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!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
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
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!!!
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!!!
Monday, December 27, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, December 24, 2010
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!
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!
Monday, December 20, 2010
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
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
Thursday, December 16, 2010
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
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
Monday, December 13, 2010
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
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
Thursday, December 9, 2010
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/
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/
Monday, December 6, 2010
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
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
Saturday, December 4, 2010
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
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
Thursday, December 2, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
