike-paths/sepulveda-dam-recreation-area/

(818) 756-9710

Cheap & Cheerful Science Lectures - Santa Monica

Show of hands, who hasn't been in a science class for a decade--or more?

Well get yourself over to Santa Monica College(1900 Pico Boulevard) for the free Distinguished Scientist Lecture Series.

For the price of parking your car you have the opportunity to hear presentations from top researchers on some of the pressing science issues of the day. (How the Environment causes Obesity(!), Developing Drugs to Combat Disease and Fuel Cell Technology are current topics) You don't have to take notes and there is no test--just learn!

Lectures are held at 11:15am in room 140 of the Science building. Best to park off campus at a metered space.

For more information call or visit

(310) 434‑4303

http://www.smc.edu/apps/pub.asp?Q=2062

Cheap & Cheerful Local Landmark -Franklin Hills

Everybody knows about the Hollywood Sign, and Watts Tower. A lesser known, but equally cherished landmark is the "Shakespeare Bridge". (Franklin Avenue between St George Street and Myra Avenue)

Designed by J.C. Wright the ravine-spanning bridge and gateway to Franklin Hills in Los Feliz was completed in 1926. Its brief 230-feet long span is supported by graceful Gothic arches and, at either end, two pair of what architects refer to as “aedicules"... a niche supporting two or more columns forming a frame or canopied housing.... um, sort of like the towers on top of a Gothic church. Could not find out why they did what they did, but who really cares, the effect is charming. So charming that when the bridge took a good shake in the Norhtridge Earthquake a major retrofit was organized. And our lovely little bridge has a cameo in the film "Dead Again."

The neighbors are used to visitors stopping to take pictures, just be considerate where you park.

To learn more than you ever cared to know about this darling structure, visit

http://bridgehunter.com/ca/los-angeles/53C0161/

Cheap & Cheerful Guitar solo - Hollywood

Nothing to do on a Saturday night? Have musicians or music fans visiting from out of town. Never a dull moment at Guitar Center Hollywood(7425 Sunset Blvd.).

Yes it's home to ROCKWALK (see previous post) but Guitar Center is so much more than that. Mecca, Museum, Mother lode...even if you can't play a note, it is the rare person who isn't impressed with the offerings of this place. Although having tolerance for a high noise level comes in handy. On a Saturday night there can be 3-10 people trying out guitars and amps, keyboards are to the rights, drum to the left and up the stairs. Very hands-on place where even kids are encouraged it give it a go.

The Acoustic and Vintage Guitar room tucked downstairs in the back displays guitars
signed by musical legends, and some one of a kind guitars featuring gold fret bars, mother of pearl inlays and rare woods, yours for $38,000.

Monthly event calendars are posted on the website including in store performances and personal appearances, but just hanging out there you might bump into a legend. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable, helpful and friendly--as long as you behave yourself and respect the merchandise.


Store hours are Monday- Friday,10:00am - 9:00pm; Saturday 10:00am -8:00pm and Sunday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm


Free, off street parking is at the back of store.

http://gc.guitarcenter.com/locations/store.cfm?store=110

323-874-1060

Cheap and Cheerful Cemetery Tour - Hollywood

As they say, "Only in Hollywood!" A cemetery walking tour is clearly not for everyone, but Hollywood Forever (6000 Santa Monica Blvd.) is a far cry from your ordinary cemetery.
Final resting place of Valentino, Cecile B DeMille, John Huston, Douglas Fairbanks and the love child of Marion David and William Randolph Hearst- to name but a few- Hollywood Forever is the mother lode of amazing stories of Tinsletown's golden era.

Historical Tour Guide, Karie Bible has crafted three tours focusing on different aspects of the cemetery: Cemetery of the Stars, Jewish Heritage and Hidden Hollywood. Tours run about 2 hours in length and are held rain or shine.


Free parking is usually available in the cemetery. Meet at the Flower Shop.


Admission is $12.00

http://cemeterytour.com

Call 818-517-5988 or e-mail info@cemeterytour.com to schedule a private tour

Cheap & Cheerful Scary Movie - Pershing Square

Some would argue that nothing is scarier then trying to get out through Downtown Los Angeles on a Friday night. So don't do it! If you work downtown, stay put and walk over to Pershing Square(532 South Olive St.)for the Friday Night Fright Flicks.

Friday Night Fright Flicks are presented on a 40 x 20 foot outdoor screen, with a professional sound system. Movies are free with lawn seating in the Pershing Square outdoor amphitheater. Bring a blanket and picnic but keep the alcohol and cigarettes at home.

The Series starts this Friday, October 1 with "Carrie." and runs through October 29.

People driving into downtown should know their best bet for parking is the underground lot at Pershing Square - $5.00 after 5p.m.

For information on this and other programing at Pershing Square, visit

http://www.laparks.org/pershingsquare/index.html

213-847-4970

Cheap & Cheerful Flea Market - Silver Lake

Many have been to he Rose Bowl, quite a few have been to the Melrose Trading Post, but if you truly want to be on the flea market circuit, you should also check out the Silver Lake Art, Craft and Vintage. (2450 Glendale Blvd)

Held in the Citibank Parking lot, the Silverlake Art, Craft & Vintage offers up gently used clothing, furnishing, jewelry and bric-a-brac as well as plants and one of kind items. The Market is help every Saturday rain or shine, 10 am - 4pm.

No admission fee, but you are on your own to find parking.

http://www.silverlakeartcraftvintage.com
323-467-0623

Cheap & Cheerful Canals - Naples

Most people have heard about the canals of Venice, CA, but not Naples, CA. In fact a lot of people don't even now where Naples is located!

Established in the 1930's, Naples is a neighborhood of Long Beach, consisting of three separate islands, divided by a large semi-circular Rivo Alto Canal and a shorter, straight Naples Canal which open into the Alamitos Bay.Keeping with the theme, most of the streets on the island have Italian names.

Best to start at the heart of the town. La Bella Fontana di Napoli is a three tiered fountain (Ravenna Drive and Corinthian Walk) at in the center of a small,neighborhood traffic circle where several streets converge. Flowing since 1971, it has delighted residents ever since. You can stroll through the streets and admire the homes or bring a picnic for one of the nearby beaches.

The waterways are the major source of entertainment with boats, kayaks and jet skis winding their way through the waterways -so get in there! Kayaks can be rented for $8.00 an hour.

