Hey everyone! I hope you all enjoyed your weekends as much as I did. It was my mom’s 51st birthday on Friday so I got to spend lots of time with my family. We celebrated with a trendy brunch on Sunday at Sonoma Wine Garden, which was located at the top of the Santa Monica Place Outdoor Mall. Following our meal, we shopped around Third Street Promenade! This is definitely one of my favorite places to shop and dine in the Los Angeles area.

Growing up in LA, I have had the chance to visit many parts of Los Angeles. Of these, however, Third Street Promenade (located in Santa Monica as I mentioned) is one of my favorite spots. It has everything from shopping to delicious restaurants to street performers. A restaurant that I really enjoy there is called True Food. During spring, they have a barbeque tofu wrap which is my personal favorite dish. They also have great veggie bowls, turkey burgers, and potato hash. Third Street also just opened a new restaurant that is more common to the Mid-West called Steak ‘n Shake. I haven’t had the chance to try it, but I definitely want to sometime soon!

True Food

True Food

Besides the large amount of dining options, Third Street also has lots of shopping. I love finding a good bargain at the several thrift shops, including Wasteland and Crossroads. A fun fact is that Angelina Jolie actually purchased a dress for an award’s banquet at Wasteland a couple years back. They also have Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom’s, Urban Outfitters, and many other trendy stores. I just purchased a new pair of Steve Madden boots this weekend from Nordstrom’s which I can’t wait to wear in chilly weather.

Third Street Promenade is lined with stores!

Third Street Promenade is lined with stores!

I also love watching the talented street performers. When I was younger, I saw Andy Grammer play on Third Street before he found his label and made it big. One of his songs, Biggest Man in Los Angeles, is actually about his experience playing in Santa Monica. There are lots of great musicians to listen to and hip hop groups to watch along the street.

Andy Grammer performing on Third Street.

Andy Grammer performing on Third Street.

Another great perk is the fact that it is within walking distance of the beach and Santa Monica Pier. The Santa Monica Pier has fun rides, carnival games, and delicious foods. During the summer, they even host free concert series. I was lucky enough to go this year and see Yuna, who is an up and coming artist. Make sure to check her out on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTmFmEBeEog. Another artistic group who performed there this summer was Okay Go! Their performance was so energetic and fun! I cannot wait for next summer to discover some new music.

My sister and I while Yuna performed

My sister and I while Yuna performed

That was just a small glimpse into one of my favorite places in LA. If you are ever in the area, make sure to take a day trip down to Third Street. You won’t regret it! Don’t forget to tune in to watch the Trojans play the Bruins this coming Saturday. Fight on!

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Jacquie

Jacquie

Industrial & Systems Engineering, Class of 2016, Learn more on her profile here!