Saturday, August 28, 2010

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/

Thursday, August 26, 2010

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/

Sunday, August 22, 2010

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/

Thursday, August 12, 2010

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

Saturday, August 7, 2010

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/

Thursday, August 5, 2010

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/