The unique attraction of the area is the gondola rides. Not cheap ($75.00 for 2 people) but truly memorable.

The big event of Naples in the Christmas Boat Parade which is held the second Saturday of December starting at 6p.m.

For Kayak rentals and directions

http://kayakrentals.net/prices.html

Cheap & Cheerful Mommy Matinee - Fairfax District

I wish they had this when my kids were small: Monday Morning Mommy Movies at The Grove Theater.(189 The Grove Drive) Every Monday at 11:00am, a first run movie is shown to accommodate parents and their infants. Since everybody is coming with babies, the crowd rolls with the occasional shriek or gurgle. Nice way to get out with junior, or reconnect with a friend who has a wee one.

Non Peak Adult tickets are $10.50. I am assuming the infant gets in free....

Monday Morning Mommy Movies are screened at several Pacific Theater locations throughout Los Angeles. For more information visit:

http://www.pacifictheatres.com/MMMM.htm

The Grove Theater phone number is:
323.692.0829

Cheap & Cheerful Gourmet Foods - Venice

Well, this falls under the heading of the one that got away. I missed it this month so mark your calendar for October 1 for First Friday on Abbott Kinney Blvd.

Once a month the gourmet food trucks of the city line up along the Blvd. in a spontaneous restaurant row. Shops and galleries stay open late adding to the street fair vibe. The Brig (1515 Abbott Kinney Blvd.) is considered the epicenter of this event.

The official hours are 6:00p.m. - 10:00p.m but those in the know say arrive early to get decent parking and the best selection of food. Apparently,the Grilled Cheese truck is worth the wait.

It sounds like a blast. No admission fee, but bring money for metered parking, food and maybe a little shopping.



http://www.abbotkinney1stfridays.com/

Cheap & Cheerful Valley Oasis - Lakeview Terrace

Any one who has lived in LA for a length of time knows it gets hot in the San Fernando Valley in late summer. I mean really hot, Phoenix, Arizona hot.

The perfect place to head is the Hansen Dam Recreation Area's Swim Lake.(11798 Foothill Blvd.) Why "Swim Lake," not pool? It is a chlorinated pool, but rather than a one shallow end and increasing depth to a deep end, the swim lake is shallow on three of the four sides of the pool. Shallow, like a lake, providing a couple of feet of wading water. The center of the pool is the deepest,coming to just below my shoulders, and I'm 5' 4". The one deep side features two tube slides. My young friends informed me that one is faster than the other.

Admission is free for people under 18, $2.50 for Adults-$2.00 if you have a Los Angeles Public Library card (which of course I do.) Parking is free. There is a catering coach offering hamburgers, hot dogs, quesadillas and sandwiches for $3.00-$5.00. A guy with an ice cream cart was selling a variety of items for $1.50.

We (myself and 4 kids)brought a picnic, but bought ice cream from the vendor. There are shade trees in a grassy area, but bring a beach umbrella is you must have shade.

The pool was crystal clear and pleasantly cool. Dressing rooms and bathrooms are available, spartan but very clean. This place is a big hit with young families, but there were some young teenagers too.

Hours now are 12:00-6:00pm on weekends, but come next June, it is open from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm



http://www.laparks.org/dos/aquatic/facility/hansendamAQ.htm

(818) 899-3779

Cheap & Cheerful Evening Farmer's Market - Hollywood

I only recently learned of Yamashiro's (1999 N Sycamore) evening Farmer's Market, but couldn't wait to get the word out.

This iconic Japanese ( okay, now they call it "CalAsian) restaurant and be a staple on my tour of Hollywood with out of town visitors. A beautiful building with a sweeping view of the city, it great place to visit even if you didn't step foot in the restaurant.

Now, every Thursday from 5-9pm you can stroll the food stalls with a glass of wine, or enjoy something from the Yamashiro Grill. Tables have been set up along the parking lot railing to create a dining area featuring that world class view.

And if that isn't great enough, free parking and shuttle service has been organized from the First Christian Center. (7107 Hollywood Blvd.)

See you next Thursday!

(323) 466-5125‎


http://www.yamashirorestaurant.com/news/

Cheap & Cheerful Art Crawl - Venice

Why walk when you can crawl?

More than an art walk, the Venice Art Crawl is a celebration of of the creative energy of a truly unique coastal town.

From 6:00pm -10:00 pm every third Thursday of the month enjoy a free exploration of of Venice Art and Culture. For those of us who love Venice, this is a great way to savor the city. For those who are visiting or have never been, I can't think of a better introduction.


The Westminster School on Main Street has parking for $10.00

Each month will showcase different artists and changing space, so for the most complete
information, best to visit:


http://www.veniceartcrawl.com/

Cheap & Cheerful Newspaper Tour - Downtown

Read All about it! The Los Angeles Times (1st & Spring Streets) offers free, public tours of the Times Building and the paper's printing facility twice a month. Visitors must be at least 14 years of age and reservations are required. The tour runs about one hour.

An architectural treasure of the city, The Moderne Style Times building opened in 1935. A highlight of the tour is the Globe Lobby featuring 10 foot high murals as well as a display recounting the first 100 years of the paper's operation

Parking is free and there is a cafeteria on the premises.
Now that is good news!


(213) 237-5757 for current tour information

http://www.latimes.com/about/mediagroup/latimes/tour/

Cheap & Cheapful Airport Fun - Santa Monica

I am not one to usually hang out at airports, but the Santa Monica Airport (3223 Donald Douglas Loop South) has so much going on, it is worth checking out.

The Airport has two free public viewing areas to watch aircraft activity. The Runway View Deck and the Public Sky-deck are located on the east and west ends of the Airport Administration Building. Both areas are excellent spots to watch airplanes and listen to control tower broadcasts in the background. Picnics are permitted on the view deck or in the green area in front of the Airport Administration building.

Clover Park (corner of 25th Street and Ocean Park Boulevard) has a viewing area with a telescope focused on the runway. Public viewing is encouraged between dawn and dusk, 365 days a year.

Airport Park (Airport Avenue and Donald Douglas Loop South) has a soccer field, play and tot areas, picnic areas and dog park. While you are there, check out the DC-3 monument.

The Santa Monica Outdoor Antique Market is held on the first & fourth Sunday of each month from 8AM to 3PM on the parking lots between 3100 and 3026 Airport Avenue.

