EDITORIAL
Caught on CameraOk, admittedly at my age, I should be avoiding roller coasters. However, if Julie Andrews was singing about MY favourite things, roller coasters would actually be one of them. In fact, if there is an upside down, ten-story drop, cheesy or terrifying roller coaster in a 100-mile radius, I’m there. And I’m in the front row. Seriously. And as far as I’m concerned, a trip to LA is incomplete without a view of the beach from the top of Pacific Park’s roller coaster at the Santa Monica Pier. In September on my last visit to the City of Angels, I was vacationing with my gorgeous childhood friend Melissa. We spent our days and nights chilling in Malibu, shopping in West Hollywood and hitting the trendy LA restaurant and club scene. Staying in Santa Monica, she was perfectly content during the day having cocktails alfresco in between repeated visits to Fred Segal. However, I had other plans for us. After much convincing and bribery, we tackled the long walk through the sea of humanity to the end of the Santa Monica Pier and site of its infamous amusement park. Hmmm - FEATURECity of Angels
HOLLYWOODNo one will ever forget when Richard Gere picked up Julia Roberts in that silver Lotus on Hollywood Boulevard in Pretty Woman. In reality Hollywood still embodies the magic of star power and the message, ‘It’s possible to transform one’s life.’ Richard Gere and Julia Roberts’ journey began on Hollywood Boulevard, fittingly so should yours. The Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame showcases thousands of embedded bronze star-shaped memorials honouring entertainment greats of past and present. Admittedly, trinket shops still abound on this street, but they no longer define the area thanks to a billion dollar 30-year revitalization plan to return Hollywood to its Golden Age. Pick up a Hollywood Walk of Fame CityPass which includes admission to major Hollywood attractions such as the Hollywood Museum and a Starline movie stars’ homes tour. Don’t miss the Hollywood & Highland Center – six levels including the Kodak Theater, home to the Academy Awards. Adjacent to the Hollywood & Highland complex is Grauman’s Chinese Theater, considered the most famous theater in the world. Curiously, its courtyard contains many body part concrete impressions of Hollywood legends – Betty Grable’s million dollar legs, Bogart’s footprints, etc. Hang around and you may get free tickets to a screening. If the trove of cinema memorabilia on Hollywood Boulevard hasn’t satisfied your celebrity fix, head 10 minutes south to 5555 Melrose Avenue and the site of Paramount Studios. A tour of the back lots will almost guarantee a star sighting. I recommend booking tickets for a taping of a live television show while you are there. On Melrose Avenue, Robertson Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood browse the trendy boutiques and art galleries. If you need a little superficial pampering, pop into Sunset Plaza’s Ole Henriksen’s Face/Body Spa or the Jessica Nail Clinic. West Hollywood is also home to some of the hottest restaurants in the city including AGO, Lucques, XIV, Nobu and my personal favorite Cecconi’s. Of course, the most famous LA eatery of all in this neighborhood is The Ivy, which remains the place to see and be seen. Book well ahead as the patio is still paparazzi central for celebs seeking photo ops. WEST HOLLYWOOD HOTELS: Chateau Marmont, Le Montrose, The Mondrian, The Standard, Hyatt West Hollywood, Sunset Marquis Hotel, The London BEVERLY HILLS
Dior, Chanel, Prada, Versace, Harry Winston… Beverly Hills is an oasis of high-fashion designer shopping paradise. A mere five-square miles, Beverly Hills oozes money in every corner. Boasting the world’s most recognisable zip code 90210, this exclusive super-posh neighborhood covered in palm trees and perfectly manicured lawns is home to many celebrities. And if you have that kind of wealth, where else do you go to shop but Rodeo Drive? Nowhere. But if window shopping is all you can afford in this economy, I suggest taking the The Beverly Hills Trolley Tour instead or visiting the sprawling Greystone Mansion, the setting for more than 20 films. The sweeping views from its hillside grounds