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In The Heart Of Hollywood: Why Loews Hollywood is the Place To Stay

If you are heading to LA to visit Hollyweird as we used to call it, Hollywood can be a strange place to visit for the first time, especially if not dutifully warned by veterans.

From the Hollywood Walk Of Fame to the heyday of Hollywood Blvd and Sunset Strip, Hollywood is a must visit place. But what can you do when you visit? And where should you stay?

Hollywood is not like it is in the movies, it is dirty and traffic is intense and ‘once was’ places have since been torn down and just like the rest of the U.S. the city appears exhausted and withdrawn.

But that is just on the surface. Look a bit deeper and there is an adventure to be had. A short drive to Santa Monica, Venice beach, Melrose and Beverly Hills, Hollywood is the perfect epicenter for your next LA trip. Here is our Hollywood travel guide.

Where To Stay

The Loews Hollywood Hotel is your must stay hotel for your visit. Here are some perks to the hotel.

Hollywood: Sunshine, Silver Screens, and So Much More

Hollywood is one-of-a-kind. Sure, it’s the legendary birthplace of American movies, but that’s just the beginning. The sunny California weather makes exploring the city a delight.

Step outside Loews Hollywood and you’re right next door to Ovation Hollywood (formerly Hollywood & Highland). This exciting complex offers shopping, people-watching, even bowling lanes! It’s also home to the TCL Chinese Theater and the Dolby Theatre where the Oscars take center stage. Loews Hollywood is close to other attractions like the Walk of Fame, Universal Studios and the Hollywood Bowl.

Showcase Your Style Then Retreat To Your Hollywood Hideaway

Unpack and soak in the iconic sights of Los Angeles from your Loews Hollywood room. Gaze out at the sparkling city skyline, the lush Hollywood Hills, or legendary landmarks like the Hollywood Sign, Capitol Records building, and TCL Chinese Theatre – all right outside your window.

Unwind and Recharge at Loews Hollywood

The Loews is a a luxurious hotel with a rooftop pool, spa, and nice restaurants. Soak up the Hollywood sunshine on their stunning fifth-floor pool and terrace. Take a refreshing dip in the heated pool, lounge poolside, and admire the star-studded surroundings.

Feeling energetic? Get your heart pumping with a workout in their sunlit Fitness Center, equipped with modern weight and cardio machines.

Need to catch up on work? Their 24-hour FedEx Business Center is always at your service, ensuring your stay is connected and productive.

Savor California Cuisine with a View at Preston’s

Step into Preston’s, Loews Hollywood’s inviting restaurant on the 2nd-floor mezzanine. Savor California-inspired contemporary American cuisine while taking in vibrant views of the iconic Hollywood scene on Highland Avenue below. The restaurant serves breakfast lunch and dinner. Preston’s is open for breakfast and lunch during the week, and brunch service on weekends. Dinner service is at our lively lobby lounge, H2 Kitchen & Bar in the lobby, which opens daily from 4p-12am, with happy hour from 4-6pm daily. More info here: https://www.loewshotels.com/hollywood-hotel/dining

Check Out The Area

An elevator ride away takes you to Ovation Hollywood where there are plenty of options for family friendly dining, shops and entertainment. Concerts and events are buzzing at the Hollywood Bowl all summer long so be sure to check out their event calendar before you go.

Overall Vibe

The hotel staff were friendly and helpful. The rooms were luxurious and the pool was the perfect temperature to swim in day and night, We loved the proximity to the Ovation Center for activities. Overall it was a beautiful stay and we would love to come back.

Know Before You Go

Loews is pet friendly, family friendly- with an amazing location and upscale offerings. Check out their latest rates here. And check out their well health safety rating. Oh and don’t miss out on their big perk deal with Avis car rentals offering booking rates of 25% off.

3 LA Hikes To Abandoned Ruins

Nuclear war escape tunnels, 127 year old mines, and abandoned zoos. This is what the LA mountains have to offer.

