I'm finally going to LA for the first time ever. Help me.

[Tsiyu]

My family members in CA have harrassed and harangued me for years to visit, and I am finally doing so later this week. But I am a hillbilly and I am very afraid :scared:

What do I wear so I'll blend in? Where are the coolest dives? Like hole-in-the-wall places that serve Jagermeister and good imported beer? Where can I hear live music that doesn't suck?

What should I avoid?

I promise not to wear my muck boots. Dammit. Will hiking boots be okay or do I have to buy new shoes?

So, next week if you see a hillbilly girl in braids wandering around LA looking lost and overwhelmed, do not laugh or throw things. Help her. Please. I have a feeling I am in for some culture shock. :)

[Madrone]

1. No advice about LA but...

:hi: :hug:

How are "things" ? :)

[Tsiyu]

2. Things are awesome, Stranger!

:hi:

I'm hoping to get hired on for the LA job but the timing may be off. A neighbor said she would board the horses for me and one of my sons said he'd move back to care for the other critters if I do, so I have my fingers crossed. I need the $$ I'd make out there to build a new house and barn....

We missed our call and I really need to check in with your beautiful self, don't I?

Wish you were going to LA too!

Hugs back atcha and hope you are doing very well, :hugs: :pals:

[Madrone]

3. I'm "skeered" of LA too!

:scared:

But I hope you pick up the job as it sounds like it will help A LOT.

I'm really looking forward to doing Bonnaroo with you one of these summers. It is DEFINTELY on my To Do list.

Yeah, we missed our call, but it's okay. We're both busy, and I am on the phone more than off most days anyway. I'd be happy to squeeze you in though!

Did you ever get your "housemate"?

[Tsiyu]

6. Ahhh Bonnarooo!

Yes, everyone should experience that at least once in their lives! Gooballs. Always say yes to Gooballs......okay flashback

About the housemate, that is who I am visiting out there and the plan is the same. Just trying to store up enough $$$ to get another vehicle and he is so out of there. Except they are putting him in charge so he is up to his eyeballs in stress. We hermits are not meant for the Big City. But then there is a job in Cape Canaveral (sp?) so we may be going there for a while. The only jobs that pay well are traveling jobs unfortunately....

How about you? Pm with details!

[Madrone]

8. Cool!

Will do - PM coming.

[Tsiyu]

32. Check your PM

and I am so happy for you guys!!!! :loveya:

[Zhade]

61. Did I hear someone say gooballs?

Are we talking THOSE kind?

Never had 'em - haven't had the chance to try making them yet.

Anyway, out here you should drop by Pink's on La Brea (unless you be a vegetarian). It's 'world famous', and they have lots of hot dogs named after celebrities' preferences.

If you see a celebrity, PLEASE just leave them be. Don't be the annoying tourist - they really appreciate it.

[XemaSab]

4. You can wear WHATEVER YOU WANT

and I promise, there will be someone looking more out of place than you.

Jeans are always okay, so maybe jeans, a t-shirt, a light/medium jacket, and sneakers/boots will be JUST FINE.

As far as what to avoid, don't come to a complete stop at green lights or otherwise drive like a jerk and you'll be okay. Hollywood is gross, IMHO.

You HAVE to go eat food from at least one culture you have never had food from before. :9

What part of town will you be in, mostly?

[Shakespeare]

9. Hey, now. I LIVE in Hollywood.

And it is decidedly NOT gross! Great people watching, great clubs, great restaurants, great shopping, great hiking (yes, hiking!), great bookstores. And on and on. It's absolutely beautiful here, and I wouldn't live anywhere else (and I've already lived all over the damn place).

[XemaSab]

11. Let me clarify: the touristy part of Hollywood is gross.

:P

[Shakespeare]

15. Nah, that part just kind of cracks me up.

EVERYBODY should visit the Ripley's museum and the wax museum, because they are so screamingly bad in a really hilarious way. They've really cleaned the place up the last few years, so it's actually pretty pleasant.

