Whether you’re a resident or visitor, when you enter the two lobbies at Circa, it’s hard to contain your amazement at the stunning reception and lounge areas. Designed by HansonLA, an architecture, interior, and urban design practice located in downtown Los Angeles, the lobbies’ soaring ceilings and opulent marble finishes exude sophistication and luxury. But perhaps the most striking design elements are the undulating feature walls.
HansonLA notes that Circa’s design expression culminates in the sculptural shapes of the feature walls in the two main lobbies. Each wall is a single material pushed to its assembly limits in a merger of digital and hand craftsmanship. This approach carries through the project via a flow of color, pattern and textures.
The interior design for Circa purposefully integrates the design of the public spaces with that of the 648 living units. The mixed communal and individual organization is made luxurious through the custom application of premier finishes and European fixtures.
HansonLA’s strong principles come together to create comprehensive solutions for their clients, each showcasing conscious and meticulous design, such as the details seen Circa’s lobby wall design. Led by Douglas Hanson, AIA, the award winning design firm has an established reputation for integrating innovative design with the functional and technical requirements of each project. Their design philosophy looks for the synergies of a project and finds focus in its shared interests. The firm values making good use of space, maximizing resources, and drawing personality out of simple forms, creating beauty through familiar materials.
HansonLA has a portfolio of over forty national and international projects that include cultural, commercial, mixed-use, and residential types that range in scale from object to urban campus. It provides comprehensive architectural services, from pre-design and programming, to design and documentation, to construction and project management. It also offers expertise in brand coordination, design research, and master planning. Photo: Douglas Hanson AIA, Project Architect, for the Guggenheim Bilbao by Frank Gehry and Associates.
We could all use a breath of fresh air these days, and what could be more rejuvenating than a picnic. Sharing a meal al fresco with family and friends is a great way to slow down, relax, and commune with nature. And food just seems to taste better when enjoyed outdoors! If you’re celebrating a special occasion or planning a romantic soirée, consider booking a curated picnic. A professional picnic company will create a custom experience, including location, menu, decor, set up and pack down, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy. Or just grab a pretty picnic basket or insulated backpack, fill it with your favorite goodies, and head out to a local DTLA park. We’ve rounded up some great resources near Circa for you, and all the picnic people in your life.
Hollywood Picnics is an event company specializing in tailored picnic experiences, Hollywood style. Born of an adventurous heart and a need to offer something different and authentic, they offer a dining experience by creating romantic, moody picnics that will make you feel like you are sitting on a rooftop in Europe or in Central Park. They tailor picnics for any event and have a catalog of locations with views and peace. Through their Hollywood style set ups, they aspire to immerse you in a tranquil and inspiring space where you get the chance to relax, connect, and enjoy the moment with your loved ones. Book your picnic HERE
Picnic Party LA creates personally curated pop-up picnics for life’s celebrations. Pick the package that best fits your experience and select from their add-ons to take your picnic to the next level. Choose your location, whether at home, by the beach or in the city, and they’ll set up your experience and make sure it’s ready upon arrival. They also check to see if permits are necessary in order to host an event at a particular location. All you do is show up and they do the rest so you can soak in the experience. Picnic Party staff return afterwards to pack and clean at the end of your picnic. Book your perfect picnic HERE
The Picnic Collective specializes in styled, customized picnics for a luxury outdoor social experience. They take care of the set-up and pack down, so all you have to do is arrive with your guests for a care-free, memorable experience. The Picnic Collective rekindles the magical tradition of beautiful handmade picnics as you savor the ceremony of delicious food from a traditional wicker basket, shared in great company in California’s beautiful natural settings. From a romantic dinner for two and group gatherings to bespoke themes or unusual locations, their fine picnic dining experiences use locally-sourced seasonal ingredients that reconnect you to the pure joy of food. Book HERE
Grand Park, with its majestic views extending from the Music Center to City Hall, provides Angelenos a place where they can come together to celebrate, reflect, and and play. Throughout Grand Park, open spaces are available for casual sitting, leisurely strolling, and dining al fresco. Grand Park has four distinct areas featuring amenities ranging from a restored historic Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain with a new wade-able membrane pool, a small intimate performance lawn, a community terrace planted with drought-tolerant specimen plants, and a grand event lawn.
Often referred to as the “Central Park of Los Angeles,” the 34-acre green space is situated next to the Chinatown Metro Gold Line stop, at the midpoint of an evolving 52-mile Los Angeles River greenway. Formerly referred to as “the Cornfield” by locals, the park is now home to grassland, orange trees, public art, and a mile-long run/walk trail. Park visitors can wander pathways and enjoy a view of downtown, as well as discover and celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of Los Angeles. You can run, walk, ride a bike, have a picnic, fly a kite and even look for urban wildlife, such as birds traveling down the Pacific flyway.
Located at the western gateway to Downtown Los Angeles, 10.5-acre Vista Hermosa Park is an urban natural park that boldly returns the serenity and diversity of nature to the Los Angeles urban core. Operated in collaboration with the Los Angeles Unified School District and the City of Los Angeles, the park features walking trails, streams, meadows, oak savannahs, picnic grounds, and a nature-themed playground amidst native Mediterranean vegetation.
