If you’re new to the idea of vacation
home exchange and looking for an ideal place to start, make it in
Southern California.
You simply cannot imagine the variety of experiences possible to you. If your interests lead you to the arts, there are world class
museums, superb concert venues, and much more. The popular arts abound with
concerts, art fairs, classes and more. But today, we thought we’d focus on the
quintessential immersion experience in the greater Los Angeles area: The Santa
Monica Promenade. This multi block long venue offers an almost inexhaustible
number of activities for someone visiting the area. Retail stores abound.
Nationally recognized stores are in the majority but there are also some
intriguing local offerings as well such as the architectural bookstore located
around the corner near the north end of the Promenade.
Restaurants are so plentiful
that the largest problem visitors face is having to decide on which one appeals
the most. From seafood to pizza; from elegance to the extremely casual, you
will find something to tempt your palate. Many dining venues feature small
outdoor patio areas which afford diners the pleasure of the mild, sunny weather
as well as uninterrupted people watching. Believe us when we say, half the fun
of going to the Promenade is experiencing the full panoply of Los Angelinos,
including the occasional celebrity.
The Promenade is user friendly with many places to sit and
relax before pressing on with your explorations. Every few yards you can find
small kiosks selling refreshments. The weather is almost always pleasant, even
on the hottest summer days because the Promenade is located on the bluffs just
inshore from the Pacific Coast and the famous Santa Monica Pier.
While you’re relaxing with a beverage you’ll undoubtedly be
diverted by one of the many nearby street entertainers. We’ve been amused by
jugglers, magicians, and music performances of untold varieties including,
classical cello, Peruvian music, and folk music.
On Saturday evenings, singers, songwriters and other
performers swell the daytime ranks offering you a wider range of amusements.
These entertainers are always grateful for any tip you care to offer.
If you need a break from the kaleidoscope of sight and
sounds, there is a lovely bluff top part with cool grass, swaying palms and
inviting benches within easy walking distance. The park overlooks the blue
waters of the Pacific Ocean and historic Highway 1. It is a popular venue for
picnic lunches, dog walking, jogging and skating.
When you’ve finished with your Southern California vacation
home exchange adventure, be sure to share your thoughts with other IVHE.com
members. Your experiences may very well help another member have a memorable
visit to the area and the Santa Monica Promenade.
In our next blog post, we’ll take a trip north on Highway
101 to Santa Barbara where we did research for one of our novels. In the
meantime, Happy Vacationing!
Thank you to MA Scott
- a spousal writing team
PHOTO CREDITS:
Street performers - bayimages.com
Palisades Park - smconservancy.org
Once you have been to Southern California, it is hard to forget
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