Nope: Bee Wanderlusty’s not a new Singleton (though it should be, right?).
No, Dear Bees. This is better.
See, summer solstice was but a blink ago yet Vegas is bees-knees deep in obscene heat. That means it’s time for The Juice Standard’s annual summertime get-the-hell-outta-dodge suggestions for non-desert trips you can sked between now and Labor Day with peeps you’ve deemed travel-worthy.
(You do have folks you’d bee willing to travel with, right?)
To kick off a few non-desert travel articles, we’re starting with by far the easy-peasiest local(ish)drive: LV—>LA.
To the rest of the world, Los Angeles may be a backdrop for all-things glitz and glammy, but when desert heat hits friggin’ 118, La La Land’s cool is the one we crave…both in vibe and thermometer.
Carrie Stamps: Our in-house graphic design and LAexpert extraordinaire.
So this month, sharing a litany of her fave LA haunts is TJS’s Carrie Stamps—owner/founder of Vegas-based Scaled Design Studio—whose graphic-designy nose for style, beauty, function, and fun helps guide her to the goods in LA and beyond.
“Los Angeles is an easy destination for a weekend getaway,” says Stamps, who along with TJS Creative Director Mallory Dawn is charged with designing our dedicated inbox e-newsie, From The Humble Bee, and with making TJS print and digi-collateral look luscious.
“After a 45-minute flight from Las Vegas (or a short 3-4 hour drive), LA’s temperature drops 20 to 30 degrees and offers vibrant city life mixed with beach life.”
Stamps is always looking out for local favorites and hidden gems (“I love the outdoor hikes, beach activity, restaurants, museums, culture and walkability in West Hollywood—WeHo—and I’m such a foodie, I have one million restaurant recommendations!”). Her best insider intel for experiencing any city? “Get out and see and do! Walk the streets. Get lost. Try something new and different.”
Don’t mind if we do, PrettyGirl. Below are places Stamps has deemed worth visiting over and over…no matter how you like to spend your time.
Get to the Griffith at night.
For Love Of The Great Outdoors
Hikes? In a city? You bet, says Stamps. “City hikes like Runyon Canyon and the Hollywood sign get crowded and touristy, but they are a worthy view. However…hiking to Griffith Observatory overlooks all of LA. A sunset hike is a real treat when it’s dark, you’ll see all the city lights for as far as the eye can see. For a real dose of Mother Nature, Topanga State Park just above Malibu is a short drive.
Boldly hit the Broad.
For The Love of History
Hardly mere collections of old dusty stuff, LA museums are as varied as wallet-busting retail on Rodeo. “The Broad, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, and The Getty offer worldly art and culture,” suggests Stamps. “The Museum of Ice Cream is a sweet treat, and The Getty is even free!”
Say yessabel to Ysabel.
Get Into My Your Belly
Beehold this summary of Stamps’ faves and you’re welcome in advance.
- Bestia (Downtown)
- Ysabel (WeHo)
- Il Pastaio (Beverly Hills)
- Pace Restaurant (Hollywood)
- Cafe Gratitude (any location)
- Urth Caffé (any location)
- Alfred Coffee + Kitchen (any location)
- Moon Juice (any location)
- Greenleaf (Venice)
- Plant Food + Wine (Venice)
- Charcoal (Venice)
Get Outta My Your Belly
What goes in must come out, right? LA is notorious for its beautiful people…and how do they get their beauty? Exercise. While a fave activity is simply renting a bike on the beach in Santa Monica or jogging the beachy boardwalk from Marina del Rey, to Venice, to Santa Monica, these brick-and-mortar haunts are 100 percent Stamps-approved:
- Soulcycle (several)
- Wanderlust yoga studio (Hollywood)
- Swerve Dance Studio (WeHo)
- 3rd Street Dance (WeHo)
For The Love Of Nightlife
Living in Las Vegas has taught Stamps a thing or two about what appeals in a club. Rest assured these are top-notch pics for hottt (er, cool?) LA nights. #StilettosNotRequired
- EP + LP rooftop bar (WeHo)
- Ysabel (WeHo) (And yes: Eat there, then go back because it’s Carrie Stamps suggested and GP approved)
- Tao (Hollywood)
- Beauty + Essex (Hollywood)
- Catch LA (WeHo)
Piñata District doesn’t disappoint.
For The Love of a Weekend Market
“Melrose Place Farmer’s Market and Melrose Trading Post are great things to see and do on Sundays!” says Stamps, adding that not-to-miss sights also include Grand Central Market and Piñata District in Downtown LA.