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by - January 28, 2008 - 12:06 PM
If you asked my friends, they’d tell you I’m not very spontaneous. I mean, when it comes to little stuff – “Hey, it’s 6:30… want to go see a 7:00 movie??” – sure. But spontaneous as in “Hey, I found cheap tickets to Paris! What are you doing next weekend?” That’s definitely not me.
If you asked my husband, however, he would tell you that I’m way too spontaneous. As in, “Honey, on my day off today I tore down the tile in the bathroom, ripped out the sink and pulled up the linoleum.”
I guess it depends on the situation. Anyway, the past week has been a period of great spontaneity for me. Two friends and I sort of abruptly decided to go visit a friend who lives in the Boston/Providence area. Plans evolved from months of, “We should go visit Kylie sometime” to “I booked us tickets this morning. We have to get up at 3 a.m. to make our flight. We leave in two weeks.”
Then, even more abruptly, my husband and I decided on a weekend trip to L.A. We found some great tickets out of Omaha and decided to take a long weekend. It’s the weekend right after Boston.
The point is, I booked both of these trips without really any concrete plans. We’re only in Boston Friday-Monday. We’re in L.A. Sunday-Tuesday (our flight leaves at midnight on Tuesday, so we’ll have the whole day to do whatever). What are some cool things to do in these cities in our tiny little time frames? I’m especially looking for L.A. suggestions in the realm of the offbeat (see my Corn Palace post).
In Boston I want to go to Cheers. But that’s really all I’ve got. (Photo courtesy of Where in the World is Cheeyan?)
In L.A., we’re definitely going to do the clichéd tourist thing and get a picture of the Hollywood sign and see how our hands measure up against the handprints of the rich and famous in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theater (photo courtesy of Ash’s World Trip). I’m also kind of itching to try Pinkberry, but that’s a different attraction entirely.
So! Things to do, delicious places to eat, quaint shops we shouldn’t miss? I’m all ears (and much appreciative).
Other Vacations Planned By mental_floss Readers: Jason’s Trip to Utah
Comments (53)
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If you are going to be in the Providence area you should try to go to the Modern Diner in Pawtucket
(364 East Ave Pawtucket, RI)
The Eggs Benedict are unbelievable and the French Toast with fresh berries and Custard Sauce are things I dream about having again. It looks like a crappy old diner from the 50’s but the food is amazin’. If you go on a Sunday morning be prepared to stand in line to get in!
posted by JaneM on 1-28-2008 at 12:22 pm
Boston — if you are renting a car head to Salem — it’s about an hour or two outside of Boston. They milk the witch thing but it’s pretty interesting.
posted by Suzanne on 1-28-2008 at 12:25 pm
For L.A.–
1. The Museum of Jurassic Technology– According to their website, “The Museum of Jurassic Technology in Los Angeles, California is an educational institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and the public appreciation of the Lower Jurassic.”
The strangest and coolest museum EVAR. One of my favorite (and sad) exhibits is the Dogs of the Soviet Space Program.
2. Amoeba Records on Sunset. Not really a weird place, but one of the best places for music anywhere.
3. Doughboys Bakery– yummmy red velvet cake! Oh, and everything else delicious.
4. Canters Deli on Fairfax. I LOVE their sandwiches, its been around forever, and the t-shirts are really cool.
5. Oh, and don’t forget to go to one of the farmers markets while you’re there. There’s the one in LA on West 3rd St., and the one in Santa Monica by the 3rd Street Promenade (P.S.–don’t forget to go there, too!)