People have come and gone, but the remains of what they left behind can still be seen today. If you consider yourself an adventurer, we’ve got three abandoned places you can hike to this weekend.

Let’s jump right to it!

Shoemaker Canyon Road

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 5 miles

Elevation Gain: 1404 ft

While in the midst of the Cold War,, Los Angelinos feared a nuclear attack from the Soviets. Because there’s only so many exits out of Socal, they decided to build a road through the San Gabriel Mountains. This road is now known as Shoemaker Canyon Rd, named after the Shoemaker Mine.

The road weaves its way through precipitous mountain cliffs, abandoned bee farms, and of course two long tunnels. Construction on the tunnels began in 1956 and was completed in 1964. The project was permanently shut down in 1969 after conservationists and a limited budget dealt the final blow.

Although the tunnels remain a relic of an eerie past, they’ve become a popular hiking destination.

Two bonus drainage tunnels underneath the road add to the excitement, and the parking lot itself boasts a viewpoint of the San Gabriel River and Heaton Flats 500 feet below.

I highly suggest hiking to the tunnels in the spring, fall, or winter. If you visit in the summer, take plenty of water and a hat as there is no shade aside from the two tunnels.

You can also extend the trail by hiking up to Rattlesnake Peak via the same trailhead as Shoemaker.

Old LA Zoo

Distance: 2.5 Miles

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 383 ft

Built in 1912, the Old LA Zoo housed about 15 animals, some of which included bears, bobcats, ostriches, and monkeys. By 1949, the zoo was home to over 1000 animals. However, all was not well.

The zoo was running on an extremely limited budget from the start. Cages were crowded, and some animals lived in less than ideal living conditions.

In 1958 a rally to increase the zoo’s budget was initiated, and in 1966, the Old LA Zoo was abandoned with the opening of the new LA Zoo we all know and love.

You can still explore the spooky Old LA Zoo, which has become a popular hiking destination, especially near Halloween season.

Multiple structures lay side by side in the woodsy hills of Griffith Park, the most iconic being the old polar bear cages. The easy hike consists of a dirt road that boasts amazing views of the Angeles and San Bernardino National Forest.

If you visit on a weekend, you can ride the ferris wheel at the trailhead which was built in 1926 and was the inspiration for Walt’s Disneyland!

Big Horn Mine

Distance: 4 Miles

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 587 ft

The Big Horn Mine was founded in 1895 by Charles Vincent Dougherty (later known as Charles Tom Vincent after killing 3 men in Arizona and fleeing the state) while hunting for bighorn sheep.

The hike begins at Vincent’s Gap and proceeds via a single track crowded by tall pine trees and breathtaking views of Mount San Antonio. Be very careful if you visit shortly after a snowfall as there are certain sections on the trail that get very narrow. Should you slip it’ll be a long way down.

Once you arrive at the mine, you’ll notice the remains of what used to be the building. You can venture inside the structure, but the real fun is inside the mine. The portal (entrance) is located near the back of the building.

Inside the mine, tunnels split into different directions, huge pits litter the area, and the only thing you can hear is the sound of droplets falling from the ceiling. There’s a lake inside the mountain, but you can only see a small portion as the rest of the lake disappears into another adit (tunnel).

When heading back to the trailhead, don’t forget to take a detour and visit Vincent’s cabin which still stands today! Vincent lived by himself in that tiny cabin located about a mile away from the mine.

6 Places to Enjoy in California

California is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. The Golden State has much to offer, from Hollywood movie stars and Beverly Hills mansions to world-class wineries and vineyards. If you are looking for a fantastic vacation or want to experience California’s beauty at home, then this blog post will help you find some fun places that you can enjoy.

Mondos Beach

Mondos Beach is one of the most beautiful and famous beaches in California. This beach offers a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean with its beautiful waves crashing on the shoreline. It is one of those places you can visit to release all your stress and worries away from home. At this beach, you can do a lot of activities such as surfing, enjoying the view and just relaxing your mind. This beach is also known for its long pier that extends up to 2,700 feet. The pier offers a fantastic exclusive view of the Paciocean, and on top of it all, you can even take some amazing pictures with your friends or family.

