What are cool things to do in Hollywood?
Q. I'm staying at the Roosevelt Hotel but I don't really know the area or anything, what are the best malls?
A. Go straight down Fairfax Avenue to 3rd Street and check out The Grove, and adjacent Farmers Market. That's a great outdoor place to hang out, grab a bite (if you can make up your mind from the dozens of places to eat at Farmer's Market), and do some shopping. Just next to this complex is Television City, also known as CBS Studios. This is where The Price Is Right and Dancing With The Stars are filmed and it's on the corner of Beverly and Fairfax. If you want to see a show being taped there, you can make a day of it and then head back up Fairfax to the hotel. The Grove is about 15 minutes from your hotel.
Also just up the block from The Grove is Melrose Avenue, which in and of itself is one unique shop after another for about 2 miles. The best shops are between La Brea and Fairfax, but there are more between Fairfax and La Cienega as well. Wear comfy shoes, and if you see something you absolutely cannot live without, you'd be smart to just get it. If you think 'well, there are so many shops, why don't I come back later so I can see what else is out there', you'll end up wishing you had bought the thing in the first place. A lot of the shops sell one of a kind items that you'll never see again. Way cool shopping here. Melrose is also about 15 minutes from your hotel.
A little further west of Farmer's Market is Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive. The actual shopping is in the area between Wilshire and Santa Monica Blvd., on Rodeo, but one blockc over is Beverly Drive with more great shops, and there are several more another block over on Canon Drive ... and some more the other way on Camden ... just park the car and take a stroll. This is about a 15-20 minute drive from your hotel, and really is a must see (even if you're on a budget. See it anyway).
Another great outdoor place a little further west of Beverly Hills is Century City Shopping Center. This has a newly re-done AMC theater that's a salute to old Hollywood, and is one of my favorite theaters. There's a Macy's, a Bloomingdale's and about 3 dozen other shops. They're a little on the high end side, but the food court rocks and there's a huge Border's book store up on the second level. If you need some groceries, there's a Gelson's there, too. Century City is about 25 minutes or so from your hotel.
If you want to see the beach, head further west to the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica. Again ... outdoor shopping, but this one is three entire city blocks of shopping nirvana. Big chains (Gap, etc) and lots of smaller, more obscure retailers give you huge variety. There are two different multi-screen theaters and restaurant after restaurant with every kind of food you could want to try. At the southern end of the Promenade, and over 2 blocks on Ocean Avenue is the Santa Monica Pier, with it's fun little mini-coaster and a ferris wheel that's got a fantastic view from the top. Starting a few blocks further south of the Promenade is the Venice Boardwalk, which must be seen to be believed. Just go there, but keep your cash and credit cards safe. Santa Monica and Venice are about 30 minutes from your hotel.
Happy Shopping !! :D
Also just up the block from The Grove is Melrose Avenue, which in and of itself is one unique shop after another for about 2 miles. The best shops are between La Brea and Fairfax, but there are more between Fairfax and La Cienega as well. Wear comfy shoes, and if you see something you absolutely cannot live without, you'd be smart to just get it. If you think 'well, there are so many shops, why don't I come back later so I can see what else is out there', you'll end up wishing you had bought the thing in the first place. A lot of the shops sell one of a kind items that you'll never see again. Way cool shopping here. Melrose is also about 15 minutes from your hotel.
A little further west of Farmer's Market is Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive. The actual shopping is in the area between Wilshire and Santa Monica Blvd., on Rodeo, but one blockc over is Beverly Drive with more great shops, and there are several more another block over on Canon Drive ... and some more the other way on Camden ... just park the car and take a stroll. This is about a 15-20 minute drive from your hotel, and really is a must see (even if you're on a budget. See it anyway).
Another great outdoor place a little further west of Beverly Hills is Century City Shopping Center. This has a newly re-done AMC theater that's a salute to old Hollywood, and is one of my favorite theaters. There's a Macy's, a Bloomingdale's and about 3 dozen other shops. They're a little on the high end side, but the food court rocks and there's a huge Border's book store up on the second level. If you need some groceries, there's a Gelson's there, too. Century City is about 25 minutes or so from your hotel.
If you want to see the beach, head further west to the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica. Again ... outdoor shopping, but this one is three entire city blocks of shopping nirvana. Big chains (Gap, etc) and lots of smaller, more obscure retailers give you huge variety. There are two different multi-screen theaters and restaurant after restaurant with every kind of food you could want to try. At the southern end of the Promenade, and over 2 blocks on Ocean Avenue is the Santa Monica Pier, with it's fun little mini-coaster and a ferris wheel that's got a fantastic view from the top. Starting a few blocks further south of the Promenade is the Venice Boardwalk, which must be seen to be believed. Just go there, but keep your cash and credit cards safe. Santa Monica and Venice are about 30 minutes from your hotel.
