losangelesapartments Archives - Page 11 of 15

Let It Glow: Where to See the Holiday Lights in LA

It’s time to sparkle and shine, and DTLA is all aglow with holiday lights to make your spirits bright. You’ll also find some spectacular displays just a short distance from Circa, such as Altadena’s legendary Christmas Tree Lane and St. Albans Road in San Marino. This year, you can experience seasonal celebrations from the comfort of your car, like the Dodgers Drive Thru Holiday Festival and The Bite LA Sweets Crawl at Whittier Narrows’ Legg Lake. Or take a moment to reflect on nature’s beauty at Descanso Gardens and stroll among the stunning art installations at South Coast Botanic Garden. This season, there’s no end to the holiday magic when you let it glow.

Sparkle DTLA holiday lights near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Sparkle DTLA The Bloc 700 W 7th St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Experience a magical holiday show as 18 million hues of lights illuminate the night and synchronize to festive tunes. Sparkle DTLA at The Bloc will take you through an unforgettable night time journey that includes one of LA’s largest multi-colored interactive holiday displays. Capture your perfect photo-op moments at this ultimate holiday experience.

Dodgers Drive Thru Holiday Festival holiday lights near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Dodgers Drive Thru Holiday Festival Dodger Stadium 1000 Vin Scully Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

The 2020 World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers are hosting a drive-thru Holiday Festival, complete with a light show, LED video displays, faux snow, and interactive displays honoring the Dodgers World Championship and celebrating the holidays. The Dodgers Holiday Festival is a great way to enjoy the holidays responsibly from the comfort of your own vehicle. Open nightly 5-10PM until December 24. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Grand Park holiday lights near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Grand Park 200 N Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

This year Grand Park is trading its annual Winter Glow for a thoughtful art installation called “Ground Our Present, Dot Our Future,” featuring walkways flecked with Angelenos’ messages about hope and social connection. Read them in the glow of a lighted selfie wall, fountain and holiday tree in front of the Music Center. Until Jan. 2, 2021. Free admission.

Reflections at Descanso Gardens holiday lights near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Reflections at Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Descanso Gardens invites you to take a moment to reflect and enjoy the beauty that’s all around us. Discover art pieces in the garden, special seasonal plantings, self-guided activities, and a beautiful Wishing Tree created by artist Kaz Yokou Kitajima. Walk through the Golden Grove where gold-burnished logs and stones will appear from the base of the oaks creating a festive glow. Stroll through the Camellia Forest and visit the Mirror Tree, adorned with mirrors that reflect the light and beauty around it, and make a wish for the New Year. Non-members must purchase tickets online in advance.

Christmas Tree Lane holiday lights near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Christmas Tree Lane Santa Rosa Ave. (between Woodbury Ave. and Altadena Dr.) Altadena, CA 91001

Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena is the oldest large-scale Christmas lighting spectacle in the United States. In 1885, real estate magnate John P. Woodbury of the Woodbury Family, the founders of Altadena, planted 134 deodar trees (broad conical cedars) as a grand mile-long driveway entrance to the mansion he would build. Woodbury’s mansion was never built, but the trees thrived and the “driveway” became Santa Rosa Avenue. Every Christmas season for more than 80 years, the majestic deodars on the “Mile of Christmas Trees” are strung with 10,000 lights for you to drive through and enjoy.

GLOW at South Coast Botanic Garden holiday lights near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

GLOW South Coast Botanic Garden 26300 Crenshaw Blvd. Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274

South Coast Botanic Garden is proud to present GLOW, a visually stunning art installation that transforms the lush botanic oasis into an oceanic experience for their Garden Lights & Ocean Waters theme, using thousands of lights designed by California Outdoor Lighting. The walk is set to an artistically curated soundtrack featuring a little something for everyone, including original music created for GLOW by Jerzy, as well as Baja surf music, Train, and Vivaldi. Let the colors wash over you like a wave and the music be your current, guiding you through this unique and unforgettable after-dark walk.

St. Albans Road near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

St. Albans Road St. Albans Rd. & Huntington Dr. San Marino, CA 91108

Every December, the tall majestic pines that line Saint Albans Road are bedecked in colored lights to resemble giant Christmas trees. This old San Marino neighborhood is also a treasure trove of stately old California architecture, all dressed up for the holidays.

Mission Inn & Spa holiday lights near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Festival of Lights Mission Inn & Spa 3649 Mission Inn Ave. Riverside, CA 92501

The Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is one of the nation’s largest holiday light collections, voted “Best Public Lights Display” by USA Today. The Festival of Lights is a cherished annual tradition created by the inn’s owners as a gift for the community back in 1992. Every year, it attracts over 500,000 visitors, all thrilled to watch the display come to life through the holidays. This year, the hotel will feature dazzling lights on the exterior of the hotel, interior lighting, and holiday décor that captures the true essence and history of this beautiful venue.

Winterlit Downtown Santa Monica holiday lights near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Winterlit 1351 3rd Street Promenade Downtown Santa Monica, CA 90401

Winterlit returns to Downtown Santa Monica to brighten up the holiday season. Tens of thousands of lights will illuminate the Third Street Promenade’s festive outdoor retail, and holiday-inspired art installations will come to life at eleven stops throughout Third Street Promenade, featuring window displays in storefronts and murals created by local artists who were asked to interpret what the holiday season means to them during this unprecedented year.

The Bite LA Stocking Stuffer Sweets Crawl holiday lights near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Stocking Stuffer Sweets Crawl Legg Lake 751 Santa Anita Ave. South El Monte, CA 91733

From the creators of The Bite LA: Halloween Food Crawl and the former creative director of the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, comes a seasonal twist on the drive-thru experience offering immersive winter holiday fun. Whittier Narrows’ Legg Lake is transformed into a winter wonderland with sweets and activities all available from the comfort of your car. Stock up on sweets with your complimentary BITE LA stocking (8 Sweets Bites are included). Get your bag of 5 safe, cotton plush ‘sno-balls’ (included with your ticket) and enter the Snowman Sno-Ball Fight. Dress up your ride in the ugliest holiday sweater or decor and be entered to win prizes throughout the season. The gaudier the merrier.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: The Bloc

Photo #2: The Bloc

Photo #3: Los Angeles Dodgers

Photo #4: Grand Park

Photo #5: Descanso Gardens

Photo #6: Christmas Tree Lane

Photo #7: South Coast Botanic Garden

Photo #8: Red Tricycle/Sarah P. via Yelp

Photo #9: Mission Inn & Spa

Photo #10: Downtown Santa Monica

Photo #11: The Bite LA

Celebrate Your Thanksgiving Feast in DTLA

Thanksgiving is upon us. Still making plans? If cooking is not on your radar, your favorite DTLA restaurants near Circa are dishing up some fabulous fare to share, from elegant outdoor dining to Thanksgiving Feasts To Go. You’ll find a cornucopia of choices, from traditional homestyle meals to creative menus with a twist. Some restaurants are offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Check their websites for details. If you decide to prepare Thanksgiving dinner at home, we found some great tips from Butterball to put a little swagger in your stuffing. Ready to give back? Consider making a donation to a local charity and spread your gratitude this season.

