Things to Do Archives -

Silver Lake is home to the Silver Lake Reservoir, which includes a meadow area for pickup soccer games and a 2.2-mile jogging and walking path. The pedestrian path’s gentle grade makes it a great fit for novice joggers and parents pushing strollers, but runners looking for a more athletic routine might want to turn off into the Silver Lake Hills for a steeper climb. Silver Lake is home to numerous staircases that residents can use to navigate the switchbacks of the steep and winding roads across Silver Lake’s hills. In this post, we’ll chart a course through the Silver Lake Hills!

Stairway

Photo Credit: Laweekly.com

Click here to read about famous midcentury homes in Silver Lake!

The great thing about stair hikes is that they’re a killer alternative to the treadmills at the gym. Best of all, they’re just as modular as a Nautilus or a Bowflex. Hikers can add in just one or two staircases for an intensity boost, or combine a chain of staircases in a neighborhood for a marathon cross-training session. Silver Lake is home to ten public staircases, many of which have been decorated by brightly-colored murals.

Several of the staircases were historically used to offer pedestrian street access to an integrated network of trams and streetcars that ran along main thoroughfares, which is why they fit so seamlessly into the current layout of Silver Lake. The stairs also tend to tucked into shady tree-lined slopes, which is why they’re often called “hidden staircases.”

The Micheltorena stairs, one of the most well-known climbs in the city, is a flight of more than 250 stairs covered with a rainbow of pastel stripes and two red cartoon hearts. The decorations are the work of local painter Corrinne Carrey. The confectionery color scheme is misleading – you can walk up and down the Micheltorena in fifteen minutes or less, but you’ll be winded by the time you reach the top! The stairs are right across the street from the Muddy Paws coffee shop, so you might want to refuel with an iced latte or an Italian soda.

Photo Credit: Rosseyes.tumblr.com

Many hikers have more fun participating in a group stair-hiking excursion. For example, Los Angeles resident Dan Gutierrez has created the SoCal Stair Climbers social group. Gutierrez hosts the Painted Stairways Tour, a 6.7-mile group trek through the hills of Silver Lake that includes ten public staircases. He also conducts themed tours of Silver Lake and other Los Angeles neighborhoods, bringing walkers to a favorite pizza place or coffee shop en route.

Gutierrez has added an urban art-history component to his tour. Corrinne Carrey, Kimberly King, Evelyn Leigh, and Ricardo Mendoza, the four artists who created the murals adorning the staircases, join the tour when available, donating public lectures to the experience. Gutierrez’s tours have become so popular that he has had to turn them into ticketed events, which sell out fast. Visitors who can’t take part in a guided tour can locate detailed maps of stair hike routes on Google Maps, with public restrooms and watering holes carefully marked along the way.

Click here to read about wine tasting events at Silverlake Wine!

Silver Lake staircase highlights include the Music Box Steps, a staggered flight of more than 700 stairs that achieved posterity in 1932 when comedy duo Laurel and Hardy attempted to push a piano all the way to the top. (We recommend leaving your piano at home.) Located between Descanso Drive and Vendome Street in Silver Lake, this is the only officially named stairway in the neighborhood – and the only stairway in Silver Lake to play a starring role in a movie!

In addition to the distinctive public art work, stair hiking will also lead you to some of the most breathtaking views the city of Los Angeles has to offer. The reward for climbing – and climbing – up into the hills around Silver Lake is a renewed appreciation for the way Los Angelenos navigated their city before highways carved the city into an automobile paradise.

Photo Credit: Climbingla.blogspot.com

Are you interested in learning more about Silver Lake and other historic neighborhoods in Los Angeles? At Real Estate Unlimited, we pride ourselves on the wealth of local information we offer our clients, ensuring that every new homeowner has an insider perspective on the unique neighborhoods that make up this vibrant Southern California metropolis. Call us to schedule a consultation today!

Farmer’s Market – Tuesdays and Saturdays in Silver Lake!

September 12, 2016

in Recreation, silver lake, Things to Do

Twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays, local farmers and vendors gather in Silver Lake to sell fresh produce, artisan bread and honey, farm-fresh sandwiches and tacos, and iced americanos. In this post, we’ll give you the rundown on everything the Farmer’s Market has to offer – and tips on how to beat the crowds and find the best organic products for your table!

Photo Credit: The Eastsiderla.com

The Silver Lake Farmer’s Market runs from 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. every Tuesday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The market springs up along an esplanade section at 3700 Sunset Boulevard, near the intersection of Sunset and Edgehill. This crossing is in the center of Silver Lake’s Sunset Triangle, which is just east of Sunset Junction for visitors who want to linger in the area and visit a bistro or boutique at Sunset Junction proper.