Totally agree with you about the ethnic food, btw. LA's the best ethnic food city I've ever experienced (and I'm a veteran of SF, DC and NYC, so I don't make that statement lightly).

[Zhade]

63. Is Crazy Gideon's still (perpetually) going out of business?

I found that hysterical when I lived over on Yucca.

[Tsiyu]

14. I'm looking forward to the people watching

I love that. So about the dive bars.....

[Shakespeare]

17. You MUST go to the Formosa. A Hollywood institution, and a complete dive.

The drinks are overpriced (because it is a big of a legend), but they're good drinks.

[brook]

40. Wow

Can't believe the Formosa's still there! I'd hate to tell you how long ago I worked at Goldwyn & we all pretty much drank lunch at the Formosa.

[Shakespeare]

41. They were going to tear it down when the built the new Target/Gateway Center.

People flipped out, a "Save the Formosa" campaign was undertaken, and now it's tucked neatly beside the new shopping complex, and shares their parking garage (which means there's better parking than before, a real bonus). Their drinks, though overpriced, are still good, and still strong. Fun place!

[brook]

49. I'm glad they saved it.

Like Musso Frank's, it has historic value unique to the industry in one way - and to the local 'civilians' as well. Is the Center where the studio used to be or to the east of the Formosa?

[Shakespeare]

51. It's east of the Formosa...

....but we're talking literally YARDS away from the bar; there's a smallish paved/tiled patio area between the Formosa and one of the restaurants. They tore down what used to be some old auto-body and other junk-y lots to build the center, which is really an excellent example of economy of space. They've created a nice pedestrian space with a shocking amount of retail space for such a small area. I kept reading about what all was going to be included in the center, and then wonder how on earth they were going to accomplish it when I drove by the lots. There's a Target, a BestBuy, a BevMo, several restaurants and other establishments. And the parking, believe it or not, is a breeze.

[brook]

59. Sounds like a winner.

As soon as I master the art of tele-transportation, I'll stand you a beverage of your choice! (Then we'll call XemaSab to come drive us home) :evilgrin:

[ronnykmarshall]

70. I still have to go there.

I love tacky joints like that.

I think with the new shopping center that place is probably getting more business.

[Shakespeare]

73. You've never been to the Formosa?!

Oh. Ronny. We all have to go for drinks sometime, then.

How's the new kitty doing?

[ronnykmarshall]

82. That would be great.

Kat is doing well. The boys are NOT pleased. But right now all three of them are hiding from the housekeeper. So maybe they will bond of the fear of the Hoover!

[XemaSab]

43. The Formosa

was the first place I snuck into underage.

Ah... memories! :D

[brook]

50. A great place to start

your life as a 'playah'! :)

[Tsiyu]

10. Between Manhattan Beach/El Segundo

and visiting family in Hermosa Beach.

Awesome news about the fashion. I have jeans!

I won't be driving but I will pass that advice to those who are.

I am looking forward to the food choices but I'm not touching Sushi.

Thanks for your advice. :hi:

[devilgrrl]

16. Hermosa Beach is nice enough!

There's lots of decent restaurants and nightclubs there, Long Beach isn't that far away, perhaps check out Venice Beach. :shrug:

[Tsiyu]

20. Thanks

I am looking forward to seeing how the West Coast familia lives. I've heard Venice Beach is fun, too.

:)

[Zhade]

62. Go to the Venice Beach boardwalk, rent a funky bike, and ride.

Shouldn't be as crowded this time of year.

And there are about a hundred head shops along the boardwalk. :P

[Tsiyu]

75. Yeah, that sounds like fun

the BF has his mountain bike with him so he's been hanging out watching the surfers and such. We had a discussion last night about whether or not I'd fit on the handlebars. LOL.

Thanks for all your tips Zhade. I believe I will really enjoy CA and you CA DUers have made me feel at home already.

Also, I promise not to harrass the actors. I'm pretty much out of the cultural loop, so i may not recognize any of them anyhoo!