Grand Central Market Thanksgiving near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Grand Central Market Thanksgiving To Go 317 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013

Grand Central Market vendors have teamed up to provide everything you need need for an unforgettable Thanksgiving dinner, perfectly packaged and ready to go. Belcampo is selling 8-pound turkeys and Horse Thief BBQ is making sides like sweet potato casserole and potato salad. DTLA Cheese is offering three wedges of cheese with jam and a box of crackers for four; Lucky Bird is making mashed potatoes, biscuit stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy and tamales; and Nicole Rucker is baking double crust apple pies. You can order all the items a la carte or as a package for four. Order by November 20 for pick up November 25 HERE

Wexler's Deli Thanksgiving near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Wexler’s Deli Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013

Another option from Grand Central Market is the Thanksgiving Takeout Pack from Wexler’s Deli. This feast contains a full meal for four to six, featuring a smoked turkey and assorted fixings. And don’t worry about having turkey leftovers. Your order includes artisan rye bread, homemade Russian dressing, sauerkraut, mustard and Swiss cheese so you can make the most delicious turkey Rueben sandwiches for days to come (recipe included). Thanksgiving menu HERE

Redbird Restaurant Thanksgiving near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Redbird Thanksgiving To Go 114 E 2nd St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Redbird is offering a heat & serve holiday feast from Chef Neal for pickup or delivery on Thanksgiving Eve for you to enjoy on Thanksgiving Day. Dinner for four ($68 per person) features pumpkin quince soup, sage-rubbed turkey roulade, stuffing, and Parker House rolls. You can also order add-ons such as prime rib roast, pecan pie, apple pie, wine, and cocktails. Order HERE

Manuela Thanksgiving near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Manuela 907 E 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Manuela is open Thanksgiving for dine-in on their outside patio and terrace as well as take-out. For those dining in, Chef Kris Tominaga is serving a Southern-influenced family-style feast for $68 per person. Reservations are available between 2:30pm – 8pm. See menu HERE For curbside pick-up, orders must be placed through Tock by Tuesday, November 24. More details HERE Located in the Arts District of Los Angeles, Manuela unites chef, farmer and artist to create an authentic and original dining experience, celebrating seasonal ingredients sourced from the best farms and producers in Southern California.

Bar Ama Thanksgiving near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Bar Amá 118 W 4th St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

This year, Chef Josef Centeno is putting a Tex-Mex spin on his Thanksgiving dinner menu with Tex-Mex turkey roulade, house made stuffing with hoja santa, Ruby grapefruit cranberry sauce, cornbread johnnycakes, and more sides. Dinner is $75 per person with a four-person minimum. For an additional $30, you can get a pumpkin pie with Ibarra chocolate graham cracker crumble crust. Order by Nov. 22 for pickup on Nov. 25. Details HERE

Orsa & Winston Thanksgiving near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Orsa & Winston 122 W 4th St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Named LA Times 2020 Restaurant of the Year, Orsa & Wineston’s Chef Josef Centeno is offering a Japanese and Italian inspired set menu for two ($137.50 per person), for four or for eight ($100 per person). Your feast includes involtini of duck, sage and chestnut stuffing, and apple-kumquat crostata. Order by Nov. 22 for pickup on Nov. 25. View menu and place your order HERE

Moos Craft Barbecue Thanksgiving near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Moo’s Craft Barbecue 672 S Santa Fe Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Acclaimed by LA Times and Eater LA as perhaps the best underground barbecue cooking in Los Angeles, Moo’s Craft Barbecue is happy to do the cooking for you this Thanksgiving. Their online store is live and ready to take your preorders. Contactless curbside pickup will be available on Thanksgiving Day from their commissary kitchen in DTLA. All meats are smoked and fresh. Choose from two different size options for the sides and whether you’d like your sides chilled and ready for the oven (instructions included), or baked and ready to serve when you get home. Moos also offers scratch made desserts. Order online HERE

Nick + Stef’s Steakhouse Thanksgiving near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Nick + Stef’s Steakhouse 330 S Hope St. Los Angeles, CA 90071

Nick + Stef’s Steakhouse is open on Thanksgiving for dine-in or takeout. Holiday specials include Diestel Farms organic turkey, JBS potato puree, stuffing, candied yams, pickled cranberry compote, and turkey gravy, along with other seasonal dishes. And of course, you can always have a steak! Make sure you order their delicious pumpkin pie with Chantilly crème and candied pumpkin seeds. Menu and ordering information HERE

Cafe Gratitude Thanksgiving near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Cafe Gratitude 300 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

If you’re looking for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free alternatives for your Thanksgiving feast, Cafe Gratitude is offering delicious selections from butternut squash and lentil loaf to vegan pumpkin pie. All holiday sides and pies are 100% plant based and organic, made in house in their downtown LA location. Order HERE

Butterball Thanksgiving near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Butterball Amazon Alexa Skill

Ready to talk turkey? Ask Alexa. With the Butterball Skill for Amazon Alexa, Butterball Turkey Talk-Line experts will help you host like a boss with turkey preparation how-tos, tips, and recipe inspiration. Butterball Turkey Talk-Line experts are poultry pros that have been giving sage advice for years, and they’re here to help you put a little swagger in your stuffing! No Alexa, no problem. Butterball Turkey Talk-Line expert Karen has teamed up with a lifestyle influencer Rosalynn Daniels. Together, they’ll share all kinds of juicy tips to make your Thanksgiving all kinds of good. More info HERE

Los Angeles Mission Thanksgiving near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Los Angeles Mission 303 E 5th Street Los Angeles, CA 90013

The Los Angeles Mission’s annual Thanksgiving celebration serves over 3,000 pounds of turkey, 700 pounds of mashed potatoes, 800 pounds of green beans and 600 pies to their neighbors experiencing homelessness. They also give out over 1,400 blankets and over 1,200 tarps in preparation for the colder winter months. Now that we’ve seen an increase in homelessness across Los Angeles, the Mission is expecting more people to attend their Thanksgiving event than ever before. If you can’t volunteer this Thanksgiving, you can still help by making a donation.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Butterball

Photo #2: Grand Central Market

Photo #3: Wexler’s Deli

Photo #4: Redbird

Photo #5: Manuela

Photo #6: Bar Amá

Photo #7: Orsa & Winston

Photo #8: Moo’s Craft Barbecue

Photo #9: Nick + Stef’s Steakhouse

Photo #10: Cafe Gratitude

Photo #11: Butterball

Photo #12: Los Angeles Mission

Brighten The Season With Premium Spirits

Ready to up your cocktail game? The holidays are fast approaching, and it’s never too early to start planning ahead for festive celebrations and seasonal gift giving. Near Circa are some of DTLA’s premier spirits shops, catering to collectors and connoisseurs of every persuasion. Feeling adventurous? Subscription boxes are a great way to expand your mixology skills, discover new liquors, and experiment with unique ingredients. And no home bar would be complete without the tools of the trade – Bar Keeper in Silver Lake will keep you well-stocked and inspired. Whether you’re preparing a holiday soirée, yearning for a tasting adventure, or looking for the perfect gift, it’s time to brighten the season with premium spirits.

