5 fun things to do in Los Angeles - mostly with food!

Fall has set in and I'm finding myself longing for the easy, breezy, sunny vibes of summer.
Since it is always summer-like in LA,
I wanted to share our favorite spots around the city of Angels.

1. Head to Pasadena for a meal at Lincoln

I grew up in this charming town that is the home of the Rose Bowl. 

My parents still live there and when I frequently saw Lincoln's stunning food 

and amazing venue on Instagram I was totally intrigued....

Our breakfast was wonderful and
can we talk about the natural light streaming in and graphic tile tables?
A dream!

and so are the baked goods.
Go early, be hungry and enjoy...

2. See The Conan O'Brien Show and have lunch at The Smokehouse

Let me just tell you, after our day at The Conan O'Brien Show I am totally #TeamCoco...

I was incredibly impressed with our experience.
We got our tickets on-line a few weeks prior and headed to Burbank the day of the show.
We arrived promptly for the check-in time and were thrilled to find out that they are first come, first served.  They give you a number upon check in to hold your place in line, then you are free to leave for lunch and come back just before show time. Very organized, extremely friendly and professional.

The Smokehouse is an epic, iconic old Hollywood jewel.
It is close to the Warner Brothers Studios and like stepping back in time.
Dark walls, red banquets, leather menus and waiters in crisp white shirts and black ties.
You'll want to stay all day and eat their infamous cheese bread and sip martinis but you can just as easily have a nice lunch while you kill time before the show.

We couldn't take pictures during the show but we ended up in the first row
and could practically touch Conan as he gave is monologue.
He is gracious, hilarious and smart. His show was such a treat.

3. Have lunch at Philippe's

We didn't really go to downtown Los Angeles much when I was a kid, but when we did we went to Philippe's.  It started in 1908 and they were the originator of The French Dipped Sandwich.  

It's no frills, there is sawdust on the floor and you'll eat alongside LAPD officers, 

Beverly Hills socialites and hipsters.  

The "double dip" is by far the sandwich to order
and scoops potato and macaroni salad on the side are a must.
Unfortunately I didn't get too many pictures because I was heckled by an older couple.
Once she said to her husband, "Look, Harry she's got her sandwich in the air"
then he yelled, "It tastes better on the table."
 I decided I should just sit down and eat!

My son was such a fan, he wore his Philippe's shirt proudly the rest of the summer...

4. Venture into LA's Art District and to the infamous Polka Dot Wall at The Springs

I'm addicted to finding painted wall murals.  I love how they can liven up an otherwise ho-hum building and turn it into a show stopper.  

The Polka Dot Wall is in the back of The Springs, 

which is an amazing space to eat, have a meeting, do yoga, have a massage or just hang out.

The wall as a background makes anything and everything look great 

and it is just so colorfully fun...

and then behind a pile of boxes ready for recycling we found a honey bear...

and a yoga, smoothie loving ape...

We really could have chilled out there forever...

5. Grand Central Market

This eclectic downtown landmark, 

started in 1917 and brings together all of the cuisines and cultures of LA.  

It is not only a culinary feast, it will have your senses in overload.  

The neon signs, the wonderful smells, the hustle and bustle.  

You won't know where to look or eat first!

They have it all, and you can't go wrong with whatever you choose...

One last secret... Head back to Pasadena and go to Pie 'N Burger

I mean with a name like that, need I say more?

Roaming the Russian River - eat, play & stay in Guerneville

There is nothing like a weekend getaway, 

exploring somewhere you've never been.

Oh Russian River,  you had me at warm days, a roaring river, sandy beaches and farm fresh food 

in the middle of wine country and majestic forests... 

then throw in a little fun and funky and I may never leave!

Here's a little bit about our stay in Guerneville...

We stayed at The Applewood Inn.

Nestled in the redwoods and close to downtown Guerneville, it was the perfect spot.

It is small and homey with gracious staff, beautifully appointed rooms, stunning grounds, a spa- 

it has it all...