:silly:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

19. My dear buddyhollysghost!

Hey! You will be in my neighborhood!

I live in Manhattan Beach!

I'll PM you my phone number....call me and we can get together!

:woohoo: :woohoo:

[Tsiyu]

22. How cool would that be!?!?!?

Meeting the famous (or infamous ;) ) California Peggy!

I was hoping I could meet up with some SoCal Duers. You are the greatest Peggy. I'll be looking for that PM and we can see how much trouble we can stir up!

:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

24. And...you have mail!

Oh, I'm infamous all right! :evilgrin:

[Tsiyu]

31. You've got mail, too!

And the stories I've heard about you, Wild Woman. Can't wait to be in the presence of such greatness!!!!B-)

[Zhade]

64. Wow, you live near me too.

Suddenly all these DUers are nearby - I should visit the Lounge more!

[Jimbo S]

92. Plenty of nice places to eat in Manhattan Beach

May wish to wear slacks instead of jeans. It's a nice place to be.

[GOPisEvil]

5. You might find some music you like at the Troubadour.

www.troubadour.com It's close to Beverly Hills on Santa Monica Blvd.

Drive Mulholland. See the Hollywood sign from the side. :)

Have a chili burger at the original Tommy's. :9

That natives can be more help, but I've visited several times and it's easy to get around, but everything takes a while since it's spread out.

What part of LA are you staying in?

[Tsiyu]

13. Thanks for the suggestions

I'll have to check those out. Hopefully my cuzz will be able to cart me around to Hollywood.. I'm mostly going for "lovin'" and may not leave the hotel :P, but then he's working a lot so I will have some time to explore. At night we can cruise around and he loves little dive bars like I do.

See above for where I'll be and thanks for your input! :hug:

[oustemnow]

7. Hmmm..

LA is a pretty diverse place, so I wouldn't worry too much about the clothes aspect. I mean, if you're going to be hanging on Rodeo Drive, you should probably leave the muck boots at home, but otherwise you should be fine. Ugs seem to be the latest boot of choice for the young female population, but damn those things are fugly. Hiking boots should be OK, but again it all depends on where you'll be hanging out. Hell, I get by fine with Chuck T hi-tops and have yet to be scoffed at. At least not for my footwear. Also, keeep in mind that it will be abnormally chilly here next week.

Dives/music venues...I guess that depends on what kind of music you're into. If you're on the more alternative tip, I'd check out Spaceland, the Echo, Knitting Factory, they all have fine drink selections and music bills. If you just wanna drink, I'd check out the Townhouse near Venice Beach, it doesn't get much divier than that, and they have a wicked beer selection. PLus, you can check out the freak show. Of course, it will likely be cold and it's not exactly peek season, but it's still an eyeful.

As for dives/

[Tsiyu]

18. You have made me feel so much better

And we must be getting your weather because it has been in the 60's here - even last night it was high fifties. Usually we are in the twenties at this time of year.

Thanks for the dive suggestions and all of your help. You CA DUers are awesome, I don't care what anyone else says ;)

[oustemnow]

34. Bwahahaha!

Well, when I said abnormally chilly, I actually was referring to high 50's, low 60's, so you should be OK. (The evenings have been pretty cold though, down to the 30's.) I guess chilly is a relative term.

[Lautremont]

12. Go for a margarita / mojito / tequila / exotic beer / all-of-the-above

at the El Carmen! 8138 West Third Street, Westwood. I too was a provincial boy in LA for the first time when I went there, and it was unpretentious and exactly precisely what I was looking for in an LA bar.

[Tsiyu]

25. Perfect

I am going to have to jot all these places down, so when he says "Where do you want to go?" I'll have the answer.

I've introduced him to some very cool dive bars in Atlanta and Tybee and he will be so impressed if i actually know a few in LA as well!