Jason's Wine & Spirits near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Jason’s Wine & Spirits California Market Center 900 S Broadway – Lobby Los Angeles, CA 90015

Nestled in the Downtown Los Angeles Fashion District for over 40 years, Jason’s Wine & Spirits offers a wide range of whiskey, vodka, cognac and rum, beer, wine, and champagne, including unique and hard to find bottles. Jason’s boasts LA’s fastest local alcohol delivery with under-an-hour free service from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m daily. Check their website to find out if you are in their delivery zone. Curbside pick up is available as well. Call ahead to order 213-485-9463.

Gourmet Wine & Spirits near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Gourmet Wines & Spirits 300 S Grand Ave LP110 Los Angeles, CA 90071

Located in the heart of DTLA, Gourmet Wines & Spirits offers a large selection of fine liquors, wines, and beers from around the world, including many rare and hard to find items. A one-stop shop for personal and business gift entertaining needs, Gourmet Wine & Spirits offers free delivery to anywhere downtown. Choose from custom made baskets in a wide range of prices, such as Wine/Liquor Baskets, Cheese/Cracker, and Chocolate Baskets. Many wines, champagnes, beer, and soft drinks are already chilled and their “Emergency Platters” can be prepared on short notice.

538 Wine & Spirits 538 South Flower Street Los Angeles, CA 90071

Ensconced in the ground floor of the California Club, 538 Wine & Spirits is open to both club members and non members. This upscale store is a premier source for world class wines and spirits – from rye to rum, they’ve got you covered. With an in-depth inventory of wines from the West Coast and Europe’s great winemaking traditions, 538 sources rare and old vintages by legendary vintners, specializing in cult California, Bordeaux and Burgundy wines. They also feature a selection of Petrossian caviar and Padrón cigars. If you’re looking for something in particular or truly special, including hard to find bottles, the knowledgeable staff will find it for you.

Flask & Field spirits shop near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Flask & Field Row DTLA 767 S Alameda St. Ste 180 Los Angeles, CA 90021

Flask & Field is a modern destination for the discovery of wine, spirits, art and design, offering a selection of quality goods for house, home and adventure. The eclectic establishment was founded by entertainment attorney Miriam Yoo, who was inspired by her husband’s lack of places to shop for spirits and supplies. Driven by her lifelong passion for wine, hospitality and design, she set out to create a new kind of shop that would address a range of lifestyle needs. Start your holiday shopping early with the Flask & Field 2020 Gift Guide HERE

Bar Keeper spirits shop near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Bar Keeper 614 N Hoover St. Los Angeles, CA. 90004

Established in 2006 at the beginning of the mixology cocktail movement, Bar Keeper is a cozy shop specializing in high-quality spirits, bitters, vintage glasses, and other bar supplies. The store is divided into three sections: bar tools, small batch spirits, and glassware. The helpful staff samples everything they carry, so that they can make recommendations based off what you’re looking for. Bar Keeper acquires one-of-a-kind bar accessories throughout the year, so their collection is constantly evolving.

ReserveBar

If you’re looking to buy top-shelf alcohol for yourself and loved ones, ReserveBar is definitely the website for you. Choose from premium labels like The Macallan, Chivas, Jameson, and Pernod, and have your order shipped straight to your door. ReserveBar was born out of the passion of its founders to allow friends and customers to celebrate and share good times in a uniquely American fashion – by giving the best of premium, reserve spirits, luxury champagne and fine wine as the perfect gift for any holiday, occasion or celebration. Check our their Holiday Gift Guide HERE

American Cocktail Club

The American Cocktail Club is a premium cocktail subscription box that curates all-natural and world class cocktails. Being part of the Club is like having the coveted seat at a high level mixology bar. This monthly box contain 4 servings curated by award winning mixologists around the USA, using unique, natural, fresh, low calorie, low sugar juice blends. Each flavor is designed to both stand alone, and work in combination—so you can make—or be served—hundreds of different drinks and never make a mistake.

Shaker & Spoon

Shaker & Spoon is a monthly cocktail box delivering original recipes plus everything you need to make them. Each month you’ll get 3 unique recipes by top bartenders plus the ingredients to make 12 drinks (4 from each recipe), such as syrups, bitters, mixers, garnishes, and more. You’ll be exposed to new flavors and combos, and look at your liquor cabinet in a whole new way. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Drizly

Order your favorite adult beverages online from Drizly, the world’s largest alcohol marketplace – one of the best ways to shop for spirits, wine and beer. Drizly partners with top retail stores in over 100 cities across North America, offering a huge selection and competitive pricing with a side of personalized content. In addition to alcoholic beverages, Drizly also sells snacks, soda, energy drinks, cups, party accessories and more. Choose to have your order delivered immediately or schedule it for later.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Drizly

Photo #2: Jason’s Wine & Spirits

Photo #3: Gourmet Wines & Spirits

Photo #4: 538 Wine & Spirits

Photo #5: Flask & Field

Photo #6: Bar Keeper

Photo #7: ReserveBar

Photo #8: American Cocktail Club

Photo #9: Shaker & Spoon

Photo #10: Drizly

Saddle Up: Where to Go Horseback Riding in LA

Get out of the house and saddle up. Horseback riding is a great way to enjoy nature while getting a good workout for your core and legs – and the positive connection with the horse creates good energy for both people and their steeds. Los Angeles has a fascinating history of urban equestrian communities dating back to the early 19th century, when the area surrounding what is now Griffith Park, including Burbank and Glendale, was mainly ranch land.

Today much of that open space has been paved over, but a small, passionate horse community has survived and thrived. Did you know that Atwater Village harbors a hidden equestrian neighborhood, which has been designated the Atwater Village Equestrian District? And the Santa Monica mountains offer a refreshing respite from city life, with secret trails and spectacular views that can only be accessed by horseback. Many facilities also offer riding lessons. Here’s a guide to the best horseback riding in LA, just a short drive from Circa.

High Horse Malibu near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

High Horse Malibu 2142 Latigo Canyon Rd. Malibu, CA 90265

High Horse Malibu offers private guided horseback rides, natural horsemanship lessons, and equine assisted therapy in scenic Malibu. Uniquely situated at the crest of Latigo Canyon, the trails traverse rolling hills, wooded canyons, and striking rock formations, with sweeping ocean vistas around every corner. Exceptional horses combined with the uniquely beautiful coastal Mediterranean habitat of the Santa Monica Mountains provide guests with an opportunity to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature and self. Whether you’re yearning for an epic trail ride, looking to build a foundation of horsemanship and riding skills, or seeking to connect and engage with horses to foster wellness and healing, High Horse Malibu will assist you on your journey.

Sunset Ranch Hollywood 3400 N Beachwood Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90068

Just minutes from Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Ranch Hollywood boasts the best views in town. Trail rides include an inspiring two hour evening tour with unbeatable views of all of Los Angeles; a one hour ride up in the Hollywood Hills, where you’ll see the Hollywood Sign and views of the LA Basin; and a two hour tour, where you’ll ride to the top of Mount Hollywood for a 360 degree view of Los Angeles, including the Hollywood Sign, the ocean, and the valleys.

Los Angeles Horseback Riding near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Los Angeles Horseback Riding 2623 Old Topanga Canyon Rd. Topanga, CA 90290

Established in 1996, Los Angeles Horseback Riding ranch is beautifully situated at the top ridge of the Santa Monica Mountains which connects Topanga and Malibu. Located just minutes from Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades and Malibu, you’ll be able to see 80 miles out from the top of the trails, with breathtaking views in every direction. Packages include Sunset Rides, Moonlight Rides, Ocean Views, Morning Rides, and Romantic Rides. The ranch is known for its celebrity clientele and film location shoots.