Their restaurant, Revival, was under renovations while we were there but it promises to be gorgeously rustic with sustainable food from the inn's amazing garden...

the pool is a serene oasis...

and the amazing complementary breakfasts each morning were such a treat...

and my favorite part... 

Bear the hotel dog!  

He was the sweetest, friendliest ambassador I have ever met.

Guerneville is right on The Russian River so a day at Johnson's Beach is a must.

It is lively and colorful...

and the day we were there full of duck, flamingos and mermaids!

Digging the Earth and providing amazing food must be the town motto,

you couldn't get a bad meal there if you tried.

The first night we had dinner at Boon Eat + Drink.

It is intimately casual, modern California bistro with incredible farm to table fare.

The next night we had a BBQ bonanza at The Juicy Pig, 

kicked off with their amazing grilled Shishito Peppers...

Um, and we hit the Guerneville Bank Club every night for dessert.

It houses Chile Pies Baking Company and Nimble & Finn's Handmade Ice Cream,

need I say more?

Because no getaway is complete without an outstanding sandwich (or 2)...

you've got to hit Big Bottom Market...

There is nothing better or more rewarding after a day canoeing.

Until next time...

Nuts for Nashville - Vanderbilt College Road

I've caught a bit of the travel bug lately.
My daughter is looking at colleges
and one of the perks for me is the chance to explore new cities.

We recently returned from a trip to the south and I have to say, 

we are nuts about Nashville.

It has a little bit of everything, 

and we were charmed and delighted with this jewel of a city.

I wanted to share a few places we were especially smitten with...

By far my favorite neighborhood for eating and shopping was 12 South.

I had read about the adorable 

5 Daughters Bakery and we knew we had to stop...

Who knew there could be so many photo opportunities with 

one Pink Lemonade Doughnut in one tiny shop?!

And the best idea of all time, 

a walk up To Go window...

We broke all the rules by having dessert first but,

then we headed to BarTaco for lunch...

Big chips and amazing tacos made for a fabulous meal.

I have become slightly addicted to finding wall murals, so we headed to the 

I Believe in Nashville sign that is in the alley next to Reece Witherspoon's shop,
 Draper James.

Speaking of Draper James...

what a breath of fresh air to step out of the heat and into this adorable store 

only to be offered a glass of sweet tea while we browsed.

Just down 12 Avenue, is another wonderful wall, 

this one of painted flowers...

Our last stop in the neighborhood was

White Mercantile, a shoppers' dream...

Fun and unique merchandise, all with a Tennessee flair.

We got a little lost on the way back to our hotel and ran smack dab into

The Nashville Farmers' Market.

Brimming with beautiful local produce and flowers outside...

and fun food stands inside, 

including the mouthwatering 

 Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream...

We were in town to visit Vanderbilt so we stayed at the Marriott that is on campus.

What a treat to find out our room and the concierge floor lounge overlook the football stadium!

Our tour of Vanderbilt was incredible.

A gorgeous campus...

impressive speakers...

(and food)

and the most spectacular mosaic floor I've ever seen on a college tour.

(it's in Cohen Memorial Hall!)

Our hotel was close to downtown and we were told it would be a sacrilege not to go to 

Hattie B's for fried chicken...

There was a line out the door but so worth the wait.

(and they are not kidding when they say hot... believe the spice chart on the menu)

Downtown is a neon sign and honky tonk lovers' dream.

It's crowded and tourist filled but is so festive and colorful. 

You get a real feel 

for the country music capital and it's history...

It is such a mixture of the old and the new...

We also became good friends with GooGoo Clusters while we were in town...

You can buy them all over Nashville
but do yourself a favor and stop by their shop and dessert bar on 3rd Ave South...

We made a quick stop to the infamous 

Pinewood Social.

A unique mix of bowling, great food, lounge and pool areas and even an Airstream.

And the Old Fashion Whoop Ass Wall, 

made me smile...

We also took a spin in our snazzy red rental car through 

East Nashville.

The Pharmacy is a burger parlor and beer garden 

not to be missed.

Believe me when I say there is nothing like Nashville,

I can't wait to go back.