Thanks :beer:

[Vanje]

21. Go to the LaBrea Tar Pits

...and wear what ever you like

[GOPisEvil]

23. And if you go to the tar pits and like cars...

...the Peterson Automotive Museum is nearby.

[Vanje]

26. The LaBrea Car Pits

Cool

[oustemnow]

29. absolutely!

There are also several other museums in that immediate vicinity. And they say LA lacks culture!

Another suggestion, on the food/culture tip: OLvera St., which was the city's original town square. It's like taking a mini trip to Mexico. Plus, you can check out Union Station across the street--it's really an amazing bit of architecture. And Chinatown is within walking distance. Damn, I love this place.

[ellisonz]

55. I second Olvera St.

You'll stand out like a sore thumb, but that's A-OKAY! Because they just want your money.;)

Also the Long Beach Aquarium is most excellent.

http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/

[Sequoia]

84. Stop it, I'm so homesick now.

Los Angeles was not my place of birth but I'd lived there so long (Santa Monica area) that I just miss all aspects except the traffic but we have that up in the SF area. Union Station....pretty floors. Ah the food, the food. I miss Chin-Chin's down there (Brentwood area and other places). The salsa can't be beat down there too; just flows like water.

[KitchenWitch]

27. I second the Tar Pits!

Amazing place.

If you are into art, The Getty Center and Getty Villa are must see. Griffith Park is really cool, especially if you are a train buff.

If you like hot dogs, go to Pinks in Hollywood. It is a Hollywood institution and they have all sorts of hot dog varieties.

[Tsiyu]

35. Where is the Tar Pits, KW?

Thanks for all of your suggestions. If you are in town, you should go to lunch with Cal Peg and me.


:hi:

[XemaSab]

57. Directions:

http://www.tarpits.org/info/direction.html

and yes, the tar pits are totally cool! :D

[KitchenWitch]

65. They are fairly near DT Los Angeles

On Wilshire Blvd. a bit west of DT IIRC.

When will you be in town?

[Tsiyu]

33. I like that plan

I'll leave off the overalls and flannel shirts and hunting vest and stick to a Henley and jeans though. You Californians wouldn't want to see me in what I usually wear!!!

[Initech]

28. Here's some concert venues where you can hear music that doesn't suck:

The El Rey
The Roxy
The Troubadour
The Hollywood Palladium
HOB Sunset Strip

Oh and if you're looking for a good place to drink, I highly recommend the Crown City Brewery in Pasadena (it's somewhere off the end of I-110).

[Tsiyu]

36. Cool

I will keep those in mind. See below about music stores.....


:)

[Initech]

44. If you want to buy some CDs...

Check out Amoeba Music (6400 W. Sunset Blvd), they have an absolutely unbeatable selection.

[Shakespeare]

45. I still miss Aron's.

And I still can't believe they closed. :cry:

[oustemnow]

46. Definitely bring a list an pack a lunch if you go there

EOO ain't kidding about the selection.

[Initech]

47. Or go over to Tommy's for a cheeseburger.

[Shakespeare]

48. There's a Tommy's close to Amoeba? n/t

[ForrestGump]

53. Please, don't mention

Tommy's and 'amoeba' in the same sentence. :D


I'm still not sure what they put in their chili-like substance... :scared:

[Tsiyu]

54. They have chili-like substances in California?

I thought you could only get those at the Piggly Wiggly.

:)

[Initech]

66. Yeah, it's right across the street from the Hollywood / Vine train station.

[Shakespeare]

67. Well waddya know. I never noticed that one before.

Maybe 'cause I'm not a big Tommy's fan (I prefer In-N-Out or Fatburger).

mmmm...Fatburger's onion rings....

[ronnykmarshall]

72. and Pink's for hot dogs!

[KitchenWitch]

89. I luurrrrvvees me some Pink's!

:9

[ronnykmarshall]

71. Now that Tower is gone ..

that's my record store of choice.

[KitchenWitch]

85. And be careful exiting the 110

they mean it when they say 5 MPH!