LA Horse Rentals near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

LA Horse Rentals 1850 W Riverside Dr. Glendale, CA 91201

Take an adventurous horseback ride through the beautiful chaparral covered terrain of iconic Griffith Park, and explore over 50 miles of trail with panoramic views from the Pacific Ocean to the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. Choose from tours ranging in length, with options overlooking downtown LA, scenic Amir’s Gardens, the LA Zoo, and the Hollywood Sign. LA Horse Rentals offers horse rides for all experience levels, and trained guides will walk you through your trail ride from beginning to end.

Sagebrook Farms near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Sagebrook Farms Riding School 3919 Rigali Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90039

Sagebrook Farms offers horseback riding lessons for every level, from newbies to advanced, including Classical English Riding and Hunter/Jumpers. Whether you want to gain strong basic skills, are aiming for the show arena, or are on your way to owning your own horse, they can provide you with the training and knowledge to help you achieve your goals. Paddock Farms is conveniently located at The Paddock Riding Club in Los Angeles.

The Paddock Riding Club near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Paddock Riding Club 3919 Rigali Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90039

Paddock Riding Club is a family-owned and operated equestrian facility offering horse boarding, a riding school, and personalized training. Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, Paddock has been around since 1930. Since those early years, the neighborhood has evolved to form the new residential community called the Atwater Village Equestrian District. Paddock Riding Club gives access to 55 miles of Griffith Park horse trails and is within minutes of all the major studios. With the newly opened North Atwater Bridge, equestrians, cyclists and pedestrians now have a way to safely cross the Los Angeles River to access Griffith Park.

Los Angeles Equestrian Center near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Los Angeles Equestrian Center 480 Riverside Dr. Burbank, CA 91506

Regarded as the hub of horse activities in LA, the Los Angeles Equestrian Center is a 75-acre world-class horse show complex nestled in the heart of Griffith Park. The property is home to more than 200 horse boarders with over 500 boarding stalls, 17 horse trainers, a tack shop, and equestrian gift shop. The facility has hosted countless film location shoots, with clients including nearly every major film and television studio.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: High Horse Malibu

Photo #2: High Horse Malibu

Photo #3: Sunset Ranch Hollywood

Photo #4: Los Angeles Horseback Riding

Photo #5: LA Horse Rentals

Photo #6: Sagebrook Farms

Photo #7: Paddock Riding Club

Photo #8: Los Angeles Equestrian Center

Oktoberfest is Here & DTLA Breweries are Open

Just in time for Oktoberfest, LA County is allowing breweries to reopen, albeit with some new rules. Your favorite DTLA establishments are celebrating Oktoberfest with some outdoor Gemütlichkeit (German for a comfortable, friendly feeling). Check websites for openings hours, reservations, and takeout/delivery options. If you’re looking for the full on oom-pah-pah experience, head out to Old World Village in Huntington Beach or motor up to Big Bear Lake for their 50th Anniversary Oktoberfest. You can also stock up on Oktoberfest goodies to enjoy at home from Alpine Village Market in Torrance, just a short distance from Circa. So don your dirndls, lace your lederhosen, and hoist your beer steins! Oktoberfest is here and DTLA breweries are back.

Wurstküche DTLA near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Wurstküche DTLA 800 E 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Soak up the Oktoberfest zeitgeist in the Wurstküche Beer Garden. Known as a purveyor of rare and exotic grilled sausages – from rabbit to rattleshake – this popular joint also offers more mainstream meats such as bratwurst, bockwurst, hot Italian sausage, Polish kielbasa, and Louisana hot links. Expect an extensive selection of draft and bottle beers from Belgium, Germany, US and UK, along with a nice wine list. For s apecial treat, try a palate-cleansing, digestion-promoting Eaux de Vie, such as the German favorite Underberg, or some fruitier fixes such as Blume Marillen Apricot, Kirschwasser (dry cherry bfandy) or Pear Williams Purkhart.

Highland Park Brewery Chinatown near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Highland Park Brewery Chinatown 1220 N Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Highland Park Brewery in Chinatown is open for patio dining. HPB, as the brewery is affectionately known, was founded with the goal of making excellent beer in LA, focusing on fresh hoppy beers, lagers, and mixed culture fermentation, using local ingredients. HPB offers a robust, beer-friendly food menu including queso and chips, fried cheese curds, and a sausage plate with chorizo, salsa verde and focaccia. The tasting room is currently closed, but the brewery has expanded their delivery zones.

Frogtown Brewery near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Frogtown Brewery 2931 Gilroy St. Los Angeles, CA 90039

Frogtown Brewery is getting ready to open their outdoor patio. Check their Instagram for details. An independent craft brewery and tap room along the L.A. River, Frogtown Brewery is owned by long time friends and home brewers Adam and Mike, who had the crazy dream to one day open their own brewery. After many years of hard work and planning, they finally made Frogtown Brewery a reality! They are offering some fun flavors, such as Painkiller Milkshake and Nebula Fog, for pick up at the brewery or delivery within a 10-mile radius.

Arts District Brewing Company near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Arts District Brewing Company 828 Traction Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Arts District Brewing Company just spruced up their outdoor dining area with a fresh carpet of grass. One of LA’s few craft brewpubs with an on-site, 15-barrel brewhouse capable of producing 3,300 barrels of beer each year, this sprawling establishment opened December 2015 in DTLA’s historic Arts District. Choose from their curated craft beer list, which is updated on a regular basis. The hearty food menu offers a beer-appropriate selection of wings, burgers, fries, salads, fried calamari, fish tacos, and nachos. Pictured is Nic, the newest team member. Stop by and say hi.

Berlin Currywurst near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Berlin Currywurst Grand Central Market 317 Broadway Stall C-1/12 Los Angeles, CA 90013

Ich bin ein Berliner. Having grown up in the home country of currywurst, the founders of Berlin Currywurst decided to share this German cultural treasure with the people of LA. Created 60 years ago in Berlin, currywurst has become the number one street food in Germany. Berlin Currywurst does authentic currywurst, the way you’ll find it on Berlin’s urban sidewalks. Their recipe is steeped in German tradition, where you’ll discover an unlimited variety of combinations by experiencing different sausages, heat levels, and flavors. The meat is all-natural, serve with 100% organic sauce, fries handcut from organic potatoes, and fresh and crispy German farmer’s bread.

Old World Village near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Old World Oktoberfest Old World Village 7561 Center Ave. Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Old World Huntington Beach has been host of Orange County’s Biggest Party since 1977. When you attend Old World’s Oktoberfest this year, you’ll be welcomed to a new concept – a casual drinking and dining experience in their spacious outdoor patio and biergarten. Enjoy the sounds of German music, great food, and of course, imported beer. Guests will order from the front counter and wait for their food at the table of their choice located outside. Table reservations are required and masks are mandatory upon entry and at all times when not seated at your designated area.

