Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Heading to Cali

By this time tomorrow (early, early, early) I'll be on my way to Los Angeles for the RT Booklovers Convention. I have to admit that I have an ulterior motive for going to this event. Sure, I'm exciting by all the fabulous teen stuff happening on Saturday--I love any chance to meet teens and readers!

photo by Kansas Sebastian
But I'm also suffering from SoCal withdrawal. I haven't been to southern California in a few years and I'm missing a lot of things.

  • Air that smells like tropical flowers
  • Sun and sand and beautiful weather
  • Sea breeze
  • Art deco architecture
  • Convertibles (I'm renting one!)
  • Shopping, shopping, shopping
  • Amazing sushi (vegan please)
  • Star spotting
  • Drinks from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
  • Fun, laid-back, hip vibe

There are also quite a few quintessentially LA things that I've never done, and maybe I can check a few of them off my list during this trip.

  • Griffith Park Observatory
  • Hollywood Bowl
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • La Brea Tar Pits
  • LACMA
  • Queen Mary
  • Walt Disney Concert Hall
  • Union Station
  • Huntington Library

And if I have time to visit the Getty again I will totally make the effort. It's an amazing collection and an amazing building.

Have you ever been to Los Angeles? If so, what were your favorite things to see and do? If not, then what do you dream of seeing or doing in LA?

Hugs,
TLC

teralynnchilds.com

9 comments:

Tiffani ♥ said...

I love Los Angeles. My huz-b is from that area. We've done *mostly* everything that there is to do. In the summertime at the Hollywood Bowl, you can go to the early morning rehearsals of the concerts. FOR FREE. That's how I got to meet John Williams.Yes, *that* John Williams. I love the Griffith Observatory. You can catch a good picture of the Hollywood sign from there. We even went to a Walk of Fame ceremony and the ESPY's (well not inside, but I got to touch the Stanley Cup!!)But my FAVORITE place is Santa Monica. That place is so relaxing. Aww, you make me want to go back!

TinaFerraro said...

Tera, I have lived in Los Angeles for much of my life, and haven't completed your to-do list, either! I would recommend to someone visiting to make sure to see Westwood, too, which is a quaint village of high-end shops and theaters right next to UCLA.

Cara King said...

The Huntington's gorgeous! It's got art, it's got themed gardens, it's got a Gutenberg Bible -- so it's sort of three attractions in one. :-)

Looking at your list, it seems I've actually done everything! Hey, cool.

Have fun!!!

Sandra said...

I'm an LA girl and have done everything on your list but LACMA (shame on me). Of those on your list, I'd suggest Union Station. It's close to Olvera St. and Chinatown--both are rich in history and culture. You can hit up Philippe's for a french-dip sandwich and then stop by Dodger Stadium (a few blocks away). I'd also suggest renting a bike (or taking a segway tour) and riding from Venice Beach to the Santa Monica Pier. Also, there's an Art Walk at the Pomona Arts Colony this Sat (not too far from La Verne).
Whatever you do, stay safe and have fun!

Wendy Toliver said...

I like going to the muscle beaches b/c there's nothing like those in the mountain west. Also there's just no beating the weather, year-round. Used to love going clubbing b/c of this one time my bro and his friend and I went out and everybody took photos of us b/c they mistook us for famous ppl. Oh, and the drivers can actually DRIVE! What a concept (are you listening, Utah?)

Me said...

@Tiffani -- Wow, you've had great LA experiences! Hope I have some fun ones to share after my trip.

@Tina -- I never do the fun stuff where I live because I always think I'll have plenty of time.

@Cara -- Oooh, a Gutenberg Bible. How awesome!

@Sandra -- As an historical architecture freak, Union Station is definitely high on my list.

@Wendy -- Of course everyone thought you were famous people! *pretty girl*

nymfaux said...

I've been 3 times!--Twice to Disney World/Universal Studios/Knott's Berry Farm.

My favorite was the last time I went, when we stopped at Grauman's Chinese Theater and got to see all the stars' hand and foot prints!!!--We also did the LaBrea tar pits (2nd time)--Afterwards, I recognized the inside of the museum on an episode of Bones! ;)

But I'm most excited about this upcoming trip and being able to see some of my favorite authors in person!!! :D

Heather Davis said...

Wow, you've listed all the highlights! I loved the Getty Museum, too. This trip's gonna be a quick one, but it should be fun!

Senator said...

ACK! LACMA, Queen Mary, The Getty (both of them), and Griffith Observatory are ALL MANDATORY!!

Fun tip for the Observatory:

Best gone at the LAST tour of the night. LA looks almost mystical with it's blurred, abundant lights twinkling at you in the darkness. If it's been raining or spring all the better!