visiting LA and Palm Desert

Ah, Tommy's. We used to go there at 2 or 3 in the morning and yes, wait in line. This was when DH was in law school in the late 1960's. Wow--lots of old memories!

Cannot emphasize enough...bring a coat. 70 degrees down to 46 lowest nightime temps lately this week in So Cal.
edited to add.....
Canter's Deli on Fairfax in L.A....local institution, open 24 hrs a day.

This message was edited Jan 14, 2008 11:08 PM

yes - thank you...
i have a lined london fog knee length trenchcoat which i plan on bringing, along with suitjackets and a couple cardigans - i think that'll be ok..?

Plan on doing some layering just in case...always works.

i overpack so ridiculously all the time - and instead of complaining, DH is totally an enabler...

Oh, lunch on the terrace at Hotel Laguna . . used to be very good food; right on the beach.

Oh, Canter's! I LOVE Canter's Deli!!

Oh, I see I'm too late and you've already left!

Oh, well, wanted to say that I love the Living Desert. Very charming place.

And if you like landscaping and plantings I might suggest visiting some of the five star hotels in Palm Desert/Rancho/Indian Wells area--you can be a 'lookie loo' for free or just buy a drink by the pool or an ice cream and see some very beautiful gardens and floral displays that you won't see elsewhere in the world (for free).

As far as SD goes, the drive down there is a challenge from LA. I rarely try to do it in a day these days with so many unexpected traffic delays. And when I get back I have a bad headache.

Huntington Gardens and Library in Pasadena are nice. (My old stomping grounds). Also have a drink at the Huntington Hotel (Ritz Carlton) while you're there, walk around and see their gardens too...

Have a great trip! (We might cross paths...I'm going out next week!)

And don't forget to mention the best restaurant in Pasadena, Steer n' Ale. DH has owned that place for 30 years.
Both of you have nice safe trips no matter where you end up.

OK, Tell me, where is Steer n' Ale? My memory fails me!

(30 years is a long time and you are way out in Rancho Cuc--quite a commute!)

Foothill and Rosemead, used to be Steer n' Stein. Yes. it is a commute for him.

It's on MY wish list to go there one of these time. Right now I don't even want to leave the house with these winds!

Sounds good. Sounds like the restaurant is near the Hastings Ranch/Sierra Madre Santa Anita part of town...if I get over there I will say Hi!


Rancho Cuc. is really a booming part of the region, isn't it?

If you get a chance, there are wonderful hiking trails through beautiful county in the Indian Canyons, which are a part of the Aqua Caliente Indian Reservation. Palm Canyon is especially beautiful.

http://www.americansouthwest.net/california/palm_springs/indian-canyons.html

A visit to the Aqua Caliente Cultural Museum, which traces the history and culture of the Cahiulla Indian tribe, is also quite interesting.

http://www.accmuseum.org/

Yes Rancho Cuca is growing and although progression is good, I still miss the vineyards and wide open spaces we used to have. I think we're down to only 1 winery here.
And yes, that's exactly where the restaurant is. Do you remember Sears on Foothill? The place is caddy corner to the west from that.

in indian wells - yes, the drive from LA was LONG. Loved L A and i totally see why people move here in droves - it is beautiful - and the weather ain't bad either...
going to living desert tomorrow i think...

in LA, we:
took a silly trolley tour, but it took us to the Hollywood bowl, and we could walk around it, then we were waved down by girls in a Red Bull car who gave us all free Red Bull. and we drove by the studios which was neat, and waved to the striking writers...
ate great mexican food at a place on melrose called Antonios?
saw a funny funny show in Burbank
drove the Sunset Strip at night and ate at Mels
Drove Mullholland Drive a night - wow.
went to the La Brea tar pits - a really nice museum
saw the Cloverfield Statue of Liberty set up outside Graumanns, and barricades about to be deployed - it looked like the premiere was going to be there tonight...

anyway - lots o fun, more later, thanks for all the recs, sorry we didn't follow more of them, we might go to san diego Sunday, decided not to drive out there yesterday...
GRRRR... DH's laptop makes me NUTS!

LOL! I always collect lots of tips on where I'm going, too, and rarely do they fit into my plans once I get there. As long as you're finding fun things to do, you're successful! The list is useful, though to know if you should or shouldn't make an effort to do something you come upon when you're there.

Yes, our computers are like an extension of ourselves - it's like trying to use someone else's arm!

Yes, weegy, I know exactly! I remember your restaurant now and I'll have to stop in there!

Sounds like you're having a great trip 'ameythyst'! so glad you like L.A. Is the weather any good in P.D.?

Yes, do Tabasco.

This thread has been helpful. We went to Hollywood yesterday; Off Vine for brunch which was pretty good and then on to "Wicked" at the Pantages. No matter how many times we go to Pantages I am always in awe of the architecture. And "Wicked" was delightful (intially I was not too thrilled about going) but it was DD's birthday choice.

Now I want to go back and see it again! I had read the book and was so delighted at the light approach to it.

heading home in the morning - sigh...
back to real life. thanks for all the help and suggestions - i'll be more specific back home...

amy
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