Click here to read about weekly wine tastings at Silverlake Wine!

Due to Los Angeles’ eternally summer-like climate, the farmer’s market runs year round. Although the Silver Lake Farmer’s Market is somewhat smaller than other farmer’s markets in the city, the quality and breadth of gourmet foods on offer more than makes up for the tidier footprint. Parking can be hard to find on Saturday mornings, which tend to be more crowded. Stop by early on Tuesday afternoons to avoid the rush.

As with most farmer’s markets, the displays at Silver Lake focus on fresh local fruits and vegetables. Over the last few weekends, shoppers have carried home seasonal gems like golden beets, juicy heirloom tomatoes, Bing cherries, and frilled squash blossoms that can be deep-fried for an authentic Italian antipasto. Local farmers also sell organic eggs, milk, and cream. Fromagerie and delicatessen stall Ari’s displays mason jars of goat cheese along with bowls of olives and salty feta in a variety of flavors – try the jalapeno goat cheese or sundried tomato feta. Since last year, Etheridge Farm has sold certified organic nuts alongside its fresh fruit selection.

If you’d like to snack and stroll, you can grab a sweet or savory crepe or a tamale before you start your shopping spree. The crepe stand has a “Saturday Special” for half-price each week! If you require a meat-free nosh, try Komeme for vegan empanadas. Prepared foods in stock include fresh-squeezed OJ and other juices, pupusas, hummus, guacamole. Dave’s Gourmet Korean Food sells spicy kimchi and savory miso broth. Atwater’s Village Bakery sells fresh-baked bread and pastries. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, stop by Nubia for a handful of their flavored honey straws or pick up a pint of clover honey.

Photo Credit: Angelenoliving.com

In keeping with the Eastside’s trendy vibe, this farmer’s market offers singular opportunities for vintage shopping. You’ll find row of stalls adorned with vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories. On top of the premium secondhand selection, you’ll find handmade leather goods like handbags and watchbands, semi-precious stones, and beaded earrings and necklaces. Other treasures for sale at this eclectic open-air market include used books and records, crystals, and dried sage and other aromatic herbs.

Click here to read about vintage shopping in nearby Echo Park!

Whatever tantalizes you, you’re sure to find something that appeals at the Silver Lake Farmer’s Market. Stop by Saturday morning or Tuesday afternoon to check out this one-of-a-kind display of the best artisanal food and merchandise the city has to offer!

Are you interested in learning more about the Silver Lake Farmer’s Market and other weekly events in this historic Los Angeles neighborhood? At Real Estate Unlimited, we make it our mission to develop an insider perspective on each area in this varied and exciting Southern California metropolis. Call us to schedule a consultation today!

Antique Treasures on Display at Silver Lake’s Holyland Exhibition

September 5, 2016

in Category, silver lake, Things to Do

The sprawling outline of Los Angeles contains a wealth of eclectic entertainment, and the Silver Lake neighborhood is home to its own share of quirky tourist attractions and museums. In this post, we’ll take a look at the Holyland Exhibition, a single-bequest archaeological museum in the heart of Silver Lake!

Photo Credit: Offbeatla.wordpress.com

The Holyland Exhibition represents the lifelong obsession of explorer and historian Antonia F. Futterer, rumored to be the inspiration for Indiana Jones. Futterer passed away in 1949, but his legacy lives on in this uncommon cache of curios from Egypt, Damascus, Babylon, Cyprus, Israel, and other Biblical lands.

Futterer’s life was stranger than fiction, and nearly as cinematic. While Futterer was convalescing after a long illness caused by severe appendicitis, he began an intensive private Bible study. When he recuperated, he became fascinated with the geography and archaeology of the Holy Land. Futterer was especially interested in the Ark of the Covenant – yep, just like the Indiana Jones movie!

Click here to read about wine tastings at neighboring Silverlake Wine!

During the first decades of the twentieth century, he went on several quests to the cradle of civilization in an attempt to locate this storied artifact. Although he never found the Ark of the Covenant itself, Futterer’s expeditions did amass an astonishing collection of ancient art, sculpture, and relics. In 1924 brought them back across the ocean to the mythical desert of Los Angeles, where he put them on display in his own exhibition space. They’ve been here ever since, and you can visit them in Silver Lake.

Photo Credit: kcet.org

When Futterer returned to the United States, he founded the Holyland Bible Knowledge Study and introduced his trademark “Eye-O-Graphic” Bible seminar, based on his deep interest in the geography of the Middle East. His “Eye-O-Graphic” techniques are spelled out in a large map that takes up an entire wall. Although Futterer’s excavating days were over by the 1930s, he continued to lead his study group on informational trips to the region, including visits to Egypt and Israel, and maintained a scholarly interest in the Middle East until the end of his life.