Many public events are held at the Santa Monica Airport including the Macy's/American Express Passport Fundraiser, Dream Halloween& PAL Halloween events, The LA Arts Show, Divine Design (Project Angel Food,) and The LA Antique Show just to name a few. Though many of these events take place at the Barker Hangar, some events like Jazz Nights & New Years Celebration take place at the Typhoon-Hump Restaurants. There are also, Fly-ins, the Women 99's Air Race, Concerts, and other activities.


See you at the airport!


http://www.smgov.net/Departments/Airport/Things_to_do_at_Santa_Monica_Airport.aspx

310-458-8591

Cheap & Cheerful Arts District - North Hollywood

Feel like going out but don't want to deal with city traffic, parking and prices?

Officially established in 1992, the NoHo Arts District (South of Hatteras Street, North of Camarillo Street, West of Cahuenga Blvd to the East, East of Tujunga Ave) is home to contemporary theaters,dance studios, art galleries, cafes, and shops. Yes it's in the Valley, but the area is alive with activity. The arrival of the North Hollywood Metro Rail station validated the neighborhood as an urban village.

A hot summer night can include strolling the galleries, grabbing a bite, window shopping or a full on dinner-and-a-show date. Check the NOHO Art District website before you go as free or inexpensive festivals, fairs and concerts are frequently scheduled.



http://www.nohoartsdistrict.com/joomla/

Cheap & Cheerful Beach Conditions - Heal the Bay

Whether you are a local or a tourist, this information is worth it's weight in gold.

Since 1985, Heal the Bay has fought the good fight to keep local waters and beaches clean and healthy for both people and marine life. One of the great services they offer is an online Beach Report Card that gives a current reading of the state of beaches up and down the entire West Coast.

During the dry summer months, most Los Angeles beaches get a good grade, but swimmers are advised to stay at least 100 yards again from running storm drains.


Know before you go!

http://www.healthebay.org/brcv2/

Cheap & Cheerful Academy Screenings -Hollywood

How about a world-class experience for $5.00?

The Linwood Dunn Theater (1313 Vine Street) is the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences newest theater. Completed in 2003, the Linwood Dunn Theater a state-of-the-art screening facility with 286 seats honoring visual effects pioneer, Linwood Dunn.

While home to many "members only" events, the theater also offers programming for the general public. A Current series "Out of This World: The Science of Space Movies" series presents a screening of the 1929 Fritz Lang film "Woman in the Moon." Not your average night at the movies...

Now, the trade off in being in such a fabulous facility is no popcorn,snacks or drinks of any kind. But that's a good thing.


Complimentary parking is provided in the Academy’s lot adjacent to the Pickford Center, Please be aware that the parking facilities close 30 minutes after the conclusion of an event.



http://www.oscars.org/events-exhibitions/venues-ticketing/dunn.html


The Academy's General phone number is (310) 247-3000. Ask about programming and the Linwood Dunn Theater.

Cheap and Cheerful Drive-In -Downtown

Okay, this looks like serious fun. Once a month, the Devil's Night Drive-in (240 W. 4th St) screens a movie on a 2nd story rooftop parking lot in Downtown Los Angeles. Not for picture and fidelity freaks as the "picture" has to compete with the lights and sounds of downtown. Speakers are placed on the astroturf picnic area in front of the screen as well as through an FM TRANSMITTER that will put the sound into your car speakers.

Angel City Derby Girls provide Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Nachos, Popcorn, Candy, Drinks, and other Goodies. They also car hop so just flash your lights to get their attention:) If having a BBQ-ed hotdog on a picnic blanket on some astroturf in front of a 24ft by 18ft movie screen on top of a building in the middle of the city is appealing, I say check it out.

Next Screening: Grease 2, Saturday August 14.


$10.00 a person --pre-sale tickets guarantee a parking spot but get there early for best location. $10.00 is a good price for just your a parking spot downtown.Parking AND a movie, pretty Cheap & Cheerful.

http://www.devilsnight.com/store.htm

Cheap & Cheerful Silent Movie - Fairfax District

It warms my heart that there is still a place to catch a Silent Movie in Hollywood, especially since the Last Remaining Seats series, although still wonderful, is straying from its silent movie roots.

Built in 1942, The Silent Movie Theatre (611 N. Fairfax Avenue) was the only fully functioning silent movie theatre in the country for decades. It is now home to Cinefamily "an organization of movie lovers devoted to finding and presenting interesting and unusual programs of exceptional, distinctive, weird and wonderful films." Happy to report that Silent Movie Theatre is not a dusty relic, on the contrary, the interior's original, vintage 1940s art deco design has been fully restored complete with a brand new screen and sound system.

Silent movies are screened every Wednesday at 8:00pm and once a month on a floating, Sunday afternoon. Tickets are $12.00.

Metered parking is available on Fairfax and a small lot on the southwest corner of Fairfax High School campus.

To get a listing of the scheduled silent films as well as learn of Cinefamily's other programming, visit.

http://www.cinefamily.org/calendar/index.html

323.655.2510

Cheap & Cheerful Walking Tour - Venice

While many know of the crazy scene that is the Venice strand, a quiet, beautiful alternative is just blocks away at the Venice canals.

Although only 1.5 miles of the original 16 miles of canals currently exist, it's worth checking out. Thanks to a dredging effort in the 1980's, the surviving canals are not only back to their original splendor, but the homes on the canals are some the the priciest on the west side.

There are several guided tours that are pretty expensive, but I came upon a local blog with a mapquest map outlining a self guided walk. The big trick is getting a parking spot. I would recommend getting to Venice about 9am look for a metered spot or street spot on Venice or Washington and then pick up the tour from where you parked. And bring a little something for the ducks that reside in the canals.

Once done, there are many places in walking distance to grab a cup of coffee or a quick bite to eat.



http://www.travelinlocal.com/a-guide-to-walking-the-venice-canals-in-los-angeles/

Cheap & Cheerful Shopping/Star Gazing - Hollywood

The Hollywood Farmer's Market (1600 Ivar) takes place every Sunday 8:00am - 1:00pm offering an impressive selection of produce, baked goods and artisan books. Even if you are not the farmer's market type, the people watching is world class. All kinds of characters and a handful of famous folk trying to do their shopping on the down low.

There is validated parking available at market at the Cinerama Dome and Los Angeles Film School. You may luck out at get a metered spot that is free till 11am but keep an eye on your watch, as they are strict about enforcement.



http://www.farmernet.com/events/one-cfm?venue_id=587
323-463-3171

Cheap & Cheerful Art Walk - Downtown

Okay, I admit it --I am on a bit of a downtown jag for the moment. The reason being with longer and warmer days, downtown LA has a lot to offer.

