LAX DO - June 2nd & 3rd
 

Inspired by the "Proposed LAX Do" thread....

Would anyone be able to do a mini DO or maybe just dinner in LA the weekend of June 2nd? I've never been to LA and I am looking for an excuse to come and there is a $198 r/t fare from DC that weekend ^

Added: I got my flights and will be in town June 2nd - 5th. :)

So post here is you are interested or have ideas of what we could do.

June 2nd - Dinner - Beaches at Manhattan Beach @ 6pm
uva185
janhigginskcmo
SkiAdcock
mr. & mrs. delacpa (prefer June 3rd)
TheKnife

June 3rd - Long Beach & Dinner - Yard House @ 6pm)
uva185
janhigginskcmo
mr. & mrs. delacpa
MrpAlert
FlyinHawaiian

Interested - Schedule Unknown
diana

I get into LA on June the 2nd. I'm game.

Um, I'm going to be out of town that weekend, and so far, it's the only one that will definitely NOT work for me.

I'm sure you'll get some of the locals who could make it and will post here. You might post whether you want to get together Fri or Sat - or both. Also, what area you want to get together at? Are you all staying near the airport or elsewhere, and will you have cars?

In the past, the LAX area has been a meeting spot because it's mutually convenient (or inconvenient) for those coming from the Valley & Orange County.

Some of the places people have met at are Siam (Thai) Restaurant in Westchester, Proud Bird (but only on weekdays for their 'early bird' specials), Pancho's Mexican restaurant in Manhattan Beach, Encounter Restaurant AT LAX (the space age-looking building in the middle of LAX), Reed's Restaurant in Manhattan Beach (usually smaller groups though as a bit more $$).

Regarding things to do (whether w/ FTers or on your own) if you do a search in the Los Angeles Forum, a # of items will crop up. Some require a rental car (which can be gotten cheaply); some don't. Please remember the 'Greater Los Angeles Area' is HUGE.

Off the top of my head:

* Head to the Beaches - Hey, it's LA in June! Either down to Manhattan Beach or up north to Venice, Santa Monica or Malibu. If you have a car, all are doable. If not, hotel shuttles & "Ocean Express" run to Manhattan Beach for free from LAX hotels/Century Blvd. Big Blue Bus gets you up north to Santa Monica cheaply. If in Santa Monica, check out the Santa Monica Pier, as it's in a lot of TV shows & movies. Manhattan Beach is a cute seaside town w/ pier, shops, restaurants, bars. There's also Hermosa & Redondo Beaches, but usually the shuttles don't run that far south, so car for those.

* Go to Museums: - the Getty is famous, has great architecture, artwork & gardens, and on a clear day you can see from Catalina Island to downtown Los Angeles as it's located on a small mountaintop. LACMA (LA County Museum of Art) is running a special art exhibit on the 5 Klimts through end of June (details in the LA Forum).

* Go to a Baseball Game or Concert: check the schedule for baseball teams (Dodgers, LA Anaheim Angels or whatever their goofy name is now) or concerts at Staples Center, Greek Theatre, Hollywood Bowl, or Arrowhead Pond.

* Theme Parks/Studio Tours - none of them are close to LAX & getting to them via public transportation isn't easy (ie, get a car), but for anyone who's into Theme Parks/Studio Tours, Universal Studio or Disneyland are options.

* Regular Touristy Stuff - again, car required. Beverly Hills Baby - Rodeo Drive, Sunset Strip through West Hollywood/Hollywood.

Yes, there is public transportation in LA & depending on where you want to go it can be effective, but the area is so large quite frankly it's easier to get a rental car unless you're staying at the airport & just want to hang at the beaches.

Downtown LA is 30 miles inland (give or take) from LAX area, and not really much happening down there (short of Staples Center) so unless you have a craving need to see it, cross that off the list. Again, check out the LA Forum for more ideas.

Cheers.

PS - I'm available Fri the 2nd, but Sat the 3rd is iffy for me as I fly to VIE that night & will probably be packing/last minute errands before heading to airport at 5:30pm.