[mark414]

30. saturday nights, 10 PM: star shoes on hollywood blvd.

a couple blocks from hollywood and vine

it's a DJ night featuring egon (founder of this pretty bad ass hip hop label, stones throw) spinning old james brown style funk all night long...and it's all free

[Tsiyu]

37. This sounds like it's right up my alley

And you sound like someone who might know the answer to another pressing question. My cheap guitars are either broken or have been stolen ( lost a nice Alvarez while I was out of town :grr: ) and i can't risk bringing the Takamine or the strat but I am going to be jonesing to pick. So where are some funky cool instrument shops?

Thank you so much to everyone for your help!!!! I love DU :loveya:

[Shakespeare]

38. McCabe's Guitar Shop (my fave), Carvin....

And there are several others on the same stretch of Sunset Blvd., as Carvin (Guitar Shop, Sam Ash, Mesa Boogie, etc.). Just start at the Guitar Shop's "Rock Walk," and take a stroll west on Sunset.

McCabe's is over in Santa Monica, and they also carry a lot of obscure stringed instruments. Top quality place.

[oustemnow]

39. if you're in McCabe's territory

Tru-Tone on Santa Monica is worth a look-see too. Definitely not cheap, but interesting/funky instruments abound. Plus, there's the Santa Monica Promenade and Pier to check out in the immediate vicinity.

[Shakespeare]

42. I'll definitely check them out! n/t

[Tsiyu]

52. Thanks, I will enjoy a "Rock Walk"

If it's anything like Nash Vegas, I should find some cool gitfiddles to strum when I'm jonesing :)

Sorry so late responding, had to do chores. I am sweating, it's freakin' 70 degrees out there. wtf?

[DBoon]

56. Try El Compadre's (crross street from Guitar Center)

Their flaming margaritas are amazing

[DBoon]

58. I suggest Tiki Ti for drinks

http://www.tiki-ti.com/pages/home.html

On Sunset, just east of where Sunset and Hollywood blvd meets.

They are owner operated, so smoking is allowed.

No beer or wine - just amazing tropical drinks

[huskerlaw]

60. I'm SO late to this thread!

I've lived in LA for a little over a year. I grew up in bumblefuck Nebraska, so I know what hillbilly is all about!

Don't worry, LA really isn't that scary.

As for what to do...I don't have much to add. People upthread pretty much have it covered.

I don't think anyone mentioned going to a taping of a TV show though. If you're into that kind of thing. You can get free tickets to some sitcoms at audiencesunlimited.com (I think, otherwise Google for TV show tickets). If you don't see a show you like there, check the show's official site.

It's been mighty cold here for the past week or so...so check the forecast before you come and then dress accordingly!

[Tsiyu]

76. My cuzz says we will be going to the beach

but I refuse to show my pasty legs to the world, so i will just have to wear those "clamdiggers" or roll up my jeans. I could blind people!

Thanks for your suggestions, huskerlaw. If you've survived LA, I'm probably gonna make it....:)

[huskerlaw]

86. Unless it warms up a great deal

you won't want to be in shorts anyway!!

And the beach? BRRRRRRRRRR! (but you should go look at it at least)

You'll be fine, especially since you're visiting people who live here. It's really not that scary, I promise!

[DBoon]

68. If you are staying in the beach areas

You should find out where the surfing beachs are located.

They have designated areas to keep them separate from swimmers.

Get up some morning at the crack of dawn and head out there and watch the surfers do their thing.

It's a totally SoCal thing. Like awesome.

[Tsiyu]

78. That's what I've heard

Last week, the BF called from the beach and said there were dolphins riding the waves with the surfers. How cool is that?

I have been to the Atlantic many times but this will be my first view of the Pacific so I am jazzed, being a Pisces and all....

[datasuspect]

69. dive/hole in the wall

does not match up with jaegermeister and imported beer. sounds more like a "frat bar" experience.

dive/hole in the wall matches better with cheep draft domestic and rotgut whiskey.

a real "son or daughter of the soil" would have no part of good imported beer when good ole murkan budweiser is available.