On the second Thursday of every month a free, self guided tours including MOCA, L.A. Artcore Center and and the Los Angeles Center for Digital Arts. (107 W. Fifth Street) When I last went on this tour there were also a lot of small galleries that stayed open late to capture the foot traffic. Did I understand it all? no. But I did enjoy talking to the artists and gallery owners on what they were working on and the changing face of downtown ABSOLUTELY. We parked in a lot after 5pm so it was less than $10.00.

We snuck over to Pete's Cafe (4th & Main) for a light bite afterwards.

http://www.downtownartwalk.org/


213-624-6212

Cheap & Cheerful Midnight Screening - West LA

35 years young, The Rocky Horror Pictures Show is STILL screened at midnight every Saturday at the NuArt Theatre (11272 Wilshire Blvd.) All midnight screenings feature live casts who perform scenes during the movie, and the audience is always welcome to respond to the on-screen action. Armed with some slices of toast and a copy of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, The Rocky Horror Picture was the first—and is still the best—interactive movie experience!

Tickets are $10.50. Metered, lot and street parking is available.



310-478-9379

http://www.landmarktheatres.com/films/films_frameset.asp?id=17329


p.s, For those who aren't into midnight screenings, The NuArt charges $8.00 for all screenings before 6p.m. and first show of the day Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Cheap & Cheerful Neon - MONA - Downtown

I am a long time fan of The Museum of Neon Art/MONA (136 W. 4th Street). Only in Los Angeles would you have a museum celebrating a rare gaseous element obtained by liquefaction of air. The exhibits sometimes feature a neon artist, other times display wonderful old signs refurbished to their former glory. MONA has changed location a couple of times since its start in 1981, but loyal followers have stayed the course. Now located in the heart of Los Angeles, MONA is a great stop on a downtown day trip.

MONA is open Thursday through Saturday, 12 noon to 6:00pm, Sunday Noon to 5:00pm, closed Monday through Wednesday.

Admission is Adults $7.00, Students/Seniors $5.00 Children 5-12 $3.00, under 5,FREE

For the truly intrigued, neon classes and the MONA Neon Cruise is also available (not cheap, but plenty cheerful.)

For current exhibition info, visit:

http://www.neonmona.org/flash/index.html

213-489-9918

Cheap & Cheerful Braintrust - Downtown

Although I love relaxing in front of the TV, a constant diet of reruns and reality TV shows can get to me.

Enter the ALOUD series presented by the Los Angeles Central Public (630 W. Fifth Street).The award-winning ALOUD at Central Library series is an amazing source of lectures, readings, performances, and conversations featuring key figures in the arts and humanities, business, politics, and science.

ALOUD programs take place at the Los Angeles Central Library's Mark Taper Auditorium. If you make reservations, show up EARLY. Here's why: even with a reservation system, it is the Library's policy to overbook. (guess they have learned about flaky Angelenos who make plans and don't show.) In the case of a FULL program, your reservation may not guarantee admission. Unclaimed reservations are released at the start of each program. So again, get there early!

Most programs are free, but check admission costs online.
Parking --Best bet is the Westlawn garage located under the central library. Cars entering after 3pm can park for a flat rate of $1.00 (with library validation)

Making the trip downtown too daunting? Good news: they archive the series on their website, so although you can't see the current programming there is P L E N T Y to choose from. Now that is truly Cheap & Cheerful!

http://www.lfla.org/aloud
(213) 228-7472.

Cheap & Cheerful Perfume History - Downtown

Who knew?! The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (919 S. Grand) is home to the Annette Green Perfume Museum.

Formerly of New York, the entire 2,000 fragrance collection (some dating back to the 1800s) was moved to the west coast in 2005. The only museum of its kind in the United States presents 150 fragrances at a time in ever evolving exhibits. The current presentation, "High Style: Perfume and the Haute Couture," showcases a selection of fragrance bottles and packaging that reflect the many ways that fame inspires design.

One of America's leading fragrance authorities and authors, Annette Green has been a visionary in the fragrance industry since the early 1960s. Green is created with originating the "FiFi" awards in 1972 to increase industry and public appreciation of scent.

Visitors walk away with a new understanding of perfumery as well as bottle and package design.

The Annette Green Perfume Museum is located in the second floor lobby at FIDM. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00pm

Admission is FREE

Parking is available underneath the FIDM building for $5.00, but word is it fills up fast. Local metered parking at lots will run you about $3.00 - $8.00


http://fidm.edu/resources/museum+galleries/exhibits/fashion-makes-scents

213-623-5821

Cheap & Cheerful Déja Vu - Downtown

If these walls could talk! The Bradbury Building (304 South Broadway) is the oldest commercial building in Los Angeles. Commissioned in 1893, it may just look like an well kept older building from the outside, but step inside and you will have the definite feeling that you have been here before.

And you have, as the interior featuring a five-story central court of glazed brick, polished wood, with cage elevators surrounded by wrought-iron grillwork, capped by an immense skylight has been featured in numerous films, television shows and music videos.

While I was introduced to the Bradbury Building by the 1982 film "Blade Runner" it also appeared in final scene of last year's "500 Days of Summer". Or you could have seen it in "Double Indemnity", "77 Sunset Strip" "Wolf" "DOA" "Mission Impossible" Pushing Daisies" or a host of other shows.

Long story short, it is a must see. Even the most jaded tourist walks away impressed. But don't take my word for it.

The Bradbury Building is open Monday through Friday 9:00am-6:00pm; Saturday and Sunday 9:00am-5:00pm

213/626-1893

http://www.laconservancy.org/tours/downtown/bradbury.php4

Cheap & Cheerful Night with the Stars - Hollywood

Nobody walks in LA? Don't tell that to the thousands of people who stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Travel west on Hollywood Blvd. from Gower to La Brea, or south on Vine from Yucca to sunset to see how many names you recognize?

Established in 1961, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is expanded monthly to salute luminaries of motion pictures, recordings, radio, television and live theater. 20 individuals are named to join the walk in June, their ceremonies are then scheduled over time.

For an true Hollywood experience, plan on attending on of the bimonthly star dedications. They take place at 11:30 pm on a weekday and run about 45 minutes. The most recent star unveiling was for the Canadian rock bank RUSH on June 25.