I could do Fri the 2nd, but I am staying down in the SNA area so would prefer something south of LA if possible

EDIT: Doing something at a beach near LA (Venice, Manhattan, Santa Monica or Malibu would be more ideal for Friday night so people wont have to commute as far in traffic. I plan on being in town Friday 2nd - Monday 5th so I would be up for doing something on other days too.

I'd say pick something near LAX for the Friday night. Santa Monica & Malibu are a lot farther north for those coming from OC. You could leave it as Place TBD for right now & just post who's available for a) Friday June 2nd; b) Sat June 3rd, and start a list & then have majority win on which night - or do both & pick dif places. Cheers.

Sorry... in OAK for June 2/3. However, I might be able to do something after 7p on Sunday.

mr. & mrs. delacpa are available evening of Friday 2 June but would prefer any time on Saturday 3 June -- distance being a consideration :cool:

I am interested but won't know my work schedule until I return from Bali on the 29th.

And she's got Freddie Jr in Bali! Does that mean he'll grace this FT Do????

Cheers.

If we can get enough people together a dinner on June 2nd would be nice. Those of you that are familiar with LA can decide where we can go (if somewhere near LAX is most convenient that works for me)

I have also noticed there is a Dodgers game on June 3rd at 1pm. I am not a big Baseball fan but games usually make good social events.

If anyone is interested in that or has other suggestions let me know!

I started a list of peoples preferences in the fist post. Let me know if I made any mistakes.

It doesnt have to be in SNA area for me to attend, but would definitely prefer somewhere south of LA than north. Somewhere I can easily drive and park. I love the beach idea!

So who would be interested in getting together at at beach on June 3rd? What would be the best beach for a DO in LA?

Manhattan Beach of course :D Although auh2o and wingless can usually be found at Redondo Beach :) Any of the LA beaches would be good actually; it's just really who's around & who wants to do the beach thing.

I'm out on the 3rd as I'll be packing during the day & flying at night. Right now I still have the 2nd on my calendar.

Cheers.

The Yard House
 

Why don't you do Long Beach? Plenty of places right there on the water, this might be more conducive to Lehava, better parking than some of the other beaches and easy access off the freeway.

I would suggest "The YARD HOUSE" which I love, is fun, and has what I think is over a hundred beers on tap

http://www.yardhouse.com/flash/default.asp

(so its an annoying website LOL)

I just love this place. Just my 2 cents but its the perfect place for a do

^

As June 2 is my last day of work in FLL (being laid off - shameless plug in case someone is hiring), things look good for Saturday & Sunday. Where should I fly into LAX/SNA/ONT/BUR/CLD/PSP?

I like the idea of Long Beach also. Anyone else like that idea?

you forgot LGB

Mrp Alert is probably a member of a mileage-earning program other than JetBlue TrojanHorse, so Long Beach airport not really an option. ;) :D

Personally I always think flying into LAX is best cuz usually more flights, bigger planes for upgrades, cheaper fares, more centrally located, lot of cheap airport hotels, but that's just me. Find the cheapest fare you can get & then get a car rental.

For those coming in for Sat/Sun only, I'd definitely pick LAX area because then you've got access to (free) shuttle to Manhattan Beach and you can catch the cheap Big Blue Bus to Santa Monica, both of which are two good things to do on a quick weekend. Anything more than that & you'll need a rental car (although if one of the folk in town gets one you all can car pool).

Edited to add: Whether you do a dinner in LAX area or Long Beach area, there will be rush hour traffic on the Friday night. Saturday not really. Personally I'd pick Long Beach for Sat as more people might be coming from up north & that would make it easier for them.

Also, for those in from out of town who want to do some things in Long Beach on Saturday day, there's the beach, the Long Beach Aquarium (part of which is outside), the Queen Mary, etc.

Cheers.

Long Beach sounds good to me! I guess we can plan on doing that on Saturday. The Yard House looks like a good place to eat and drink too. (Thanks TrojanHorse)

As far as a dinner on Friday can someone suggest a place in the LAX area? Is The Proud Bird out since they don't have happy hour on Friday?

