Hidden hot spots in Las Vegas vol.2

I went to Las Vegas again for Thanksgiving weekend.

The weekend was not crazy crowded but there were still lots of people here for partying!

I visited Las Vegas last year also you can see the blog from here. http://marikojohnson.blogspot.com/2010/11/hidden-hot-spots-in-las-vegas.html

On the way driving from Los Angeles, I stopped by the largest silver mining camp in California "Calico Ghost Town".

Calico had over 500 mines and a population of about 3500 people in the late 1800's. However the price of silver drove down and the town was abandoned in 1907 and became a Ghost Town.

"Calico Ghost Town"

36600 Ghost Town Road

Yermo, CA 92398

(760)254-2122

http://cms.sbcounty.gov/parks/Parks/CalicoGhostTown.aspx

In 1951, Knott's Berry Farm purchased the town and restored it to it's original condition. They donated the town to San Bernardino County in 1966.

Today, the park operates mine tours, gold panning, railroad, a restaurant and many gift stores. This is a perfect stop to feel the California history on the way to Nevada.

Their housing was a little spooky..

Going underground is a little adventure.

You must try the gold panning to feel the passion that drove the miners.









My 8th time in Las Vegas, I stayed at the casino hotel "Mandalay Bay" for 2 nights.

The resort opened in 1999 and became famous in a few movies such as "Ocean's Thirteen", "Rocky Balboa" and "the Hangover".






The view of the city from my window was absolutely gorgeous!

For dinner, I wanted to eat a bunch of crab legs so I chose to go to the "Bayside Buffet" in the hotel. I enjoyed their seafood and turkey with excellent service.

"Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino"

3950 Las Vegas Blvd  South

Las Vegas, Nevada 89119

(702)632-7777

http://www.mandalaybay.com

In the winter season the main pool is closed but there is one pool open with warm water and a bar side jacuzzi. I really love how the bar and jacuzzi are next to each other.  Perfect for a yummy frozen cocktail.

I heard there is a beautiful hiking course near Las Vegas.

About a half hour driving from the strip, I reached the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center and got the best information for an adventurous hiking course.

 "Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center"

Red Rock Canyon Rd

Las Vegas NV 89124  

(702)515-5350

http://redrockcanyonlv.org

There are 19 different hikes and trails in this park.

The red rocks were fun to climb up and the view was fantastic.

Enjoy easy a hike or hardcore climbing.

The day was about 72 degrees.The sky was so blue to contrast the red of rocks.

For your children 6 weeks to 12 years old for fun and safety...try this place.   They open until midnight!

"Kids Quest at the Palms"

4321 W. Flamingo Road

Las Vegas, NV 89103

(866)942-7777

http://www.kidsquest.com

On the top floor of Palms, there is a fabulous French Restaurant "Alize".

The view from my seat was breath taking and the service was 5 stars.

"Alize at the Palms "

4321 w.Flamingo Road

(702)951-7000

 http://alizelv.com

I won a little and lost a little..

 "The Palms"

4321 W. Flamingo Road

(866)942-7770

http://www.palms.com

On the way going back to Los Angeles, I stopped by the chocolate factory of "Ethel M Chocolate".

This is the company that makes Snickers, Dove, M&Ms and Milky Way.

From their gourmet collection, I recommend "Raspberry Champagne" and "Mucha Margarita".

"Ethel M Chocolate Factory"

1 Sunset Way

Henderson, NV 89077

(702)458-8864

http://www.ethelm.com

I loved the M&M accessories! So cute!

Hidden hot spots in Griffith Park

Griffith Park is the largest park in Los Angeles.  It takes up about 4310 acres of land.

This is the place where you can have the absolute best view of the famous "HOLLYWOOD" sign. James Dean filmed a part of "Rebel without a Cause" here.  

The entire park is filled with attractions including the LA Zoo, Greek Theatre, Travel Town, Pony Rides, Autry Center, and a Merry-Go-Round.

One of my favorite spots in the park is an outside cafe, "The Trails".