Have fun! :D
posted by Lauren on 1-28-2008 at 12:38 pm
About an hour from Providence is Mystic, CT, where you can visit Mystic Pizza, which actually existed before the movie. On the way you can stop at the Stonington Winery — they had some pretty nice wines.
posted by Debi on 1-28-2008 at 12:39 pm
well, i personally think no trip to la is complete without disneyland, but i know that’s a drive and costly. if you do go, make sure to get some boudin sourdough (sold in the shape of a mickey face)
other fun things to do: if you want to see the hollywood sign, there’s a ranch called, “sunset ranch” in the hills. they cater to all riding levels and on friday and saturday nights offer a “dinner ride” which takes you behind the hollywood sign and then down to a mexican restaurant. the trip is about 2 hours each way, so dress comfortably (and be sure to make a reservation). they do other 1-2 hour rides through griffith park.
yummy eating places can be found all over la, just be careful when selecting a mexican place that it’s not too authentic. at trip to the la central market is fun for eating, it reveals quite a few interesting eats from around south america and mexico, you can even get a “guts” taco.
if you plan to hit up the beach, my favorite in la county is seal beach, cozy and less crowded but still features a quaint shopping/eating district
posted by tami on 1-28-2008 at 12:40 pm
Since you’re going to boston, you should definitely make a stop at “Ernesto’s”, which is literally the best pizza in the world.
To get there, walk to the North End, just past Fanueil Hall. The main drag is Hanover Street, you literally can’t miss it.
When you’re looking up Hanover street towards the North End, there’s a large liquor store on your left. It’s called Martini’s or Palmieri’s or Martignetti’s or something. Anyway, turn left, walk past the liquor store one block, and then turn right on Salem St. Ernesto’s is on your right.
Don’t be put off by it’s hole-in-the-wall appearance, the pizza here is literally FANTASTIC, in a huge number of varieties from basic to fancy, large portions (each slice is 1/4 of a big pizza, so order two kinds and share) and it’s also inexpensive (they save money on the lack of decor). True Bostonians know this place and it gets busy around dinner time with people either picking up pizza to go or enjoying it at the little tables under the photos of the rat pack.
I recommend the pizza bianco, delish! Afterwards, for a truly decadent follow up (if you have room after your generous portion of pizza), head back to Hanover street for a Cannoli at Mike’s Pastries.
the website for ernesto’s (which is much fancier than the actual joint) is http://www.ernestosnorthend.com
posted by Julia on 1-28-2008 at 12:42 pm
Salem is pretty nice. As a dorky history major, I wanted to walk the Freedom trail in Boston. You see everything from the Old North Church, to Paul Revere’s House, to Faneuil Hall, the USS Constitution, etc. Google “Freedom Trail” to go to their website for maps, etc. It’s a cool neighborhood and there’s a huge market with great shops near Faneuil Hall to boot!
posted by Laura M. on 1-28-2008 at 12:44 pm
for Boston:
Anna’s Taqueria – Best Burritos Ever – multiple locations
Fun Piano Bar – Jake Ivory’s – at Fenway
Indie Films at Kendall Square
posted by Mandy on 1-28-2008 at 12:52 pm
I’m originally from Burbank, CA which is in the “valley” you hear about (like in the movie Valley Girl and Clueless)outside of LA. There are several studios in Burbank: Warner Bros., NBC, and Disney. You can get tickets to a TV taping. Lot’s of people go see Leno (well pre-strike), still there are others out there. If you’re brave, try the original Tommy’s burger joint in the middle of LA
2575 W. Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles
90057
I miss that place so much, we live in Washington now and I’d love to to visit home for a weekend, lucky! Have fun!
posted by Sandy C on 1-28-2008 at 12:56 pm
Providence- I live just outside of providence. If you’re staying nearby definately visit Thayer St. in Providence, RI. It is near college hill and has some lively places to visit. There is a psychic and some GREAT restaurants. I STRONGLY suggest Anthony’s BEST pizza…hands down!
Also in RI, about 30 minutes south east-ish of Providence is Newport, RI…there are some fantastic Mansions and terrific tours. It’s beautiful and parts of it still have the stone streets.
Also about 45 minutes south is Foxwood’s Resort and Casino. It’s huge like an indoor city and also has some great entertainment! Please feel free to email me if you have any other questions or need for suggestions…I used to work at a hotel and make great suggestions.
