TOURific Los Angeles

When I drive my tour guests through the grounds of Hollywood Forever Cemetery, the biggest reaction usually comes when we see the memorial for Toto, Dorothy's dog in the Wizard of Oz. Today marks 10 years since the memorial statue was unveiled. Enjoy this article on how it came about...and if you want a real comprehensive tour of the cemetery, my pal in tourism Karie Bible is back to leading her historic walking tours. Highly recommend!

A few sites enjoyed on a recent private tour including the new Kobe Bryant mural. A Texas family sees LA for the first time on a 6 hour layover en route to Hawaii.

If you've ever wanted to see a movie under the stars at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, this summer would be perfect as it is their 20th anniversary season. Their calendar shows screenings through July. http://cinespia.org/ #hollywoodforever #cinespia

This is the face of a happy girl who got to eat lunch in person at a table at Greenblatt's Deli!! The pastrami on rye was even better than I remember, Ralph and Raul were in the kitchen working their sandwich magic. A slimmed down menu and slight change of hours but...they are back in business!! #bestpastrami #greenblattsdeli

If you're like me, you celebrate Donut Day every chance you get. So many great options in LA these days...this list highlights customer favorites at shops around town. What's your favorite donut? Mine is an old-fashioned glazed. Or a maple bar.

Is it too late to celebrate National Pancake Day?! Pancakes have been on my mind for some time, but I just found out today's the day. Where do you go for pancakes? So many good places in LA to enjoy them... #pancakes #nationalpancakeday

Just in case you didn't get enough chocolate yesterday, take a glance through these photos. Please don't hate me. I just had to share the beauty. I really, really want all of them right now. Pass me a fork and a glass of milk, please. #chocolatedecadence #chocolatedesserts

Some funny Valentines from the lovely team at Sinners & Saints. Hope everyone is enjoying their day! #valentinesday

From my friend Kimberly, entertainment concierge extraordinaire, a lovely list of unique LA area ideas for Valentine's Day, or any day really. If you aren't yet receiving newsletters from her company L.A. Any Day, today is a perfect day to sign up. #ValentinesDay2021

Oh What A Beautiful Mourning was the theme of this weekend's special event at Heritage Square Museum. Attended this unique day with pals in tourism L.A. Any Day L.A. Woman Tours and Karie Bible. If you've not yet been to this hidden historic gem, it's definitely worth a visit! #heritagesquare #DayOfMourning

When in Orange County, Roger's Gardens in Corona Del Mar is a must-see, especially around the holidays. Their Halloween theme, a Pirates Life For Me, is already transitioning to the winter holidays, but there was plenty of fall themed decor and plants to enjoy. We even snuck in a visit with Santa! #rogersgardens

Is it too early in the day to post about candy? Specifically Halloween candy? This link is from a food columnist with the LA Times. He took 31 (mostly) candies that one might find in their trick or treat bag. Then he ranked them by two things: first, their taste and their representation of the season, and second by their HTV or Halloween Trade Value. Personally I don't agree with Junior Mints and Tootsie Rolls being so far down the list. #trickortreat

If you're anywhere near Hollywood & Highland today, find the newest shop, Gelato Festival, and get in line! I'm thinking it's going to be in the old Crumbs Bake Shop space at the main entrance, but that's just a guess. Founded in Florence, Italy 10 years ago, not only do they host yummy festivals, but they also have brick and mortal shops serving authentic gelato (some vegan flavors too) and other treats. If you're one of the first 500 in the door on their opening day, you'll receive a FREE mini cone! #gelatofestival #hollywood

If you enjoy afternoon tea as much as I do, The Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica is now serving at 2:00pm daily on their outdoor patio, The Veranda. This was a very special afternoon with lovely company, ocean breezes, three delightful tiers of tea goodies and of course individual pots of tea. Thank you Lynne, Elyse and Maya!

Speaking of ice cream, I want to share my experience 5 years ago when I got to visit Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour and Ice Cream Shop in Vermont. I also paid a visit to their Flavor Graveyard. It was such a special experience, and a fabulous time of year to be back east. Has anyone else been to this fun spot? #benandjerrys #icecream

So while at Original Farmers Market, Los Angeles in addition to pumpkins and persimmons, I got a craving for pumpkin ice cream. This nice scoop came from long time vendor Bennett's and hit the spot on a warm fall day. #pumpkinspice #icecream

A lovely Saturday morning visit to Los Angeles landmark Original Farmers Market, Los Angeles which is all decked out in festive fall decor! And a free pumpkin patch which Jiggy enjoyed! #farmersmarketLA #pumpkinpatch

Anytime this group can get together is a special event...some of the best tour guides, Hollywood and history buffs in LA at this table. Enjoying margs and Mexican food, celebrating Halloween and always toasting our girl Sharon Tate at El Coyote's socially distant parking lot dining room. #elcoyotecafe #margaritas

The Original Farmer's Market is all decked out for fall, with plenty of social distancing and fun, festive photo ops. I sure miss taking my private tour groups there to enjoy the ambiance and the many food vendors. #farmersmarketLA #privatetourguide

National Dessert Day 2020. Where and how much will you celebrate today? Here are just a few pics of desserts I've sampled over the years, all in the name of research! My dear friend Angela used to say "A meal is never complete without dessert!" I wholeheartedly agree and miss sharing desserts with her. #DessertDay

If you toured with us between 2012-2014, chances are AJ was the driver of our 15 passenger van. We've kept in touch thru the years and today is his birthday, so we decided to meet for lunch at a historic foodie location in Downey. The oldest still-operating Mc Donalds, built in 1953. Featuring a limited menu in a googie style building, walk-up and drive-thru ordering are available, but no seating. Though the staff did invite us to enjoy the museum displays and use the restrooms. Happy Birthday AJ and thanks for sharing your day with us. Jiggy enjoyed meeting you! #mcdonalds #downeyca

What are you doing on your Monday? Since we discovered the banks and post office closed, we took sandwiches to the park for a picnic with Jiggy. I've lived here almost 20 years and never visited Kenneth Hahn State Park, 338 acres just off La Cienega in the Baldwin Hills neighborhood. We left some areas of the park for exploring another day, but did enjoy walking around the lake and observing various wildlife do their thing. #adventuresinLA