His museum is fairly small, occupying just one Mission-style building. However, Futterer made the most of the available space, and each room is packed from floor to ceiling with a dazzling display of acquisitions from the Iron and Bronze Ages – some with a provenance that stretches even further back into antiquity.

Click here to read about the Gamble House, a historic building in Los Angeles!

Items on display include smaller curiosities like 5,000-year-old oil lamps, gold and silver jewelry, carved ivory, coins, and rows of glass bottles that predate the founding of Rome. The museum also holds several ancient tapestries, a 2,700-year-old sarcophagus, and a mummy casket that dates back to 600 B.C.E. Also on display are three ears of extinct Egyptian corn, carefully dried and preserved, and a game table from Damascus whose intricate design incorporates 10,000 inlaid pearls and wood from fourteen different fruit trees. As in artifacts retrieved from Pompeii and Crete, the magic is in the details of the everyday – the museum also houses handcrafted baskets, weavings, and ceramic plates and jars. Visitors can see these quotidian prizes up close.

Guests can also look at some artifacts from Futterer’s own life, including his antique desk from 1924. Cinephiles can tour a smaller display of memorabilia from silent-movie idol Rudolph Valentino and furniture used in the set for Rick’s Café in the classic movie Casablanca. Futterer also collected many contemporary costumes, souvenirs and religious artifacts, including a statue of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane which is installed near the museum’s entrance. Local history enthusiasts can even look at a gallery of photographs that show the neighborhood of Silver Lake growing up around the Holyland Exhibition building.

Tours are led by Futterer’s widow Betty Shepard and daughter Karen Shepard. Their talks include extensive information on the background of each piece and a summary of Futterer’s own theories about Biblical history and mythology. They’ll also tell you stories about Futterer’s early life in Australia and his participation in Hollywood history. He passed away long before the Indiana Jones films premiered, but his work may also have informed epics like Ben-Hur and The Ten Commandments.

At the end of your tour, you’ll be treated to a Middle-Eastern-themed snack: a slice of Mandelbrot, or almond bread; a glass of grape juice; and a strip of apricot fruit leather imported from Damascus. You can also stop by the gift shop to purchase souvenirs like a car mezuzah and “Gifts of the Magi” trinket set that includes frankincense, myrrh, and a small ingot of faux gold.

To preserve its one-of-a-kind collection, the Holyland Exhibition is currently only open by appointment, but Betty and Karen Shepard are happy to give tours to anyone who wants to come for a visit. Admission is only $2.50, a small price to pay for such an uncommon and extensive collection. Why not spend an afternoon perusing the treasure trove accumulated by this real-life adventurer?

Are you interested in learning more about the Holyland Exhibition and other exhibitions and galleries in Silver Lake? At Real Estate Unlimited, we make it our mission to share with you all of the unique cultural and historical interest of this modern metropolis. Call us to schedule a consultation today!

Chandelier Tree

August 29, 2016

in silver lake, Things to Do

Silver Lake, Los Angeles hosts a flourishing community of artists – which means that it has also become home to myriad landmarks and public sculptures, including colorful murals and other open-air artworks. One of its most unusual is a stunning hybrid of nature and artistry straight out of a modern fairy tale – or the surrealist charm of a Wes Anderson film. Read on for the enchanting story of the Chandelier Tree!

Photo Credit: Latimes.com

The Chandelier Tree is located on West Silver Lake Drive, in a sleepy, tranquil suburban neighborhood in the heart of Silver Lake, near the Franklin Hills. Over a hundred years old, this towering sycamore gets its name from the thirty vintage light fixtures suspended from its spreading branches. At night, the swarm of surreal elegance gives off a soft golden glow, as though a constellation of stars have come down to roost in the sycamore’s branches.

Photo credit: Welovedates.com

The tree was adorned by professional artist and designer Adam Tenenbaum, whose home shares a yard with the Chandelier Tree. He launched his illuminating endeavor nine years ago with chandeliers salvaged from a set construction and decoration job. More fixtures were foraged from swap meets or donated by friends. They were then restored, polished, and rewired prior to installation in Chandelier Tree’s highest branches.

Tenenbaum has carefully arranged each lamp to reflect light onto the silvery leaves of the tree. The chandeliers are from several different eras and in several different styles, ranging from the classic tiered cut-crystal structure to a cascading spiral of art deco lanterns. Most of the chandeliers hang from branches that stretch out over Tenenbaum’s property, but one 1920’s antique swings out over Shadowlawn Avenue, bringing the public sculpture into public space. In addition to the thirty light fixtures that give the Chandelier Tree its name, Tenenbaum has also installed a hidden swing which visitors are welcome to sit on.