Dirndl Haus near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Dirndl Haus 7561 Center Ave. Ste #51A Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Get ready to level up your Oktoberfest game at the Dirndl Haus. Founded in September 2018 by two best friends, Cyndie and Arpeni, the Dirndl Haus sells trendy and traditional dirndl dresses and blouses, lederhosen, mens shirts and vests, and accessories including hats, hat pins, wreaths and jewelry. Dirndl Haus is an extension of the greater Old World Market and Oktoberfest Facility. Co-founder Cyndie’s parents Josef and Dolores Bischof, originally from Germany, founded Orange County’s famous Old World Village in 1975, along with Huntington Beach Oktoberfest, enjoyed by thousands of attendees each year.You can also shop online on their website.

Alpine Village Market near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Alpine Village Market 833 W Torrance Blvd. Torrance, CA 90502

Ready to stock up on Oktoberfest goodies to enjoy at home? Just scoot down the 110 Freeway and faster than you can say oom-pah-pah, you’ll arrive at Alpine Village Market in Torrance. The market offers a huge selection of German food imports, and also houses an authentic European bakery, a butcher shop that produces award-winning sausages, and a great selection of beers, wines and liquors such as Goldschläger, a Swiss cinnamon schnapps with real gold flakes floating inside. While you’re there, take a stroll around Alpine Village, a little slice of Bavaria in sunny Southern California. This iconic shopping destination was recently designated a County historic landmark by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest Wyatt’s Grill & Saloon 42900 Big Bear Blvd. Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

If you’re looking for a real Alpine experience, head up to Big Bear for their 50th Anniversary Oktoberfest – Celebrating 50 Years of Love. This year Oktoberfest will take place outdoors under the majestic mountain pines. Seating and tables will be set-up restaurant-style in their expansive outdoor area, all socially distanced from one another. Expect some zany Oktoberfest fun including Log Sawing, Stein, Safe Slam contests, plenty of Chicken Dances and many a Prosits! Enjoy live music on the outdoor stage, along with DJ’s spinning everything from traditional Oktoberfest tunes to today’s favorites.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Old World Village

Photo #2: Wurstküche DTLA

Photo #3: Highland Park Brewery Chinatown

Photo #4: Frogtown Brewery

Photo #5: Arts District Brewing Company

Photo #6: Berlin Currywurst

Photo #7: Old World Village

Photo #8: Dirndl Haus

Photo #9: Alpine Village Market

Photo #10: Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest

Digital Productivity Tools For Working At Home

Working from home at Circa has its perks. No more morning commutes. You can play your own music whenever you want, and sneak off for Netflix breaks in between Zoom calls. Professional wardrobe is optional and snacks are de rigueur. But we humans also long for structure, to give form and function to our days, and reward us when our work is done. HERE are some great ideas from Wired to help you with your work at home lifestyle. Even if you’re not working from home, you can boost your efficiency, stay focused, and have some fun with these digital productivity tools & tips.

Venture Harbour UK technology company - Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Serene

Don’t let distractions hold you back! Serene is a macOS app that gives you productivity superpowers by layering three proven techniques to boost focus. When you enter a session, Serene shields you from distractions by blocking distracting apps & websites. Serene can also silence your phone, control Philips Hue lights, update your Slack status and more, to help you create your optimal deep work environment. Serene was created by Venture Harbour, one of the UK’s fastest-growing technology companies, achieving 22nd in the 2019 Deloitte Technology Fast 50.

Forest

Grow your own forest, stay focused daily, and turn hard work into a lush woodland. Forest is a productivity app that helps people beat their phone addiction and manage their time in a way that’s good for the environment. Users can earn credits by not using their cell phones and plant real trees around the world with the credits. Forest team partners with a tree-planting organization, Trees for the Future, to plant real trees on Earth. When users spend virtual coins they earn in Forest on planting real trees, Forest team donates to their partner and creates planting orders. To date, Forest has planted 877,750 trees. Visit their sponsor page HERE

iPassword app - Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

1Password

Spending more time online means more passwords. If you’re having trouble keeping track, you need a password manager. 1Password is the easiest way to store and use strong passwords by allowing you to keep all your passwords in one encrypted database – protected by one password. This saves you time when you forget your passwords and need to retrieve them, and also allows you to use various passwords for different accounts so you don’t compromise on security. You can also use 1Password to safely make payments online. More info HERE

Quip

Keep your business running securely while working from home. Quip is Salesforce’s productivity platform that combines collaborative documents, spreadsheets, and chat in one place so distributed teams can work together seamlessly. Quip replace email and information silos with real-time productivity tools that connect teams and accelerate the pace of business. Even if you aren’t in the same place, you can stay on the same page. Quip is secure out-of-the-box – all your data is encrypted, auditable, and controlled. Quip offers tutorials to get you started, and customizable templates to meet your specific needs. Quip is available online or as an app.

Slack

Slack brings the team together, wherever you are, by bringing all your communication together. Teamwork in Slack happens in channels — a single place for messaging, tools and files — helping everyone save time and collaborate together. With all of your communication and tools in one place, remote teams will stay productive no matter where you’re working from. You can hit deadlines, review documents, make comments and generate approvals. Slack is available for desktop and mobile. Here’s a useful guide for anyone new to Slack. Slack also provides great tips for working at home.

Micosoft To Do app - Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Microsoft To Do: Lists Tasks & Reminders

Got something on your mind? Get Microsoft To Do. Whether you want to increase your productivity, decrease your stress levels, or just free up some mental space, Microsoft To Do makes it easy to plan your day and manage your life. With Microsoft To Do, you can stay focused with My Day, a personalized daily planner with suggested tasks; get your lists anywhere, on any device; share lists and assign tasks with your friends, family, colleagues, and classmates; personalize your lists with bold and colorful backgrounds; and much more.

WhatsApp

Keep in touch with the groups of people that matter the most, like your family or coworkers. With group chats, you can share messages, photos, and videos with up to 256 people at once. You can also name your group, mute or customize notifications, and more. WhatsApp uses your phone’s Internet connection to send messages so you can avoid SMS fees. WhatsApp messages and calls are secured with end-to-end encryption, meaning that no third party including WhatsApp can read or listen to them. WhatsApp just introduced new business features with QR codes to make it easier to start a chat with a business and catalog what they have to offer.

Webex app - Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Cisco WebEx Meetings

Looking for an alternative to Zoom? Video conferencing is as simple and seamless as meeting in person. With the WebEx mobile app, you can meet absolutely anywhere. Hosting is easy and joining is easier—simply click on your link to join. You can even learn about the people you’re meeting for the first time, with instant access to participants’ background and company. You can share your screen so everyone can view your document, spreadsheet, or application. Hosts can record the meeting so others can get up to speed later. Everyone you invite can join your online meeting no matter how they’re connecting, even guests.

Trello

Trello is a simple, easy-to-use project management app for collaborative teams. The platform is based on the Kanban board philosophy, a visual layout that originates from Japan. Essentially, tasks are added and organized on “to-do,” “going” and “done” statuses, which helps teams keep track of progress. Tasks can be grouped into boards and cards, which can contain multiple tasks in themselves. Individual tasks can be assigned to groups or team members with deadlines and checklists.

