This has to be one of the best Cheap & Cheerful options I have come across! The Los Angeles County Fair runs from September 5-October 4, 10 a.m. to midnight. General admission is $17.00 for adults, $12.00 for children ages 6-12, free for fair attendees 5 and younger. If you go opening weekend (Sept. 5-7) between the hours of 10am and 1pm, admission is $1.00! At that price, you could pop for Preferred ($15.00) or VIP ($20.00) parking. (General Parking is $10.00)
If you already have plans for that weekend, another way to save is by getting your tickets through the Online Pre-Sale. Adult Tickets are $10.00, Kids 6-12 $6.00. That could help fund a significant cotton candy purchase...
See you at the fair!
http://www.lacountyfair.com/2009/promotions/
Friday, July 31, 2009
Cheap & Cheerful Queen Mary and Russian Submarine - Long Beach
If you've always wanted to check out the historic ocean liner the Queen Mary,
(1126 Queen's Highway) there is a Cheap & Cheerful option you should know about. While the daytime tours can run $24.95 to $50.00 a person, the Twilight Historical Tour is $12.00 a person. The tour starts at 6:45 pm Thursday-Sunday. Wear comfortable shoes as there is considerable walking involved, and you don't want to scuff Her Majesty's decks.
http://www.queenmary.com/index.php?page=night
(800) 437-2934
If you find yourself in Long Beach during the day. another interesting tour is the Russian Foxtrot Submarine tour for $10.95. When's the last time you were in a torpedo room or crew's quarter of a Cold War relic? They even let you peek through the periscope!
http://www.queenmary.com/index.php?page=prices
(1126 Queen's Highway) there is a Cheap & Cheerful option you should know about. While the daytime tours can run $24.95 to $50.00 a person, the Twilight Historical Tour is $12.00 a person. The tour starts at 6:45 pm Thursday-Sunday. Wear comfortable shoes as there is considerable walking involved, and you don't want to scuff Her Majesty's decks.
http://www.queenmary.com/index.php?page=night
(800) 437-2934
If you find yourself in Long Beach during the day. another interesting tour is the Russian Foxtrot Submarine tour for $10.95. When's the last time you were in a torpedo room or crew's quarter of a Cold War relic? They even let you peek through the periscope!
http://www.queenmary.com/index.php?page=prices
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Cheap & Cheerful Flowers -Flowers Wholesale West Hollywood
When going to the LA Flower Mart at the crack of dawn is simply not an option, here is a great place to get fresh flowers at wholesale prices.
Flowers Wholesale ( 8032 Santa Monica Blvd) is just east of the intersection of Crescent Heights and Santa Monica. They have a wonderful selection, accept major credit cards and will make an arrangement of the flowers you select for no extra charge. ( I am a complete spaz in this regard and am always amazed at the beautiful bouquets they create.) A variety of vases are also available for purchase.
They are open Mon. -Thurs. 7am- 6pm; Fri. - Sat. 7am-8pm and Sunday 8am-4pm.
They have a few parking spots behind their store that must be accessed by coming north on Crescent Heights and turning right, behind the adjacent Four Seasons Cleaners, and limited parking is also available on Santa Monica Blvd. and local neighborhood streets.
Flowers Wholesale ( 8032 Santa Monica Blvd) is just east of the intersection of Crescent Heights and Santa Monica. They have a wonderful selection, accept major credit cards and will make an arrangement of the flowers you select for no extra charge. ( I am a complete spaz in this regard and am always amazed at the beautiful bouquets they create.) A variety of vases are also available for purchase.
They are open Mon. -Thurs. 7am- 6pm; Fri. - Sat. 7am-8pm and Sunday 8am-4pm.
They have a few parking spots behind their store that must be accessed by coming north on Crescent Heights and turning right, behind the adjacent Four Seasons Cleaners, and limited parking is also available on Santa Monica Blvd. and local neighborhood streets.
Flowers Wholesale's phone number is (323) 656-3077.
Cheap & Cheerful would love to know of other wonderful florists.
