Our favorite lady who travels recently spent a few days in sunny Los Angeles. LA is such a big and famous city, sometimes it can be overwhelming. So, Jessica broke down one of her favorite areas of the City of Angels and showed us how to enjoy LA like the locals do. Here’s what she had to say about the Fairfax/Melrose area of Los Angeles.
From Jessica:
I am a Nashville girl at heart, but Los Angeles is one of my favorite cities. I flew there last week for a video shoot and stayed with a friend in the Fairfax/Melrose neighborhood. This area has so much to offer if you only have a day or two to explore, or if you are like me and hate spending hours in designer stores where you can look, but can’t touch. It’s filled with affordable clothing shops, unique gift stores, countless street wear brands, and some of LA’s best restaurants.
Sunday’s at the Melrose Trading Post (http://melrosetradingpost.org)
Go For: Vintage T’s, hanging succulent gardens, re-purposed furniture, and old fur coats
Why I love it: It’s a great way to spend a Sunday morning, perusing old and new goods. I always find awesome, cheap home décor and quirky gifts for friends. Also great people watching.
Price Range: $3 at the door, pricing on goods depends on how well you barter 🙂
After the flee market, walk down Fairfax for one of LA’s best breakfasts at Jon & Vinny’s (http://www.jonandvinnys.com)
Style: Italian-American food with a minimalist Scandinavian setting
Eat: Hass Avocado Toast and sip on Ethiopian drip coffee
Why I love it: They have created a light, airy atmosphere filled with oldies music, great service, and delicious meals and pastries. They also house Helen’s Wine Cellar in the back, stocked with a never-ending supply of Rosé. My favorite!
Price Range: $$
Work off that meal with an afternoon hike to The Wisdom Tree (http://www.modernhiker.com/2013/02/28/hiking-to-the-wisdom-tree-and-cahuenga-peak/)
Good for: A hike that will get your heart rate up and end with a 360 degree view of LA
Bring: Good trail shoes, water, camera/phone/GoPro
Why I love it: The hike is rarely crowded and under the tree is a box full of inspirational messages you can read through. If you continue east along the spine of the mountain, you will end up behind the Hollywood Sign. It is my favorite spot for sunset!
How to find it: Search for “Wonder View Trail Head” and park on Lake Hollywood Drive
End your night at Maré (http://www.maremelrose.com)
Style: Coastal European Food
Eat: Share the Roasted Broccoli, Whole Branzino, Arugula Salad, and any of the Shellfish/Broth Dishes, while sipping on Mezcal+Raspberry+Smoke
Why I love it: This hidden gem has no front entrance and can only be accessed through Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese restaurant kitchen. The entire restaurant is outside in a courtyard, lit by candles and string lights, and the tapas style spread was vibrant in color and taste.
Price Range: $$$
LA, you have my heart.
-Jessica
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