Creating Space…To Explore: LA Edition

Creating Space …To Explore: LA Edition

Connect. Explore. Discover. 9 amazing things to do while you are in LA.

This past week I had the pleasure of traveling to the west coast with my family to explore a new place together. I’d been to LA once, but this was an opportunity to experience a seemingly familiar place in a completely new way. Along the way, I had the opportunity to create space for connection, exploration, and discovery. I could spend all day talking about how meaningful it was for me to get away and spend that time with my family, and how we got to connect with family out west we don’t see as often. The little moments that add up to big memories, but for you guys, I’ll stick to highlighting some of the awesome experiences we encountered while there.

Good Eats!

1) Met Her At A Bar - This was the very first thing we ate upon arriving in Los Angeles. Thank goodness for Yelp! The cafe was adorable, the vibe was amazing, and the food was unique and incredible. A hoppin’ brunch cafe serving waffles just about any way you can get them? Yes please!!

Waffle & lox

checK out the Thai style chicken & Waffle too! (Not PICTURED)

2) Whealthy - We stumbled upon this one during our visit to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I was fascinated by the spinning fire pits cooking and combining your custom build-your-own creations to perfection. Try the salmon + shrimp with udon noodles! Toss in whatever veggies and sauces you prefer - you won’t be disappointed!!

3) Egg Tuck Cafe - Shocker. Another breakfast spot tops my list. We found this spot just hanging out, livin’ it’s best life In Koreatown, again, courtesy of Yelp. I’ll be honest, the menu isn’t extensive, but if you want a hearty, delicious, and beautifully crafted egg masterpiece to light up your morning tastebuds, this is the place. It’s one of the few places where the food they serve to you perfectly mirrors the food shots on the menu! The lavender latte was pretty damn good too.

4) The Counter - Another build your own, this time for burgers. While it was a little pricier than what I generally like to pay for burgers and fries, these were no ordinary burgers and fries! Our eyes danced around the menu with excitement. The build your own options were EX-tensive!! The Parmesan fries were well worth the splurge (yes for our wallet and waistline).

Amazing Spaces

1) The Marathon Store - if you are a fan of Nipsey Hussle, or even just familiar with his work or music, then you understand the significance of paying respect to him in the space he was in the middle of transforming during the time of his untimely death. Many of us still feel the pain of losing him and his contributions to music, community, and culture, but having the opportunity to visit his mural, and feel his energy was a moment we won’t soon forget. The store is currently not accessible, but there are two beautiful murals reflecting his life and spirit of ambition, uplift and perseverance. Situated on the corner of Crenshaw & Slauson, it’s well worth the trip.

“The Marathon CONTINUES” R.I.P. NIP (1985-2019)

2) Soho Yoga DTLA - A yogi will yoga. Everywhere she goes!! Soho was an incredible discovery during my time in LA. I’m working on building a new yoga routine, and I had the opportunity to sweat it out at this fabulous space not once, but twice! They were so warm (literally) and welcoming!! The space was awesome for a practice and the classes I took were both incredible! Check them out if you are ever in or around Downtown LA!!

3) California African American Museum- “Founded in 1977, CAAM has a long and rich history. The first African American museum of art, history, and culture fully supported by a state.” My family and I were excited to explore the works within this space. During our visit, there was an incredible exhibit entitled - Cross Colours: Black Fashion in the 20th Century. It was so well set up, informative, inspiring, dripping with the nostalgia of 90’s pride and progression. Definitely a must see!

4) Venice Beach - We were lucky enough to catch this one just as the sun was setting. It was an incredible time to take a pause and enjoy the beauty of nature. Honestly, my favorite part about this one was simply the time taking it all in alongside my family. Nothing fancy. Just us, and the sea.

5) Staples Center - Similar to Venice Beach, this one made the list primarily driven by the time spent with my loved ones while there! But I must say, the vibe and energy inside the arena was fantastic. And although our seats were far from court side, the view was great and we had an awesome time.

I promised you 9, but there’s one more experience I must mention. This one had the trifecta of connection, exploration, AND discovery. If you are in the area, take some time to simply drive around and enjoy the beautiful scenery. We took a ride out to Calabasas and then Beverly Hills, just taking in scenery and views we don’t see as much in the Midwest. The conversations were fun and amusing along the way, and it was another moment worth cherishing!

Regardless if you travel 2,000 miles from home, or carve out a day to simply get away from it all, creating space to slip away from the daily grind, and explore life in a different way is critical. It inspires new energy, new connections, and maybe even some inspiration. Praying you have an incredible year of discovery!

Namaste…