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