Happy Shopping !! :D
What do you recommend that an 18 year old male do or see in England visiting for the first time?
Q. Son wants to visit London UK next June when he graduates HS. He wants to see a soccer (football) game and possibly a quick trip to Paris. But no other ideas what to do or see in a 7 to 10 day trip. Do you have specific trips or suggestions?
A. Ignore the person who said go to "high tea at the Ritz". He's an 18 year old! Does he really want to dress up and sip hot tea and nibble on sweets... it's not cheap! No way! Do the Jack the Ripper Tour at night, and definitely go on a Pub Walk... most fun I'll never remember having in London. OK, so maybe you don't want him drinking, in that case I also recommend going on a day trip to see what is outside of London. Do the Stones and Bones Tour with Astral Travels (link below). I've done all of their tours and this one was the most fun.
LONDON SUGGESTIONS
Before Leaving: Get an International Student ID card to save money. Most places won't take your ID from your home school. https://www.myisic.com/MyISIC/GetYourCard/GetYourCard1.aspx
FRIDAY Arrive in London. Unpack, shower & rest. Call tour agency and book tour of your choice. Go to Underground Station and get week-long pass for tube/bus. Tonight: Piccadilly Circus. Eat pizza. Walk around Piccadilly, Chinatown & Leicester Square.
SATURDAY Hop on double-decker red bus for tour of London. Hotel/hostel will have information. Afterwards, take tube to Westminster. Walk around the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Cross over the Westminster Bridge to the London Eye. Purchase tickets for 530pm. Take tube to Tower Hill. Should be around noon, nice deli next to Tower Bridge along the Thames River. Tour Tower of London. Take walk across the Tower Bridge (do not tour Bridge...LAME). Nice view of Thames. Head back to Westminster via the tube to line up for 530pm London Eye. 30mins ferris wheel ride. Head back to hotel for dinner and rest.
SUNDAY Take tube to Camden Town. Walk around, check out the crazy hair and shoes. Gifts/crafts. Take tube to Covent Garden. Stop for lunch at one of the outdoor cafes, entertainers usually there. Take tube to Leicester Square. Walk to Great Newport Street and visit The Photographerâs Gallery. Tonight perhaps take the Jack the Ripper Tour. A spooky and educational tour of Londonâs oldest pub. Includes a stop for dinner.
MONDAY Take tube to St. Paulâs. Walk around church and Crypt. Then take the stairs to the Whispering Gallery(so cool!) and continue to the top for an unbelievable ariel view of London. Stop in a local pub for yummy sandwiches and fries, plus they will tell you when the football games will be on. Take bus to Trafalgar Square. Along the way you will pass Harrodâs. Visit the National Gallery. This Museum houses some of the oldest paintings in Europe as well as well-known works of art such as Van Goghâs Sunflowers. Dinner at one of Londonâs many restaurants.
TUESDAY Meet tour group and take planned tour of choice.
WEDNESDAY This is your last day in London. Plan a trip to Leedâs Castle or Hampton Court. Take a day trip to Paris or take a walk in Hyde Park. Be sure to end the day early enough to completely pack for the morningâs departure.
THURSDAY Breakfast at Hotel. Hop on Heathrow Express to the airport.
Happy Travels!
LONDON SUGGESTIONS
Before Leaving: Get an International Student ID card to save money. Most places won't take your ID from your home school. https://www.myisic.com/MyISIC/GetYourCard/GetYourCard1.aspx
FRIDAY Arrive in London. Unpack, shower & rest. Call tour agency and book tour of your choice. Go to Underground Station and get week-long pass for tube/bus. Tonight: Piccadilly Circus. Eat pizza. Walk around Piccadilly, Chinatown & Leicester Square.
SATURDAY Hop on double-decker red bus for tour of London. Hotel/hostel will have information. Afterwards, take tube to Westminster. Walk around the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Cross over the Westminster Bridge to the London Eye. Purchase tickets for 530pm. Take tube to Tower Hill. Should be around noon, nice deli next to Tower Bridge along the Thames River. Tour Tower of London. Take walk across the Tower Bridge (do not tour Bridge...LAME). Nice view of Thames. Head back to Westminster via the tube to line up for 530pm London Eye. 30mins ferris wheel ride. Head back to hotel for dinner and rest.