Have Fun while you’re here!
posted by Rebecca on 1-28-2008 at 12:58 pm
Can you go to Chicago so I get flossers’ suggestions for that city?
posted by Julianna on 1-28-2008 at 1:02 pm
Read Girl’s Gone Child’s local guide to LA, it is really good. Located on the left side bar of her blog. (it won’t let me link, sorry)
posted by dcfullest on 1-28-2008 at 1:03 pm
If you’re in Los Angeles, I always recommend taking a drive out to Venice Beach. I don’t know what it’s like at this time of year, as I’m usually in L.A. in June, but California is kinder in the summer than the Northeastern United States is…
Also–this doesn’t help your current trip, but if you make it out there again this summer, the Forgotten Hollywood cemetery on Santa Monica Blvd. shows movies on the side of a mausoleum, for a $10 donation. Really. I went last year and saw the 1960s classic “The Haunting.” You can bring your picnic and lawn chairs. Check out cemetaryscreenings.com.
posted by Brigid on 1-28-2008 at 1:08 pm
OH My i wish you were going on Feb 22nd to Boston. One Night Only…and for FREE…. New Kids On The Block… since you seem about my age, Need I say More?
posted by PhunkyD on 1-28-2008 at 1:13 pm
More Boston suggestions! The most popular restaurant in the North End is Giacomo’s – the line is out the door almost always (it’s only open for dinner) and it’s expensive but the food is phenomenal. Also the liquor store on the corner mentioned by Julia was Martignetti’s but it closed about a month ago. I had a great meal at Kingfish Hall in the Quincy Market/Faneuil hall area. The New England Aquarium is always fun and they have a huge coral reef tank with some extremely gross eels, and an IMAX theater. The Science Museum is really fun for nerds such as myself, and if you like Monet or Egyptian relics, go to the Museum of Fine Arts. OH! And if you like cannolis, go to Mike’s Pastries or Modern Pastries in the North End. There’s also a big comedy scene here at Commedy Connection near Faneuil Hall and the Improv Asylum in the North End. Hope you have a great trip to Beantown!
posted by Adrienne on 1-28-2008 at 1:18 pm
You’re going to Boston and the only place you want to go is CHEERS?
It has to be the single worst tourist trap you can possibly visit in the entire city. There’s not much more than an overpriced gift shop and a few bits of memorabilia from the show. DO NOT waste your time or money going there.
Here are some MUCH better things to do in Boston:
- go to the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum and/or the Museum of Fine Arts
- stroll Newbury Street for shopping and people watching and eat at Sonsie
- explore Harvard Square in Cambridge
- go to the North End and buy cannoli at Modern Bakery
- take a Duck Boat tour (if the weather isn’t too cold)
- have an incredible dessert at Finale
Just promise me you won’t waste your visit going to “Cheers”.
posted by Brian on 1-28-2008 at 1:23 pm
As A Rhode Islander, I have to second the opinion to NOT go to Cheers. It is a tourist trap waste of time. All the other suggestions sound like much better alternatives. If you like science stuff like me, you will also get a kick out of the Boston Museum of Science.
posted by Agree on 1-28-2008 at 1:37 pm
You must visit Mohegan sun in Uncasville, Ct… Win a little money for your L.A. Trip. Then in L.A Make sure you pick up freshly made Krispy Kreme donuts…mmmm
posted by Erin K on 1-28-2008 at 1:46 pm
The Watts Towers in Los Angeles are pretty astounding. They took thirty-odd years to build and are really a sight to see. Also, the USC and UCLA campuses are always worth an amble through.
posted by Nora on 1-28-2008 at 1:48 pm
You have to check out Venice Beach. Remember Alex’s picture she coveted from there? Also if you are ever in Atlanta you have a place to stay while you check out the city.
posted by Terry on 1-28-2008 at 1:53 pm
Oh, there’s plenty of weird stuff to see in LA. Look me up while you’re in town — I live near the beach!
posted by Ransom on 1-28-2008 at 2:14 pm
LA:
In n’ out is a must, if you haven’t already had the deliciousness.