will almost make you forget that dazzling necklace you saw at Cartier. As my motto goes, “If you can’t shop, EAT!” The Golden Triangle has a range of delicious restaurants including Wolfgang Puck’s star-studded flagship Spago and the local favourite of the dining scene Mr. Chow’s. To rest your head after a day of all that shopping or eating, the Beverly Hills Hotel & Bungalows is my favourite. In understated elegance enjoy lunch alfresco at their famed Polo Lounge or a poolside smoothie at their Cabana Club Cafe. BEVERLY HILLS HOTELS: The Beverly Hills Hotel & Bungalows, The Peninsula, Regent Beverly Wilshire, The Four Seasons, The Beverly Hilton SANTA MONICA
When LA locals declare they are “going to the beach,” most likely they are referring to Santa Monica. With 340 days of sunshine on average per year, it’s no wonder that this popular beach was where Baywatch was filmed for years. Its extremely wide beach is intersected by the famous Santa Monica Pier which just celebrated its 100th anniversary. Who knew that the pier is attempting to ‘go green’ by showcasing the world’s only solar-powered ferris wheel? Hugely popular with families the pier offers a wide variety of entertainment including highlights like the historic 1922 carousel, an interactive aquarium and rides in Pacific Park. Come to Santa Monica to hit the beach like the natives, shop or eat. Tourists are commonly lured by the Third Street Promenade – a pedestrian-only shopping drag with blocks of open-air retail complete with an eclectic mix of sidewalk performers. But the real Santa Monica shops are on Main Street. Across the street is the California Heritage Museum which hosts a lively Sunday farmer’s market. For the true shopaholics, visit the trendy satellite location of Fred Segal on Broadway. Continue your chic merchandise quest between 6th and 17th streets along tree-lined Montana Avenue which is one of the best walking streets in all of LA. To explore Santa Monica more quickly, rent a bicycle or roller skates at Perry’s Cafe & Rentals. Then head south to Venice Beach – the colourful area of humanity on display amidst artisans, T-shirt vendors, drum circles and Mr. Universe wannabes at Muscle Beach near 18th. Blend in by lubing up with baby oil, donning a bikini and roller skating the boardwalk. Further south along the ocean you’ll find Marina del Rey boasting the largest man-made, small-craft harbour on the planet. Hotels are abundant in Santa Monica, 38 at last count, which range from super lux to abominable. After a day of sun worshiping and walking the shops and beach, my favourite place to stay and dine in Santa Monica is Shutters on the Beach. Relax beach-side and have a casual seafood lunch at Shutter’s Coast in cool blue and white decor or dinner at Shutter’s One Pico restaurant – and be sure to ask for a window table. Last I stayed at Shutter’s, Jennifer Aniston was having an intimate dinner for two there. SANTA MONICA HOTELS: The Fairmont Miramar, Shutters on the Beach, Loews, Casa del Mar, Huntley, Viceroy, Shangri-La, The Georgian MALIBU
When your visit gets too Hollywood and you need a break from the hustle, retreat to Malibu. Rent a convertible, put the top down and drive north from Santa Monica on the Pacific Coast Highway about 30 minutes to where locals call “the Bu” for a laid-back beach town with a world-class art museum, top-notch restaurants, chic shopping and staggering natural beauty of sea and mountains. This understated community of merely 13,000 residents hugs the ocean and has no clear town center but is studded with multi-million dollar homes showcasing some of the most expensive real estate in the LA area, particularly in Malibu Beach Colony where the stars really live. If you are going to spot a celeb in Malibu, chances are it will be at Nobu Malibu in the Malibu Country Mart. Opt for the subtly lighted back room where its quieter. The open-air Malibu Country Mart just off the Pacific Coast Highway has long been a hangout for celebs desiring paparzzi-free shopping amongst over 50 retail stores. Just next to the Mart, the Malibu Lumber Yard has recently opened with chic, fashion forward shops such as Alice + Olivia, Intermix, Tory Burch and James Perse.