Life’s a picnic! Embrace it with the Providence Woven Picnic Basket, which is finely woven with genuine willow and detailed with faux leather handles. The nautical navy-and-white striped interior makes it perfect for maritime and mainland adventures alike. Ideal for a day date or get together with friends, the basket is fully outfitted for two or four. Buy at Pottery Barn HERE
With its highly functional design, sleek looks and service for four, the Frontier Picnic Backpack is every adventurer’s dream. Constructed of cationic dyed polyester and 420D polyester with faux nylon webbing, this 2-tiered backpack has adjustable padded straps, a heat sealed cooler on the bottom, and a dry compartment on top. Just fill it up and strap it to your back. Buy at Pottery Barn HERE
DTLA CheeseGrand Central Market Stall A-7 317 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013
DTLA Cheese has introduced The Picnic Pack. This fanciful snackable cheese plate is the perfect thing to take to the park and share with friends. The Picnic Pack includes four cheeses, BobbySue’s candied nuts, corn nuts, cornichons, sweets peps, dried fruit, pear balsamic jam, beurre de baratte, marou mini chocolate bar, and a baguette. All that for $35, with an option to add salami. Available to order online for curbside pickup.
Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner. Time to round up your crew and head out for some soul satisfying Mexican food, washed done with a frosty Margarita or two, along with a shot of premium tequila or rare mezcal. Not far from Circa, you’ll find El Pueblo de Los Angeles, the birthplace of Los Angeles, which is now a historical monument, home to museums, exhibits, and the world famous Olvera Street marketplace. DTLA is also boasts some of the city’s most iconic and award-winning Mexican restaurants, rooftop oases, and craft cocktail bars, serving everything from traditional cuisine to chef-driven menus. Check website for opening hours, reservations and health & safety guidelines.
Olvera StreetEl Pueblo de Los Angeles 125 Paseo de la Plaza Los Angeles, CA 90012
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the birthplace of Los Angeles – El Pueblo de Los Angelest. Founded in 1781, El Pueblo de la Reina de Los Angeles (the Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels) is now a historical monument, home to free museums, exhibits, and the world famous Olvera Street marketplace. Olvera Street is now open for shopping and take-out dining. Casa La Golondrina Mexican Cafe, a historic landmark, offers authentic Mexican cuisine and fresh margaritas made with real fruits including strawberry, mango, cucumber and more.
Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, Las Perlas is happy to announce that they will be reopening for patio service on May 3. The nation’s first mezcal bar, Las Perlas was established in 2010 in the historic Sante Fe building the DTLA Arts District. This Oaxacan style cantina exists as a living tribute to Mexico’s native spirit, mezcal, with the finest selection of more than 400 premium agave spirits in the United States. Las Perlas cocktails arrive garnished with everything from wild hibiscus flowers to the Oaxacan delicacy of spicy, roasted chapulinas, while also offering ice cold Mexican cerveza.
Join Pez Cantina for an exclusive event with Trejos Tacos on Thursday, May 6th from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm. Ticket Includes Three-Course Meal created by Pez Cantina and Trejos Tacos. There’ll be a Taco Eating Contest judged by Danny Trejos, along with live music, prizes and giveaways. Pez Cantina is a sustainable Coastal Mexican-style restaurant and bar serving the freshest sea-to-land dishes in an oasis-type atmosphere. The menu focuses on dishes from the many distinct regions of Mexico, from Baja, to Oaxaca and the Yucatan Peninsula. A fine-tuned selection of bright and eclectic cocktails, California-focused wine list and craft beers, round out the Pez Cantina menu.
Broken Shaker Freehand Hotel 416 W. 8th St., Los Angeles, CA 90014
An oasis in the heart of Downtown LA, Broken Shaker, located on the Freehand Hotel rooftop pool deck, offers an eclectic menu of handcrafted cocktails and small bites. A James Beard Award finalist and winner of Tales of the Cocktail’s Best American Hotel Bar award, Broken Shaker serves up delicious cocktails, infused with homemade elixirs and exotic ingredients, bringing the flavors of the beach to the center of the city. Reservations for pool and Broken Shaker are required.
From a popular food truck, Guerilla Tacos has evolved to a contemporary restaurant and bar specializing in great margaritas and other craft cocktials, along with world-class dishes inspired by the flavors of the city, made with local ingredients and served on a tortilla. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo on their festive outdoor paito. All of the proceeds from select items on May 5 will go to Save the Children.
The sister location of Terraza Cha Cha Chá in Mexico City, LA Cha Cha Chá recently opened in a chic outdoor rooftop space in the Arts District. The restaurant offers gorgeous views of DTLA and a notable menu by Mexico City-born, LA-raised chef Alejandro Guzman. There are traditional starters like aguachile and ceviche, but also chicharos de sierra with fresh peas, serrano aioli, and crispy potato – a revamped family recipe. Cha Cha Cha ioffers a tacos and tostada menu, along with more substantial dishes like grilled fish, charcoal roasted chicken, and a pork shoulder confit carnitas with braised beans and pico de gallo.
Veranda Al FrescoHotel Figueroa 939 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015
Chef AJ McCloud is serving an authentic Mexico City-inspired menu, befitting the tropical vibe at Veranda Al Fresco, DTLA’s urban oasis at Hotel Figueroa. Discover a tasty, simple street taco menu paired with an intriguing selection of craft cocktails. Salud y buen provecho!
The name that says it all. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Mezcalero, a small, laid-back joint in the heart of DTLA. These homey digs present a dizzying selection of mezcal. tequila and other agave spirits, along with craft beer and Mexican street food. The down to earth staff, lead by mixologist Nathan McCullough, loves sharing and shaking up our cocktails while generating a welcoming environment for all. Mezcalero offers daily happy hour specials, Open for dine-in, delivery and takeout. Salud!
