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Fires from Space!
Seeing a California fire from space, really allows a person to to put enormity of the situation into perspective. The California Station fire that began in August 2009 seemed liked it would never get contained as it burned fiercely even at times when the wind was calm, destroying hundreds of structures and killing two people. Many of these wildfires continue to burn through the month of September. Although fires burned many different regions ofCalifornia in August, the month was especially notable for several very large fires which burned in Southern California, despite being outside of the normal fire season for that region.
Sporadic fires are normal throughout California in the summer and fall as temperatures rise and rainfall drops, causing vegetation to die off and provide fuel for combustion. Three years of drought amplified these effects, making already fire-prone California ripe for wildfires. Visitors on Tours of Los Angeles are always curious about the local fire updates. These fires may be ignited by natural sources like lightning, or through human activity.
325 days of sunshine
Los Angeles can be so pleasantly overwhelming that often times I forget about some of the coolest aspects about living here and it always reinvigorating me when chatting with some of our visitors makes things resurface daily like a freash water spring!
Over 80 Farmers Markets in LA County
Can you believe that there are over 80 Certified Farmers Markets in LA? So while the length of this blog may seem obnoxious, I wanted you to have the the “where” and “when” of it all! Farmers Markets are one of the best ways to enjoy California if you are visiting or positively add to your lifestyle if you are local!
Enjoy freshly picked, seasonal fruits and vegetables, juices, breads, specialty items that can found on almost any day, and seven days a week at the Original Farmers Market on Third & Fairfax. Some of LA’s top chefs shop LA’s Farmer’s Market looking for the freshest ingredients to to create their culinary masterpieces! On many of my Los Angeles Adventure Tours, I strongly suggest a visit, as a part of an amazing day.
| Alhambra CFM | Alhambra | Los Angeles | Sunday | 8:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Atwater Village CFM | Atwater Village | Los Angeles | Sunday | 10:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| Bellflower CFM | Bellflower | Los Angeles | Monday | 9:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Bellflower Summer CFM | Bellflower | Los Angeles | Thursday | 6:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| Beverly Hills CFM | Beverly Hills | Los Angeles | Sunday | 9:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Brentwood CFM | Brentwood | Los Angeles | Sunday | 9:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Burbank CFM | Burbank | Los Angeles | Saturday | 8:00 AM | 12:30 PM |
| Calabasas Old Town CFM | Calabasas | Los Angeles | Saturday | 8:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Carson CFM | Carson | Los Angeles | Thursday | 9:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Central Avenue Farmers’ Market | Los Angeles | Los Angeles | Saturday | 8:00 AM | 12:00 PM |
| Century City CFM | Century City | Los Angeles | Thursday | 11:30 AM | 3:00 PM |
| Cerritos CFM | Cerritos | Los Angeles | Saturday | 8:00 AM | 12:00 PM |
| Chatsworth / Porter Ranch CFM | Chatsworth | Los Angeles | Saturday | 4:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Chatsworth CFM | Chatsworth | Los Angeles | Saturday | 8:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Claremont Farmers & Artisans Market | Claremont | Los Angeles | Sunday | 8:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Covina CFM | Covina | Los Angeles | Friday | 5:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| Culver City CFM | Culver City | Los Angeles | Tuesday | 2:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| Diamond Bar CFM | Walnut | Los Angeles | Saturday | 9:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| Duarte Farmers Market | Duarte | Los Angeles | Saturday | 9:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Eagle Rock N Roll Farmers Market | Los Angeles | Los Angeles | Sunday | 9:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| East Los Angeles Farmers Market | Los Angeles | Los Angeles | Saturday | 9:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| Echo Park Farmers’ Market | Echo Park | Los Angeles | Friday | 3:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| El Segundo CFM | El Segundo | Los Angeles | Thursday | 3:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| Encino CFM | Encino | Los Angeles | Sunday | 8:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Gardena Saturday Farmers’ Market | Gardena | Los Angeles | Saturday | 6:30 AM | 12:00 PM |
| Gardena Wednesday CFM | Gardena | Los Angeles | Wednesday | 7:30 AM | 12:00 PM |