Where's Newself, wouldn't this be right in his backyard??? LGB I mean

SkiAdcock, which are the free shuttles to MB? I've never heard of them... seriously

after all these years, there are free shuttles to MB!!! Doh!!! :eek:

if you are seeking a Friday night dinner near LAX, I'd 2nd the MB/HB/El Segundo area.

Hey LGB, has Alaska (AA miles as well), HP (US air now - Star alliance??? I don't know I'm not a *A flier) , as well as DL (skyteam) while not as great as LAX for mileage earning carriers, it does offer miles on almost all US Majors

http://www.longbeach.gov/airport/

Not sooo fast....

http://www.theproudbird.com/restaurant.html

according to their website:
"Happy Hour is offered Monday through Friday 4:00 to 7:00 pm and features complimentary hors d'oeuvres and $2.50 house wines, domestic beers and Margaritas."

Met with a friend yesterday there, and am happy to report the early bird dinner still in place. I love that deal. Huge amount of food for the price. Total for 1: $24.00 including tax/tip. Hor d'oeuvres, 2 margaritas, bread, salad, 2 med chix breast w/mashed potatoes, and veggies, and cheesecake.

And, no I didn't eat everything on my plate..... sorry Mom. :p

Here would be my picks for Friday night:

1. Beaches in Manhattan Beach; IIRC Beaches has a Happy Hour M-F as well on drinks/food (although not sure if it's a full meal).

2 Proud Bird near LAX (Tina's detailed it above);

3. Pancho's (Mexican) in Manhattan Beach-another FT hangout;

The advantage of Beaches over the others is it's at the Manhattan Beach pier/beach overlooking the ocean w/ great views (you want SoCal beach life, you got it :) ), and IIRC it too has a Happy Hour M-F (not sure if full meals or appetizers). Beaches does serve full meals; I just don't know if they're included in the happy hour deal. Since it's in downtown Manhattan Beach, you can go to several other bars/restaurants/shops within a 2-block walk in any direction. Beaches has 2 levels. The downstairs bar where the Happy Hour stuff is, and then upstairs another bar and a restaurant.

My vote would be for Beaches for the reasons mentioned above & because some of the folk are coming in from out of town, & it would give them a chance to experience SoCal beach life. Not to mention for some of the 'locals' who don't really get to MB.

TrojanHorse, the free shuttle is called the "Ocean Express" & it runs along Century Blvd to downtown Manhattan Beach (cute red trolley looking thing). All the hotels in 'hotel row' have the schedule. Just ask the belldesk or front desk & they'll give you the booklet.

Just for general information as long as we're talking free shuttles from the airport area, the Hilton Garden Inn in El Segundo also does a regular Manhattan Beach run w/ its shuttle bus. So if someone is staying there they can get over to MB as well for free. I 'think' both the Ocean Express & HGI shuttle stop off at the Manhattan Village Mall as well, which has shops (duh), restaurants, & a movie theatre.

Cheers.

Edited to add: newself lives in Long Beach so if he's around I'm sure he'd join folk there. But he rarely reads Community so someone would need to PM him.

My vote would go to Beaches. However I would be fine doing any of the above...whatever the majority wants to do.

I am all in
 

Well, it looks like I will be in attendance. LGB was eliminated due to the lack of early morning arrivals from LAS. US/HP connects through PHX and JetBlue does not do an early departure. The good news is that this turned into a mini MR along the way... $143.90 - 2320 EQM - 6.20cpm - not a bad stretch for LAS-LAX r/t.

June 3, 2006
Northwest Airlines 627 9:20am Las Vegas 10:31am Los Angeles International Airport

June 4, 2006
ALASKA AIRLINES 519 Los Angeles 05:37 PM Seattle 08:01 PM
ALASKA AIRLINES 660 Seattle 09:46 PM Las Vegas 12:10 AM (next day)

Oh, and you all crack me up - can't wait to meet all of you all in 2 weeks!

My vote is for Friday at Beaches.

