Hollywood

Since we were already in the area (see previous post), we decided to check out a few of the iconic Los Angeles sights. Many of the things we wanted to do were closed due to COVID but we were able to cross a couple things off our California bucket list. Our first stop was the Griffith Observatory. Here we had great views of the city and the Hollywood sign. However it did not lend itself to great pictures with the sign. I really wanted a good picture with the Hollywood sign and this location was slightly disappointing. We did a quick internet search and came across a travel blog that mentioned great photo ops with the Hollywood sign in a nearby neighborhood. We hopped in the car and made our way through the streets of Hollywood to the destination in question.

We arrived in the neighbourhood, interested to find out that it actually leads into the old Hollywoodland subdivision. Although the pictures from this location proved better, and we had a chance to get a few pictures at the cool arches for the old subdivision, these pictures (and the view) still weren't quite right for me. Another internet search provided us the information we needed: direction to a park where we were able to get a picture that made me happy. If you are ever in LA and are looking for a great spot to take a picture with the Hollywood sign, put 3000 Canyon Lake Drive into your GPS and start driving. You will wind your way through streets with signs that say things like "No vehicle access to Hollywood sign." While it is true that these streets won't lead you right up to the sign, they will lead you to the park that will give you a great vantage point for pictures. 

The view from the neighbourhood

One of the arches

The view from the park. Finally!

We also stopped at the Walk of Fame. It was really cool to see all the stars and the Chinese Theatre. Sadly the theatre was blocked off so we couldn't wander through the hand and foot prints in the cement out front. I did manage to get a few pictures through the fence though. This is on our list to go back to once things open up again. 

Despite the numerous closures in the area, it was still fun to get the opportunity to see some of the sights. I am hopeful that LA will open back up before we leave California so we can do the rest of the things on our long and ever growing bucket list. 

Gluten Free Find: 
I had heard a lot of good things about Erin McKenna's Bakery and wanted to try it out. I ordered a salted caramel éclair, a maple donut, and a slice of lemon cake. I did not like the éclair or the donut and was disappointed that I paid so much money for something that didn't taste very good (warning, this place is pricey, even for a gluten free bakery). The lemon cake, on the other hand, was delicious; worth every penny. It's not worth going out of your way to visit this bakery but if you are in the area and you decide to make a stop here, I highly recommend the lemon cake. 

The Ocean is calling and I must go

We've lived in Southern California for about 18 months but had yet to go to Los Angeles. After our visit to Solvang, we decided to drive down the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to the land of the stars. If you haven't driven the PCH, put it on your bucket list and start planning a trip. We only drove a small portion of the highway, but the drive was incredible. The internet recommends driving the highway north to south so you can be on the same side as the ocean. I echo this recommendation. Although there are pull outs and view points along the way, we decided not to stop at any of them. These pictures were taken from the car. 

We made our way to Zuma Beach in Malibu (the TV show "Baywatch" often filmed at this beach). Despite living in California, we have been to the beach only a couple times since moving here--partly because the nearest beach is over 2.5 hours away from us and partly because of COVID (Thanks 2020). I grew up on the prairies with the Rocky Mountains pretty much in my backyard and while I love the prairies and the mountains, I have a deep love for the beach. If I had to choose between the three, I would be hard pressed to pick a favourite. I absolutely love sinking my toes in the sand and hearing the waves roar.

After our stop at Zuma Beach, we continued down the PCH to Malibu Pier. The beaches and the pier were pretty deserted. I imagine during non-COVID times, these places are usually packed. It was nice to kind of have the places to ourselves, but it was sad that we weren't able to spend more time at them. I can't wait to go back and actually enjoy the beach and pier experience. 

Solvang, California

When we found out we were moving to California we started researching all the places we wanted to visit. As soon as I came across Solvang I just knew we had to visit. A Danish town in the middle of California? Yes please! Solvang is absolutely beautiful. It is surrounded by mountains and rolling hills, which adds to its charm. I've never been to Europe but I imagine that it looks a lot like Solvang. We really enjoyed exploring the town and the Santa Ines Mission. 

If you go: 
We stayed at Hadsten House in Solvang. Nice, clean room with an electric fireplace. The location was within walking distance to downtown Solvang. We would stay here again. 

Gluten Free Find:

There are a number of bakeries in Solvang. The entire town smells like baked goods, which was pretty much torture for me given my celiac. At least one bakery had GF macaroons, but they shared a display case with gluten-containing food and I wasn't willing to risk that much cross contamination. Despite the lack of gf bakery items, I was able to eat delicious food at some of the restaurants. Brekkies has a gluten free waffle that made me want to marry the chef so I could have waffles like that every day. And the chicken sandwich I had from Fitzpatrick's Tavern was one of the best I've had. They offer gluten free buns (and don't charge extra for them!!) and use a separate fryer for their fries.