| Glendale CFM | Glendale | Los Angeles | Thursday | 9:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| HVP Certified Farmers Market | Woodland Hills | Los Angeles | Saturday | 9:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| Hawthorne Del Aire Certified Farmers Market | Hawthorne | Los Angeles | Saturday | 9:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Hermosa Beach CFM | Hermosa Beach | Los Angeles | Friday | 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
| Hollywood Farmers’ Market | Hollywood | Los Angeles | Sunday | 8:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Hollywood Lemon Grove Farmers’ Market | Hollywood | Los Angeles | Wednesday | 10:00 AM | 2:30 PM |
| Huntington Park CFM | Huntington Park | Los Angeles | Wednesday | 9:30 AM | 1:30 PM |
| L.A. Adams/Vermont CFM | Los Angeles | Los Angeles | Wednesday | 1:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| L.A. Chinatown Farmers’ Market – CLOSED Temporarily | Los Angeles | Los Angeles | Thursday | 4:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| L.A. Eagle Rock Farmers’ Market | Los Angeles | Los Angeles | Friday | 5:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| L.A. Harambee CFM | Los Angeles | Los Angeles | Saturday | 10:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| L.A. La Cienega Farmers’ Market | Los Angeles | Los Angeles | Thursday | 3:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| L.A. Seventh & Figueroa Friday Farmers’ Market | Los Angeles | Los Angeles | Friday | 10:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| L.A. Seventh & Figueroa Thursday Farmers’ Market | Los Angeles | Los Angeles | Thursday | 10:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| L.A. Silver Lake CFM | Los Angeles | Los Angeles | Saturday | 8:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| La Canada Flintridge CFM | La Canada Flintridge | Los Angeles | Saturday | 8:00 AM | 12:00 PM |
| La Verne CFM | La Verne | Los Angeles | Thursday | 5:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| La Verne Saturday Farmers’ Market | La Verne | Los Angeles | Saturday | 9:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Larchmont Village CFM | Los Angeles | Los Angeles | Sunday | 10:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| Lawndale Farmers’ Market | Lawndale | Los Angeles | Wednesday | 2:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| Leimert Park Village CFM | Leimert Park | Los Angeles | Saturday | 10:00 AM | 3:00 PM |
| Little Tokyo CFM | Los Angeles | Los Angeles | Thursday | 10:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| Long Beach Downtown Farmers’ Market | Long Beach | Los Angeles | Friday | 10:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Long Beach Southeast Farmers’ Market | Long Beach | Los Angeles | Sunday | 9:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| Long Beach Uptown Certified Farmers’ Market | Long Beach | Los Angeles | Thursday | 3:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Los Angeles Medical Center Certified Farmers’ Market at Barnsdall Art Park | Los Angeles | Los Angeles | Wednesday | 12:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| Lynwood CFM | Lynwood | Los Angeles | Tuesday | 12:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
| Manhattan Beach CFM | Manhattan Beach | Los Angeles | Tuesday | 12:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Mar Vista Farmers’ Market | Mar Vista | Los Angeles | Sunday | 9:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| Melrose Place CFM | Los Angeles | Los Angeles | Sunday | 9:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| Monrovia CFM | Monrovia | Los Angeles | Friday | 5:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| Monterey Park Farmers’ Market | Monterey Park | Los Angeles | Saturday | 8:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Montrose Harvest Market | Montrose | Los Angeles | Sunday | 9:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| Northridge CFM | Northridge | Los Angeles | Wednesday | 5:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| Norwalk CFM | Norwalk | Los Angeles | Tuesday | 9:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Old L.A. CFM | Highland Park | Los Angeles | Tuesday | 3:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| Pacific Palisades CFM | Pacific Palisades | Los Angeles | Sunday | 8:00 AM | 1:30 PM |
| Palos Verdes-Rolling Hills Estates Farmers’ Market | Rolling Hills Estates | Los Angeles | Sunday | 9:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Pasadena Victory Park CFM | Pasadena | Los Angeles | Saturday | 8:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Pasadena Villa Park CFM | Pasadena | Los Angeles | Tuesday | 9:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Pomona Valley CFM | Pomona | Los Angeles | Saturday | 7:30 AM | 11:30 AM |
| Redondo Beach CFM | Redondo Beach, | Los Angeles | Thursday | 8:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| San Dimas CFM | San Dimas | Los Angeles | Wednesday | 4:30 PM | 8:30 PM |