This Tex Mex hot spot will tingle your tummy with specialities like fideo and borracho beans with cilantro and pork belly, simmering on the stove. Chef Josef Centeno created Bar Amá as his interpretation of the food he was nurtured on by the women who raised him, and the menu reflects that comfortable sense of home. The bar offers a great selection of tequilas and mezcals, along with absinthe, whiskey, gin, beer, wine, and more. Open for pickup, delivery and patio dining.
Did you know that downtown Los Angeles was once the epicenter of a thriving Little Italy? LA’s earliest Italian enclave, dating back to the 19th century, was located near the Los Angeles Plaza, at what is now El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. A great place to learn more about this fascinating history is the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, located in the historic Italian Hall, which was constructed in 1908 to serve as a gathering place for the Italian community.
Just a short distance from Circa, the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles will be reopening soon to the public. But you don’t have to wait to savor the flavor of Italy. From authentic trattorias to handmade organic pasta cucinas, and chef-driven ristorantes, you’ll find some of the best Italian restaurants in DTLA. Now that’s amore! Check websites for reservations and health guidelines.
Arts District darling Bestia is open and accepting reservations in accordance with LA city guidelines. Owned and operated by husband and wife Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis, the menu features a generous selection of authentic Italian stalwarts such as antipasti, pizzas, pasta, secondi (fish, lamb, steak), finished off with dolci (mascarpone rice pudding, crème fraîche panna cotta, and bar au chocolat bittersweet chocolate budino tart). Buon appetito!
RossobluCity Market South 1124 San Julian St. Los Angeles, CA 90015
Rossoblu is open for dining on their heated outdoor patio. The restaurant tells the story of the two places Chef Steve Samson considers home – Los Angeles and Bologna, Italy. The menu features handmade pastas, fresh produce, and an extensive in-house butchery and salumi program. The wine list offers unique Italian and Californian varietals. At its core, Rossoblu is a true family-owned and operated restaurant, with Steve’s wife Dina helming the operations and long time friend and partner Hans Luttmann leading a team that has become family.
Located in the heart of the DTLA Arts District, The Factory Kitchen is a trattoria in a reclaimed factory space serving traditional Italian fare, including delicate house-made pastas, fresh seafood and focaccinas. The Factory Kitchen is open for outdoor dining on their spacious patio. You may also dine indoors with limited seating. Reserve online at Open Table.
A multi-regional Italian Osteria by Chef Angelo Auriana and Matteo Ferdinandi, BRERA Ristorante is a hybrid of an informal osteria with rather formal cooking in an elegant setting. A concept influenced by the artsy-cool BRERA neighborhood in Milan Italy, it displays Chef Angelo’s personal culinary identity that emphasizes on the importance of the highest quality fresh ingredients and the use of cooking techniques that are meant to highlight their true flavors, presented in a minimalistic way. BRERA is open for outdoor dining. Limited seating is now available indoors and must be reserved on OpenTable.
Maddalena Restaurant is a popular trattoria-style restaurant located within the San Antonio Winery in downtown Los Angeles. They offer a variety of freshly made Italian entrées that range from fresh pastas, grilled meats, gourmet salads and sandwiches, along with seasonal wine flights from their winery. Enjoy outdoor dining in their patio garden or inside with limited seating.
Maccheroni Republic specializes in handmade fresh organic pasta, crafted daily in-house using organic flour and organic semolina. In addition to a variety of authentic Italian pasta dishes, the restaurant serves an array of fresh appetizers, salads, sweets, and an extensive wine and beer list. No reservations required. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.
Drago Centro is one of downtown LA’s premier dining destination for fans of authentic Italian Sicilian cuisine with an innovative edge and impeccable service, Executive Chef Celestino Drago’s menu is delectably approachable and features a signature selection of innovatory Italian dishes including house-made pastas, savory steaks and elegant desserts. Complemented by managing partner Piero Selvaggio’s extraordinary personalized service and unprecedented wine knowledge, this exclusive team brings satisfaction to any palate, while creating an indelible experience showcasing the essence and magic of Drago Centro’s outdoor dining patio.
Colori Kitchen is a small neighborhood restaurant located in a petite storefront on 8th Street in the Downtown Historic District, offering country-style dining reminiscent of an authentic Italian trattoria. Chef Luigi Barducci Contessi, along with his wife Paola, serve top quality homemade Italian food at affordable prices, adding to people’s dining experience the warmth, and of course a bit of the drama, that only a real Italian family can offer. Open for dine-in with limited space. Walk ins are welcome.
Did you know that Los Angeles County encompasses six different American Viticultural Areas or AVAs? The AVA on a wine label indicates the specific geographical area a wine comes from and where the grapes are grown. Los Angeles has a storied history of wine-making – in fact, LA was once called the “city of vines.” Commercial winemaking began in downtown Los Angeles in 1833 when Jean-Louis Vignes built his winery near what is now Union Station. Throughout the 19th century, many acres of grapevines grew right where contemporary landmarks now stand, such as the Bradbury Building and Angels Flight, and a number of downtown streets are named after old winemakers. Today you can visit artisanal wineries throughout the region, including Pasadena, Santa Clarita, Bel Air, Malibu, and even DTLA. Check websites for opening hours and health guidelines.
Wine lovers rejoice. Circa kitchens, in select residences, come equipped with under-counter wine storage to keep your bottles at the optimal temperature.
Our stylish kitchen island is the perfect spot for you to conduct your own wine tastings at home – with an epic view.
Malibu Family Wines specializes in crafting unforgettable experiences around premium wines. With 70,000 vines on the 1,000 acre Semler Family ranch nestled in the hills of Malibu, Malibu Family Wines produces over 12 different varietals between the Semler and Saddlerock brands. Perfectly positioned at the crest of the Santa Monica Mountains, the vineyards are quite unique, and the rocky terrain and steep south facing slopes provide the ideal environment for growing premium wine grapes.