Cheap & Cheerful would love to know of other wonderful florists.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Cheap & Cheerful Tickets --Goldstar Events
Membership to Goldstar Events is a no brainer.
By supplying your e-mail, zip code and preferences in music, theater, sports, family and food and social events you get dialed in to a world of discount admission to events throughout the area.
You can also opt in to weekly newsletters on what's being offered.
What's the catch? How does this work? Goldstar works directly with venues to sell tickets that otherwise would go unsold. So you get the discount and the event gets more attendees.
I will also vouch for their customer service. I got WICKED tickets way in advance and then we had a scheduling conflict and thought , crap I bet I can't exchange these tickets. I e-mailed Goldstar and was able to reschedule! Bottom line, once you have purchased tickets the money is spent, but you can reschedule, which is great.
And Goldstar is not limited to Los Angeles, so if you are planning a trip, check with Goldstar on what is happening in that city.
www.goldstar.com
By supplying your e-mail, zip code and preferences in music, theater, sports, family and food and social events you get dialed in to a world of discount admission to events throughout the area.
You can also opt in to weekly newsletters on what's being offered.
What's the catch? How does this work? Goldstar works directly with venues to sell tickets that otherwise would go unsold. So you get the discount and the event gets more attendees.
I will also vouch for their customer service. I got WICKED tickets way in advance and then we had a scheduling conflict and thought , crap I bet I can't exchange these tickets. I e-mailed Goldstar and was able to reschedule! Bottom line, once you have purchased tickets the money is spent, but you can reschedule, which is great.
And Goldstar is not limited to Los Angeles, so if you are planning a trip, check with Goldstar on what is happening in that city.
www.goldstar.com
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Cheap & Cheerful Cemetery Screenings - Hollywood
What the?! This may not appeal to everyone, but it is really a fun evening.
Cinespia hosts screenings on Saturday and Sunday evenings throughout the summer at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. (6000 Santa Monica Blvd.) Gates open at 7:30p.m. People follow paved roads to a grassy field in front of a large white wall which serves as a screen. Blankets are placed down and everyone picnics while Guest DJ's spin music. The movie starts at 9:00.
People line up early to get a good spot so try to be there by 7. Parking for the most park is street, and read the signs before leaving your car. A donation of $10.00 a person is the gate.
For movie listings and more information, visit www.cinespia.org.
Cinespia hosts screenings on Saturday and Sunday evenings throughout the summer at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. (6000 Santa Monica Blvd.) Gates open at 7:30p.m. People follow paved roads to a grassy field in front of a large white wall which serves as a screen. Blankets are placed down and everyone picnics while Guest DJ's spin music. The movie starts at 9:00.
People line up early to get a good spot so try to be there by 7. Parking for the most park is street, and read the signs before leaving your car. A donation of $10.00 a person is the gate.
For movie listings and more information, visit www.cinespia.org.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Cheap & Cheerful Hollywood Bowl
No that's not a typo! It can be done. But as is with a Cheap & Cheerful lifestyle, it's about trade-offs.
If you are okay with seating at the back of the bowl, you can get in for a very reasonable amount.
We are talking sections, W, X & V or as my college friend, Jonathan and I warmly refer to it as The Nose Bleed Club. Yes it's true, I can't tell from way back there if performer are wearing slip-on or laced shoes--but I don't care! I'm there to listen to music not observe brain surgery. Plus, the good people of Sections W, X & V are a bit more easy going about chatting during the performance than those in the "high rent" zones.
Ah yes and the cynics are saying "What are you seeing, the Romanian Spoon Orchestra and Clog Dancers?" No I bought a $10.00 to see Grace Jones! Yes I had to pick up my ticket at the box office to avoid the hefty "convenience" fee, but I live close so that's no big deal. And it's true, Jon and I have to split a parking fee-the closer you park the higher it gets. ($10 -$20) But it is still a wonderful way to spend a summer night. We will pack a great picnic then hike up to the top of the Bowl for a gorgeous view and an amazing performance.
