Downtown Flea
Home to some of the finest flea markets in the world, Los Angeles has added yet another eclectic marketplace and this time in Downtown Los Angeles. Located in the Historic Core of Downtown Los Angeles, Downtown Flea is made up of up to 400 local indie designers and crafts people, emphasizing unique vintage, collectible and antique dealers. For those who would rather fly than drive, the Downtown Flea even features a helicopter landing pad located on top of its adjacent parking structure. The Downtown Flea takes place on the last Sunday of each month. It runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in four open-air parking lots on Spring Street, Broadway and Main Street, between 2nd and 3rd streets. Entry is $5 at 246 S. Spring St. For more information, visit http://dtflea.com/
Guided Tours at The Rose Bowl
For the first time, visitors can tour the historic Rose Bowl Stadium on an ongoing basis. These guided tours take guests on a walk through the grounds where some of the greatest sports teams have walked before them. Tours also take visitors to places that are not normally open to the public. Public walk-up tours are $17.50 for adults and $14.50 for children, and are available at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. For more information, visit www.rosebowlstadium.com/RoseBowl_stadium_tour.php
Boating on Echo Park Lake
Echo Park Lake, an urban gem located on the east side of Los Angeles, is open to boaters seeking a relaxing refuge in the city. New pedal boats available for rent by the hour are great for active families while guided canoe and gondola rides are ideal for a romantic date. The crystal clear lake also features walking paths, picnic areas and blooming lotus flowers. Hourly pedal boat rental cost is $10; kids under 17, $5. Canoe Rides (two laps around the lake with a guide), $10; kids under 17, $5. Gondola Rides (30 minutes with a guide), $50 per couple. For more information, visit http://www.laparks.org/dos/aquatic/facility/echoParkPaddle.htm
LA Zoo Welcomes a Giraffe Calf
The LA Zoo recently welcomed a new member to its wildlife family with the birth of a new giraffe calf, Sofie. Named after the great-granddaughter of LA Zoo donor Robert McMillan, Sofie was born weighing in at 135 lbs. and standing at 6 ft. tall. Sofie and her family can be seen Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.lazoo.org
Hotel Openings and Renovations
The Sportsmen’s Lodge Hotel (Valley) - The Sportsmen’s Lodge Hotel is undergoing a $4 million renovation, launching a new contemporary and modern look that will pay homage to its mid-century roots. The 190-room property will be unveiled this fall with a renovated lobby and guest rooms, and a pool area which will be outfitted with two cabanas. http://www.sportsmenslodge.com/
Ace Hotel (Downtown) – The hip, artsy Ace Hotel opens a new location in Downtown on Broadway in the United Artist building, which is being renovated to include 180 hotel rooms and a 1,600-seat entertainment venue. The Los Angeles location will open in late 2013 and is the second Ace Hotel location in California. www.acehotel.com/losangeles