Malibu Wine Hikes promotes getting outdoors and being healthy while learning about vitaculture, enology and local conservation efforts. Hike through the vineyards, see some incredible views, explore Chumash cave paintings and more. The hike covers about 2 miles in total, so make sure you have your walking shoes on and bring a water bottle. Make reservations HERE
Moraga Vineyards is one of the most unique wine estates in California. Located at a 550-900 foot elevation in the Santa Monica Mountains in the Los Angeles community of Bel Air, the winery and vineyard is the source of remarkably refined wines that perfectly reflect a union of distinctive terroir and the gentle guidance of focused winemaking. Throughout its history, the wines of Moraga Bel Air have been coveted and highly praised by wine experts such as Robert Parker, Jr. of The Wine Advocate. Since 2013, the winery has been owned by Rupert Murdoch, who has made the property his West Coast home and is committed to carrying on the legacy of producing top quality wine from one of California’s most unique estate wineries.
Pasadena’s only working winery, family-run Old Oak Cellars brings 20+ years of skilled winemaking traditions to the LA region. Old Oak is dedicated to the creation of award-winning artisan red and white Bordeaux style wines made from vineyards in Northern California’s famous Alexander Valley. After the grapes are harvested, the young wine is then aged and blended to perfection, spending time in stainless steel tanks before heading into a mixture of French, European and American oak barrels. Old Oak’s winemakers spend time getting to know the flavor development of the wines, sometimes blending different varietals for the utmost in flavor and intensity.
When Jasper Dickson and Amy Luftig Viste founded Angeleno Wine Company in 2019 – the first winery in the city of Los Angeles since Prohibition – they wanted to reconnect with the city’s winemaking tradition, one that many Angelenos know nothing about. With a focus on unique varietals, Angeleno Wine Company aims to push the boundaries of what Southern California wine growing can be, working with small vineyards in the beautiful, remote corners of Los Angeles County such as Agua Dulce and the Antelope Valley. Angeleno Wine Company is open for to-go wine pick-ups and deliveries.
San Antonio Winery 737 Lamar St. Los Angeles, CA 90031
A historical landmark since 1965, San Antonio Winery remains the oldest and largest producing winery in Los Angeles with over 100 years of winemaking, making it an essential component of the city’s cultural and historical landscape. Founded in 1917 by Santo Cambianica, the winery continues to be a family-owned and operated business, with four generations of the Riboli Family. Although the winery experience looks a little different during these unprecedented times, you can expect the same welcoming hospitality, authentic Italian cuisine, and seasonal wine flights to enjoy on their outdoor patio.
Pali Wine Co. 811 Traction Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90013
Take a seat and have a sip on the open patio at Pali Wine Co. in LA’s buzzing Arts District. Founded in 2005 with the intent to produce Burgundy-inspired wines from California’s Central Coast, Pali Wine Co. now consists of three brands with distinct focuses. The original Pali brand focuses on premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sourced primarily from Pali’s own Santa Rita Hills and Sonoma vineyards. The newest brand, Neighborhood Winery, specializes in interesting blends that often push the boundaries of conventional wine flavor profiles. All wines are meticulously crafted at Pali’s Lompoc-based winery under the direction of its long-time winemaker, Aaron Walker.
If you want to take a fun day trip, Agua Dulce Winery is a 90 acre, family owned and operated winery and vineyard located just 45 minutes north of downtown Los Angeles. Open now for outdoor dining, reserve your seat in advance and select your bottle of locally sourced wine. Wines from Agua Dulce Winery have won multiple medals in several national wine competitions, recognized for their hand-crafted approach to wine making, along with a vineyard blessed with natural soils, climatic and geographic advantages unique to the Sierra Pelona Valley.
Now that the weather is getting warmer, we’re starting to eat different, swapping out wintry comfort foods for lighter, fresher fare. You’ll find a bounty of culinary inspiration nearby Circa, at local farmers markets and shops specializing in delicious produce and artisanal food items. The Southland Farmers’ Market Association is a great resource for discovering what fruits and vegetables are in season in the coming months. Toss yourself a fruit salad dressed with locally-produced honey. Roast up a pan of mixed vegetables, brushed with an excellent olive oil and garnished with fresh herbs. Or experiment with steamed mixed greens, spiked with zesty condiments, garlic, and scallions. From Grand Central Market to specialty grocery stores and open air markets, you’ll get a fresh outlook when you shop for produce in DTLA. Check websites for opening hours and health guidelines.
Billing itself the “Biggest little market in the Arts District,” family-owned GROW specializes in food that is as local, organic and sustainable as possible. In addition to farm fresh fruits and vegetables, they recently partnered with The Bread Lounge to offer deli sandwiches. You’ll also find GROW salads, side dishes, cold pressed juice, soups, and more. Shop in-store or order online for home delivery HERE
Located in the Los Angeles Flower District, The Wall Farmers Market provides a chef-centric selection of high quality, certified farm fresh produce that benefits and supports California small and mid-sized farms. The Wall Farmers Market helps build the health and overall quality of the community in which we work, live and play in DTLA. Open Saturdays 9am-2pm. Parking structures are located on Maple Street and San Julian Avenue.
Gather inspiration and fresh ingredients at the 7th Street Produce Market, a five-acre open air market located at ROW DTLA. 7th Street Produce Market is an evolution of the historic LA Terminal Market, celebrating the community of workers that has fueled the city’s vibrant food culture for over 100 years. The market continues to be a major hub for produce distribution across the region. Open to the public Monday – Saturday.