So get up to speed on the seating chart and plan a Cheap & Cheerful night at the Hollywood Bowl.
http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/tickets/seating_chart.cfm
If you are okay with seating at the back of the bowl, you can get in for a very reasonable amount.
We are talking sections, W, X & V or as my college friend, Jonathan and I warmly refer to it as The Nose Bleed Club. Yes it's true, I can't tell from way back there if performer are wearing slip-on or laced shoes--but I don't care! I'm there to listen to music not observe brain surgery. Plus, the good people of Sections W, X & V are a bit more easy going about chatting during the performance than those in the "high rent" zones.
Ah yes and the cynics are saying "What are you seeing, the Romanian Spoon Orchestra and Clog Dancers?" No I bought a $10.00 to see Grace Jones! Yes I had to pick up my ticket at the box office to avoid the hefty "convenience" fee, but I live close so that's no big deal. And it's true, Jon and I have to split a parking fee-the closer you park the higher it gets. ($10 -$20) But it is still a wonderful way to spend a summer night. We will pack a great picnic then hike up to the top of the Bowl for a gorgeous view and an amazing performance.
So get up to speed on the seating chart and plan a Cheap & Cheerful night at the Hollywood Bowl.
http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/tickets/seating_chart.cfm
Monday, July 13, 2009
Cheap & Cheerful Saturday Night - Miracle Mile Artwalk
Please check out the Miracle Mile Artwalk: Gallery Night Out on Wilshire Blvd! I've been dying to go and it always lands on a Saturday I can't get away.
Every other month,12 galleries on Wilshire Blvd. open on a Saturday from 4:30 to 10pm for self-guided tours. The thing about artwalks is the party atmosphere and access to multiple galleries in one evening. I don't know about you, but I am a tad intimidated about walking into a gallery alone with the only sound in the room being my shoes on a concrete floor. By going the the Artwalk you can enjoy artist talks, exhibit lectures, music and more.
And if that wasn't cool enough, you can also take advantage of free general admission to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Craft and Folk Art Museum.
All the details are available at http://www.midcitywest.org
Send information about other artwalks to cheapandcheerfulla@gmail.com
Every other month,12 galleries on Wilshire Blvd. open on a Saturday from 4:30 to 10pm for self-guided tours. The thing about artwalks is the party atmosphere and access to multiple galleries in one evening. I don't know about you, but I am a tad intimidated about walking into a gallery alone with the only sound in the room being my shoes on a concrete floor. By going the the Artwalk you can enjoy artist talks, exhibit lectures, music and more.
And if that wasn't cool enough, you can also take advantage of free general admission to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Craft and Folk Art Museum.
All the details are available at http://www.midcitywest.org
Send information about other artwalks to cheapandcheerfulla@gmail.com
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Cheap & Cheerful Bowling - PINZ Studio City
I am all about being outside during the summer. But sometimes you must retreat from the blazing sun and beastly heat.
When it comes to bowling, the early bird catches the price break. PINZ (12655 Ventura Blvd)the incredibly popular bowling alley in Studio City (adjacent to Jerry's Deli) has some really good deals.
From 9am-5pm games are only $3.00 per person (compared to the evening rate of $7.00) Shoe rental is $4.00.
pinzbowlingcenter.com/rates.htm
(818) 769-7600
When it comes to bowling, the early bird catches the price break. PINZ (12655 Ventura Blvd)the incredibly popular bowling alley in Studio City (adjacent to Jerry's Deli) has some really good deals.
From 9am-5pm games are only $3.00 per person (compared to the evening rate of $7.00) Shoe rental is $4.00.
pinzbowlingcenter.com/rates.htm
(818) 769-7600
Cheap & Cheerful Rollerskating -Glendale
Perfect for a terribly hot day, a rainy day or an evening begging for something different to do, the Moonlight Rollerway in Glendale is a slice of Americana. They only rent the traditional 4-wheel skates, but you are allowed to bring your own in-line skates if you insist.