Click here to read about the best places to eat in nearby Los Angeles neighborhood Highland Park!

The tree has become a celebrated landmark in Silver Lake, and Tenenbaum’s front yard has become an impromptu haven for the whole block, with residents stopping on the sidewalk to gaze up at the display. The tree is also a popular spot for romantic marriage proposals, dramatic wedding photos, and tourist selfies. Although the Chandelier Tree isn’t a rentable venue, one or two couples have even used it as a dreamy backdrop for a wedding ceremony. The Chandelier Tree’s dramatic backdrop has also inspired a handful of music videos. Tenenbaum’s dream is for the Chandelier Tree to eventually play a part in a major motion picture – a fitting destiny for a glamorous Hollywood fixture.

Photo Credit: Thisiscolossal.com

If you’re interested in a longer stay – perhaps a honeymoon getaway or romantic weekend? – the Chandelier Tree house is listed on Airbnb! A craftsman building, the home is a work of art in its own right, and guests can stay in the separate cottage that sits in the back garden, an eclectic “apartment studio.”

Click here to read about famous midcentury homes in Silverlake!

A labor of love, the Chandelier Tree is free to visit and open to the public – but you might consider slipping a few coins into the reclaimed 1970s parking meter Tenenbaum uses to collect donations. Your spare change will go to cover the costs of maintaining this dazzling light display, which adds a couple hundred dollars a month to Tenenbaum’s electric bill. The curbside parking meter doubles as the installation’s signpost, ornamented with seventeen light bulbs in a fan shape and a hand-painted sign reading, “Chandelier Tree.”

Photo Credit: blog.lightopiaonline.com

The lights go on at around six in the evening – a bit later in summertime – so stop by at nightfall to see this fabulous display of vintage crystalline luminescence.

Are you interested in learning more about the wealth of decoration and artistry on display in the Silver Lake neighborhood? At Real Estate Unlimited, we make it our mission to offer every client an insider perspective on the historic neighborhoods that make up Los Angeles, and we pride ourselves on our in-depth local knowledge of the diverse landmarks and icons that make the city such a magical place to live. Call us for a consultation today!

Wine Tastings at Silverlake Wine

August 23, 2016

in Homes for sale, silver lake, Things to Do

Napa and Sonoma might have cornered the wine-tasting market up north, but here in Los Angeles Silverlake Wine is uncorking tasty local and imported vintages year round! This unpretentious yet discerning Los Angeles wine shop has attracted a devoted following among oenophile Angelenos. Specializing in products from small-production boutique wineries, Silverlake Wine’s tastings have become popular events for wine aficionados and enthusiasts alike.

Photo Credit: The Boarding House (boardinghousechicago.com)

Click here to check out our Echo Park dining guide!

Proprietor Randy Clement believes in high-information, low-prattle blurbs for every bottle on his tasting menus. Each week, Clement sends customers email blasts laced with his own esoteric sommelier prose. One recent example ran, “The beverages this evening are all crafted by talented young people who stand at the forefront of the wine world’s next generation. They make wines that transcend and in some cases blow away efforts by their often relaxed and complacent contemporaries. The same way the band Nirvana, with one song, made acts like Poison, Warrant, White Snake, and all the other great Hair Bands of the 80s a lot less relevant.”

Click here to read our take on the best eateries in Highland Park!

Clement’s easygoing, populist approach extends to Silverlake’s in-store events, which are designed to be informative yet welcoming. During the week, wine tastings cost just fifteen dollars a head, and there’s no reservation required. Weekly tastings take place Mondays and Thursday evenings, and both days have their own specific vibe.

Monday is low-key and relaxed, like happy hour with friends on the back patio. Servers provide a flight of three white and three red wines for attendees, all with an emphasis on the innovative and unique. At the wine bar, you can sample a selection of farmhouse cheeses, olives, hummus, and flatbread. If you’re interested in heartier fare, line up outside at the Urban Oven food truck for “the best mobile wood-fired pizza in the world.”

With the tagline, “Thursday is the new Friday,” Thursday’s tasting is more of an early weekend kickoff, and many locals nosh at Silverlake before migrating to a bar or nightclub. The themed tasting menu is paired with Cookbook bread and farmhouse butters, and customers can visit the Guerilla Tacos truck outside for a duo or trio of savory street tacos.

Photo credit: The Harrison Inn (theharrisoninn.com)

One Sunday per month, Silverlake Wine hosts an early dinner with its most substantial tasting menu. Local caterers and chefs prepare four courses of food. Each course is paired with a Silverlake wine selection for an indulgent dining event. The event starts at three in the afternoon with an aperitif, and a reservation is required. It’s a little bit pricier but still a bargain at twenty-five dollars.