For more information about the star ceremonies, the 2011 inductees and history of the Walk of Fame visit:

http://www.hollywoodchamber.net/

Cheap & Cheerful Chuck Jones -Beverly Hills

Who is Chuck Jones you ask?! Why the father of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Wile E Coyote, Elmer Fudd and my personal favorite, Pepé Le Pew!

Now until August 22, the Grand Lobby of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science (8949 Wilshire Blvd.) will exhibit 150 drawings, storyboards, cels, dialogue sheets and other materials from one of the all time great animators.

The gallery is open to the public Tuesday – Friday: 10:00am to 5:00pm, Saturday and Sunday, Noon to 6:00 p.m. Closed Mondays. ( fyi The gallery will also be closed July 3–5.)

Admission is free.

Street and metered parking is available on Wilshire Blvd. and nearby cross streets.

http://www.oscars.org/events-exhibitions/exhibitions/2010/chuckjones.html




http://www.oscars.org/events-exhibitions/exhibitions/2010/chuckjones.html

Cheap & Cheerful Surf Festival - South Bay

While I usually focus on things people can experience any time of the year in LA, The International Surf Festival is crash course on beach culture that just has to be checked out.

Los Angeles is host to many surf competitions, volleyball tournaments and what not. However The International Surf Festival produced by a collection of South Bay Cities' Chamber of Commerce (Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and Torrance) has it all: surfing,sand soccer,volleyball, paddle boarding, body surfing, pier to pier swim, and a 2 mile run. The fun starts with lifeguard championship on Friday, July 30 and runs through mid-day Sunday, August 1. Don't stay out too late -- or just stay up -- as beach people are early risers. Saturday's Bodysurfing Championship starts at 6:45 am!

There are entry fees to the competitions but no admission charge to watch it all. Metered parking and lots are available, but it wise to be early--
I mean r e a l l y early.

http://www.surffestival.org

Cheap & Cheerful Stroll through History - Arcadia

Visitors to The LA Arboretum (301 North Baldwin Ave.) usually go to enjoy the grounds, but it also is a historic treasure, wildlife refuge, world class library, classroom, concert venue and a gorgeous place to attend a wedding.

Be sure to check out the Queen's Anne Cottage and the Mayberg Waterfall.

Admission is $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for students/seniors, $3.00 for children 5-12. A tram is available from 11:00am - 3:00pm and costs $4.00 per person admission is FREE on the Third Tuesday of every month (but no tram service)

Hours are 9:00am - 5:00pm daily (Last admission is 4:30 pm)


http://www.arboretum.org/
626-821-3222

Cheap & Cheerful Contemporary Art - Hollywood

While Hollywood is known for the Walk of Fame, historic theaters and other film industry institutions, it is also the current home of a hotbed of Modern Art.

Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions (6522 Hollywood Blvd.) or LACE "both champions and challenges the art of our time by fostering artists who innovate, explore, and risk."

Over the past 30 years, LACE has been the the starting ground for some of the biggest names in west coast visual and performance art. Laurie Anderson, John Baldessari, Gronk, Mike Kelley, Ed Ruscha, now legends, all have roots at LACE.

LACE's programming is free or low cost to keep it accessible to the widest audience possible.

Admission to the gallery is free, but the recommended donation is $3.00
Wednesday - Sunday, noon – 6pm Friday, noon – 9pm

http://www.welcometolace.org

323.957.1777

Cheap & Cheerful Disney Hall Tour --Downtown

Love it or hate it, the Frank Gehry designed Walt Disney Concert Hall (135 North Grand Avenue) is an icon of modern Los Angeles.

Complimentary 60-minute self guided audio tours are available for groups of 14 or less from 10:00am -2:00pm. A 60-minute docent guided tour is available fro 12 -1pm. If you are interested in the adjoining Music Center buildings as well (Dorothy Chandler, Mark Taper Forum, Ahamanson Theater) a 90 minute Symphonian 4 Theatre Tour is offered Tuesday through Saturday at 10:30am and 12:30pm


Self Parking at the Walt Disney Concert Hall is $9.00.

for complete walking tour information, visit

http://www.musiccenter.org/visit/tours.html

(213) 972-4399

Cheap & Cheerful Rose Garden - Exposition Park

Created in 1928, the Exposition Rose Garden (701 State Drive) is a favorite spot for Angelinos and tourists alike. The garden is located at the east end of the Natural History Museum and is opened from 9:00am to Sunset. The site of many weddings, family gatherings and wandering museum field trip students, the Exposition Rose Garden is truly an urban oasis.

Metered street parking is available on Exposition Blvd. If you rather not keep an eye on your on your watch, Exposition Park Lot 3 has patrolled parking for $8.00.


FYI from January 1 - March 15 each year the garden is closed for annual pruning and care.



http://www.laparks.org/exporosegarden/rosegarden.htm

(213) 763-0114

Cheap & Cheerful Taste of Japan - Little Tokyo

One of my favorite cities withing the city is Little Tokyo. Occupying roughly four large city blocks. (Los Angeles Street to the west, Alameda to the east 3rd Street on the south, First Street on the north) Little Tokyo is home to not only the Japanese American National Museum and Geffen Contemporary but scads of charming restaurants and shops.

Two beautiful gardens are open to the public. One is the rooftop garden of the Kyoto Grand Hotel (120 South Los Angeles Street) and the other is an 8,500 square foot garden called "Garden of Clear Stream" that is adjacent to the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center.

Be sure to check out the 1995 art project titled "Ornoide no Shotokyo" (Remember Little Tokyo) by artists Sheila Levrant de Bretteville and Sonya Ishi.Embedded in the sidewalk of Little Tokyo National Historic Landmark is a timeline of the history of Little Tokyo with each decade from the 1890s to the 1940s represented by a light colored band with brass inscriptions. A final band in dark charcoal-black cement recalls the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II.

Every year Little Tokyo hosts Cherry Blossom Festival in April and Nisei Week in August( complete a large parade, pageant, athletic events, exhibits of Japanese art and culture) a taiko drum festival, the Japanese Festival Street Faire, and a car show.

Any day is a good day to visit little Tokyo.

http://www.visitlittletokyo.com/

Cheap & Cheerful Maritime History Lesson - Long Beach

When talking about ships in Long Beach Harbor, most people think about the Queen Mary. While a wonderful experience, there is a lesser known ship that has a fascinating history.