Afternoon sessions are 1:30pm- 4:00pm, Evening sessions are 8:00pm-10:30pm and there is a kids skate session Saturdays 10:ooam -12 noon (parents welcome). Lessons complete the schedule.
Admission is $6.75 -$7.75 (evening sessions are more expensive) Skate rental is $3.50.
Get the whole story at:
http://www.moonlightrollerway.com/schedulerulesdirections.nxg
Afternoon sessions are 1:30pm- 4:00pm, Evening sessions are 8:00pm-10:30pm and there is a kids skate session Saturdays 10:ooam -12 noon (parents welcome). Lessons complete the schedule.
Admission is $6.75 -$7.75 (evening sessions are more expensive) Skate rental is $3.50.
Get the whole story at:
http://www.moonlightrollerway.com/schedulerulesdirections.nxg
Cheap & Cheerful Music -Free Concerts Thursdays and Saturdays Redondo Pier
Oh Man -- you mention what one pier is up to, you hear about another.
The Redondo Beach Pier also has a Free Concert Series..starting August 1 both Thursday and Saturday nights 6pm -8pm. Parking on the Pier structure is $5.00 on Thursdays, $7.00 on Saturdays.
More info is available at
http://www.redondopier.com/?link=about
And don't forget the 7th annual Chalk Art Festival!
The Redondo Beach Pier also has a Free Concert Series..starting August 1 both Thursday and Saturday nights 6pm -8pm. Parking on the Pier structure is $5.00 on Thursdays, $7.00 on Saturdays.
More info is available at
http://www.redondopier.com/?link=about
And don't forget the 7th annual Chalk Art Festival!
Cheap & Cheerful Golf -Los Angeles
Okay. First off, I am not a golfer. (I really don't think the 9-hole pitch and put in Studio City truly "counts.") but a friend of mine explained that the key to getting a break on greens fees is being flexible on your time.
So here is a cool centralized resource: save some green.com. Save some green lists deals at various courses, not only in Los Angeles, but that's my focus. You can indicate how many players to get an accurate reading of the cost.
http://savesomegreen.com/ssg/ssg.asp?ACT=TTS
So here is a cool centralized resource: save some green.com. Save some green lists deals at various courses, not only in Los Angeles, but that's my focus. You can indicate how many players to get an accurate reading of the cost.
http://savesomegreen.com/ssg/ssg.asp?ACT=TTS
Cheap & Cheerful Thursday Concerts -Santa Monica Pier
Yeah , people say Los Angeles has no sense of tradition. Well then how do you explain 25 years of free concerts on the Santa Monica Pier? The quaintly named Twilight Dance Series is a series of concerts scheduled for Thursday nights 7pm -10pm night on the Pier.
It kicked off July 2 with Joan Baez and wraps up with Patti Smith on Sept. 3. Lesser known acts fill out the roster, but sitting on the pier watching the sun go down on a summer's night with live music is pretty great. Parking on the pier is $8.00 on a Thursday. Get there early as this is a lot peoples' idea of a good time.
Get all the info by visting http://www.santamonicapier.org/fun.html#1
It kicked off July 2 with Joan Baez and wraps up with Patti Smith on Sept. 3. Lesser known acts fill out the roster, but sitting on the pier watching the sun go down on a summer's night with live music is pretty great. Parking on the pier is $8.00 on a Thursday. Get there early as this is a lot peoples' idea of a good time.
Get all the info by visting http://www.santamonicapier.org/fun.html#1
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Cheap & Cheerful Friday Night Downtown- Grand Performances at California Plaza
Few things are scarier than the prospect of Friday afternoon rush hour traffic-particularly through downtown! For those who work in or near downtown, there is a very civilized alternative: Grand Performances at California Plaza.
Located on 350 Grand Avenue California Plaza has a wonderful outdoor ampitheater that hosts an amazingly diverse roster of musical acts from around the world. The FREE performances begin at 7pm or 8pm (lunch time appearances are also scheduled). Parking in California Plaza after 5pm is $7.50.