If you want to see the Hollywood Sign, you should go ahead and make the trip to Griffith Park. Rebel Without a Cause was filmed there, it’s a beautiful building and a fantastic view of LA.
Take a few hours, go up the 1 (Pacific Coast Hwy) starting in Santa Monica and going past Malibu. There are some great state beaches on the left past Zuma, with huge boulders, places where the water has eroded into the shoreline to create little caves. Picturesque. Highly recommend. After, drive into Malibu and eat lunch or something…usually celebs hang out there (it’s a pretty small town). Malibu yogurt is a great desert place.
posted by emily on 1-28-2008 at 2:27 pm
Another vote for Giacomo’s. IT IS THE BEST! The line is out the door because there is no room for it inside (the restaurant is tiny). No reservations, but if you can arrange to be there just before they open at 5:30, you won’t have to wait. Incredible Italian seafood, funky old world charm, and the pumpkin tortellini cannot be missed.
Closer to Providence – Check out the Lizzie Borden B&B in Fall River, MA. Daily tours of the entire house with a guide who will go over every detail day of the murders. Even better, you can stay overnight, get the tour and sleep in Lizzie’s room (or her parent’s if you dare).
posted by DoggyDad on 1-28-2008 at 2:35 pm
The Ripleys Believe It or Not Museum and the Wax museum in Hollywood are really enjoyable adventures. Their clasic tourists destintions. However I like cheesy tourist attractions and don’t blame you for wanting to see the cheers sign.
posted by Lindsay on 1-28-2008 at 2:49 pm
L.A.
A lot of where you decide to go in L.A. will depend on what part of town you are staying in. It’s so spread out and you don’t want to spend your trip in L.A. traffic.
But here are some must sees–if you’re not too far from them:
The Getty–It’s a beautiful place. See some art, lie on the grass, walk through the garden with some crazy looking flowers, eat a nice lunch.
Venice Beach–It’s just a strange place. Plus, you can hang out on the beach after walking the boardwalk.
If you’re downtown, check out the Central Public Library. I love that building. And there’s usually a decent exhibit going on there.
And if you can get to a Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles (there’s a downtown and a Hollywood location), it’s always a treat.
Also, if you’re downtown and like Sushi, checkout the many places in Japanese Village Plaza in Little Tokyo. My favorite place is The Frying Fish. And then get some mochi at the mochi store. yum.
posted by Nicole on 1-28-2008 at 3:09 pm
You’re flying out of Omaha? Why in the world would you want to leave the midwest this time of year? ;o)
posted by Dave on 1-28-2008 at 3:16 pm
I totally agree with Rebecca about going to Thayer St. while visiting Providence. There is a Ben& Jerry’s, Johnny Rockets, and ANTONIO’S PIZZA (not Anthony’s), along with many other shops and restaurants. I practically live at Antonio’s because they have the best pizza I have ever tasted. You guys should go ice skating downtown while you’re at it, great fun.
posted by Jessica on 1-28-2008 at 3:23 pm
Sorry to burst your bubble but Cheers is only good from the outside. Inside, it looks nothing like the show and the food is expensive but no good. If you want a better experience, take your pic in front of the original and then head over to Fanuel Hall where they have a new Cheers bar that looks like the show.
Also in Fanuel Hall is Boston Chowdah. Best clam chowder/lobstah bisque anywhere. Especially in a bread bowl.
Other great places:
New England Aquarium
USS Constitution
Plymouth Plantation (Just N. a few miles, its a replica of the pylgim’s original settlement)
Piccolo Vinetsias (sp?) on the N. End
Mike’s Pastries (amazing canolli’s and gelato)
Vinni T’s
Prudencial Center
Too much good stuff to talk about. Enjoy the city, but its ok if you can’t understand the locals. They can’t understand you either.
posted by Amy on 1-28-2008 at 3:45 pm
This is fabulous, you guys. DoggyDad, Lizzie Borden’s is right up my alley. I’ll have to see if I can convince my friends.