Built in 1945, the S.S. Lane Victory served with distinction during World War II, The Korean War, and the Vietnam War as well as in times of peace as part of the merchant fleet. A nationally recognized historic landmark, the S.S. Lane Victory now serves as a living museum and memorial to the service of Merchant Marine sailors and Navy Armed Guardsmen.

Open daily: 9 AM - 3 PM

Admission: $3.00 per adult; $1.00 per child
Summer Cruise dates are set each summer, but the price in considerably higher.
Maritime

Phone 310.519.9545

Cheap & Cheerful Muscles - Venice Beach

The current Muscle Beach Venice (1800 Ocean Front Walk)has been in place since 1959.
People come from all over to use the free weights and body building equipment at "The Pit." Our own governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, was a pit regular.

Events at Muscle Beach are always free. The Mr. & Ms. Muscle Beach Bodybuilding, Figure and Bikini Competition takes place on July 4th. Additional competitions are scheduled throughout the year.

When traveling to the beach, parking is always more plentiful early in the day. To learn more about Muscle Beach, visit:

http://musclebeachvenice.com/home/
Phone: (818) 922-4626

Cheap & Cheerful Night Hike - Griffith Park

It must be summer because I find myself drawn to things to do outdoors at night.

The Sierra Club has organized 2 hour hikes Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings through our beloved Griffith Park.Hikers are asked to wear comfortable shoes--I recommend bringing a sweater/hoodie as it can be chilly in the hills.

6:45pm at the upper merry-go round parking lot (4800 Carousel Drive) is the meeting time/place.

FREE is the price.
http://angeles.sierraclub.org/griffith/location.asp

(213)387-4287

Cheap & Cheerful Grunion Run - Cabrillo Beach

The east coast has it's clam digging we have our Grunion Runs! And who wouldn't want to stay up till midnight to chase little fish on a beach?

Kids going with parents don't need a fishing permit, but anyone over 16 does. While an annual fishing permit runs just under $40.00 a one day sport fishing license is $13.40. These can be purchased at most sporting goods stores.

Cabrillo Beach is Grunion Central for LA, but this phenomenon happens on other beaches. For more than you ever cared to know about this distinctly California way to spend a night visit:


http://www.beachcalifornia.com/grunion-run-annual-schedule.html

Cheap & Cheerful Night in the Garden - Flintridge

Summertime means Jazz at Descanso Gardens every Thursday night from 5:30pm to 7pm. The concerts are free, but you must pay the standard admission fees to the garden. $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for Seniors and $3.00 for children age 5-12.

For a Friday night off the beaten path, taking Docents Jim and Joanne Jackson's evening walk through Descanso Gardens (1418 Descanso Drive). Both Botanical and Historical facts are explored in the midst of the flora and fauna.

Tours start at 7pm.
$10.00 - $15.00


http://www.descansogardens.org/

(818) 949-4200

Cheap & Cheerful Flea Market - Pasadena

A Southern California institution! My hard core flea market fans swear this is the mother of all flea markets.

So mark your calendars -- the second Sunday of each month, from 7am-4:30pm, the Pasadena Rose Bowl (1001 Rose Bowl Drive) is transformed to a one of a kind marketplace.
World Class people watching as well.

$10 - $15 per person, $20 early entrance. Parking as far as the eye can see.

Questions?
call 323=560-2468

http://www.rgcshows.com/RoseBowl.aspx

Cheap & Cheerful Twilight Hikes - Westwood

Don't waste another Friday night in front of the television! Instead head over to the Stoner Recreation Center (1835 Stoner Avenue, Westwood) for a Twilight Hike through Santa Monica mountains. FREE

Hikers are asked to meet at the east end of the center's parking lot.

Hike starts at 6:30pm


for more info call
310-253-9840

Cheap & Cheerful --Little Armenia/Hollywood

If we are going to talk about Thai Town we also have to talk about Little Armenia.

Officially designated as such in 1970, Little Armenia is located south of Hollywood Blvd., north of Santa Monica Blvd. West of Vermont Avenue, East of the 101 Freeway While Glendale now boasts the largest Armenian population, this is where it started.

St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church is the epicenter of Armenian spiritual life. The world famous The local cultural jewel is Frank Lloyd Wright home of Barnsdell Park.

Mom and Pop restaurants, equity waver (99 or less seats) theaters and the bar/art exhibit venue Temporary Spaces makes for a fun and reasonably priced night life.

For a crash course on Little Armenia visit:


http://findlocal.latimes.com/neighborhoods/little-armenia

Cheap & Cheerful Pad Thai -Thai Town/Hollywood

With the largest Thai population out side of Thailand it makes sense that the first and only Thai Town would be right here in Los Angeles. While the boundaries of Thai Town are open to discussion, the center of the action is on Hollywood Blvd. Between Normandie and Western. Thailand Plaza (5321 Hollywood Blvd.) arguably the best known food court of the area with a huge multicolored neon sign, or the Hollywood Western station on the Metro Red line are good places to start.

But it is not only about food. Silk clothes, jewelery, ceramics, books flowers candles incense are available in a number of neighboring stores at very reasonable prices. There is a great night life as several of the restaurants stay open into 2a.m. Word is there is a hopping karaoke scene.


www.thailandplaza.com
323-993-3000

Cheap & Cheerful Serenity--Japanese Garden, Van Nuys

A lovely little secret of the San Fernando Valley is The Japanese Garden( 6100 Woodley Ave) The dream of former City Engineer Douglas Tillman,the gardens were created in conjunction with the Tillman Reclamation plant. But don't let that stop you from exploring Suiho En, the garden of water and fragrance is a 6½ acre authentic Japanese garden fashioned after “stroll gardens” constructed during the 18th and 19th centuries for Japanese feudal lords.

The Garden is open Monday through Thursday from 12:00PM until 4:00PM, and Sunday from 10:00AM until 4:00PM (the last gate entry each day is at 3:15PM).Please call on the day you wish to visit to make sure the Garden is open.

Docent led tours are also available each tour lasts approximately 1-¼ hours and includes an overview of the water reclamation process. (Evening tours are offered during the Summer.)

Admission to the Garden is $3.00 per person, $2.00 for Seniors 62+ and Children under 10. (Special Event admission fees are generally higher.)

818 756 8166

http://www.thejapanesegarden.com

Cheap & Cheerful Greek Theater - Los Feliz

People have a love/hate relationship with the Greek Theater. (2700 N Vermont Ave.)Located on the Los Angeles side of Griffith Park in a very nice residential neighborhood, it offers a wonderful outdoor performance space. But like most concert venues it can get expensive, fast.