Malibu is all about the great outdoors, whether it be surfing at the beach or going for a hike or horseback ride in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. In the morning, stroll the 780-foot long Malibu Pier and chat with the fishermen casting their lines. For a little culture, visit the Getty Villa, the Getty Center’s coastal counterpart filled with Greco-Roman antiquities dating back to 6,500 BC in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. Next take a drive to Malibu Wines reached via the winding Mulholland Highway into the mountains. The wine tasting area is set on a serene green lawn under striped awnings. Sip a flight, relax on the Adirondack chairs or request bocce ball or a horseshoe game to be set up. Lunch at Geoffrey’s overlooking the ocean is a must, so sport your oversized sunglasses and whip out your credit card. A very LA healthy option for dinner is Terra serving organic meats and nonfarmed fish with most of the produce grown in its own gardens. Moonshadows is another tasty local dinner haunt. The best sunset? In Malibu’s Point Dume State Preserve take a walk to the top of this coastal bluff for a sweeping view of the entire Santa Monica Bay, the mountains and even Catalina Island beyond and you’ll begin to appreciate why stars come here for a little R&R. For overnight stays, oceanfront Malibu Beach Inn is a tranquil Zen-like oasis but expect a high price tag for your view. The more affordable option is Casa Malibu Inn, a rustic 21-room vine-covered cottage directly above the sand and a bit of a celeb hideout since the 50′s. Tip: Ask for one of the beachfront rooms Numbers 101 to 108. DISNEYLAND
Allow about an hour from LA to get to Anaheim, home to Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. This is the real Mickey Mouse theme park which still manages to captivate the young and the young at heart. Billed as “The Happiest Place on Earth,” these two parks are the oldest of all the worldwide Disney attractions and the birthplace of Disney magic. Each park is filled with exciting rides, shows and attractions guaranteed to make anyone smile. Disneyland’s recent additions include Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and an updated Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain. At Disney’s California Adventure don’t miss A Bug’s Land, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and a new 4–D video game ride called Toy Story Mania. Admission ranges between $56-66 US and under two is free. Most interesting ride for adults in my opinion? Soarin’ Over California. This ingenious ride mimics a flight simulator that takes you on a hang glider ride over California’s major cities, the Napa Valley, the coast, orange groves and eventually Disneyland. Very cool. Adjacent to the theme park, Downtown Disney is 20 acres of an admission-free lively mixture of shops, restaurants and nightlife which includes the House of Blues, ESPN Zone and Rain Cafe. CATALINA ISLAND
A mere 90 minutes from LA and you can be a world away on the West Coast’s most romantic island. Catalina makes you feel like you’ve escaped to Southern Italy minus the pasta and 10 hour flight. Take the ferry from Marina del Rey, San Pedro, Long Beach or Dana Point and drift over to a chic yet chilled out island in the Pacific complete with remarkable landscape, spectacular views, delish seafood and bountiful outdoor activities. Rent a sea kayak, bike or golf cart to get around then hit Descanso Beach for some scuba diving or snorkeling. For a truly unique Catalina experience, go fly fishing at night and watch as you speed along in a motorboat while the fly fish literally fly next to you. Although there are a surprisingly large selection of places to stay on such a small island, I recommend The Inn on Mount Ada which was formerly the Wrigley mansion. As the story goes, William Wrigley Jr., well-known owner of the Chicago Cubs, bought 99% of Catalina in 1919 and hand-selected this beautiful piece of land perched over the harbour because it caught the best light at sunrise and sunset. He named the house Mt. Ada as a gift for his beloved wife Ada. The Wrigley’s were renowned for their parties and entertained some very famous guests over the years including the Prince of Wales, President Calvin Coolidge and President Warren Harding. If it’s good enough for the Wrigley’s, I think it’s good enough for us. CATALINA HOTELS: Avalon Hotel, Inn on Mt. Ada, Catalina Canyon Resort & Spa, Hotel Metropole, Hotel St. Lauren, Villa Portofino, Zane Grey Pueblo, Aurora Hotel, Pavilion Lodge, Old Turner Inn EDGE TRAVELPanarea Travel Diary
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In sizzling hip LA, being “out” is “in.” The great outdoors offers some of the quintessentially LA places to dine, dance, hang out, chill out or be seen. From open-air eateries to outdoor concerts to poolside movie nights, maximize every second of LA’s temperate, sunny weather by taking advantage of the endless alfresco venues around the city. Now, go on, GET OUT!
Hollywood BowlAn iconic LA venue and outdoor destination for Angelenos since 1920. Today it is a must on any music lovers’ visit to the City of Angels. With a capacity of 18,000 this is the country’s largest outdoor amphitheater where the biggest names in jazz, pop, rock and classical perform alfresco. Whether you are in the box seats or elsewhere, bring a picnic. Picnic areas open four hours prior to the start of each concert. Also, every year one musical is chosen to run for a few weeks. This year it was Guys and Dolls starring Jessica Biel as the lead Sarah Brown. XIVEntrepreneur Sam Nazarian’s latest venture, the opulent Sunset Strip restaurant XIV features James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina and boasts Philippe Stark design. XIV’s eclectic patio, a postmodern interpretation of a 17th-century French chateau, is THE place to chill at the moment. Annenberg Community Beach House
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| © Kimberly Rosbe 2009 | |
I have been truly fortunate and had the opportunity to travel to the Aeolian Islands for the last six years in a row. I met my husband there on my first ever trip to these beautiful Islands and coming from an Eolian background, I can speak from a true local’s point of view. Honestly, each trip has been better than the last and has been filled with amazing new experiences amidst the comforting familiarity.