Ransom, I’ll be in touch :)
All the talk of food is making me ridiculously hungry. mmm, chowder.
posted by stacy on 1-28-2008 at 3:58 pm
Boston: Dude, seriously, skip Cheers. I recommend:
- Museums: Isabella Stewart Gardner (unconventional high-end art museum in a Venetian-style palazzo that was Mrs. Gardner’s house); the Fogg at Harvard (also art, more conventional, and more concentrated than the Museum of Fine Arts); and the Harvard Museum of Natural History (unbe-effing-lievable and right down the street from the Fogg).
- Restaurants and bars: Monica’s for Italian (in the North End but not a tourist trap); Bouchee on Newbury for inexpensive French; L’Espalier for blow-the-bank-account French; No. 9 Park or Hammersley’s for blow-the-bank New American; Orinoco for Venezuelan; Tangierino for Moroccan; Emmett’s for cheeseburgers; Alibi at the Liberty Hotel for drinks (get there early; it’s the biggest scene in town right now and there’s always a line).
- Freedom Trail if it’s not too cold. Which it will be. Bring a scarf.
- The aquarium is terrific.
- If you ski, Wachusett is only an hour outside town and day passes are cheap.
posted by Mary on 1-28-2008 at 4:05 pm
LA
I’m a native, born and raised, of the Downtown/Chinatown/Echo Park area.
I second the above mentioned places:
-Tommy’s Burger
-In and Out Burger
-Getty Museum and Villa (2 seperate places)
Places, things-to-do, suggestions I’m throwing in:
Downtown/Chinatown/Little Tokyo areas
-Olvera Street, birth place of LA (has a good taquito place)
-La Placita/El Pueblo Square (next to Olvera Street,
-Chinese American Museum (also next to Olvera street)
-American Japanese National Musuem (little tokyo)
-Walt Disney Concert Hall
-Music Center
-Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral
-Phillipe’s (the original french-dipped sandwich) near/in Chinatown
-Cole’s PE Buffet (the other “original french-dipped sandwich). I think there was construction the last time I drove by there.
-Dodger Stadium (ok, maybe just then entrance(?) since it’s not baseball season)
-I also know of several/many great taco stands/trucks that only appear at night time. $1 or $1.25 tacos. (email me for locations)
-City Hall, take a ride to the top for view of the city. (bring ID)
-Chinatown Plaza (old touristy area of chinatown). Has Sun Yat Sen statue.
-Eat dim sum in Chinatown
-Museum of Contemporary Art (I think the Murakami exhibit is still there)
-The Ellison Onizuka Memorial in Little Tokyo (today’s the 22nd anniversary of the tragedy)
-Historic Victorian houses dating back to the mid 1800’s (literally up the hill from my house) as seen in tv show Charmed. (Angelino Heights neighborhood. My favorite hidden/unknown LA jewel)
-Elysian Park (find your way up, literally in, the hills of Los Angeles, sometimes with great views. beware of not-so-great characters)
-Japanese food/ramen in Little Tokyo
Outside of downtown:
-Eat amazing chinese food in the San Gabriel Valley (largest concentration of chinese americans in the US, according to wikipedia)
Of course, there’s always the entertainment attractions of Universal Studios, Disneyland, Magic Mountain, and Knott’s Berry Farm. I would recommend eating at the Knott’s Berry Farm restaurant for their fried chicken. Oh yeah and that Hollywood stuff is here too. If you came earlier, you would have seem some WGA protests also. :)
posted by Nick on 1-28-2008 at 4:29 pm
I agree with everyone who has told you to skip Cheers- I used to go to school at Emerson and one of the workshop spaces is right by the sign. I can’t tell you how many times I heard people complaining how they stood in line and the inside didn’t look anything like the show. My cousin works at the Faneuil Hall location that looks just like the tv show.
Also- I would skip Mike’s Pastry and go to Modern instead. Mike’s is okay- but has become rather a tourist trap.
