Grand Central Market in Downtown L.A.
Grand Central Market is loud, colorful and lively. It's gone through a transition in the last 10 years along with the rest of downtown L.A., becoming a more polished arena of sleek neon signs and trendy eateries.
3 Romantic Weekend Getaways from L.A.
Valentine's Day is coming up, so I've collected a few romantic weekend getaway ideas for you. The 3 locations below are perfect places to relax and unwind for a short trip from Los Angeles whether you want to wine taste, star gaze, or hang out poolside.
Hike Ryan Mountain in Joshua Tree
Ryan Mountain is a well marked trail inside Joshua Tree National Park. This is my favorite hike in Joshua Tree because of the expansive top-down view of the park from the 5,457 foot peak.
Visit Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum
For the last 15 years of his life, Noah created ten acres full of art installations in the desert. Everything is constructed from junked objects and materials.
Visit the Dinosaurs of 29 Palms
In Joshua Tree right off Highway 62 there are cute metal dinosaur art installations on the side of the road that are free to visit. There's a gold mom and baby Brontosaurus, and two toothy meat-eaters. These dinosaurs were added in front of Desert View Homes to attract attention. They are also a fun stop for a quick snapshot if your visiting Joshua Tree National Park.
Sculptures of Highway 395
Along the 395 between Grant and Olancha there is an array of sculptures on the west side of the highway. You can see them from the road and turn off to explore.
Visit The World Famous Crochet Museum
The World Famous Crochet Museum is a cute and quirky destination in downtown Joshua Tree. Shari Elf, a local artist, has created a whimsical world of crochet, screen printed clothing, patches, and other forms of art.
Climb Half Dome with Shoestring Adventures
Half Dome is on most Californian hikers top summits to conquer. I joined Shoestring Adventures on a 3 day backpacking trip through Yosemite National Park to summit this aptly named mountain.
Visit the Ghost Town of Amboy
The ghost town of Amboy was once a major stop along Route 66 until Interstate 40 was opened. The city only has 10 remaining buildings, Roy's gas station and motel cafe being the biggest landmarks. You can stop in for a Root Beer and wander through some of the abandoned hotel rooms with art installations.
Red Rock Canyon
Red rock canyon lies right off the 14 and features gorgeous multi-colored rock formations. The facade is swirling mix of reds and whites. The park is located where the southernmost tip of the Sierra Nevada converges with the El Paso Mountains.
A Summer Weekend at Mammoth Lakes
Experience Mammoth Lakes for a weekend summer trip. Instead of a relaxing in a cabin with hot totties and hot tubs, switch it up and go tent camping and enjoy the sunshine under the stars.
Explore Alabama Hills and hike To Mobius Arch
Alabama Hills is right off highway 395 near the city of Lone Pine. It's a gorgeous stark contrast to the Sierras just beyond it in the landscape. Large sand colored boulders and desert heat beneath the largest snow-capped mountains of California.