Torres ProduceGrand Central Market Stall D-7 317 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013
A downtown landmark since 1917, Grand Central Market, brings together the cuisines and cultures of LA. If you’re shopping for fresh produce, be sure to visit Torres Produce, a produce stand offering a fresh selection of seasonal fruit and vegetables.
Valeria’sGrand Central Market Stall D-6 317 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013
Kick your cooking up a notch with some zesty ingredients. Valeria’s specializes in Latin dry goods, offering an extensive selection of dried chilies, spices, and beans, as well as fresh moles, New Mexico pine nuts, dried bacalao, and canned specialties.
The Historic Core Farmers Market reflects the incredibly diverse community in the Historic Core. In addition to fruits and vegetables, you’ll find local honey, farm fresh eggs (free range and sprout-fed); breakfast and brunch items; sweet pastries and empanadas; Mediterranean dips and spreads; flowers; dog food and pooch products. Along with fresh local groceries, there’s a selection of prepared food and drinks including fresh juices and lemonade, coffee, tacos, breakfast burritos, pupusas, and much more. Open every Sunday 9am-3pm.
Located beneath the Eighth & Grand residences, this expansive 41,000 square foot Whole Food Market is designed to meet the needs of local residents, professionals and businesses. In addition to fresh produce, groceries, staples, and prepared foods, Whole Foods stocks over 1,000 hand-picked wines. On-site eateries include Downtown LA Juice Bar, Downtown LA Sandwich, Downtown Pizzeria, Downtown Smokehouse, Taqueria, and WFM Coffee Bar. Check online for takeout details. Grocery delivery is available on Amazon Prime.
The 2021 Vernal Equinox is March 20, marking the first day of Spring. Now is the perfect time to get out and commune with nature. According to recent research, experiencing awe in nature has a powerful effect on emotional well-being, including less stress in our daily lives and boosting healthy feelings of compassion and gratitude. One of the most coveted features at Circa is the two-acre private rooftop park and amenity collection, offering residents plenty of greenery and spaces to retreat, gather and entertain. But beyond the comfort of home, we’ve rounded up some wonderful ways to add some awe to your routine, including bird watching trails, a butterfly pavilion, outdoor art installations, and a bounty of spring blooms. We even found some apps to enhance your experience of nature. Check websites for hours, advance ticket sales, and health guidelines.
Experience Descanso’s bloom boom! Descanso Gardens celebrates all nature has to offer in the late winter and early spring. Currently blooming you’ll find Descanso’s iconic cherry blossoms, camellias, crabapples, daffodils, tulips, California poppies, and lilacs. Colorful flowers are a sure sign of spring, but not the only one. The birds of Descanso mark spring by making their homes in the garden. As you explore Descanso, look for special areas from the Promenade to the Oak Woodland marked with the Signs of Spring logo. There you will find displays both educational and artistic, including works by artist David Lovejoy. They’ll invite you to explore birds, nests, blooms, and all the signs of spring. Advance tickets required for non-members.
Butterflies are taking flight at the Natural History Museum. Walk among beautiful butterflies in the seasonal Butterfly Pavilion. This springtime exhibition features hundreds of butterflies, colorful native plants, and plenty of natural light to help you see these creatures shimmer. With lots of flight space and a variety of resting spots, you’ll have one of the best views in Los Angeles of these amazing insects. Enter through the North Entrance and enjoy a stroll through the beautiful Nature Gardens on the way to the Butterfly Pavilion. All guests are required to reserve all tickets in advance for the Butterfly Pavilion and parking.
Need to unwind your mind? Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens was established by the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness as a non-profit center dedicated to peace and spirituality. Called a “Spiritual Oasis in the City,” its purpose is to provide a place for people to take time out of their busy lives to visit, reflect, and be rejuvenated by the peace and solace of nature. The centerpiece of the property is an outdoor stone labyrinth, using the same design as the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth. The spectacular Asian-themed meditation garden presents sixteen water features, a koi pond, and intimate seating areas tucked away to reflect, repose, meditate, while a pergola and courtyard gardens offer additional areas to enjoy.
Nestled in a wooded canyon with a small stream, the Griffith Park Bird Sanctuary and Trail offers views of many species of birds in their natural habitat. This short hike offers great views and connects to a wider system of trails. The bird community represents most of the rich diversity found in the Santa Monica Mountains. More than 200 species have been recorded over the years, and around 150 are seen every year. From March through June, nearly 70 species may nest, particularly in the many small canyons that drain off the slopes into the Los Angeles River.
Ellen Reid SOUNDWALK is a free, GPS-enabled work of public art that uses music to illuminate the natural environment of L.A.’s Griffith Park. Created by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and sound artist Ellen Reid, the experience is guided by the listener: the path you choose dictates the music you hear, and no two visits will be exactly the same. After downloading the free app and putting on your headphones, you can explore the park, triggering musical cells that are carefully crafted to harmonize with the park’s landscape and attractions. SOUNDWALK can be experienced while following social distancing guidelines and will be available free of charge to park visitors through 2023. Get the free app HERE
Embark on an artful adventure at South Coast Botanic Garden and explore 87 acres of lush habitat and manicured gardens. Hiding amid colorful blooms and luscious flowering trees are eight exquisite works of sculpture just waiting to be found at the Garden’s newest exhibit: Hide and Seek: Art Meets Nature. The exhibition features two contemporary pieces owned by South Coast Botanic Garden and six modern works from the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The sculptures have been carefully placed throughout the Garden as a way to encourage nature exploration with an artful game of hide and seek. The Garden’s vast nature space provides an exquisite opportunity for each sculpture to express its own artistic character. The interplay of nature and art will add a whole new level of appreciation for the Garden’s botanical collections.