For a full schedule of events, visit www.grandperformances.org
Located on 350 Grand Avenue California Plaza has a wonderful outdoor ampitheater that hosts an amazingly diverse roster of musical acts from around the world. The FREE performances begin at 7pm or 8pm (lunch time appearances are also scheduled). Parking in California Plaza after 5pm is $7.50.
For a full schedule of events, visit www.grandperformances.org
Cheap & Cheerful Walking Tours -Los Angeles Conservancy
Downtown Los Angeles is home to some amazing buildings and colorful stories. The Los Angeles Conservancy is dedicated to preserving historic architecture and cultural resources of Los Angeles. Their walking tours are a fun way to get up to speed on the treasures that surround us. And at $10.00 for non-member, $5.00 for members, it's a great deal.
Weekly 10 a.m. Saturday tours include Art Deco, Broadway Historic Theater, and Historic Core. A tour of the Biltmore Hotel takes place every Sunday at 2pm. There are also bi-weekly and monthly tours available. For reservations, meeting times/places and a full schedule, visit www.laconservancy.org
Weekly 10 a.m. Saturday tours include Art Deco, Broadway Historic Theater, and Historic Core. A tour of the Biltmore Hotel takes place every Sunday at 2pm. There are also bi-weekly and monthly tours available. For reservations, meeting times/places and a full schedule, visit www.laconservancy.org
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Cheap & Cheerful Music - Free Concerts Thursday and Friday evenings at Farmer's Market
One of my all-time favorite Cheap & Cheerful destinations is Farmer's Market.
It's wonderfully centrally located, (Third and Fairfax) and is one of those rare places you can meet up with a lot of people and everyone can have what they want to eat and drink. There are great little shops to explore and 2 wonderful newsstands.
If you haven't been to this slice of classic LA, this summer is a great time to visit as the Farmer's Market is celebrating it's 75th birthday.
Once of the many activities planned are free concerts on the West Patio every Thursday (jazz) and Friday (eclectic) from 7pm to 9pm. It makes for a really nice way to end the day. You can have a beer, the kids can have ice cream and who knows, some dancing may be involved!
For more schedule information visit www.farmersmarketla.com
p.s. Don't forget to get your parking ticket validated!
It's wonderfully centrally located, (Third and Fairfax) and is one of those rare places you can meet up with a lot of people and everyone can have what they want to eat and drink. There are great little shops to explore and 2 wonderful newsstands.
If you haven't been to this slice of classic LA, this summer is a great time to visit as the Farmer's Market is celebrating it's 75th birthday.
Once of the many activities planned are free concerts on the West Patio every Thursday (jazz) and Friday (eclectic) from 7pm to 9pm. It makes for a really nice way to end the day. You can have a beer, the kids can have ice cream and who knows, some dancing may be involved!
For more schedule information visit www.farmersmarketla.com
p.s. Don't forget to get your parking ticket validated!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Cheap & Cheerful Movies - Part 2: $3.50 Matinees at Farifax Cinemas
I felt I needed to find a Los Angeles theater offering bargain screenings to balance out Century 8 in North Hollywood.
Well how about $3.50 for all shows before 6pm?!
The Fairfax is located at the intersection of Fairfax and Beverly (7907 Beverly), across from CBS Television City.
Street parking is the norm, and the previously single screen theater has been subdivided into smaller theaters. They are able to offer this price because they run big films a month or two after
their release date. So with a little patience you can see all the top films, and live it up at the candy counter.
http://losangeles.going.com/event-170560;350_Matinees_at_Fairfax_Cinemas
Well how about $3.50 for all shows before 6pm?!
The Fairfax is located at the intersection of Fairfax and Beverly (7907 Beverly), across from CBS Television City.
Street parking is the norm, and the previously single screen theater has been subdivided into smaller theaters. They are able to offer this price because they run big films a month or two after
their release date. So with a little patience you can see all the top films, and live it up at the candy counter.
http://losangeles.going.com/event-170560;350_Matinees_at_Fairfax_Cinemas
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