SUNDAY Take tube to Camden Town. Walk around, check out the crazy hair and shoes. Gifts/crafts. Take tube to Covent Garden. Stop for lunch at one of the outdoor cafes, entertainers usually there. Take tube to Leicester Square. Walk to Great Newport Street and visit The Photographerâs Gallery. Tonight perhaps take the Jack the Ripper Tour. A spooky and educational tour of Londonâs oldest pub. Includes a stop for dinner.
MONDAY Take tube to St. Paulâs. Walk around church and Crypt. Then take the stairs to the Whispering Gallery(so cool!) and continue to the top for an unbelievable ariel view of London. Stop in a local pub for yummy sandwiches and fries, plus they will tell you when the football games will be on. Take bus to Trafalgar Square. Along the way you will pass Harrodâs. Visit the National Gallery. This Museum houses some of the oldest paintings in Europe as well as well-known works of art such as Van Goghâs Sunflowers. Dinner at one of Londonâs many restaurants.
TUESDAY Meet tour group and take planned tour of choice.
WEDNESDAY This is your last day in London. Plan a trip to Leedâs Castle or Hampton Court. Take a day trip to Paris or take a walk in Hyde Park. Be sure to end the day early enough to completely pack for the morningâs departure.
THURSDAY Breakfast at Hotel. Hop on Heathrow Express to the airport.
Happy Travels!
Where is an interesting weekend getaway in the New England States?
Q. Looking for an active weekend, interesting restaurants, shopping and sights.
A. Depends on where you are located and how much driving you want to do. Iâm in Connecticut so first:
1. Litchfield County: Lots of antiques, great (and/or cheap) restaurants and hotels, beautiful scenery. Fishing, hiking, boating (lake or river), lots of odd little museums. The Connecticut Wine Trail has several vineyards with tastings and you can buy wine on Sunday. Do not miss Hopkins Inn & Vineyard on the hill overlooking Lake Waramaug in New Preston. Go to Falls Village and ask âem where the falls are.
2. New London County: Mystic Seaport and Aquarium. Downtown Mystic for general strolling and junk store browsing, boat trips, the worldâs neatest bascule drawbridge and two, count âem two ice cream shops. Lobsters & Steamers at Abbottâs just down the road in Noank on the river. And when youâre tired of that you can run up the Thames and blow the kidâs college fund at the Casinos.
Massachusetts:
1. Cape Cod: There are lots of neat things to do on the Cape but I prefer the "ebow up" part. The National Seashore is one long endless fantastic beach from Eastham to Provincetown. Chatham (restaurants), Orleans (fish market, restaurants), Eastham (National Seashore Visitor Center), Wellfleet (seafood at Moby Dickâs), Truro (ainât nuthinâ there and itâs all beautiful), Provincetown: Key West for Yankees, great people watching town, lots of odd little shops and galleries, great restaurants, incredible beaches, funky bars. Climb the Pilgrim Monument tower for the best view on the Cape. Sit in the window seat at Governor Bradfordâs, sip a Black & Tan and watch the parade.
2. Boston. If you canât find something fun to do in Boston on the weekend, itâs time to pull the plug on yer heart monitor and pack it in for good. Walk Boylston Street and pick a restaurant at random. Blow your life savings at Quincy Market, pillage the food court and recover at the Green Dragon Pub around the corner.
3. Cape Anne: Gloucester & Rockport are good walking towns. You canât walk 10 feet without tripping over a great seafood restaurant. Lots of little galleries and shops. Rockport is dry, bring yer own beer. Gloucester is a working fishing port. Take the Duck Tour (so you look like a dope, youâre never gonna see any of those people again anyway).
Maine:
1. South Shore, Ogunquit area. Restaurants, bars, shops & galleries, live theater, great beaches. Seafood at Barnacle Billyâs (there are two, upscale and lobster shack, both are great) in Perkins Cove. (Take the trolley, there ainât no parking). The Marginal Way is a beautiful waterfront walking path.
2. Portland: Honest. They have done a terrific job of converting a formerly dingy seaport and factory town into a real gem. Itâs a walking town and there are a zillion shops, galleries, great restaurants and brew pubs (donât miss Bull Feeneyâs Pub and make sure to ask âem who Bull was when he wasnât at home). Ride the CAT Ferry to Nova Scotia.
3. Freeport: L.L. Bean and a couple of dozen outlet stores. Take the time to walk around. Youâll trip over some real deals. Be sure to hit Beanâs Outlet store for great stuff and very reasonable prices. Drive down some of those rocky peninsulas that stick out into the ocean. Youâll mostly find a great seafood place at the end of each one that nobody knows about but the locals.
4. Camden/Rockport: Camden is the tourist area with shops, restaurants and schooner cruises. Rockport is the artsy area with galleries and a beautiful harbor.