Leadbetter Beach

This beach is located in Santa Barbara and offers a great view of the Channel Islands. It also has a large parking lot and restrooms for everybody’s convenience. This beach is known for its large waves, and there are no lifeguards on duty at this time, so you should only swim if you know how to swim well enough or when there are lifeguards on duty. If you are looking for a quick activity there are plenty of surf instructors in Santa Barbara willing to teach you at any moment. You can also take a stroll along the shoreline or relax on the sand and watch some surfers trying to catch some waves. There is a large grass area near this beach, which allows you to view the Channel Islands from a different perspective.

Santa Claus Lane

Santa Claus Lane is located in Los Olivos, California. It offers some amazing views of the Santa Ynez Valley and the Pacific Ocean. This place is trendy for its lavender fields. You can visit their lavender festival during early summer, where you can enjoy some live music, great food and walk around this quaint little village. You can also take pictures with the cute little elves that are dressed up in their Santa costumes. There is also a great restaurant where you can stop by for food and drinks called the “Hitching Post.”

Gold Coast Beaches

Gold Coast Beaches are located in Southern California. This place offers some of the most breathtaking views that you will ever see. It has beautiful white sand beaches with clear blue water, perfect for swimming and surfing. There are also restaurants where you can enjoy the superb sunsets while eating dinner. The scenery around this beach is fantastic, and you will most likely never want to leave.

Carpinteria State Beach

Carpinteria State Beach is located in Southern California. This beach offers some fantastic views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. If you are looking for a place where you can relax, then this is it. You can also take your kids to visit the pier since it has an arcade that they’ll surely love to play in. You can also rent a kayak or go for a swim. This beach is very close to the city of Santa Barbara, so you can easily drive there in no time at all.

Hungry Valley State Beach

Hungry Valley State Beach is located in Southern California, near Gorman. If you are looking for a place to go with your family, this is the perfect place. Here, you can enjoy off-roading on their dunes and racing through the trails. There are also great hiking trails where you can spend some time with your friends or family while enjoying the view of nature around you. You will enjoy this beach since it is very secluded, so no restaurants or shops are around. There are also picnic tables that you can bring for your family to sit on while enjoying the view.

Conclusion

There you have it, the top six beaches in California to visit and enjoy. There are many other beautiful places to see and spend some time while visiting this state. If you want an exciting adventure or even an adventurous escape from your daily lives, you should check out these amazing beaches. All of them are very different from each other, but they all offer some amazing views and scenery that you will surely love.

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About The Author

Sheryl Wright is a freelance writer who specializes in digital marketing, inclusive business, and interior design. If she is not at home reading, she is at a farmers market or climbing in the Rockies. She currently lives in Nashville, TN, with her cat, Saturn.

5 Reasons to Move to California in 2021

It is a dream of so many people to move to the west coast, especially to move to the beautiful state of California. People find many reasons to move to the state. Some ranging from the beautiful ocean views and coastline, to the bustling cities, or even the cultural experiences you can achieve there. For those considering a move to California, it’s worth noting that the state offers a myriad of opportunities for entrepreneurs, and learning how to start an LLC in California can be a key first step in building a successful business in this vibrant state.

And moving to California can be affordable. You just need to know where to look. Keep in mind that the average rent varies from different cities. Of course, the average rent in San Diego is different from Los Angeles. If you are in the military you can find a home on the VA approved condo list. Here are five of the best reasons that you should consider moving to California.

Beautiful Weather

California has some of the best weather that you can imagine. And no matter the time of the year, there is always something to do. It is true that the state does receive its fair share of summer rain, and it also does experience droughts from time to time, but the temperature is amazing. Most mornings, as soon as you walk outside, you will see the sun shining and will fear the warm breeze in your hair. This makes it the perfect weather for those who want to spend their days with the windows open or outside in the open air.