Lastly, I am not sure if you were planning on driving into the city but if so, know that you are probably going to get lost (the Big Dig screwed the highways up big time) and try and park as soon as possible. I recommend the parking garage at the Commons- it is centrally located (yes, it is even close to Cheers) and is not too outrageously expensive.
posted by Karen on 1-28-2008 at 4:33 pm
If you can tear yourself away from Boston for a little, head out to Worcester, home of the yellow smiley face. Look up the Higgen’s Armory Museum (largest collection of medieval arms & armour in the US), grab a bite at a diner in the city where they were invented, and ponder the “Boy-Turtle Love Statue”–surely one of the oddest pieces of civic art, ever.
posted by Tim on 1-28-2008 at 5:42 pm
In Providence, I highly recommend Cassarino’s Italian restaurant.
http://www.cassarinosri.com
posted by Matt on 1-28-2008 at 7:30 pm
In LA – especially since you’ll be there over a Monday – I recommend the IO Theatre on Hollywood. On Monday nights they have the Armando Diaz show where a celebrity gives a monologue (recent monologists include Drew Carey and Ron Livingston) and then a cast a veteran improvisers perform scenes based on the monologues. One of the best comedy shows in LA, and it’s cheap and easy to get into.
If in Hollywood, you probably owe it to yourself to get some Thai food (Sanaam Luang and Ruen Pair are good) or some Armenian (the legendary Zankou Chicken).
It’s also appropriate to see a movie while in Hollywood, and the Arclight Cinemas is one of the world’s best.
posted by Zach H. on 1-28-2008 at 7:31 pm
In Boston, you MUST hit the New England Aquarium. It’s pretty awesome. I once spent almost 6 hours there. So much fun.
posted by leofishy on 1-28-2008 at 8:19 pm
When in providence take a little detour to Woonsocket and have lunch at ye ole fish and chips they are the best fish and chips this side of the pond, and more than worth the trip. Be sure to pick up some clam cakes when in providence as well.
posted by Steve on 1-28-2008 at 8:25 pm
LA:
If a music fan, I second the suggestion to hit Amoeba records. It’s amazing! I could get lost in there for days and not notice time passing by. The staff really know their stuff, too.
Food suggestion not hit so far–Pink’s world famous hot dogs, in Hollywood. Good dogs, and on any given night you might be schlepping in line next to a celeb. Yes, they actually stand in line (might be 10-15 minutes) to get a hot dog.
Venice beach (oft mentioned) is great for people watching, nice contrast to the folks you’d see in Omaha. For slightly less wild specimens, slightly north is Santa Monica Pier (similar to Chicago’s Navy Pier) and 3rd Street district, bot good for people watching. Heading north on Pacific Coast Highway from there to Malibu is only 10 minute drive, lots of beauty.
In Malibu, I second the Malibu Yogurt for dessert, and would suggest Duke’s for dinner. Not as expensive and fancy as the other beach hangouts, outstanding fresh fish, and if you’re willing to go for massive calories, get the Aloha pie (ice cream, hazelnuts, fudge, whipped cream, big enough for a family of 4). I typically get out of there for $50-60 for wine, salad, dinner, dessert and tip.
Fan of Reagan? The Reagan Library is about 40 minutes north of LAX in SImi Valley, includes an old Air Force One, cut open so you can walk through it. Personally, though, I’m not sure I’d drive PAST the Getty museum from LAX to get to the Reagan Library if I only had time for one or the other…
posted by Chan on 1-28-2008 at 10:32 pm
Definitely skip Cheers – it’s closer to an Applebee’s than anything you may have seen on the show.
If you’re into the nature thing, you can check out Lincoln Park outside of Providence, or a slightly further drive is a cool park called Purgatory Chasm
For food in Providence, definitely reccomend Al Forno – Emeril is a favorite customer there (he’s actually from nearby Fall River), and the grilled pizza’s are amazing!