I'll be walking to downtown Manhattan Beach during the weekend, so I'll check out the sign at Beaches to get the Happy Hour times/details & post here so we can pick a time for the Friday.

I'll let you all sort out your Sat day/eve activities & what time you want to meet at that place in Long Beach. I can PM newself and jailer to check out this thread so they can potentially meet you there (although jailer might be iffy based on what the family's got going).

Cheers.

So what time should we do dinner on Friday? Would 7pm be too early for those that would be coming from work dealing with traffic?

If you're talking Happy Hour 7pm would probably be right after it ends ;). I would do it earlier - probably 6pm & folk can get there when they get there. But I'm getting ready to walk to the pier in a few minutes so I'll look at the Beaches signage to get details & post here in a bit.

BTW - found out jailer's out of town so won't be at the Sat dinner. I'll give newself a call later today to find out if he's around. You should probably pick a time to meet at The Yard House on Sat.

Cheers.

Ok, back from my walk. Here's what I saw peering into the window of Beaches lower bar to read the sign on the table. Happy Hour Appetizers 5pm-9pm (which implies to me that Happy Hour booze is the same timeframe).

Going from memory here, but appetizers were such things as empanadas (chicken, steak, shrimp), tacos (same fillings plus also fish & veggies), burgers (meat or veggie), nachos (w/ extras like beef or chicken), chicken caesar salad, and some other food items I can't remember. Prices were $4.95-$6.50. Probably the other side of the sign (not visible from window) had the drinkies pricing.

The restaurant upstairs has a regular menu (pastas, salads, lot of seafood items, etc) for those who want a 'real' meal.

Cheers.

Friday:
Dinner at Beaches - Since happy hour runs until 9pm would it be better to meet at 6 or 7. We could always meet at 6 and have a few drinks while waiting for those who will be held up in traffic. :D

Saturday:
Long Beach - What time should we meet up??
The Long Yard for dinner - If everyone is meeting up earlier in the day I think it would be best not to set a time for dinner -- however if someone can't make it earlier in the day I guess we should set a time for dinner. So who will be coming to Long Beach earlier in the day and who will just be coming for dinner?

I'll be at Beaches at 6pm; since I'm flying the next day & need to pack, won't be a late night for me. Here's a pic of me from Freddies a couple of years ago since some folk won't know each other/know who to look for when they come in. I look relatively the same, & I'll bring a FT luggage tag.

http://public.fotki.com/SkiAdcock/fl...1-036-16a.html

Looking at your list it looks like there's 3 of you (so far) for day activities on Saturday (the locals probably aren't going to do the sightseeing thing), so my recommendation would be to pick a time for dinner so if someone isn't doing the day activities they can join you for dinner at The Yard House.

Cheers.

PS - It's a great SoCal weekend so far (think of what you watch on telly & that's this weekend at the beach). Hope it's the same for you next weekend!

Bummed
 

my client changed our visit to July (the week of the 10th) so wont be around for this. If anyone doing anything in July let me know

I'm staying on Long Beach so dinner saturday will be great.

[QUOTE=SkiAdcock]I'll be at Beaches at 6pm; since I'm flying the next day & need to pack, won't be a late night for me. Here's a pic of me from Freddies a couple of years ago since some folk won't know each other/know who to look for when they come in. I look relatively the same, & I'll bring a FT luggage tag.



I'll be at Beaches at 6PM Friday also.

Jan

I'll try to make the Friday night deal.

Eddie

Please pencil me in for the Yard House on Saturday night. Thanks.

Got an email from wingless. She & auh2o might stop by on Friday eve. I haven't been following NBA playoffs lately, but if they're on tomorrow night & they do by chance come, auh2o will be the one avidly watching the tv screens :D

I emailed & called newself. Not sure which he'll make.

You still need to pick a time for Saturday at The Yard House so the locals know what time to get there.

Cheers.

Wirelessly posted (MOT-8720_/00.62 UP.Browser/6.2.3.4.c.1.104 (GUI) MMP/2.0)

Lets try to meet at 6pm on saturday. I think thats what time jan said she was going to show up.