Each summer from early June to early September, Silverlake Wine provides a selection of wines to the Barnsdall Friday Night Wine Tastings fundraiser series. This garden party get-together includes music presented by local DJ Dan Wilcox of KJRW, a spread of gourmet cheeses from local shop The Cheese Store of Silverlake, and a fleet of food trucks selling everything from soft-serve ice cream to vegan bento boxes. At thirty to forty-five dollars a ticket, this Silverlake Wine soiree is a splurge, but ticket sales support the Barnsdall Art Park, and ticketholders can also tour the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Hollyhock House on the park grounds and watch the sunset from one of the most beautiful public spaces in Los Angeles.

Click here to read about famous midcentury homes in Silverlake!

Silverlake Wine combines an accessible price range with an impressive command of vintages and varieties. Stop by one of their tastings for a sample of their superlative array of wines, or visit their store for a handpicked tour through some of the most unique products California vineyards have to offer.

Are you interested in learning more about wine tastings and other local events in Silverlake? At Real Estate Unlimited, we make it our business to give our clients an insider perspective on the historic neighborhoods that make up the Los Angeles Valley. Contact us for a consultation today!

Garfield Park

August 12, 2016

in Recreation, South Pasadena, Things to Do

Nestled into South Pasadena is Garfield Park, a refreshing and popular break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park is a perfect place to relax with the family, get fit with your favorite workout routine, or take part in the South Pasadena community. Garfield Park can also boast about being the first zero-emission Green Zone municipal park in the United States!

Photo Credit: Chicago Park District

Garfield Park is 7 acres of park place, including tennis courts, playground equipment, and picnic areas. The park is kept well-groomed by a dedicated team of American Green Zone Alliance approved maintenance techniques, and is sure to impress the most fastidious of visitors. Garfield Park is a popular place for all manner of family holidays, most notably birthdays and picnics. Each summer, Garfield Park hosts a series events known as the Summer Concerts, inviting local members of the musical community to play events free to the public.

Other facilities include a Youth House, garden, playground, paved path, and fire ring. Keeping in tone with the intent of the park, the surrounding area is a sleepy residential area. Although popular among those in the neighborhood, Garfield Park is a relative hidden gem, offering fewer crowds than other parks in the South Pasadena neighborhood.

Much of the park’s popularity can be attributed to the sterling reputation Garfield Park possesses. In 2015, Garfield Park was named the United States’ first American Green Zone Alliance zero-emission municipal park. All of the equipment that the facility managers use is entirely nature-friendly and all upkeep is environmentally friendly!

Photo Credit: Judy K – Yelp

Garfield Park is a regular host to all manner of musical events, catering the broad tastes of the neighborhood, South Pasadena, and the greater L.A. area. Here’s a sampling of the some of the musical entertainment that has graced Garfield Park in the last month:

Phat Cat Swinger is a “Little-Big Band” with a West Coast Sound bringing style, class, charisma and an unexpected energy to the stage. With a varied song list, 5 piece-brass section, rhythm section, and the “Canadian Crooner”, and Curtis Parry, the Phat Cat Swinger is a fast-ticket to a good time.

The Susie Hansen Latin Band plays fiery Latin Jazz and Salsa aiming to get any and all audiences on their feet. Led by Chicago native Susie Hansen, the Susie Hansen Latin band has been drawing from jazz and latin inspiration for decades. If you’re feeling like learning how to dance, or up for a taste of home, check out the Susie Hansen Latin Band.

If you’re living in South Pasadena, or you’re hoping to experience a new park, check out the park pushing the boundaries: Garfield Park!

Real Estate Unlimited is your best bet for any questions or concerns about South Pasadena Real Estate, municipal parks in L.A.., or musical events.

Plan a Day Trip to Highland Park

June 8, 2016

in Highland Park, Real Estate Resources, Restaurants, Things to Do

Just the right size for a day trip, Highland Park is a mix of hip new locales and authentic cultural landmarks. In this post, we’ll help you plan the perfect outing in this vibrant historic neighborhood.

Photo Credit: Gold Line Church (https://goldlinechurch.com/tag/highland-theater)

Morning:

Café de Leche

Start your day at this bustling coffee shop. If you’re in the mood for a pick-me-up, the Horchata con Espresso is a creamy twist on two classic drinks. Caffeine-free customers can enjoy specialty teas like Los Tres (a blend of chamomile, rosehip, and peppermint) or choose from a selection of bakery treats. If you’re on a family outing, Café de Leche boasts a play space with games and toys.