| San Pedro CFM | San Pedro | Los Angeles | Friday | 9:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| Santa Clarita CFM | Santa Clarita | Los Angeles | Sunday | 8:30 AM | 12:00 PM |
| Santa Monica Pico Farmers’ Market | Santa Monica | Los Angeles | Saturday | 8:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Santa Monica Saturday Organic Farmers’ Market | Santa Monica | Los Angeles | Saturday | 8:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Santa Monica Sunday Farmers’ Market | Santa Monica | Los Angeles | Sunday | 9:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Santa Monica Wednesday Farmers’ Market | Santa Monica | Los Angeles | Wednesday | 9:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| Sierra Madre Certified Farmers Market | Sierra Madre | Los Angeles | Wednesday | 3:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| South Gate CFM | South Gate | Los Angeles | Monday | 9:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| South Park Farmers’ Market – CLOSED Temporarily | Los Angeles | Los Angeles | Sunday | 11:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| South Pasadena Farmers’ Market | South Pasadena | Los Angeles | Thursday | 4:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Studio City CFM | Studio City | Los Angeles | Sunday | 8:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Toluca Lake Certified Farmers’ Market | Toluca Lake | Los Angeles | Sunday | 9:30 AM | 2:30 PM |
| Topanga Canyon Market | Woodland Hills | Los Angeles | Saturday | 4:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| Torrance Saturday Farmers’ Market | Torrance | Los Angeles | Saturday | 8:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Torrance Tuesday CFM | Torrance | Los Angeles | Tuesday | 8:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Valinda / La Puente Farmers Market | La Puente | Los Angeles | Thursday | 3:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Van Nuys CFM | Van Nuys | Los Angeles | Thursday | 9:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| Venice CFM | Venice | Los Angeles | Friday | 7:00 AM | 11:00 AM |
| Watts Healthy Farmers’ Market | Los Angeles | Los Angeles | Saturday | 10:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| West Covina Farmers’ Market | West Covina | Los Angeles | Saturday | 8:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| West Hollywood Monday Farmers’ Market | West Hollywood | Los Angeles | Monday | 9:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| West L.A. CFM | Los Angeles | Los Angeles | Sunday | 9:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| West Los Angeles Kaiser Permanente Certified Farmers’ Market | Los Angeles | Los Angeles | Wednesday | 9:00 AM | 1:30 PM |
| Westchester CFM | Westchester | Los Angeles | Wednesday | 8:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Westwood Farmers’ Market | Westwood | Los Angeles | Thursday | 12:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Whittier CFM | Whittier | Los Angeles | Friday | 8:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Whittier Unincorporated Farmers Market | Whittier | Los Angeles | Friday | 3:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Wilmington Farmers’ Market | Wilmington | Los Angeles | Thursday | 9:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Woodman Avenue Market | Sherman Oaks, CA | Los Angeles | Tuesday | 3:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
A Unique Thing to do in Los Angeles
I was recently asked by a client, “Tell me about a cool hangout spot, that involves a scenic drive, and something I will not hear about on any other tour.” So I told him about The Rock Store at 30354 Mulholland Hwy near Malibu.
Located in the scenic canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains, this is one of the most famous stretch of back road in the world, and is about 35 miles from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. Ed and Veronica Savko, have operated The Rock Store for over 45 years, and have turned their quiet little country store into the hottest biker destination in Southern California.
The Rock Store has always attracted celebrities, and it is not at all uncommon to spot Jay Leno somewhere in the parking lot checking out bikes. And yes, he almost always wears his trademark blue denim shirt! Leno often rides up on his Y2K jet-powered bike or one of his classic motorcycles. Among others, California’s “Governator” Arnold Schwarzenegger often comes by and “Friends” star Matt LeBlanc has also been spotted on the patio. In fact, you never know which celebs might be seen. I have diverted countless numbers of Los Angeles Luxury Tours to visit the hangout and experience something different. The best part about visiting The Rock Store is the “everybody” is welcome! Beyond celebs and traditional bikers, you will meet people from literally every walk of life! It is a place where Californians go to “get along” and enjoy life; a true California tradition!
LA is HUGE!
Whether a visitor or a “home grown” Los Angelian, there are sure to be some facts below that you did not know.
