Out and about in the city of angels

By Stephen Lebovits on December 25, 2008

So, you’ve landed at LAX after your pleasantly relaxing AA flight. Then what? Well, let TF help out by suggesting just a few new, interesting and fun things to do for the whole family, such as:Visit the new GRAMMY Museum – opened on December 6, and located right in the heart of the new L.A. LIVE development, a one-of-a-kind sports and entertainment district in downtown Los Angeles, the Grammy Museum features four floors, each with its own take on the golden thread that music has played in modern history. More info at: www.grammymuseum.org.- Get your art on - Visit the NoHo (for North Hollywood) Arts District, a square-mile area that is quickly turning into one of LA’s artsier communities with several galleries, public art, live theaters, boutiques, vintage clothing stores, ethnic restaurants and outdoor cafes. Be sure to browse Lankershim Arts Center, Arts Coalition, Sunny Meyer Fine Arts and Art Academy.- Sport fanatics shouldn’t miss the Sports Museum of Los Angeles where more than 10,000 pieces of memorabilia and collectibles are on display exploring all facets of sports - from sports history to the role of sports in pop culture. More info at: www.sportmuseumia.com.

- Fans of The Simpsons should head on over to Universal Studios Hollywood to try our their newest ’The Simpsons Ride.’ Opened just last spring, scream and laugh as you ride through Krustyland coming face-to-face with all the show’s quirky characters. It‘s one hilarious surprise after another. D’oh! More info at: www.simpsonride.com.

- Go green and visit the Audubon Center at Debs Park located north of Downtown Los Angeles. This cutting-edge, environmentally minded center and monitoring program is an excellent place to appreciate the diversity of bird life within the 300-acre park. The center is also the first Los Angeles building to function entirely “off the grid” and has received a platinum rating — the highest possible — from the United States Green Building Council. More info at: http://ca.audubon.org/debs_park.

- Shop green at Vert, the new haven for the eco-conscious providing an emerald green alternative for skin, body, hair, home and baby. A draw for many smart celebs, including Molly Sims and Jennifer Jason Leigh, Vert carries voluminous expert advice and an amazing line of products from the hottest talents in the industry. This Venice Beach gem will help you shine. More info at: www.vertlosangeles.com.

- If meandering down sunny, funky streets is more your bag, then traipse over to the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, where shops, bookstores, restos, cafes, movie theaters and other specialty stores cozy up to one another - and don’t forget to check out the weekly farmers’ markets and engaging weekend street performers. This is a can’t miss day out! More info at: www.downtownsm.com.

So don‘t be shy, explore the gamut of possibilities that Los Angeles has to offer. Use this as a mere guide but have fun discovering your own nooks and crannies and fun and frolic - after all, isn’t that what a vacation is supposed to be? Bon Voyage!

About Stephen Lebovits