So much still to do!! Yeah, I’ll probably fit in a club and a restaurant or two, but as the bustling month of December rushes by, I’m trying to cram in all of my favorite hot spots for holiday magic. Inevitably I’ll reach January and think “Damn! I meant to do that!” but that won’t stop me from trying. So here’s the condensed version of my “To Do” list:
Zoo Drive, just off of Los Feliz, headed north toward the zoo. Many folks with kids have already figured this one out. The power company puts up this dazzling display of holiday lights that stretches on for about a mile. Oncoming traffic is blocked off and you drive slowly, or walk, through a myriad of twinkling images as carols play around you. If you bring some travel cups of hot chocolate and a few butter cookies, that adds to the festive atmosphere, and if you walk, a flask might be just the thing to keep you toasty warm. And for crying out loud, it’s free!
The Grove, 3rd and Fairfax. Much as I hate to be the pawn of such a carefully planned commercial trap, I can’t resist. That towering 100’ high real tree that smells so good, the shimmering array of overhead holiday lights, the roaming carolers, the fountain blasting up in time to the music, and, of course, the nightly “snow” (actually soap suds, I think, so don’t catch those flakes on your tongue, but they are lovely)… Feels like walking into a Christmas card. I swear, this place is like something you’d find in Disneyland – there’s Fantasyland, Adventureland, and Consumerismland, which is how I think of the Grove. Except unlike D-land, there’s no obscene entrance fee to make you feel raped and pillaged before you even buy your first $5 ice cream cone, and though there isn’t much in the way of rides, the one ride there is , the double-decked trolley, is free.
Mile of Christmas Trees, Santa Rosa Ave., between Woodbury Av. and Altadena Dr., Altadena. Ten thousand lights deck this stately old grove of Cedar trees, and this enchanting display has been designated a historical landmark. Another freebee that just can’t be beat. Great for young and old alike, and mercifully free of commercial crap.
I realize that this magical season isn’t just about fun and revelry, or savoring the holiday spirit with loved ones, or even taking the time to reflect upon ones spiritual beliefs and the real meaning of the season, as important as all that is. No, when you get right down to it, so much of the season is about bloody shopping, and torturing yourself trying to find that gift that sums up your indescribable love (or mild fondness, in some cases) for someone in a damn material item, which is essentially impossible, but for some senseless stupid reason none of us can stop trying. So here are a few of my favorite creative Hot Spots for Holiday Shopping, which I’ll share with you as long as you don’t use any of them on my friends.
Chinatown. Oh my gosh it never disappoints. And though L.A.’s isn’t as good as San Francisco’s, still, you get things here that you won’t find anywhere else in town, and they’re mega cheap (without looking “cheap”). I suggest making a list of people you want to buy for and then letting the colorful, riotous array around you feed you with ideas. You’ll find gifts you never thought of, and stuff they definitely won’t find at the mall. And don’t miss that huge building on the East side of Broadway, about halfway down the main drag. You head in there and you never know what you’ll find or where you’ll come out, but wow, it’s like the Asian version of Alice down the rabbit hole. Man I love it. And we always come out downstairs at the pet shop, where you can admire albino boas or surly tarantula’s, and hold trembling baby chicks and ducklings in your hands. And then grab a great lunch that won’t eat up your shopping budget, just avert your eyes from the letter grade in the window!
Trader Joes. Yes, the common ground for all of us. And really, there are so many holiday cookie boxes, exotic chocolates, nut arrays, and wines, that you can always grab something here that anyone will like.
BevMo. For the tequila drinkers on your list – do you know they’re selling Cabo Wabo for $36 bucks?! Seriously, that’s a hell of a deal for a really good, buttery smooth tequila. It’s cheaper than the Petron, and far less harsh.
Antonio’s, 7470 Melrose Ave. Or if you want to go all out and NOT get a deal, buy a bottle Antonio’s tequilla: smooth like liquid gold and waaay to easy to drink, but at the moment only available at their restaurant and breaking $100 bucks for a bottle, ouch! Course, it will last longer than a bottle of Dom.
Amazon. Yeah, we all shop here, and it saves a ton of gas too. My number one gift this year that nobody has but everybody will love: the “One Giant Leap” CD. World music, I suppose you’d call it, but this one speaks to the soul. Nobody has it or has even heard of it but everybody will love it, no matter what kind of music they’re into. I’m embarrassed to admit, I can honestly play this CD seven straight times without ever getting sick of it.
Amid all the rushing, shopping, and madness, I truly hope that you’ll make the time to savor those timeless moments with loved ones, and fully appreciate the gifts that cannot be bought.
I wish you all a wonderful holiday!
If you have a Hot Spot you think I should check out email me care of All Access Magazine at: ALLACCESSMGZN@aol.com Attn: Hot Spots
Or write to: All Access Magazine, Attn: Hot Spots, 15981 Yarnell St., Ste. 122, Rancho Cascades, CA 91342