Pop Hop Bookstore

Pop Hop is a small but expertly-curated selection of literature, art, printmaking, and small-press books. The quirky, friendly location is the perfect place to browse, and you can pick up souvenir postcards handmade by local designers. If you’re interested in learning about printmaking, check out the small studio in the back, where associates offer classes in everything from silkscreen to zines.

Wombleton Records

Don’t be fooled by its steampunk exterior – Wombleton Records is the place to go for rare LPs and 12” singles. The owner is a world traveler, and Wombleton’s catalog reflects the same eclectic, international vibe. Their Facebook page lists events with veteran DJs and musicians, as well as frequent trunk sales from the owner’s latest excursion abroad.

Lunch Break:

With so many delicious options to choose from, it’s hard to go wrong in Highland Park. We’ve highlighted a few of our favorites:

Galco’s Old World Grocery

Galco’s was founded in 1897 as an Italian deli and grocery store. In 1995, son John F. Nese took over from his father and introduced a new specialty: small-batch sodas. At the Creation Station, a towering rack of Italian syrup flavors, you can even make your own personalized drink. Whether you’re in the mood for a spicy ginger beer or a traditional sarsaparilla, you’ll find something to quench your thirst.

Galco’s also hosts events like their annual Summer Soda Tasting this July 31, where you can rate new soda flavors and enjoy live music. Recently, Atlas Obscura engineered “Pop and Plumage,” a collaboration between Galco’s and the Moore Lab of Zoology. Galco’s authentic deli counter is still going strong, so you might want to pick up some antipasti to eat in the park.

Good Girl Dinette

The Good Girl Dinette is a stellar example of the culinary and cultural fusion that is so characteristic of Highland Park. Billed as a combination of “American diner” and “Vietnamese comfort food,” the Good Girl’s repertoire includes delicious banh mi and succulent bowls of pho, as well as creations like black pepper pork confit and maple coconut bread pudding.

The Greyhound Bar and Grill

If you’re in the mood for more traditional fare, the Greyhound Bar and Grill offers a tasty bar and sandwich menu as well as an impressive selection of craft beers divided into user-friendly categories like “Fruity” and “Crisp and Clean.” If you hit the Greyhound early in the day, you can peruse a breakfast menu with options as varied as a hearty English breakfast and eggs benedict on homemade corn bread. Right next door is the historical landmark Highland Theatre, which offers three- and four-dollar matinees.

Afternoon:

The Old LA Certified Farmers’ Market

Highland Park boasts beautiful weather year-round, so your daytrip should include plenty of outdoor stops. The Old LA Certified Farmers’ Market is open all year, every Tuesday from 3 pm to dusk. In addition to fresh produce, you’ll find cupcakes, salsa, honey, beeswax candles, and organic soap.

Photo credit: Airbnb (https://www.airbnb.com/locations/los-angeles/highland-park)

Figueroa Street

The OLACFM is also located just one block from busy Figueroa Street, a downtown thoroughfare home to Chez Antoine and Penny’s Burgers. Head to Tropical Fruit and Juices for a “vampiro” – a delicious Mexican cocktail that combines tequila and sangria – or a healthy detox smoothie.

Scoops Ice Cream Shop

Scoops offers a daily rotation of inventive flavors like mascarpone oreo and honey ginger. If you’re looking for a more complex concoction, try their green tea sake ice cream. Consistently rated high on customer service and atmosphere, Scoops is the perfect place to get out of the afternoon sun.

Evening:

Avenue 50 Studio

Avenue 50 Studio is a vibrant gallery that showcases work by emerging artists. With frequent events and exhibitions, you’re sure to see something new on every visit. Avenue 50 Studio also hosts workshops for aspiring creators in techniques like collage and life drawing.

La Cuevita

La Cuevita offers spicy Mexican food and cocktails, with a focus on imports like tequila and fernet. DJs spin nearly every night, so you can finish up your trip to Highland Park with dancing. Taco Tuesday serves up free tacos with cocktails. On Sunday, catch live jazz from local musicians.

The York

Can’t decide whether to go for drinks or a sit-down meal? The York has got you covered. Their deluxe craft beer menu and extensive wine list will please every palate, and so will their menu of reinvented comfort foods like sriracha wings with honey and cilantro.

With its exuberant downtown and thriving artistic and culinary scene, Highland Park offers something for everyone. Visit this unique Los Angeles neighborhood for a truly memorable cultural experience! If you are moving to Highland Park, feel free to contact Real Estate Unlimited.

Plan a Day Trip to South Pasadena

May 30, 2016

in Homes for sale, Real Estate Resources, South Pasadena, Things to Do

Not sure what to do this summer? Plan a day trip to South Pasadena, and enjoy parks, food, shopping, and more in this well-loved Southern California city. South Pasadena’s Hometown Charm is sure to impress.

Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain: For more than 100 years, Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain has been located at Mission Street and Fair Oaks Avenue in South Pasadena on historic Route 66. Now, you can stop by for breakfast and lunch, sundaes, milkshakes, coffee bar, etc., while enjoying the vintage décor.

Photo Credit: roadtrippers.com

Charlie’s Coffee House: Feeling sleepy? Stop by Charlie’s Coffee House for a morning pick-me-up. The décor echoes the famous Route 66 with stop signs, traffic lights, and furniture that harken back to road trip memories. Try the green tea macha latte, iced coffee, or Frappuccinos. The breakfast burritos also come recommended. There’s outdoor seating and room for the kids.

The Battery Books & Music: Go hunting for used books and CDs at this charming bookstore. Since 2010, The Battery has been providing music, jewelry, and clothing to South Pasadena. You can also go in to trade and buy books, or to enjoy live music when it’s scheduled.

South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: Every Thursday of the year, you can stop by the South Pasadena Farmers’ Market (except on Thanksgiving). Head over to the Gold Line South Pasadena Station (the market is located at Meridian Ave and El Centro Street). For the past seventeen years, the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce has been running the farmers’ market. The market features local produce and local vendors. It also features the Farm to Table Tour by Toyota and was named “Best Evening Farmers’ Market”by LA Weekly and “Best Farmers’ Market” by Pasadena Weekly. Additionally, the market provides fresh fruits and vegetables through the Nutritional Assistance Programs and Cal Fresh. Don’t forget the free public events, including the Earth Day Celebration, the Christmas Tree Lighting, and the Safety Fair.

Photo Credit: www.pasadenamusclecompany.com

Garfield Park: Before the sun goes down, travel over to Mission Street and Park Avenue to enjoy the outdoors at Garfield Park. Take the kids; there’s a playground, gazebos, barbeque, picnic, tennis court, etc.

Arroyo Seco Park: If you’ve already been to Garfield Park, or if you are feeling really adventurous, head over to Arroyo Seco Park on Via Marisol. It also features a playground, picnic areas, barbeques, etc. You also go hiking at Arroyo Seco Park and enjoy the Arroyo Seco Stream.

South Pasadena Historical Museum: Learn more about the San Gabriel Valley at the South Pasadena Historical Museum. The museum is housed in the Meridian Iron Works building, which originated in 1887 and was a grocery store. It then became a hotel and a blacksmith shop. Today, the museum is run by the South Pasadena Preservation Society and is free to the public. It sometimes offers screenings of outdoor movies on the grass. You can take a tour of the museum and stop at the gift shop. Remember, the museum is open on Saturdays and Thursdays and is located at Meridian Ave.

Photo Credit: commons.wikipedia.org

If you are moving to South Pasadena, feel free to contact Real Estate Unlimited. We also have listings for homes in South Pasadena on our website.

South Pasadena and the Tournament of Roses Parade

May 25, 2016

in Homes for sale, Real Estate Resources, South Pasadena, Things to Do

Get ready for next year’s Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, California on January 2, 2017 at 8:00 am Pacific Standard Time. The Rose Parade will be turning 128-years-old! This year, South Pasadena will be putting together the float Never Give Up, designed by South Pasadena resident Anne Mueller. The design features the classic story of the tortoise and the hare.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/SPRoseFloat/?fref=nf

South Pasadena is known as home of The Oldest Self-Built Float in the Rose Parade. The South Pasadena 2016 float, named Fishing Follies, won a National Trophy. Last year’s theme was Find Your Adventure. The South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee works every year to create a float, with the help of volunteers, and represent South Pasadena’s hometown charm in the Rose Parade.

The Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl Game have been an American New Year’s celebration since 1893. Remember, the event never takes place on Sundays, because in the 19^th century, residents’ horses that were parked on the street outside of churches would have been disturbed by the parade. The Rose Bowl Stadium is home to the rose bowl, which is the college football game known as “the granddaddy of them all,” since 1902.

Each year, the non-profit organization The Tournament of Roses Association puts together the event with the help of 935 volunteers, known as “White Suiters.” Volunteers are all residents of Pasadena, who live within a 15 mile radius of Pasadena City Hall. The Tournament of Roses Association is headquartered at the Tournament House, formerly the Wrigley Mansion.

Photo Credit: https://moneymatters101.com/holidays/jan/roseparade.asp

If you’re in the South Pasadena area, you can visit the All-America Rose Selections’ test gardens at the Tournament House. There are also exhibits in the house on the history of the Rose Parade.