As for the post #37 above mentioning Woonsocket – though not much to do, Ye Old Fish and Chips is great, as is Kay’s for what may be the world’s best Lobster Roll.
posted by murph on 1-29-2008 at 9:03 am
Boston:
The aquarium is worth a visit just for the penguin tank. They have a fish-shaped light that you can move around and play with (torment?) the penguins who chase it. Fun.
Boston Museum of Fine Art is always a good time, but prepare to be there for a good long time. It’s big.
Oh, and there’s this thing called “Tomb” by this company called 5-W!ts. I’ve never been, but apparently it’s this fake egyptian tomb (think Legends of the Hidden Temple) where you go in, explore and solve puzzles to get yourself out.
Also, there’s a place that sells cheap ice cream filled cupcakes that my girlfriend has been dying to go to called Trani.
posted by Christian on 1-29-2008 at 9:08 am
When you go to Boston, go to Mike’s Bakery on the North end for Cannoli’s they make the BEST cannoli’s. :)
posted by Cheryl on 1-29-2008 at 9:15 am
you must must MUST go to Roscoe’s chicken & waffles. There’s a couple of locations around the LA area
1514 N. Gower St.
Hollywood
i believe that that is the original Roscoes. You would never have guessed that waffles and fried chicken make such a delectable marriage until you’ve gone there. don’t forget to get to quench your thirst with an ultra fresh sunrise or sunset drink.. i think that’s what it’s called. one is half lemonade, half orange juice – definitely your best bet.
have fun!
posted by meliza on 1-29-2008 at 9:16 am
i live south of providence and work in the boston area….do not waste your time with cheers…if you like good food and beer the places you have to go to are:
1. Trinity Brew Pub-downtown providence
2. Doyle’s Cafe
3484 Washington St (@ Williams Street)
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130-2602
Phone: (617) 524-2345
you’ll defintely come back for seconds…enjoy…and BTW all the “cultural” things to do have been covered and are very good as well…
Having traveled to LA as well…you can spend the entire day at Venice Beach and not see it all….
posted by ziggy on 1-29-2008 at 9:42 am
If you’re in Boston the first Friday of the month, they have “First Friday” where all of the artists open their studios for tours, and the galleries have some special stuff going on. It’s fun, and you can usually score a few free cocktails.
No trip to L.A. is complete without a visit to In-N-Out Burger. The most excellent, inexpensive meal to be found.
For a truly great meal in L.A., I recommend the Californa Canteen on Cahuenga. (Universal City area) It’s a smallish European-style bistro with excellent food, a really good wine list, great atmosphere, and the most adorable French waiter who has been there every time I’ve eaten there. And the prices are also VERY reasonable.
posted by Bre on 1-29-2008 at 9:51 am
I agree with everyone that says to skip Mike’s. I’ve never had a single enjoyable thing there. The best cupcakes are at LuLu’s, a few doors down from Modern.
The duckboat tours are shut down for the winter but if it’s not too cold the Freedom Trail literally takes you across the whole city.
If you’re up for a drive to the ‘burbs, the Museum of Bad Art in Dedham is a short drive away and is free! The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is in Amherst and that’s a bit of a drive.
posted by Sammy on 1-29-2008 at 9:53 am
Oh that’s right…yeah Jessica is right…Anthony’s is the restaurant down the street from my house. It’s Antoinio’s…Still doesn’t change that it’s the best pizza around. Have a great time!
posted by Rebecca on 1-29-2008 at 1:03 pm
This is awesome, I was hoping to take a trip to Boston later this year. You guys should have a regular feature where everybody can weigh in on things to do in big/popular cities. Especially if overseas people wanted to weigh in for those of us with the sever wanderlust.
posted by Cousin on 1-29-2008 at 1:11 pm
Or even severe wanderlust.
posted by cousin on 1-29-2008 at 1:12 pm
I would heartily recommend the Watts Towers in Watts, outside of LA. They are beautiful and I wished that I had scheduled more time to stop there.
