How do we love thee, let us count the ways. There are a million reasons to love Los Angeles including the sunshine, the ocean, and the celebrity spottings that can occur on a daily basis. We could go on and on but for our purposes here, we’ll narrow it down a bit and provide just a few reasons you should make L.A. a definite destination in the near future.
Grammy Museum
It doesn’t matter if you’re into rock, country, indie, opera or the spoken word – the Grammy Awards pay tribute to all. Stop in to the Grammy Museum in downtown Los Angeles and you can visit four floors full of music history that includes artifacts, interactive exhibits, and permanent as well as travelling exhibits all dedicated to the purpose of the museum’s mission to explore and celebrate “the enduring legacies of all forms of music; the creative process; the art and technology of the recording process and the history of the Grammy Awards.” One special exhibit, on display through Fall 2019, is entitled “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” and explores the musical experience of baseball from the National Anthem to the “walk up” music selected by each player as he heads to the plate. For details on the museum, visit www.grammymuseum.org.
Shakespeare in the Park or Movie Night in a Cemetery
A bit of the Bard can be enjoyed during the Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival. What better way to enjoy a summer evening outdoors than at this festival which, as the name implies, is free and does not require advance reservations? You can bring your own picnic (note alcohol is not allowed) or buy light snacks and beverages from the concession stand. Then, settle in a enjoy one of this summer’s performances – Twelfth Night or Pericles. Check the website at www. iscla.org. for performance dates and times.
For an interesting theater venue al fresco, check out the movie nights at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Movies start at sunset and DJ music keeps the crowd entertained prior to show time. Tickets must be purchased to attend, but you can bring in your own blankets, pillows and low chairs, picnic fare and beer and wine, and spread out on Fairbanks Lawn (named for Douglas Fairbanks who is buried at the cemetery, along with Judy Garland, John Huston, Chris Cornell, and many more stars). June’s movies include “Jaws,” “Princess Mononoke,” and “The Goonies.” To see dates and times, visit www.cinespia.org.
Enjoy the Weather
There are unlimited ways to soak up the California sunshine – from super relaxed to super strenuous. Hiking Mt. Baldy can be accomplished by both the avid hiker and the beginner (who would get a little assistance from the lift that takes you up). However you choose to make it to the summit, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views and the option to eat at Top of the Notch (note the restaurant has limited hours).
Take a free yoga class (donations are welcome) at Runyon Canyon Park. Classes are offered several times daily and anyone can join in – just bring your own mat (check out www.runyoncanyonhike.com for details).
Visit the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Garden (www.lazoo.org) and see more than 1,400 animals and the gardens throughout which feature native plants and California wildflowers, including the photo worthy California poppy.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy an open-air trolley tour of Hollywood that highlights celebrity homes and famous Hollywood landmarks like Grauman’s Chinese Theater and the famous Sunset Strip. For tour details, visit www.ultimatehollywoodtours.com.
(Los Angeles is conveniently located approximately 50 miles from Soledad Canyon RV Campground.)