For the 2017 Rose Parade, the theme Echoes of Success has been selected by Brad Ratliff, the President of The Tournament of Roses Association. Every year, there is also a royal court of the parade, the queen and king, and a Grand Marshal. Last year’s Grand Marshal was Ken Burns, the documentary filmmaker.

Photo Credit: https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/lifestyle/20160101/videos-watch-some-of-the-best-moments-from-the-2016-rose-parade

To help raise money to create the float each year, The South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee puts on fundraising events in the community. The events for the 2017 float include Wine & Beer Tasting, a Golf Tournament, Cruz’n for Roses Hot Rod & Classic Car Show, and Crunch Time Party.

Look for tickets to these fundraising events on the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses website here: https://www.sptor.org/. You can also assist in decorating the float! Look for details on volunteering on the website as well. The float is decorated and constructed with the assistance of volunteers. Additionally, the public can submit float designs through the website.

If you are interested in buying or selling a home in South Pasadena, visit Real Estate Unlimited, a real estate agency servicing Los Angeles and surrounding cities. We are available to assist you in finding a new home, and we have listings in Echo Park, Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Eagle Rock, Mt. Washington, Highland Park, Elysian Park, and more.

Mt. Washington Recreation Activities

May 9, 2016

in Category, Mt. Washington, Real Estate Resources, Things to Do

Are you living in or visiting Mt. Washington in Los Angeles this summer? Take a look at some recreational activities you add to your list this season! Whether you’re looking for food, culture, nightlife, or the outdoors, there’s something for everyone.

L.A.’s Southwest Museum

Make your day cultural and visit the Southwest Museum of the American Indian. This museum has been around since Charles Fletcher Lummis (an anthropologist) started the Southwest Society and Joseph Scott funded the museum. Originally, the museum was opened in Downtown Los Angeles. The collection features art and artifacts of the Native Americans, of the Spanish Colonial period, and of the Western American genre.

The museum has been in Mt. Washington since 1914 and is run by the Autry National Center. The Southwest Museum is a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument and stands at 234 Museum Dr, Mt Washington, Los Angeles. To get there, take the Metro Gold Line to the Southwest Museum Station.

Photo Credit: https://www.latimes.com/opinion/opinion-la/la-ol-los-angeles-needs-an-la-museum-201406050604-story.html

Carlin G. Smith Recreation Center

Located in East Los Angeles, the Carlin G. Smith Recreation Center is a great resource for people living in the community and/or visiting. Located at 511 W. Ave. 46, Los Angeles CA 90065, this recreation center offers a children’s play area, a community room, barbeque pits, basketball courts, and an auditorium.

To learn more, check out the recreation center’s online activity guide for classes, afterschool programs, and other events. Parent’s Night Out happens every second Friday of the month and only costs $10. At this event, children have dinner and do activities while parents have date night. Other available activities include self-defense classes, music lessons, and afterschool programs.

Heidelberg Park

Feeling restless? Take a stroll in the park. Heidelberg Park, at San Rafael Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90065, is overseen by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. The beautiful landscape features a community succulent garden and examples of the California Walnut Woodland. The steep slopes of the mountains still foster black walnut trees.

Moon Canyon Park

For another option for a stroll in the park, head over to Moon Canyon Park. Located at 300 San Rafael Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90065, this park is the perfect place to find a playground, have a picnic, and explore some walking trails.

Photo Credit: https://www.amoeba.com/blog/2012/05/eric-s-blog/california-fool-s-gold-exploring-mount-washington.html

Verdugo Bar

Looking for a night out this weekend? Drop by Verdugo Bar at 3408 Verdugo Road, Los Angeles CA, 90065. It’s open Monday to Friday from 6 pm to 2 am, and on Saturday to Sunday from 3 pm to 2 am. This craft beer bar is in Glassell Park and offers game nights on the patio, music nights with DJs and themed music, and trivia nights. Enjoy the full bar, the food trucks, and the “To-Go” bottle menu.

LA River Kayak Safari

Do something new this summer and take a trip with the LA River Kayak Safari. Take a short drive to the Elysian Valley from Mt. Washington for this activity. The guides and instructors at LA River Kayak Safari take groups on a trip down the Los Angeles River. This urban river is filled with drinking quality water and is protected by the Clean Water Act. The company offers one easy trip and one other option that is more challenging. There are lazy river sections, as well as Class II rapids. This is a great activity for those looking to learn how to paddle.

Photo Credit: https://www.lariver.org/index.htm

If you’re looking to buy and/or sell a house in Mt. Washington, Los Angeles, Real Estate Unlimited is here to help! Don’t hesitate to contact us for your real estate needs.

Page 1 of 2 1 2

Category: Things to Do

Hiking the Hidden Stairways in the Silver Lake Hills