Los Angeles Hidden Hot Spots

Monday, January 2, 2012

Hidden hot spots in Lake Arrowhead

To welcome in the new year, I choose to stay at Lake Arrowhead.

About 1.5 hours driving from LAX there is a beautiful snowy lake.

The day was very warm like 70 degrees but there was still a little snow around the lake.

The drive to the lake was clear and it had a gorgeous view.

I stayed at a fantastic lodge "Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa" for 2 nights.

This is dog and kid friendly hotel!

There is a comfortable game room that includes air hockey, foosball and wii games all free!

The resort has 2 outside jacuzzis with a lake view. It is nice to have a hot tub in the winter season!

"Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa"

27984 Hwy 189

Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352

(909)336-1511

http://www.laresort.com

I had a fancy breakfast at "BIN189" in the hotel.

My Norwegian smoked salmon was delicious and our server was very professional.

"BIN189"

at Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa

(909)337-4189

http://www.laresort.com/lars/bin189.htm

My biggest purpose here was snowboarding at "Snow Valley Mountain Resort" which is about 25 minutes driving from the lake.

I was here for December 31 and there wasn't any crowd. I could practice at the park without rushing and there was no wait for the lift.

It was a perfect hot day to enjoy a beer in a snowy paradise.

"Snow Valley Mountain Resort "

35100 State Highway 18

Running Springs, CA 92382

(909)867-2751

http://www.snow-valley.com

Right next to the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa, there is Lake Arrowhead Village that has about 10 restaurants, a large supermarket, and many gift stores.

The holiday time at the village has pretty lighting and is very romantic with a bunch of stars in the sky.

I wanted to have a warm delicious dinner on this cold winter night so I chose "California Thai Cuisine".

I loved their coconut soup and pineapple fried rice.

"California Thai Cuisine"

28200 Hwy 189 Ste R210

Lake Arrowhead, CA 92321

(909)337-0111

http://www.ctcbarthai.com

The first day of 2012 was more beautiful than ever.

Steller's Jay came by to say "Happy new year".

The lakeside houses were very pretty and huge. I understand why Lake Arrowhead is a Hollywood celebrities's hide out.

I 'm feeling great to start a new year here.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Hidden hot spots in Hermosa Beach

This has to be the best spot to see the sunset in Los Angeles.

About 6 miles south of LAX, there is this place...

Hermosa is a Spanish word meaning "beautiful" or "gorgeous". You can see why the moment you visit this place.

Hermosa Beach is popular for beach volleyball, sunbathing, surfing and paddleboarding.

In the evening the pier becomes a power spot.

"Hermosa Beach Pier"

1 Pier Ave

Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

(213)480-3232

http://www.hermosabch.org

I was there in the middle of December. The ocean and sunset were even more amazing than in the summer time.

After it becomes dark, Hermosa Beach shows it's real face.

Many pro surfers and athletes love to party here at night.

Hermosa Beach is the biggest party beach in Southern California.

Especially in the holiday season it is fun to go out!

I will introduce some of Hermosa's hot spots.

First you gotta try the legendary pizza at "Paisanos Pizza & Pasta". I used to work next to here and grabbed a slice all the time. My recommendation is their "mushroom pizza" and "BBQ chicken pizza".

"Paisanos Pizza & Pasta"

1132 Hermosa Ave

Hermosa Beach CA 90254

(310)376-9883

http://paisanospizzahb.com

If you want to have a really nice dinner with a romantic mood, it has to be at "Zane's". This has been one of Hermosa's it places for a long time.

"Zane's"

1150 Hermosa Ave

Hermosa Beach CA 90254

(310)374-7488

http://www.zanesrestaurant.com

For breakfast or a casual lunch I love to eat at "Gum Tree". This is a charming organic food cafe with a "down under" feel. They have a patio section great for people with kids and dogs. Also there is a shop that sells attractive living room items, selective kids goods and pet toys.

"Gum Tree"

238 Pier Ave

Hermosa Beach CA90254

(310)376-8744

http://www.gumtreela.com

"Java Man" is the oldest coffee house in Hermosa Beach. I always stop by here to get a coffee and relax on their sofas.
"Java Man"

157 Pier Ave

Hermosa Beach CA 90254

(310)379-7209

http://www.javamancoffeehouse.com

Hermosa Beach is also famous for having the largest arts & crafts fair in Southern California "Fiesta Hermosa" which happens every Memorial day (May) and Labor day (September).

I love this fair because there are so many original shops for accessories, clothing and handmade items with great prices.

"Fiesta Hermosa"

1007 Hermosa Ave

Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

(310)376-0951

http://www.fiestahermosa.com

At the Fiesta, I always choose to eat the T&T's Cajun Shrimp. Their shrimp is huge and has an unforgettable taste.

Hermosa is hot all that time!

Monday, December 12, 2011

Hidden hot spots in Wrightwood

I went snowboarding in the mountains of Los Angeles county.

Wrightwood is a cute village near the Los Angeles ski resort "Mountain High".

First I had to wax my board so I stopped by a snowboarding store "Mountain Outhouse".

They waxed my board for $12 which costs $15 at the resort. They also sell many choices of snowboarding goods such as helmets, gloves and outfits. It's worth it to stop by to see their clearance stuff!

"Mountain Outhouse"

1433 State Highway 2

Wrightwood, CA 92397

(760)249-3191

http://www.mountainouthouse.com

While my board was getting waxed I went walking around the village.

The village has many unique souvenir stores and good looking restaurants.

I found a really cute clothing store.

"Apple Blossoms"

1271 Apple Ave

Wrightwood CA 92397

(760)249-3939

Hair band and hair pins

This is a used and handmade clothing store. I really love their handmade hair accessories! The owner is a cute grandma who crafts the products with her daughter and grand daughter.