I saw several fun sights in LA, mostly of the stop and photo variety. I found a building shaped like the front grill of a pink cadillac in Tarzana, Randy’s donuts (with the huge donut on the roof), a drive-thru donut place where you drive through the donut hole, and the TV McDonald’s where all the McD’s commercials are filmed.
Find this and more on roadsideamerica.com — my favorite site for strange and wacky sights.
posted by kellie on 1-29-2008 at 2:46 pm
in LA, definately hit Fred 62 and try their Bossa Nova waffle sundae. You will not be dissappointed. Get some drinks at the Beauty Bar.
posted by e on 1-29-2008 at 2:56 pm
LA
Since someone mentioned Ronald Reagan’s Presidential Library, why not also hit up Nixon’s in Yorba Linda?
TWO Presidential Libraries!
posted by Nick on 1-29-2008 at 3:29 pm
Don’t go to Salem; don’t waste your time, it’s not Boston, it’s a long drive, it’s not worth renting the car, driving there, etc.
In Boston, where I live, check out the parks, Boston Common and the Public Garden. Check out the Fens – a string of parks near Fenway park. Walk around Davis Square and Harvard Square. Go shopping Charles Street in Beacon Hill. Walk around Beacon Hill. Walk the hills of Charlestown, see the Bunker Hill Monument.
Pretty much anything in Boston they steer tourists towards is a good idea, just don’t leave the area, no matter how pretty New England is. It’s a great walker-friendly city, and you should take advantage of it.
And whatever you do – don’t go to CHEERS! This is imperative. I cannot tell you enough.
posted by Trent on 1-31-2008 at 6:59 am
LA:
Oh there is so much fun and good eating and drinking to be done! For a truly Californian experience, have lunch or dinner at Inn of the Seventh Ray in Topanga Canyon. The setting is beautiful and the menu is ordered according to harmonic resonance. I’m not kidding.
I second the votes for the Museum of Jurassic Technology, the Getty, the Getty Villa, Olvera Street, MOCA, the studio tours, Little Tokyo, Venice beach.
If you are really into walking, I’d go all the way from the Venice Pier to the Santa Monica Pier (and back again) or vice versa. There’s free parking on the side streets off of Washington Blvd near the Venice Pier and in Santa Monica there are public parking structures that offer the first 2 hours free.
If you are interested in comedy or improv, the Groundlings are a lot of fun.
Also, for theatrical events and more at super cheap prices, check out Goldstar Events. You have to be a member, but it’s free to join! Goldstar is a great way to get tickets to shows in the North Hollywood Arts District and Theater Row (on Santa Monica Blvd in Hollywood) for like $5 or 10.
My favorite place to get chocolate milkshakes is in the basement coffee shop of the Beverly Hills Hotel. Don’t bother with valet parking; there’s plenty of free street parking on the side streets off of Sunset Blvd. Swank location, but milkshakes aren’t pricey and the coffee shop doesn’t have a dress code. Plus it’s a great place to hear Industry gossip.
As for authentic Mexican, LA has some great Oaxacan places known for their mole. Try Guelaguetza or Monte Alban, both on the Westside. For great Yucatecan food, try Chichen Itza in MacArthur Park. For a great pan-Latin meal, try Mama’s Hot Tamales also in MacArthur Park. Also, be on the look out for Salvadoran places: pupusas = heaven.
If shopping is your thing, forget the big malls or Melrose and instead check out the little boutiques on Main Street in Santa Monica or on La Brea between Wilshire and 3rd or on Beverly and 3rd east of La Cienega. Abbot Kinney in Venice is another great shopping street.
If art is your thing, Bergamont Station in Santa Monica has tons of little galleries and be sure to check out Culver City, too.
Oh, and if you must try Pinkberry, the one in Westwood is near a UCLA institution called Didi Reese where you can get two cookies and a scoop of ice cream for $1.25. The line is usually long, but hey, you can’t beat the prices.
posted by allyson on 2-4-2008 at 4:09 pm