Ready for a road trip? Desert X is a site-specific exhibition that first took place in Spring 2017. Artists from different parts of the world are invited to create work in response to the unique conditions of the Coachella Valley and project their vision based on the extraordinary natural and social history, matchless spectacle of the geologic epic, radical abstraction of the surrounds, and the singular incursions of humans into the seemingly barren landscape. Free and open to the public, but health and safety guidelines apply. Timed tickets are required at select sites. Download the Desert X app HERE
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is excited to announce that WildLights is returning to the Zoo – with a spring twist! WildLights of Spring will take guests on an illuminated journey around the Zoo with vantages of select animal habitats including the emus of the new Australian Adventures, and new for Spring, a portion of the African Safari loop will be open for guests to see cheetahs, zebras, African wild dogs, and more. Plus, there will be new music for the light zones – including the Tunnel of Lights, Dazzling Gift, and Discovery Center. Guests can take a spin on the carousel and make s’mores around a fire, for an additional fee. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. Advance reservations required.
Do you want to contribute to science? The iNaturalist app allows you to connect with nature and record your observations of the natural world, such as birds, plants, forests, butterflies, marine life, and wild bees. You can share your observations with fellow naturalists, discuss your findings, and create your own projects. Every observation can contribute to biodiversity science, from the rarest butterfly to the most common backyard weed. iNaturalist shares your findings with scientific data repositories like the Global Biodiversity Information Facility to help scientists find and use your data. All you have to do is observe. iNaturalist is a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society.
Have you ever encountered a beautiful, unknown flower during your walk and wondered what it was? Or do you need advice on how to care for your plants? Simply take a photo of the plant and PictureThis answers all the questions for you. PictureThis® identifies 1,000,000+ plants every day with 98% accuracy – better than most human experts. The app’s revolutionary artificial intelligence engine is constantly learning from experts and specialists – and now it’s all at your fingertips. Picture this plant, and discover a new appreciation for nature.
Photo credits:
Photo #1: Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens
Photo #2: Descanso Gardens
Photo #3: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Photo #4: Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens
Photo #5: Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks
Did you know that Los Angeles is in the midst of a baking renaissance? In the last decade or so, the LA region has seen a wealth of independent bread bars and bakeries spring up, spearheaded by talented local entrepreneurs with a passion for bringing the freshest, handmade artisanal offerings to the community, many just a short distance from Circa. From traditional breads and baked goods, to elegant European pastries and historic shops serving unique confections, you’ll discover there’s plenty of loaves to love when you shop DTLA’s artisanal bakeries and bread bars. Check websites for opening hours, pickup and delivery.
Since 2010, Bread Lounge has brought the art of baking to the Arts District in downtown Los Angeles. Handcrafted and baked fresh daily, they pride themselves in using only all natural ingredients: water, flour, natural yeast and salt. This European-stye bakery & cafe serves traditional European baked goods along with the flavors of Mediterranean food. You can order online for pick up and delivery from their website HERE
Clark Street BreadGrand Central Market 317 S Broadway A-1 Los Angeles, CA 90013
Clark Street Bread is an organic bakery specializing in naturally leavened, traditional European hearth breads. In addition to their handcrafted loaves, baguettes and croissants, they also offer a bread-centric breakfast and lunch menu. Clark Street was founded in 2014 by Zack Hall out of his apartment in West Hollywood. After spending the summer at his wife’s family’s town working in a wood-fired bakery in the Swedish countryside and falling in love with the craft, Hall returned home to become a full-time bread baker. In 2015 Hall set up shop in Grand Central Market and today has four locations in Los Angeles.
Fat & Flour Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway A-1 Los Angeles, CA 90013
While you’re at Grand Central Market, make sure you visit Fat & Flour, a pie and cookie shop from Los Angeles chef and author Nicole Rucker. Rucker is known internationally for her rustic desserts and has won several awards for her homespun pies, including the 2012 National Pie Championship, KCRW Good Food Pie contest, and a Star Chef award for baking. Her first cookbook, Dappled: Baking Recipes for Fruit Lovers, was recently nominated for a James Beard Award for baking.
Pitchoun is a family owned French bakery, pastry store and bistro, offering fresh artisan breads and home-made pastries and cakes, along with an array of healthy salads, sandwiches, hot dishes, soups, and more. Using traditional French family recipes, everything is home-made daily from scratch, using house-made starter levain and organic or local ingredients. The flavors are crisp, authentic, and clean, and all products aim for pure simplicity and high quality.
Hygge Bakery & Cafe opened their doors to give the bustling city of Los Angeles something it was missing – hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”). Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word for an attitude of coziness, wellness and contentment. Hygge Bakery & Cafe takes a nod to this mood with fresh pastries, cakes, coffee, and comfort. Available for takeout and delivery.
Cafe DulceROW DTLA 777 S Alameda Street Unit 150 Los Angeles, CA 90021
Cafe Dulce has expanded to ROW, serving fresh baked goods delivered daily from their original kitchen in Little Tokyo. This local favorite is widely known for its signature hand-crafted beverages including the Vietnamese iced coffee, single origin pourovers, blueberry matcha lattes, and green tea donuts. Stop by to enjoy a little break in your morning or afternoon.
Paris Baguette is an international, premium bakery-café specializing in yummy assortments of breads, pastries and cakes baked daily. Their mission is to bring happiness to everyone by adapting to people’s ever-expanding palates with decadent, unique and sophisticated baked goods. They serve a variety of treats ranging from coffee, tea, smoothies, and frappes, to appetizing snacks, delicious cakes for all occasions, and chef-inspired sandwiches and salads.