[Tsiyu]

74. Sorry, you are so wrong

All the best dive bars I know serve the Jager and also the good beers. The "dive" part is more atmosphere than product category. Although i do have one fave place called just "The joint" around these parts. They only serve cheap beer but if you know somebody, you might get to sip some moonshine or try some of Tennessee's other fine products.

And I cannot drink Bud except under extreme duress. My fave beer is Sweetwater 420, and I bet they do not have that in CA. I can get it here in TN and in GA where it is bottled. Awesome stuff, that....:beer:

[datasuspect]

77. i've never been to a downscale place

in blue collar areas of the north or in rural areas of the south that had a wide variety of "craft/import" beers. MAYBE heineken. guinness would get you looked at funny.

but then i was more fond of scary places where "citizens" weren't in abundance.

[Tsiyu]

79. You have to search these places out, datasuspect

And you are correct that in rural areas the selection sucks, but LA isn't too rural, so I'm thinking more big city dives.

You and I definitely have to go out drinking sometime, since we're arguing about it!!!!

[datasuspect]

80. part of my dubious "career" involved much involvement with chicago south side

dives.

they mainly stuck to the domestics, maybe heineken. although jaeger was seemingly ubiquitous among the "guido" set, you'd maybe see it in 10% of the mexican bars, although they did have all the standard mexican imports (which i don't consider imports).

craft/import? forget it. you had to go to lincoln park to get that. but like i said, i was fond of scary places off the beaten path. going to a place where frat boys/yups/hipsters were downing jaeger bombs was a total bummer. you couldn't pay me to hang out with those types.

and a good ole texas beer joint? jukebox full of country music, dude, it's on. i totally dig going to a shitkicker dive.

you'd get your ass whupped drinking furriner beer in one of those places.

[DBoon]

81. We have a different definition of "dive" in LA

a "dive" is a bar that does not have valet parking

[Sequoia]

83. Where are you from?

I'm a ex-hillbilly from NC and I lived there for over 20 years and regret moving. Check out the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach. Have a look-see at this here webcam:

http://www.westland.net/piercam/

The Griffith Observatory is now open (where they filmed parts of "Rebel Without a Cause")

Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

Malibu

Avoid the Valley. Nothing there.

[KurtNYC]

87. Lots of good advice above

I lived in Los Angeles for 11 years. Here are some of the things I miss and some things I re-visit when I return:

- breakfast (or Lunch) at the Farmer's Market next to CBS -- classic 1930s Hollywood, great food, great people-watching
- Melrose Ave -- neo-bohemian shops and clothes
- a movie at any of the classic LA theaters: Grauman's, the Cinerama-Dome, or the Fox Westwood Village (where they do lots of premiers). People applaud the titles at Grauman's
- a drive down Sunset Blvd from Hollywood all the way to PCH (preferably at sunset in a convertible), then to Gladstones for Fish on PCH for a beer or two while the sun sets. Met Woody Harrelson there.
- any performance at the Hollywood Bowl or Universal Ampitheater
- almost any performance at the Greek
- a Laker's game
- Santa Monica, the Santa Monica pier, the PCH incline, the palisades park

Also, this is Oscar screening season. You can find screenings of Oscar-promoted films on the movie studio lots. You need to call and RSVP and then they will let you on to the lot and into the film free. It's very cool. PM me if you are interested in this (technically the screening are for voting members of the Academy and SAG/DGA members who vote in separate awards but they do want to fill up the other seats so the film seems more popular and worthy).

[GOPisEvil]

88. I second the drive down Sunset.

I do that on every trip I make to LA. I always buy something at the Chevron Station on the corner @ PCH. I had to buy gas there on one trip, and it's become a tradition of sorts.

[GalleryGod]

91. Dave ! You & I and RonnyK would have to Chow-down @

Since 1939.

[GalleryGod]

90. PINKS !!!!!!!!!!