Airtable

Part spreadsheet, part database, and entirely flexible, Airtable allows teams to organize their work, their way. Airtable is built around the spreadsheet format and this is great news if your team is used to managing projects on tools like Excel. Airtable’s interface operates like a spreadsheet, but it’s far more intuitive and includes all kinds of functionality that’s either not available in Excel or more complex. Airtable Blocks give you a creative palette of app-like functionality that you can mix and match to create the perfect workflow for your team. Airtable also provides templates to get you and your team started.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: DoLA

Photo #2: Venture Harbour

Photo #3: Forest

Photo #4: IPassword

Photo #5: Quip

Photo #6: Slack

Photo #7: Microsoft To Do

Photo #8: WhatsApp

Photo #9: Cisco WebEx Meetings

Photo #10: Trello

Photo #11: Airtable

Arts & Crafts Shops in Downtown LA

Fall is in the air and the holidays are around the corner. Time to get crafty with fun DIY projects and festive seasonal decor to animate your home and energize your routine. Try your hand at ceramics. Go crazy for quilting. Experiment with paper mache, learn origami, or even make your own soap and candles. Grab a sketch pad and jot down whatever inspires you. DTLA is a creative hub for artists, artisans and makers of all persuasions, and arts & craft resources abound near Circa. Check websites for store hours, curbside pick up and delivery options.

Still Life Ceramics near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Still Life Ceramics ROW DTLA 767 S Alameda St #198 Los Angeles, CA 90021

Learn ceramics skills from the masters! Still Life Studio’s outdoor ceramics classes are being held through September on ROW DTLA’s M2 Deck. Ana Henton and Mel Keedle are co-founders of Still Life Ceramics in Downtown Los Angeles and Still Life Studio in Santa Monica. Still Life Ceramics is a boutique production studio and workshop that generates a production line of functional housewares and a yearly art collection. Have fun creating your own pottery and gain inspiring insights about form, color and functionality. Check their workshop schedule HERE

Raw Materials Art Supplies near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Raw Materials Art Supplies 645 S Los Angeles St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Raw Materials Art Supplies is an independent art supply store in the heart Downtown Los Angeles. Hunkered down in a bright, minimalist space, Raw Materials stocks thousands of art supplies, tools, and materials at every-day low prices, including many top brands of paints, stretched canvas, and brushes. They are open for curbside pickup and local delivery, but not in-store shopping. Place your order online and they will contact you when it is ready.

The Original Los Angeles Flower Market near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

The Original Los Angeles Flower Market 754 Wall St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Located in the heart of the Los Angeles Flower District, The Original Los Angeles Flower Market is an expansive indoor floral marketplace that’s open to both the trade and the general public. Virtually every in-season, commercially sold variety of cut flower is available from growers all over the globe. You’ll also find everything from balloons to baskets and decor items to add that perfect accent piece. See hours of operation for more information.

Moskatels near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Moskatels 733 San Julian St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Located in The Original Flower Market, Moskatels is a vast warehouse store offering a large variety of art supplies, crafting materials & party decorations. Moskatels has been a division of Michaels Arts & Crafts since 1987 and they carry some of the same products as the Michaels Craft Stores, They also offer an array of artificial flowers, floral supplies, framing, ceramic vases, woven baskets, accent pieces, and holiday-themed items.

Artist & Craftsman Supply near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Artist & Craftsman Supply 1917-1921 E 7th St Los Angeles, CA 90021

An employee-owned company, Artist & Craftsman Supply has been providing artists and crafters with excellent materials at competitive prices since first opening in Yarmouth, Maine in 1985. Shop for everything from paint to paper mache, and supplies for beading, jewelry, candle making, soap making, stencils and more. Call ahead for store hours (213) 955-9055.

Architect's Corner near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Architect’s Corner 1324 S Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Architects Corner is an architectural modeling supply store serving professionals, academics and consumers. They carry a wide array of art and hobby supplies and tools to meet the needs of all types of artists from traditional to digital. You’ll also find an an impressive selection of architecture books that will look great on your Zoom background bookshelf.

Fabric Hotel near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Fabric Hotel 848 Wall St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Fabric Hotel is a family owned and operated fabric store and quilt shop in downtown Los Angeles. With 25 years of experience in local and global sourcing, they have picked the best connections and importers in the industry to select fabrics that are high quality and affordable. Offerings include a wide variety of 100% cotton prints for quilting and craft, along with batik, polar fleece print, flannel, velvet, fashion fabric, and more. Online orders are processed in 1-2 business days.

Throw Clay LA 1006 S Olive St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

In the heart of downtown Los Angeles, Throw Clay LA is a space to learn, inspire and create the art and craft of pottery. From the novice looking to throw their first pot, to the experienced hobbyist hoping to create a complete set of dinnerware, and on to the advanced potter intending to open their first Etsy shop, Throw Clay LA exists to encourage the creative spirit. Founded by potter John Prescott, their vision is to offer a vibrant and welcoming neighborhood studio – a creative way to get out and get involved with friends, neighbors and co-workers. Pottery is an art form in which you see immediate results. Beginners successfully craft their own dish-ware, cactus planters, or handmade gifts. Advanced potters demonstrate and share further skills while exploring artistic possibilities with their monthly membership.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Still Life Ceramics

Photo #2: Still Life Ceramics

Photo #3: Raw Materials Art Supplies

Photo #4: The Original Los Angeles Flower Market

Photo #5: Moskatels

Photo #6: Artist & Craftsman Supply

Photo #7: Architect’s Corner

Photo #8: Fabric Hotel

Photo #9: Throw Clay LA

dineL.A. is Back – Delicious DTLA Eateries to Try Now

dineL.A. Restaurant Week is back. From now until September 18, DTLA eateries are offering scrumptious specials for patio dining, takeout and delivery. Whether you’re a die-hard carnivore or prefer your meal vegetarian, vegan or gluten free, you’ll find flavorful choices to please every palate. Supporting our local restaurants is a fantastic way to keep Downtown LA vibrant and thriving! And dineL.A. provides a convenient way to expand your restaurant repertoire or rediscover your favorites. Here are some of our picks. Complete dineL.A. Restaurant Week list THIS WAY

10e 811 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

10e is offering reservations for al fresco dining and curbside pickup. 10e brings cutting edge culinary creativity and a refreshingly hip attitude to the historic and architecturally stunning Fine Arts Building. The diverse menu mixes authentic Armenian cuisine with modern Mediterranean influences and exotic flavors. Choices include a wide variety of halal grilled kebabs, vegetarian dishes, gluten free plates, seafood, and chef’s specials. They also offer handcrafted cocktails and Lebanese wine and beer to pair with the inspired Armenian dishes.

Colori Kitchen 429 W 8th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

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 your dining experience the warmth, and of course a bit of the drama, that only a real Italian family can offer. Available for takeout and delivery.

Bacari West Adams 2308 S Union Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Situated in LA’s West Adams neighborhood, Bacari offers Mediterranean and Italian-inspired small plates. Menu items include a delectable array of interesting salads, pastas, seafood, vegetable dishes, pizzas, and sweets. Craft cocktails, wine and beer complement your meal. Bacari is offering patio dining, takeout and delivery.

Zinqué DTLA 939 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90015

Zinqué is a high design, low-key neighborhood restaurant with French-inspired dishes, small plates and a uniquely curated wine and beer selection. Small bites include Castelvetrano Olives, Marcona Almonds, Fries mayo sriracha, and Pâté de Campagne. You can also order full plates such as quiche, lasagna, burgers, steak frites, smoked salmon, and more. Zinqué is open for outdoor dining, takeout and delivery.