Born and classically trained in France, La Tropézienne Bakery’s founders bring French savoir-faire to DTLA with the traditional taste of classic viennoiseries and pastries. Named after the famous dessert, La Tropézienne, their traditional baked goods are available all day long, including croissants, brioche, pain au chocolat, and original creations such as tasty macarons and a delicious almond and pistachio croissant.
Fugetsu-Do is a family-owned mochi and manju sweet shop in Little Tokyo since 1903. Fugetsu-do creates the finest Japanese mochi and manju in Los Angeles by expert artisans. Mochi is a Japanese confection, usually found in the shape of a small round rice cake, which can be eaten with condiments such as kinako (roasted soy bean flour), manju (sweet red bean paste), soy sauce dip, and seaweed. Traditionally, mochi is made by pounding steamed glutinous rice in a large wooden mortar, called the usu, with a wooden mallet called the kine. The store is open for in-person shopping or you can order your mochi online from Japansuper.com and have it delivered fresh to your door.
A real Chinatown icon, Phoenix Bakery has been creating delectable cakes and pastries since 1938. Founded by, and still operated by the Chan Family, the bakery serves families and celebrities alike for all occasions. Famous for their fresh strawberry whipped cream cake, Phoenix Bakery cakes have become a tradition across generations as families and friends celebrate special occasions from kids birthday parties to quincineras, retirement parties and more. If you’re just stopping by, try their yummy sugar butterflies and almond cookies – the perfect bite to sweeten your day.
Located in historic Saint Vincent Court, Amandine Patisserie Cafe’s delicious French Japanese style breads, cakes and pastries are all made in-house from scratch and baked fresh daily. Since 2002, Amandine Patisserie Cafe has been combining the finest baking traditions from France and Japan to create unforgettable gourmet experiences. Every day they source local fresh ingredients from the finest suppliers to create mouthwateringly fresh dishes made to order.
Spring is in the air. Ready to give your home a stylish new signature look? 2021 is all about livable luxury, versatility, and effortless chic. Circa’s lavish living spaces, with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows and breathtaking views, provide the perfect canvas for the latest home interior design trends. One of the top trends is color, so we were excited when Pantone announced not one, but two Colors of the Year: Ultimate Grey and Illuminating Yellow. Multipurpose spaces are making news, as many of us have added workspaces to our living rooms and gyms to our bedrooms.
Other major trends include neutral tones, earthy palettes, plaid fabrics, decorative smart lighting, curved shapes, plush velvets, raw materials such as rattan and reclaimed wood, and lots of texture. Great news for vintage lovers – nostalgia will continue to be a favorite design mood in the coming year. And nature lovers can bring the outdoors inside, as houseplants and indoor trees continue their ascent as a home design mainstay. We’ve rounded up some inspiring ideas, along with local DTLA resources, so can get the look you love. Check websites for hours, appointments, and health guidelines.
Get ready for a brighter future. Ultimate Grey and Illuminating Yellow are a marriage of color conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting. Practical and rock solid, but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope. These hues will inspire your lifestyle, from fashion and beauty to design and home decor
A + R Row DTLA 777 S Alameda St #100 Los Angeles, CA 90021
A + R stands for Andy and Rose: British ex-pat Andy Griffith, a former film editor and self-avowed design junkie, and Rose Apodaca, a pop culture and style journalist and author. From sofas to stools, clocks to carafes, tables to lightning, A + R’s oeuvre is design that charms, functions and inspires. Need some style advice? A + R has a knowledgable team in-store and behind the scenes, who will share their enthusiasm for design, bound by the pursuit of aesthetics and innovative ideas.
PoketoROW DTLA777 S. Alameda St. B1 Suite 174 Los Angeles, CA 90021
No home decor shopping spree would be complete without checking out Poketo. Since its foundation in 2003 by husband-and-wife team Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung, Poketo has grown from a small startup into a creative hub and online destination for design-driven goods infused with aesthetic intentionality. Collections include everything from furniture & lighting to apothecary, tabletop, textiles, books & prints, and apparel.
Hawkins New YorkROW DTLA 767 S Alameda St. B2 Suite 152 Los Angeles, CA 90021
Hawkins New York was born out of a palpable void in the lifestyle market for quality, accessible, home goods. Citing a lack of range in small-scale home goods production, Hawkins was founded on the aim to incorporate the concept of artisanal collective production, while maintaining a modern sensibility in design. Their vision aims to not only enhances the physical environments in which their customers live and work, but creates a greater understanding and appreciation for responsible, aesthetically minded design. Shopping by private appointment only.
KINTO is a Japanese brand that develops coffeeware, teaware, tableware and lifestyle accessories valuing the balance between usability and aesthetics. To slow down and see the beauty of nature, to unwind and feel connected with your loved one, KINTO imagines scenes that enrich your life to bring you products with genuine creativity and thoughtfulness.
The Good Liver is a modern day version of a general store that sets out to inform, inspire and ultimately suggest a better way of living through a conscientious collection of enduring, quality goods from around the world. The store offers a carefully selected range of objects from international brands and makers, showcasing the history, philosophy and craftsmanship behind each of our items. Helpful staff share stories behind each product’s creation, illustrating the The Good Liver’s thoughtful curation and dedication to the good life.
Brighten up your home office with a statement task chair while adding a pop of Pantone’s new Illuminating Yellow. The Maston Task Chair from Wayfair offers lots of comfort thanks to its ergonomic shape, and features a durable frame with soft filling. The bright colorful finish will blend with most color palettes, and this chic design is height-adjustable to personally tailor your space.