It's located by the west end of Los Feliz Blvd and Fern Dell Dr. This is a popular area for hiking and picnics.

"The Trails"

2333 Fern Dell Drive

Los Angeles, CA 90068

(323)871-2102

http://www.thetrailslosfeliz.com

This cafe is pretty hidden by the woods. The backyard is wide and totally surrounded by nature. It reminds me of a cafe in North Carolina because of the country mountain feeling.

I found this cafe one day while attending an Outdoor family theater event called Faery Hunt.  

This is a unique outdoor adventure in a  gorgeous location.

"A Faery Hunt"

2333 Fern Dell Pl

Los Angeles, CA 90068

(818)324-6802

http://afaeryhunt.com

*Please check out the event days from the site.

Los Angeles's most popular spot for tourists is Griffith observatory. 

It is the most gorgeous observatory and the admission is free.

You can see all of Los Angeles from here. 

"GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY"

2800 Ease Observatory Rd

Los Angeles, CA 90027

(213)473-0800

http://www.griffithobs.org

Los Angeles is always so blue.

This observatory had a $93 million renovation and reopened in 2006.

I saw the new planetarium for the first time and I was very amazed how wonderful the experience was.

I recommend this planetarium for people who could use a little relax and meditation.

There is a gift store that sells original goods that you can only find here.

Thinking of space is kind of hopeless but amusing.

Sunset and evening is even more beautiful here. They are open until 10 pm between Wednesday and Sunday.








After an all day adventure in Griffith Park, if you are starving for meat..

There is a great place for traditional Scottish cuisine and Prime Ribs nearby! The Tam O' Shanter, is one of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles.

There are many different styles of cut for Prime Rib and I recommend the Tam O'shanter Cut $31 for the first time.

"TAM O'SHANTER"

2980 Los Feliz Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90039

(323)664-0228

http://www.lawrysonline.com/tam-oshanter

Now you are ready to go home.

Hidden hot spots in Hollywood vol.2

 Los Angeles is big on celebrating Mexican culture.

For the pre Halloween weekend, I visited a big costume festival "Dia de Los Muertos" in Hollywood.

It was located at a real cemetery. A big one!

"Hollywood Forever Cemetery" is on Santa Monica Blvd in the center of Los Angeles. It is worth it to stop by here just to see the beautiful landscape.

"Hollywood Forever Cemetery"

6000 Santa Monica Blvd

Hollywood, CA 90038

(323)469-1181

http://hollywoodforever.com

Dia de Los Muertos means Day of the Dead. This is a Mexican Holiday around November 1 which celebrates friends or family who have died. 

I prefer calling this "The Skeleton Festival"!

Skeleton art and performers were everywhere in the huge cemetery.

You can find Mexican traditional art mixed with each person's artistic impression. 

The main event is an Altar Contest that gives $3000 for 1st prize.

Many of altars included real people which was very interesting to me. 

"Dia de los muertos"

at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

6000 Santa Monica Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90038

http://www.ladayofthedead.com

This event goes from 12pm to 12am.

The day time is totally good for families and everyone.

I loved the selection of food vendors. Off course there are Mexican traditional foods such as Tacos, Tamale, and BBQs.

I enjoyed looking around the numerous craft stores.

I purchased this skeleton wedding couple pierce that was handmade and $10.

You can meet Rosita who is a Mexican cartoon character from "Rosita y Conchita" and purchase some cool stuff too.

After you see the unique crafts and you feel like making one...

There is a craft corner and you can paint either a skeleton head or a coffin jewery box.

Inside of the Cathedral is an art exhibit.

There are so many types of Skeleton art and it is right in front of a real coffin..

To be a part of this festival, you must wear the face painting.

 
There are several face painting spots and you can choose with your taste.

You can be a cute skeleton or death metal.

It seems to be a big colorful flowers on head is the young girl's trend.

It was just simply fun to look around at the people in costume.

I couldn't stay until night time, but I'm sure it was really scary and more exciting for the adventurous.

 

This is also a perfect spot to see the Hollywood sign.