Pikunico Fried Chicken 767 S Alameda St. Suite 122, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Pikunico serves free range, gluten free Japanese fried chicken and more, with locally-sourced ingredients. Choose from crunchy fried chicken pieces, sandwiches, or bowls, along with healthy sides such as roasted beet salad, seaweed & cucumber salad, and Pikunico slaw. Pikunico was founded by Japanese-born Chef Kuniki Yagi, who started her LA career working with Chef David Myers of Sona, one of the few Los Angeles restaurants to ever receive a Michelin star.

The Rooftop at The Wayfarer 813 Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Revel on the outdoor rooftop veranda at The Wayfarer Hotel in the heart of DTLA. Enjoy killer cocktails with views to match. Cool off by the water while the mixologist gets creative with the next round. Menu items range from savory starters to full on dinner dishes such as marinated baby lamb chops and bacon-wrapped sea scallops. Finish your meal with sweet indulgences such warm chocolate chip cookies or beignets.

Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse 800 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Just minutes away from Circa, Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse pays homage to gaucho traditions and their Southern Brazilian roots. The dineL.A. menu features two dinners for $65 to-go. Choose two fire-roasted meats, two fresh salads, three traditional Brazilian sides, and one dessert per person, served with Pão de Queijo and Chimichurri sauce.

HATCH Yakitori + Bar THE BLOC 700 W 7th St Suite G600 Los Angeles, CA 90017

Join HATCH Yakitori + Bar for outdoor dining in THE BLOC open-air plaza right in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. HATCH is a modern Japanese grill that celebrates yakitori, a fresh raw bar and creative plates. Traditional Japanese cooking is fused with bold Californian flavors to deliver new takes on classic dishes. The skewers are grilled over binchotan charcoal and they only use premium locally-source ingredients, such as organic Jidori chicken. They also offer a specialty cocktail program highlighting their Japanese roots, a curated sake list, and rare Japanese whiskies.

THE DECK 𝗯𝘆 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰t Sheraton Grand 700 W 7th St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

District is offering farm-to-table fare and inspired cocktails at their all new rooftop lounge, THE DECK by District. District strives to make use of the extraordinary foods grown sustainably by our local farmers, and also seeks out unparalleled ideas from food purveyors around the world. For District, farm to table means products that are created on a small scale by farmer-artisans who are strangers to compromise, and have, through passion and invention, further dimensionalized the culinary arts.

Drago Centro 525 Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90071

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 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 and luxury to any palate. Enjoy the magic of Drago Centro’s new outdoor dining patio. Takeout and delivery are also available.

Engine Co. No. 28 644 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Engine No 28 is offering 50% off wine with dineL.A. orders. Housed in a beautifully restored 1912 firehouse, Engine Co. No. 28, has been putting out appetite fires since 1989 with classic American dishes inspired by the regional cooking of firehouses across the country. The menu features a signature Meatloaf, New York Steak, Southern-style pan-fried chicken, crab cakes, Cobb salad, and Firehouse chili. Call for dineL.A. reservations at 213-624-6996. Outdoor patio dining, takeout and delivery are available.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: The Rooftop at The Wayfayer

Photo #2: 10e

Photo #3: Bacari West Adams

Photo #4: Zinqué DTLA

Photo #5: The Rooftop at The Wayfayer

Photo #6: Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse

Photo #7: HATCH Yakitori + Bar

Photo #8: THE DECK 𝗯𝘆 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰t

Photo #9: Drago Centro

Photo #10: Engine Co. No. 28

Discover LA’s Amazing Murals & Street Art

Los Angeles is renowned as one of the most exciting places in the world for street art. Incredible murals and art walls appear all around the city, and many have become permanent, treasured fixtures. Artists have found their canvas on buildings, walls, freeway barriers, and even LA River storm drains, enriching our public art scene and attracting street art fans from around the world. Many of the most significant artworks are in Downtown Los Angeles near Circa. Whether you’re an art lover looking for new neighborhoods to explore or just want to snap some fresh content for your social feed, get out there and discover LA’s amazing murals and street art.

Kobe Bryant Murals

The City of Los Angeles recently came out in droves to pay their respects to sports legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant on Kobe Bryant Day August 24, 2020. Figueroa St. between Olympic and MLK will soon be Kobe Bryant Blvd. In celebration of his life, there are dozens of amazing Kobe Bryant murals located in Downtown Los Angeles and the Arts District near Staples Center. You can view a MAP of all Kobe mural locations and follow along at Instagram.com/KobeMural Pictured: Mural by Los Angeles-based visual artist AISEBORN at 1348 Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90015.

Kobe Mural by Jonas Never 1337 Lebanon St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Nearby the Staples Center, Los Angeles sports muralist Jonas Never created a Kobe Bryant mural to honor the star’s NBA career in 2016. Following the news of the accident, fans gathered at the Downtown Los Angeles mural along the 1300 block of Lebanon Street. Hundreds of people have written down their tributes on post-its and hung them bellow the iconic mural. The artwork features Kobe doing his iconic Mamba yell along with “Los Angeles Culture” styled as the Lakers’ logo.

Kent Twitchell Ed Ruscha Monument American Hotel 303 S. Hewitt St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

A veritable legend in the L.A. mural scene is Kent Twitchell, who is internationally famous for his realistic multi-storied mural portraits. He’s been painting across the city for decades, although some of his most beloved pieces have been erased over the years, such as his original portrait of the artist Ed Ruscha. Fortunately, Twitchell had the chance to do an updated version of Ed Ruscha Monument on the side of the American Hotel in the Arts District. One of his moet iconic works, Harbor Freeway Overture, a depiction of three Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra musicians, is located on the Citiicorp Plaza parking structure at 8th St. and the Harbor Freeway.

Street Art @The Bloc 700 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Explore the street art at The Bloc while social distancing and rocking your masks. You’ll have plenty of great opportunities to perk up your social media feed as you pose with colorful murals featuring the work of WRDSMTH, Antigirl, Colette Miller, and more. Hashtag #bestofdtla to enter-to-win a $1,000 giveaway! Pictured is a dramatic 30-foot mural by Robert Vargas with photo by @vero.parga

Arts District Dog Park 1004 E 4th Street Los Angeles, CA 90013

Here’s the chance to see some amazing LA murals while taking your pooch on a well-deserved trip to the park. True to its creative surroundings, The Arts District Dog Park is punctuated with colorful murals by LA artist Septerhed. Featured on ABC7 LA, KTLA, WKBW Buffalo, and more, Septerhead is an LA-based artist specializing in murals, illustrations, paintings, live painting and other wave lengths. The park includes a dog water fountain, separate small dog area, shade trees, benches for humans, a community bulletin board, pooper-scoopers, and trash bins. Not run or supported by the City of Los Angeles, this volunteer-run park is a true example of community spirit.