Adventure is Out There

California is a state that is full of plenty of opportunities to adventure with you and your family. On the coast, you will find beautiful beaches with the Pacific Coast Highway winding through them, which is actually one of the most beautiful roads in the country. Away from the coast, you will find hiking and exploration opportunities throughout the many mountains, valleys, and desert areas. You can visit Hollywood, Disneyland, San Diego, and even San Francisco in the state; so the possibilities are truly endless of what you can venture out and do.

Culture in Abundance

California is a very multicultural state, making it perfect for you to be able to experience a variety of cultural events. You can attend shows, museums, stores, and more that showcase and represent the various cultures that are found throughout the state. There are so many delicious food options for you to pamper yourself with too, ranging from some of the best food trucks to the best fine dining experiences. You are likely to be able to find a restaurant that represents almost any culture that you can possibly think of here.

Educational Priority

California is a great place for you to move to with your family too as the schools are known for offering some of the best education. Your child will receive great education all the way through college if they stay in California as well. There are many universities in the state that are known for being some of the top that you can attend in the entirety of the United States. When combining the offerings at all of these universities, you or your child can pursue a career in virtually any industry that you can think of.

Healthy Choices

The final reason that you should consider moving to California is the variety of healthy living choices that are available. There are many outdoor activities so that you can achieve the exercise that you need ranging from going on hikes as aforementioned to going surging. There are a variety of communities found throughout the state that are meant to help you in your pursuit of a healthier lifestyle too. Natural and organic foods are a priority, and farms throughout the state help to supply the foods in many of the grocery stores and restaurants.

Final Thoughts

California is not only a great state to visit for a vacation, as it is a great place to move to. There is some type of entertainment option for everyone in your family whether it be an amusement park or driving on the Pacific Coast Highway. You will find many exercises and outdoor options among the delicious foods due to the perfect weather that exists in the state. The culture is sure to draw you in as well as California is truly a diverse location that is a melting pot of a variety of different peoples.

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10 Signs You Might Be A California Girl At Heart

Whether you grew up on the gold coast or not, when you think of California, you think of creativity, adventure, and good-looking people. It’s a vacation destination and a place many people dream of someday living. For those of us who grew up there, it will forever be home.

Here are some indicators that you would fit right in with all of the Cali babes:

1. You love a good sunset.

There’s nothing like watching a sunset develop over the ocean. As long as there is a sunset, there’s something to do in California. Grab some blankets, In N Out to go and chill with friends on the beach.

2. Your favorite hairstyle is loose waves.

You know those beach waves you took forever trying to create with your curling iron? Well, in California there’s a much simpler step that involves salt water and the ocean air-drying your hair. It feels dirty and gross, but it looks so effortlessly chic.

3. You have an affinity for burgers.

We are very picky when it comes to burgers and because of that; we are very protective of in n out. Every burger place we eat at is compared to it, harshly. We never get sick of burgers and we can eat them even if we get sand in them.

Californians to burgers is Squidward to Crabby patties, but we don’t avoid them. We seek them out.

4. You have a wide array of interests.

California offers an exciting active day of hiking or surfing and an equally exciting nightlife with a short drive to the nearest city.

This state is beachy and relaxed; fast-paced and exciting. It’s the best of both worlds. It’s for the person who’s always going but likes to slow down. You come here and you have so many choices; every night can be different.

5. You’re an avid coffee drinker.

You may think that’s a Seattle thing, but Californians love coffee. We love to take iced coffees to the beach, and we love to get hot vanilla lattes when the weather falls below 70.

6. You have a low tolerance for cold weather.

White Christmas sounds good in theory, but it’s much nicer to lay out on the beach in the middle of December. We are so spoiled with this weather; if it’s 65 degrees or lower, everybody will wear parkas and beanies and complain.

If the sky is cloudy, so are we.

7. You are attracted to men with hair that is almost longer than yours.

Surfers, hippies, rock stars with bright pants; we have it all. Although these types of guys are very different, they share a similar hairstyle. So it’s in your best interest to dig it.