Perk up your bedroom with a wee pinch of plaid. Inspired by historic kilts of the Scottish highlands, tartan is now a favorite for decking out holiday halls. This timeless design was reimagined to work with any style, from contemporary to traditional. Layer this cotton bedding with all-white linens for a classic look or iconic holiday patterns for a more playful ensemble.
Nodding to nature, tonal palettes bring a touch of the outdoors in and create a curated, layered look. Inspired by warm vanilla and sandy shores, these cream-colored accents span the tonal spectrum to complete your space with rich texture and a soothing sensibility.
The Hunt Vintage is a vintage furniture store located in the DTLA Arts District. Hunt through their eclectic collection of mid-century and custom seating, desks, tables, lighting, storage, and table top. They also carry vintage yarn art wall hangings, framed posters, and lithographs.
Looking for that perfect accent piece or unique statement item? Family-owned Eric’s Architectural Salvage has been collecting items hands-on for over 18 years and is dedicated to the reuse way of life. Their goal is to save quality doors, windows, fireplaces, tile, sinks, tubs, vintage hardware and period lighting from old historic homes or buildings that are being torn down and destroyed every single day. Just imagine, with your help, a 100 year old piece of history can continue its life as an architecturally salvaged treasure.
If you’re searching for the perfect accessory to spruce up your home this spring, consider becoming a plant parent. Houseplants are ideal for urban living – they bring nature indoors, and studies indicate that plants reduce stress, help purify the air, reduce noise, improve wellness, and even increase your creativity. Plants also add drama and energy to your home decor. You’ll find local nurseries and plant purveyors near Circa that offer an extensive array of plants, accessories, gardening products, and planting services. If you have a furry friend, make sure that your new plant family members are non-toxic to nibbling pooches and felines. Check out this list of pet-friendly flowers and plants from Telaflora. Now that you’re ready for plant-parenthood, here are some inspiring ideas to get you started.
As with any kind of home decor, a houseplant collection looks best when you’ve got variety – of leaf, shape, texture, color, and size. And that means sometimes you have to go big. Large leaf houseplants can tie a room together and lend an air of tropical tranquility your little desk cactus just can’t achieve, no matter how hard it tries. Looking for inspiration? Apartment Therapy has some great suggestions for big leaf houseplants to bring big style to your home HERE
According to a NASA study, several houseplant species are particularly adept at cleaning the air in your home, removing pollutants that either originate inside or slip in from the outside world. Like the trees outside your window, houseplants photosynthesize. During this process, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, a mechanism often characterized as a kind of reverse-breathing. Having plants around can also improve your health in other ways, including lifting your mood, easing anxiety, and even increasing productivity. Discover NASA’s top air purifying plants picks HERE
City Home & Garden is the largest wholesale/retail indoor plants store in the DTLA Flower District. This full service nursery provides quality houseplants, orchids, and pottery for wholesale, commercial and retail customers. They also make flower and plant arrangements for commercial and retail customers. You can select pottery from the shop or bring your own for planting or custom arrangement service. Local delivery and set up are available.
A DTLA icon since 1921 located in the heart of the Los Angeles Flower District, The Original Los Angeles Flower Market is an expansive indoor floral marketplace open to both the trade and the general public. Virtually every in-season, commercially sold variety of cut flower is available here from growers all over the globe, along with houseplants, pottery, and home decor. The selection and quality are remarkable, and so are the prices. While you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to check out the approximately 200 adjacent wholesale and retail floral businesses, shops, malls and marts within the surrounding six-block area.
Rolling Greens Nursery is Los Angeles’ premier home and garden retailer with an extensive assortment of faux and live plants, containers, and unique home accessories. Liven up your home with a great selection of air purifying plants, hanging plants, succulents, orchids and more. You can shop in-store or online for local delivery or pickup.
Owner Hank Jenkins admits that he’s obsessed with plants and how they influence beauty, design, and lifestyle. Specializing in unique and sometimes hard-to-find house plants, The Plant Provocateur also sells planting supplies and a curated selection of vases, jars, pots, and other interesting display vessels. In these extraordinary times, The Plant Provocateur comes to you with a new online business model. Plants are collected and curated as they become available. Because demand in this current pandemic environment has skyrocketed, plants can appear daily, weekly, or monthly, based on the market supply.
Everyone should live with a little more greenery and Bloomscape is here to help strengthen your relationship with plants. They make buying plants easy by delivering healthy, ready-to-go plants straight to your door and setting you up with the tips and tricks you need to help your plants thrive. Bloomscape comes from five generations of greenhouse growers and floral industry innovators, and their roots go all the way back to ancestors who were pioneers in the Netherlands’ horticulture industry. Plants are shipped with care and experience, at the right temperature to protect their roots and keep them healthy while they travel from the greenhouse to your home.
Featured in Wired, Buzzfeed, TED, NPR and more, PlantWave turns a plant’s biorhythms into music. Just attach two sensors to a plant’s leaves and PlantWave connects wirelessly to an iOS or Android device running the app. PlantWave converts the electrical conductivity of houseplants into audio, giving plants the chance to sing by detecting slight electrical variations on the leaves. These variations are graphed as a wave, which is translated into pitch messages that play musical instruments designed by the PlantWave team. Other characteristics of the wave change the textural qualities of those sounds. The result is a continuous stream of pleasing music that gives you a sonic window into the secret life of plants.
Photo credits:
Photo #1: Bloomscape
Photo #2: Apartment Therapy/Photo credit: Margaret Wright