Leo Limón LA River Catz

For 35 plus years East LA-born artist Leo Limón has been painting the Los Angeles River cat faces on the storm-drain covers in a beloved project known as the LA River Catz. In the 70s, Limón developed an interest in the arts and discovered a prime, neglected canvas in the L.A. River’s storm drains. His detailed paintings of cat faces represent his love for the unique flora and fauna of our urban river. With help from the city, Leo hired youth from different high schools, not only working with them to paint over 30 feline faces, but also working to reduce violence and other challenges facing his young assistants. Cats were chosen because the storm drains themselves look like a cat\’s face with the sealing hinges appearing as pointy ears and the doors themselves being a circular shape like a face. Limon is involved with groups whose efforts are to revive the Los Angeles River as a historic region, cultural art enclave and tourist destination.

Guide to LA Arts District Murals

Discover Los Angeles has a great guide to the Downtown LA Arts District Murals. Please note that the walls are in a constant state of flux and some artworks are more permanent than others. Murals give way to the elements, their colors fading with time. Some are obliterated as walls are taken over by new artists. The Arts District you see when you visit one summer may not be the one you see the following year. The lesson here is to always take photos! Pictured is Bloom by Hueman, an Oakland based painter and street artist.

The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles (MCLA) was created by a coalition of artists, public art advocates, city of Los Angeles and state of California public officials, and restoration specialists. MCLA built long-term programs to retain mural arts as a part of Los Angeles’ cultural legacy and establish murals as a significant part of our city’s cultural heritage. MCLA maintains a free database of Los Angeles’ Mural History linking artists, murals and neighborhoods. The MCLA website allows submissions of murals created recently in Los Angeles, forming an ever growing archive joining the historic with the new. Pictured is a mural by Vyal at The Container Yard arts center 800 East 4th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013. Vyal is one of the most identifiable graffiti artists on the West Coast.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Harbor Freeway Overture/Kent Twitchell

Photo #2: Kobe Mural/AISEBORN

Photo #3: Kobe Mural/Jonas Never

Photo #4: Kent Twitchell/Ed Ruscha Monument

Photo #5: The Bloc/Photo cred: @vero.parga Mural by: @therobertvargas

Photo #6: Arts District Dog Park/Septerhed

Photo #7: Leo Limón LA River Catz

Photo #8: Bloom by Hueman/Discover Los Angeles

Photo #9: MCLA/Vyal/The Container Yard

Explore Beautiful Botanical Gardens

Looking for a refreshing respite from the summer heat? The Los Angeles area is home to some of the world’s most beautiful botanical gardens, many just a short distance from Circa apartments. These foliage-filled natural retreats present a vast array of native flora and fauna, as well as spectacular species from all corners of the globe. You might just meet a peacock, commune with the koi, or even encounter a resident turtle! Some botanical gardens require advance ticket purchase – check their websites for details. Watch for visitor guidelines at all locations.

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden 270 Arlington Dr. Pasadena, CA 91105

The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden was created by Kinzuchi Fujii for Charles and Ellamae Storrier Stearns in 1935. Fujii designed and built Japanese landscapes across Southern California in the first half of the 20th century. The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden is his only remaining garden and the only intact example of a major Japanese-style garden created before World War II for a residence in Southern California. This pond-style stroll garden features a fifteen-foot waterfall and a formal teahouse on approximately two acres of land. The garden is considered by many to be a masterwork and it demonstrates the adaptability of Japanese culture in modern America.

Arlington Garden near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Arlington Garden 275 Arlington Dr. Pasadena, CA 91105

Pasadena’s only dedicated free public garden, Arlington Garden is a three- acre community-built Mediterranean garden in the heart of Pasadena on Caltrans-owned land. The site is leased to the City of Pasadena and entrusted by the city to Arlington Garden in Pasadena, a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation. The garden includes thousands of California-native plants such as poppies, sunflowers, cactus and succulents, orchards of orange and olive trees, and many more species. Arlington Garden is not only friendly to people and pets, but also serves as a refuge for Pasadena’s native fauna. Birds, bees and butterflies are particularly abundant and can be seen throughout the year. Arlington Garden is open every day except Tuesday. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden UCLA 707 Tiverton Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90095

Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden is a living museum that maintains one of the most important living botanical collections in the U.S. Over 3,000 types of plants grow in the garden and a wide range of environments are found within its borders, from the dry desert and Mediterranean sections on the eastern end to the shaded, lush interior. A stream and series of ponds run through the center of the garden, which is home to koi and turtles.

South Coast Botanic Garden near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

South Coast Botanic Garden 26300 Crenshaw Blvd. Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274

Unique from the start, South Coast Botanic Garden is one of the world’s first botanical gardens to be developed as a masterpiece of creative land reclamation and environment improvement. The mission of South Coast Botanic Garden is to serve the community by providing a unique horticultural and wildlife habitat experience, and to represent a model of excellence for land reclamation and sustainability. This continuing experiment in land reclamation has drawn horticulturists from all over the world, including Prince Charles of England, to study the feasibility of similar projects. Today the garden is host to over 200,000 plants, and numerous wildlife residents, including hedgehogs and peafowl.

Exposition Park Rose Garden 701 State Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037

The Exposition Park Rose Garden is a historic 7-acre sunken garden located in Exposition Park in Los Angeles. It has been called “one of the city’s best-kept secrets” and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. You’ll discover green spaces scattered around the USC-adjacent property, but the most charming section lies in the lovely Rose Garden.

Huntington Botanical Gardens near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Huntington Botanical Gardens 1151 Oxford Road San Marino, CA 91108

Huntington Botanical Gardens is offering Huntington Evening Strolls! Beat the heat of the day and enjoy a leisurely evening walk through the gardens Friday – Sunday from 4:30–7 p.m. through Labor day. Advance tickets are required. In 1903 Henry E. Huntington purchased the San Marino Ranch, a working ranch with citrus groves, nut and fruit orchards, alfalfa crops, a small herd of cows, and poultry. Today, the estate is home to 16 spectacular themed gardens spread across 120 acres, including Desert Garden, Camellia & Rose Gardens, Japanese Garden, Jungle Garden, Herb Garden and more. The Huntington has reopened most of its 130 acres of gardens, with new safety measures in place, but the galleries remain closed. All visitors, including Members must reserve tickets online in advance.

LA Arboretum near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

LA Arboretum 301 N Baldwin Ave Arcadia, CA 91007

The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a unique 127-acre botanical garden and historical site located in what was once the heart of the historic Rancho Santa Anita in the city of Arcadia. Did you know The Arboretum is also an official wildlife sanctuary? In addition to the famous peafowl, visitors will see species of resident and migratory birds, aquatic creatures, and numerous species of small reptiles and mammals. Tickets are now limited to preserve safe distancing and all indoor spaces are closed. Members are required to reserve free tickets. Non-members must buy advance tickets online to ensure entry.

Descanso Gardens near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Dr. La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Descanso Gardens is an urban retreat of year-round natural beauty, internationally renowned botanical collections, and spectacular seasonal horticultural displays, located just 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. The principal collections include California native plants and oak woodlands; one of the largest collections of camellias in the Western Hemisphere; a rose garden with specimens from all corners of the globe; and significant presentations of lilacs, maple trees, cherry trees and iris. Members can enter without an advance ticket, but visitors who are not members and guests not covered under a membership will need advance tickets with timed entry.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

Photo #2: Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

Photo #3: Arlington Garden in Pasadena

Photo #4: Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden

Photo #5: Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks

Photo #6: Huntington Botanical Gardens

Photo #7: Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden

Photo #8: Descanso Gardens