* With a population of 10.3 million, LA County is the most populous in the United States
* If LA County were a state, it would be eighth largest in population
* The population of the five-county region of Los Angeles is larger than all of the states in the nation, except California, New York and Texas
* LA County is home to 88 cities
* LA is the largest city in LA County with 3,976,071 people
* 10,064-foot Mount San Antonio is the highest point in LA County
* LA County has 75 miles of coastline
* The longest street in LA City is Sepulveda Boulevard at 26.4 miles
* The enormous Walk of Fame began in 1960 with now more than 2,300 stars and the most visited place on Hollywood Celebrity Tours
* Sepulveda Boulevard continues through LA County for a total of 76 miles
* LA County’s land area is 4,752 square miles
* LA County has 79 certified farmers markets
* The Los Angeles Unified School District is the second largest school district in the nation
* La Opinión in the largest Spanish-language newspaper in the United States, with a circulation of 125,624
Just come Home!
One of the coolest things about living in Los Angeles is the pleasantly overwhelming dining choices that span every culture and speak to all five senses, and even your sixth one too! My good friend and helicopter pilot, Evan Jensen introduced me to a place called “Home” on Hillhurst Ave. in LA. Walking it you will immediately “‘get it” because you simply want to stay a while. Throughout there are large comfy booths on a spacious outdoor patio, surrounded by carefully placed trees and eye catching hanging plants. The inside is beyond charming, with an impressive bar, fireplace, and overall ambiance that is very relaxing.
The menu has it all, and of course everything is “home cooked.” I had a salmon salad that exceeded my expectations and Evan enjoyed the egg rolls. There is no doubt in my mind that “Home” is a great hang out for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. In addition, they are extremely “dog friendly.” Let’s face it, one of the best things about being home is your dog(s) if one or more is a part of your home! So whether you are a local or you are here to tour Los Angeles, I say……. Just come Home!
Take a Hike!
Ah yes, a view of the famous Hollywood Sign completely backwards with a 360 panoramic view of LA, Burbank, Hollywood, and beyond! There is simply so much hiking to do in the Los Angeles area, it is overwhelming. Place like Runyon and Temescal Canyons are among some of the most popular, but I like the view at the top of Mt. Lee! “Peaceful” & “LA” do not often fall into the same sentence; but this would be the exception to the rule.
Hiking to this view is the hard part, but there is a paved road accessible within Griffith Park that you can only walk up the back side of Mt. Lee tothe top. Many people locally and on Los Angeles Tours can get great views facing the Hollywood Sign, but should never attempt to hike up the front of Mt. Lee. I see people getting in trouble with the Police monthly; not to mention it is treacherous terrain. So get out there and take a hike!
A Guinness Milkshake Please!
The art of mastering California Adventure Tours is knowing things that would almost never cross a person’s mind. An example would be the Guinness Milkshake that is served at 25 Degrees located inside of the historic Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood. The name refers to the temperature difference between a medium rare and well done burger. Clever! 25 Degrees describes their concept as playful with a “Bordello meets Burger Bar” attitude.
I was intent to eat at 25 Degrees solely to find out what this Guinness Milkshake was all about. Truthfully I was only willing to except that it would be awful. I happen to like Guinness; but Guinness + Milk must equal awful right? Well, I was wrong. It is basically a vanilla malt shake with hints of chocolate and a small amount of Guinness blended into it that creates a unique flavor. What I am trying to say is; OMG it is awesome! In addition to that, everything on the menu was a treat. Building your own gourmet burger from the ground up is the way to go; selecting from sirloin, turkey or veggie burger with scrumptious toppings and gourmet cheeses as your building blocks. You can not walk out the door without trying the sweet potato french fries too. Wow!
So I am here to tell you that 25 Degrees needs to be on your hit list. Do not be intimidated by the Guinness Milkshake. Just order it.
25 Degrees is also located in the City North Center in Phoenix Arizona, and the most recent location in Downtown Huntington Beach California.
As they say, 25 Degrees is not just another spot to grab an ordinary burger.
Get Out and Enjoy California
Los Angeles is best known as the capital of the U.S. film industry, a place where star sightings are an everyday occurrence and streets are routinely cordoned off to allow for movie directors to maintain a closed set. But people often forget the wealth of outdoor activities that are within easy travel distance from Hollywood. From hiking in the wooded hills to strolling along the pristine, sandy beaches, there’s always a way to stay busy – and to have tons of fun in the process.
Out-of-towners sometimes have difficulty prioritizing their time in California. There’s so much to do that the choices might seem overwhelming. California adventure tours take all of the guesswork and thoughts about logistics right out of the equation by offering vacationers a comfortable convenient experience on the West Coast. The tours can be tailored according to personal preferences, and they leave indelible memories in the minds of tourists for years after the fact.