Imagine the long locks coming out of the ocean blowing in slow motion; It’s like dating a merman.

8. Your car is messy.

California is the land of people who practically live out of their cars. It’s amazing how a day can start off overcast and ugly, then in a couple of hours it’s clear, and it’s beach time. You have to be prepared with your beach attire. Your car turns into a moving closet.

A messy, dirty moving closet. Sand will stick on your floorboards and in your seats forever, but the smell of the ocean never gets old.

9. You love seafood.

If you are craving seafood all you have to do is drive towards the coast and you’ll hit the best seafood places the whole country has to offer. The closer you are to the coast the better. Fish tacos as far as the eye can see. It’s beautiful.

10. You enjoy the simple things in life.

California can be thrilling and there is always something to do, but the something isn’t always so fast-paced or intense.

We like to keep it simple too: Taco Tuesdays, Movies in the park, farmer’s markets, brunch dates, bird watching, whale watching Los Angeles tour. We have all the activities that relax you and make you really appreciate what life has to offer.

30 Signs You’re, Like, Totally From California

30 signs you have California in your veins:

Like, even though you hate, like, living up to a stereotype, you, like, say the word “like?? a lot.
“Dude.?? That’s something you sprinkle into every sentence. Dude, just own it.
Speaking of speaking, the “California accent?? can best be described by making statements into questions? You know, kind of like this? Bringing everything you say up a few octaves? At the end?
If you’re a true native, you don’t call California “Cali.??
Orange County is not “the OC?? Come on, people!
San Francisco is not “Cisco.?? Use shorthand like this and you might as well be wearing a tropical flower shirt with a fanny pack, binoculars, and a stack of post cards sticking out of your front pocket.
No matter which part of California you’re from, people from other states will assume that you’re from Hollywood.
Of course you recycle! Is there any other way to live?
To you, earthquakes are as ho-hum as scrolling through everyone’s baby pictures on Throwback-Thursday #tbt, but when it rains? Watch out. By the way Californians react to a rainy day forecast, you’d think the rain was made of acid.
Your guacamole recipe is so much better than everyone’s everywhere.
You know you’re a California native when you know what this means – “Hey – take the 405 to the 73 to the 5 to the 55, or you can take the 73 most of the way, but it’ll cost you your first born.??
If you’re from SoCal, going on an audition as a kid is a rite of passage. You almost definitely chose to sing, “Tomorrow, tomorrow?? like Little Orphan Annie for the vocal portion of the audition.
You never miss an opportunity to gloat to your out-of-towner friends that you have In-N-Out Burger and they don’t.
You’ve written a screenplay.
You are a gluten-free-dairy-free vegan – or if you’re not, you have been at some point or will be in the future.
You think New Yorkers are jerks.
Someone from your middle school only attended half days because he spent the other half of the school day shooting something for the Disney Channel.
Your waiter is an out of work actor.
So is your chiropractor.
And your mechanic.
If the weather gets below 60, you bust out with the ski jacket, because it’s FREEZING.
Chances are you have probably seen or lived near somewhere affected by a wildfire.
You have done or are currently doing a juice cleanse.
Driving anywhere else in the U.S., you feel like you’re in the twilight zone because people, like, let you over, and wave thank you and crazy-friendly nonsense like that.
You are equally adept at skiing and surfing and you’ll probably do a bit of both before next year rolls around. Lace up that ski jacket!
You grew up keeping a close eye on your small dogs when they stepped out to do their business in fear of looming coyotes.
Your teacup dog has its own circle of peers. They hooked up in Doggie Yoga.
People who know you describe you as “outdoorsy.?? How’d you get that way? Um….you grew up with perfect weather every day of your life? Hello? (Minus that one terrifying day it rained)
You have more than a handful of selfies you took with sea lions from your last trip up the Pacific Coast Highway.
Whether you’re from NorCal or SoCal, you claim your half of the state is the best. And you’re both right.