5. Mount Desert Island: Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Be sure to make the sunrise from the top of Cadillac Mountain (relax, you can drive). Drive the circular road through the park or hit the hiking trails. The scenery is incredible. Drive the back roads and look for the lobster shacks where the locals go. Bar Harbor is a min-Key West with great bars and restaurants, shops and galleries. You can catch the CAT Ferry here too. Do not miss the Atlantic Brewing Company up the road from Bar Harbor. Real brewpub beer (the Cole Porter is to die for) AND a smokehouse with outside eating area. You can get great ribs, pork, chicken, sausage etc., right out of the smoker (order the sampler platter) and their own beer on tap. Itâs a gluttonâs Jackpot!.
Foliage season is almost here...get on the road. :)
1. Litchfield County: Lots of antiques, great (and/or cheap) restaurants and hotels, beautiful scenery. Fishing, hiking, boating (lake or river), lots of odd little museums. The Connecticut Wine Trail has several vineyards with tastings and you can buy wine on Sunday. Do not miss Hopkins Inn & Vineyard on the hill overlooking Lake Waramaug in New Preston. Go to Falls Village and ask âem where the falls are.
2. New London County: Mystic Seaport and Aquarium. Downtown Mystic for general strolling and junk store browsing, boat trips, the worldâs neatest bascule drawbridge and two, count âem two ice cream shops. Lobsters & Steamers at Abbottâs just down the road in Noank on the river. And when youâre tired of that you can run up the Thames and blow the kidâs college fund at the Casinos.
Massachusetts:
1. Cape Cod: There are lots of neat things to do on the Cape but I prefer the "ebow up" part. The National Seashore is one long endless fantastic beach from Eastham to Provincetown. Chatham (restaurants), Orleans (fish market, restaurants), Eastham (National Seashore Visitor Center), Wellfleet (seafood at Moby Dickâs), Truro (ainât nuthinâ there and itâs all beautiful), Provincetown: Key West for Yankees, great people watching town, lots of odd little shops and galleries, great restaurants, incredible beaches, funky bars. Climb the Pilgrim Monument tower for the best view on the Cape. Sit in the window seat at Governor Bradfordâs, sip a Black & Tan and watch the parade.
2. Boston. If you canât find something fun to do in Boston on the weekend, itâs time to pull the plug on yer heart monitor and pack it in for good. Walk Boylston Street and pick a restaurant at random. Blow your life savings at Quincy Market, pillage the food court and recover at the Green Dragon Pub around the corner.
3. Cape Anne: Gloucester & Rockport are good walking towns. You canât walk 10 feet without tripping over a great seafood restaurant. Lots of little galleries and shops. Rockport is dry, bring yer own beer. Gloucester is a working fishing port. Take the Duck Tour (so you look like a dope, youâre never gonna see any of those people again anyway).
Maine:
1. South Shore, Ogunquit area. Restaurants, bars, shops & galleries, live theater, great beaches. Seafood at Barnacle Billyâs (there are two, upscale and lobster shack, both are great) in Perkins Cove. (Take the trolley, there ainât no parking). The Marginal Way is a beautiful waterfront walking path.
2. Portland: Honest. They have done a terrific job of converting a formerly dingy seaport and factory town into a real gem. Itâs a walking town and there are a zillion shops, galleries, great restaurants and brew pubs (donât miss Bull Feeneyâs Pub and make sure to ask âem who Bull was when he wasnât at home). Ride the CAT Ferry to Nova Scotia.
3. Freeport: L.L. Bean and a couple of dozen outlet stores. Take the time to walk around. Youâll trip over some real deals. Be sure to hit Beanâs Outlet store for great stuff and very reasonable prices. Drive down some of those rocky peninsulas that stick out into the ocean. Youâll mostly find a great seafood place at the end of each one that nobody knows about but the locals.
4. Camden/Rockport: Camden is the tourist area with shops, restaurants and schooner cruises. Rockport is the artsy area with galleries and a beautiful harbor.
5. Mount Desert Island: Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Be sure to make the sunrise from the top of Cadillac Mountain (relax, you can drive). Drive the circular road through the park or hit the hiking trails. The scenery is incredible. Drive the back roads and look for the lobster shacks where the locals go. Bar Harbor is a min-Key West with great bars and restaurants, shops and galleries. You can catch the CAT Ferry here too. Do not miss the Atlantic Brewing Company up the road from Bar Harbor. Real brewpub beer (the Cole Porter is to die for) AND a smokehouse with outside eating area. You can get great ribs, pork, chicken, sausage etc., right out of the smoker (order the sampler platter) and their own beer on tap. Itâs a gluttonâs Jackpot!.
Foliage season is almost here...get on the road. :)
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