If you’ve spent a good amount of time in LA, you’ve likely been to, or at least heard of The Grove. Outdoor malls are amazingly common in Southern California (one of my most exciting discoveries when I first visited LA), and this one stands out from the rest. Mainly because it’s across the street. But aside from being 5 seconds from my door – both a blessing and a curse for a major consumer – The Grove is somewhere that makes you smile. On a good day the shops and boutiques provide easy access to shopping (aka “research”) – and because I always knew I was destine to live within walking distance of a J.Crew, it feels like home. Favorites Anthropologie, Nordstrom, Victoria Secret, Michael Kors and Barnes & Noble are all conveniently nestled between the fountain, park, statues and the historic Farmers Market (celebrating it’s 76th birthday this summer). It also doesn't go unnoticed when I walk through Nordstrom's shoe department to get to Starbucks.
My favorite part about The Grove is when I have visitors. It provides easy access to shops, restaurants, and a movie theatre without getting in the car. My brothers were big fans of Apple and Nike – they enjoyed breakfast at The Farm and a very special 13th birthday celebration at Maggiano’s. I also may have made them ride the double-decker battery-powered trolley that runs from one end of the shopping centre to the other. Few other riders were over the age of 5, but it brought back some found memories of Santa’s Village for me and I know they loved it.☺
I love “The Grove” at Christmas. Every November marks a ceremonious tree lighting ceremony where a 110-foot Christmas tree is lit. Rockefeller-style (and The Hills season 1). The entire centre is COVERED with lights and holiday decorations. It’s magical. They even have fake snow, which is highly entertaining for us non-California natives. No shortage of the real stuff in Canada!
Many celebrities visit The Grove – so far I’ve only seen Steven Baldwin (who’s guest role on Gossip Girl starts this Monday) and Emily Blunt at a Question & Answer after a showing of her movie "The Young Victoria"(sorry I forgot to list both of these sightings in last week’s post) – but I see press highlighting regular sightings and I'm all eyes.
I definitely won’t live across the street forever, but for one reason or another I’ve got a few more months in me. Come February it’ll be time to head West (in closer proximity to the Ocean), so for now I’ll keep appreciating “The Happiest Place on Earth” being right at my doorstep.
Visitors welcome!
k
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