For those of us who aren’t celebrities but enjoy dabbling in a world of glamour and fame for just a moment, we whisk ourselves away to Los Angeles, Hollywood. And in a city where there is more to do than you can possibly cover in one visit, what does one do with a weekend away in L.A..? It’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed by the lists of things to do and besides the obvious shopping to be done, there are some quintessential Hollywood things to see, do and eat, whilst in L.A., and surprisingly more junk food than you might have expected.
See This
The Spare Room Bar
What looks like Hugh Hefner’s private downstairs recluse with its leather seated, dark library feel, The Spare Room is a whole lot of fun and games in one bar. Hidden away in the Roosevelt Hotel on Hollywood Boulevard, here you can brush up on your favourite childhood board game skills and try your hand at some bowling should the mood strike you. Even better, they sell funky bowling socks and bowling shoes to make the experience complete. Be sure to get some goofy snaps in the secret photo booth hidden behind the walls.
Beacher’s Madhouse
A trip to L.A. wouldn’t be complete unless things got a bit weird on your stay. Beacher’s is named after the feeling you experience once stepping through the secret passage-way hidden inside of a library bookcase and into a velvety decaled world where midgets zip trek along the ceilings, pandas dance and almost-nude bodies prance around in leather and spiky gear. There’s more entertainment here than possibly Tim Burton could handle.
The Parlour
This bar is well known for its 20 beers on tap, including Weltenburger Barock Dunkel, the world’s oldest dark beer. Impressive yes, but what this place is better known for is its Comedy Mondays, an evening that rocks your belly and imparts cheek aches from all the laughter. And should a comedian not rub you the right way, though it’s highly unlikely considering the talent that this establishment sees (like cast members from Tosh.O), you will have a blanket of beautiful people to glance over. Be sure to get there early to get a good seat or make a reservation.
Do This:
Hike
One of the most popular natural workout grinds for local celebrities and the most slick and toned bodies around Hollywood is the Runyon Canyon hike. You will certainly feel the L.A. vibe when you spot sculpted bodies run past you bare-chested or a celeb maneuvering their pack of dogs in one hand while juggling a Starbucks in the other. The hike offers a sprawling city view and a closer look at some Hollywood Hills mansion properties.
Shop
Shopping is one of the best activities to do in L.A.; whether it’s digging through vintage stores or window-shopping, your weekend can’t get much more Hollywood than taking part in some retail therapy. Melrose Avenue is one of the best areas to start out your shopping adventures; with its ability to appeal to all kinds of shoppers, from the perfect maxi dress to rocker-chick leathers, some of the best shopping in North America can be done here. If your pockets are deep enough, head to one of the most exclusive blocks on the planet, Rodeo Drive, which was the setting for the romantic film, Pretty Woman.
Stroll through Art
The Venice Boardwalk is where the cool cats and artsy folk congregate. Attending one of the monthly Venice Art Crawls is a free journey through Venice Beach and the artistry that is known throughout the world. These “pop-up” galleries, on the third Thursday of every month, is where Crawlers can enjoy local artisan gifts and talents. Venice is also the home of the Venice Art Walls. Located in the sand on Venice Beach at the old pavilion, the area is open on weekends and holidays only during daylight hours.
Eat This:
Hot Dogs
A Hollywood legend since 1939, Pink’s is the most famous hot dog stand In L.A. Located near the corner of Melrose and La Brea, it’s hard to miss this hot dog stand that is so popular it draws outdoor festival-like crowds. Pink’s is renowned for its delicious variety of hot dogs and hamburgers, huge portions and affordable prices. Even the likes of late Michael Jackson, Orson Welles and Jay Leno can’t get enough of the meaty smells and this ultra quintessential Hollywood experience. What other hot dog stand do you know of with its own parking lot attendant?
Hamburgers
Far from a “greasy burger joint,” the In N’ Out hamburger restaurant chain is world-famous as a Southern California icon and known for one of the freshest burgers around. It might not be high-end or luxurious, but it’s on most people’s to-do list when visiting L.A. Unfortunately they don’t have a veggie patty yet, but they do accommodate vegetarians with a burger with all the fixings, sans meat patty.
Cupcakes
A Sprinkles Cupcake is handcrafted from the finest ingredients, including sweet cream butter, bittersweet Belgian chocolate, pure Madagascar Bourbon vanilla, fresh bananas and carrots, real strawberries and natural citrus zests. They are delicious and even the fit celebrities think so with many local celebs getting caught with these little delicacies in hand. And for cupcake addicts on the go, there’s also the first ever “cupcake ATM.” It takes your ATM card just like the ATM at your bank, but instead of boring cash, it dispenses fresh-baked cupcakes. The cupcake ATM is next to the bakery at 9635 South Santa Monica Boulevard, two blocks west of Rodeo Drive.
So your weekend in L.A. might be full of oddly dressed freaks hiding behind hidden walls or you might do some serious snacking on good ol’ fashioned Hollywood treats, but you’ll definitely go shopping, and you’ll most likely spot someone famous and before you know it, your time is up. With all the things to do, see and eat, there will be that much more for you to try when you visit again next time.
By Lindsay Williams