And then there is the matter of the notorious stacked parking.

So how to keep it Cheap & Cheerful? Pack a picnic and enjoy the park before the show. You can park outside the venue and walk up. No arguing it's a trek--and please obey parking signs, but it's a pretty walk through one of Los Angeles' storied neighborhoods. Not up for that? Stacked Parking is $15.00. Split with friends, not too bad but to keep it cheerful, arrive early! First cars in, are the first cars out. Now about seating--the cheap seats are the benches, located in the back, not great sight lines, but you said you wanted to keep it cheap. Like anywhere else the closer you sit, the higher the price--you decide what you want to spend. Check the website for pricing as it varies show to show.

On a warm summer's night, the Greek Theater is a slice of heaven!

665-5857

www.greektheatrela.com

Cheap & Cheerful Shot of the Hollywood Sign

Tourists and Angelenos alike love having their picture taken with the Hollywood sign. And why not, it's not every day you are seen with a Hollywood Icon!

There are a number of ways to do it. It's all a function of time.

The most hassle free way is from the Hollywood and Highland shopping center. The sign can be seen from the center court--position yourself on the railing of one of the higher floors and it will appear in the distance. Bring a zoom lens for better results.

Or take Hollywood Blvd east to Beachwood, Turn left and you will be headed into Beachwood Canyon with the Hollywood sign right in front of you. Park on the side of the road and snap away. Or continue to the Beachwood Market. Stand in the parking lot with the sign over your left shoulder. (and buy something from the market while you are at it)

For the truly intrepid, continue up Beachwood and hike up to the sign--which is fenced in--but you still can get pretty close.

http://www.hollywoodsign.org

Cheap & Cheerful Walk - Lake Hollywood

Okay so "Lake Hollywood" is actually a reservoir, but in a town known for spin, what's the harm?

Located in the hills above the fair city of Hollywood, the "lake" is not only an oasis in the middle of the city, but an important historical landmark. Built in 1924 to hold 2.5 billion gallons of water, the Hollywood reservoir is part of the Owens River Aqueduct system. The reservoir's Mulholland Dam was built then none other than William Mulholland who designed and built a system of aqueducts and reservoirs that provide Los Angeles with most of it's drinking water to this day!

The area is open to hikers and cyclists daily starting at 6:30 a.m. Closing time has seasonal adjustments (5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.). The paths are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Free parking is available on Lake Hollywood Drive and Tahoe Drive adjacent to the park.

To learn more, visit:

http://www.hollywoodknolls.org/hollywood_reservoir.htm

Cheap & Cheerful Tours - Listing of Major Studios

One of the main reasons people come to Los Angeles is to get a peak into the Hollywood "Dream Factory". Most of us know about Universal Studio tours, but what about Warner, Disney, Paramont and Sony?

I found a listing of most of the major studios tour contact information.Please call before you go as there tend to be seasonal changes to tour offerings.



http://www.hollywoodusa.co.uk/studio-tours.htm

Cheap & Cheerful Fame - Your Own Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Let the folks at home know you have made it.

If you log on to http://www.whitleyheights.com and scroll to the bottom of the page you will see a link for creating your own Hollywood Walk of Fame Star. It is instant and looks really great on your facebook page. In case you are interested, Whitley Heights was a terribly glamorous neighborhood in the 1920's. Rudolph Valentino, William Faulker and Carmen Miranda were just a few of the famous residents.

Have fun!

http://www.whitleyheights.com

Cheap & Cheerful Frank Lloyd Wright- Hollyhock House and Barnsdall Park

Imagine that--something that was built in 1921 still stands in Los Angeles!

Heaven on earth for the Frank Lloyd Wright fan and an incredible introduction for those unfamiliar with his work, Hollyhock House and the surrounding Barnsdall Park (4800 Hollywood Boulevard) was Mr. Wright's first structure in California.

Aline Barnsdall was an oil heiress who was emersed in the cultural life of the time. Situated on a 36 acre site the original plans included a home for Barnsdall and her young daughter, two additional residences, a theater, a directors house, dormitory of actors, studio for artists, shops and a motion picture theater. However only the 2 secondary residences and the the Barnsdall home, Hollyhock House were built.

The house's name comes from Aline Barnsdall's favorite flower. Hollyhocks were incorporated as a decorative element throughout the house.

Tours are conducted Wed. - Sun
12:30, 1:30, 2:30 & 3:30 PM

General tickets are $7.00 a person; $3.00 for Seniors$; 2.00 Youth (17 and under) OR if accompanied by an adult - FREE

Parking is available in a lot at the entrance on Hollywood Boulevard, as well as at the perimeter of the park on the hillside.

http://www.hollyhockhouse.net/hhtours.html

Cheap & Cheerful Espresso in the Woods-Ferndall Park

This blog is not about restaurants, but a hike in Ferndall Park (Ferndall Drive & Los Feliz Blvd) is made that much better by having coffee and a treat at Trails restaurant. Ferndall Park is at the base of Griffith Park on the Los Angeles side, just east of where Western Avenue elbows to the east and becomes Los Feliz Blvd.

Waterfalls, small bridges and ferns from all over the world make this a shady retreat on a hot day. Parking is plentiful but popular, so the early hiker gets the spot. There is a playground on the east side of the trail should younger hikers need a diversion. About 10 minutes up the path you will come upon Trails restaurant which is a breakfast/lunch/coffee spot. Since parking is free, and there is no admission fee to the park, live it up and have a pastry or sandwich.

Trails is open 8a.m. - 6:30pm Tues. - Sat.
323-871-2102

Griffith Park is open daily 5:30am - 9:30pm

http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-trails-los-angeles#query:Trails%20Restaurant

Cheap & Cheerful - Music Center Tickets

Great shows at great big prices..that's what keeps a lot of people away from seeing performances at the Los Angeles Music Center. (135 N Grand) Would $20.00 tickets make attending possible?

Hot Tix offers a $20 ticket to the general public and can be purchased in advance. For most productions, Hot Tix can be obtained in two ways. Beginning approximately three weeks before the first performance of a production, purchases can be made by phone or in person at Center Theater Group's (CTG) box office. Cash or credit card will be accepted. Subject to availability, Hot Tix may also be purchased on the day of performance at the box office. Exact seat locations are not given over the phone. Tickets are limited to two per household.

Give it a try!

For a list of performances, visit:
http://www.musiccenter.org/events/purchasetickets.html

To make a Hot Tix purchase, call

Audience Services at (213) 628-2772.

Cheap & Cheerful Railroad Ride-Angels Flight

Best 25 cents you will ever spend!

For the price of a gumball, experience a one way ride on the "Shortest Railway in the World" at Angel's Flight.(351 S. Hill Street)

Opened in 1901 this 350 foot funicular system of two counterbalanced cars moving up and down parallel tracks was created to transport passengers along the steep grade between Third and Hill Street and the then very fashionable Bunker Hill.

The ride lasts a minute, but the memory will last a lifetime. In a city notorious for tearing things down, Angels Flight (that is how it is spelled, with no apostrophe) is a charming slice of time travel as well as a huge time saver for people wanting to get from the California Plaza to the Grand Central Market or visa versa. A must for Angelenos and tourists alike.

Hours are 6:45 am to 10:oo pm daily.

Angels Flight puts the fun in funicular!

There are many websites with photos and information on this tiny train's storied past, but start here:

http://angelsflight.com
(213) 626-1901

Cheap & Cheerful Taste of Africa -Little Ethiopia-- Carthay District

Los Angeles offers an amazing sampling of cultures.

Little Ethiopia (Fairfax Blvd. between Olympic and Pico) offers of cluster of well loved Ethiopian restaurants and markets.

Never tried it? I went to Nyala with my husband for dinner and immediately came clean on the fact we needed some direction. The waiter could not have been more helpful asking what kind of food we usually enjoy so as to guide us in selecting entrees. It was wonderful!

Filling out the block is an array of thrift stores and market--perfect for a Cheap & Cheerful experience.

http://articles.latimes.com/2009/mar/10/entertainment/et-neighborhood10

Cheap & Cheerful Classic Cars - Mid Wilshire

They don't build 'em like they used to!

The Petersen Automotive Museum (6060 Wilshire Blvd/Fairfax) is a celebration of car culture par excellence.

Part time travel, part motorhead's dream, the Petersen gives guests a glimpse of the California street scene from the early days of the "horseless carriage" to the cruising scene of the 1960's and beyond. The permanent collection of automobiles is dazzling and the rotating exhibits will make even the most detacted a bit car crazy. The third floor has interactive exhibits for the kids which is great because after two floors of "look but don't touch" jumping on a police motorcycle and pretending to chase a bad guy is just what the doctor ordered.

Speaking of kids the Petersen is another field trip mecca. If you would prefer a quieter visit plan to arrive after 2pm on weekdays.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday 10am-6pm. Admission is $10.00 for adults, Seniors (62 and over) Student s and Active military with ID, $5.00, Children 5-12 $3.00 under 5 free.

Parking is available in an adjacent parking lot $2.00 for 30 minutes, $8.00 maximum for up to 4 hours.

http://www.petersen.org/

(323) 930-2277

Cheap & Cheerful Science - Exposition Park

The California Science Center (700 Exposition Park Dr.) has more than 100 exhibits and is free to all. Okay, so parking is $8.00, but for a museum as amazing as this, a small price to pay. Give yourself at least 2 hours to check it all out.

If you are up for a more interactive experience, there are three really cool attractions at the Science Center that charge a fee: The High Wire Bicycle, the Motion-Based Simulator and the Ecology Cliff Climb. You decide which ones you want to try.

Hours are 10am to 5pm daily with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. After 1:30pm the museum is less busy. In the morning it is grand central station with school field trips.


http://www.californiasciencecenter.org/GenInfo/PlanningYourVisit/Hours/Hours.php

323-SCIENCE (323-724-3623)

There is an IMAX Theater in the Center with constantly changing films. Your best bet to get the latest info on programming and pricing is to call 213-744-7400

Cheap & Cheerful Flowers - LA Flower District Downtown

The early bird gets the--flower!

The Los Angeles Flower District (700 block of Wall Street) is the premier resource for growers, shippers and wholesalers. Since 1913 Wall Street and the immediate surrounding area have become the "grand central" to the Southern California flower trade.

The general public is also welcome, but you gotta get up EARLY!

Non trade hours are Mon.,Wed, Fri 8am - 12 noon, Tues., Thurs and Saturday . 6am - noon. (No griping--the growers arrive a 2am!) Admission is $2.00 per person Monday -Friday. $1 on Saturdays.

There are two ample parking structures available. The American Florist Exchange lot can be entered from the west side of San Julian Street, between 7th and 8th streets. The Southern California Flower Market parking lot entrance is located on the east side of Maple Avenue between 7th and 8th street.

To plan your trip, visit

http://www.laflowerdistrict.com/index.asp

Cheap & Cheerful Trip to India - Artesia

Or Little India to be more precise.

Located on Pioneer Blvd between 183rd and 187th street in Artesia, Little India will astound you with the sights, sounds and yes, smells of another culture. The food is amazing, the music other-worldly and the selection of bulk spices and unique gift items are impressive.

Okay, but many Angelenos - let alone out of town visitors - don't even know where Artesia is. Just Southwest of the junction of the 91 and 605 would be the quickest way to orient yourself.

Since Little India is a neighborhood rather than institution, the usual hours and parking info is harder to share. However I found a write up that give a brief write-up of some of the stores and restaurants of Little India complete with addresses and phone numbers.

Enjoy.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/asia/la-streetscenes-20080825,0,5946722.htmlstory

Cheap & Cheerful Hollywood History

Although Los Angeles is notorious for tearing down anything more than 50 years old, occasionally a gem is spared.

The Hollywood Heritage Museum (2100 N Highland Avenue) is considered the birthplace of the Hollywood motion pictures industry. Located in the beautifully restored Lasky-DeMille Barn (c. 1895!), the museum features archival photographs from the silent movie days of motion picture production, movie props, historic documents and other movie related memorabilia as well as historic photos and postcards of the streets, buildings and residences of Hollywood

Wednesday-Sunday 12:00 noon - 4 p.m.

Adults: $7; seniors and students $5; industry workers with studio ID, union or guild card, $5.00, children under 12, Free. Hollywood Heritage members, Free.

Located across the street from the Hollywood Bowl, there is ample free parking, but sometimes the Museum is closed due to events at the Hollywood Bowl. It is a good idea to call first to confirm the museum is open.

http://www.hollywoodheritage.org

323-874-2276