Visit NPS for their Centennial Celebration this Summer

Did you know that the National Park Service will be celebrating 100 years of service come this August?

If not, you may want to start reserving your camping spots now as NPS will be offering 16 days of free admission to its 127 parks.

One of the closest parks to you is Joshua Tree National Park. Though names after its unique tree, the rock formations are really impressive – they are oversized boulders that glitter in the So Cal sun. For rock climbers this place is an oasis, as they travel from near and far to scale the boulders.

If you prefer stargazing, you’ll love the fact that you can see the Milky Way so clearly for the desert floor, as the light pollution is far away reserved to the neighboring city of Palm Springs.

There are nine campsites scattered through the park, with just two that provide running water.

Try to plan your trip here around the weather, as you’ll definitely want to avoid camping and hiking here in 100 degree weather.

Click here to find a park near you.

Upcoming Long Beach Vegan Street Fair

You may have noticed a lot more plant-based food chains and restaurants popping up all over Southern California.

Why, you ask?

According to several different studies, veganism is one of the fastest growing social movements.

So how can you learn more, and where can you go to try this vegan food?

While there are plenty of restaurants in the LA area that serve only cruelty-free meals, a great place to  start would be at the Long Beach Vegan Street Festival.

You’ll be surrounded by all types of food trucks, food booths, and other cruelty free marketplace items for sale.

Entrance is free for all ages. To learn more information visit their website: lbveganfest.com

Where: Rainbow Lagoon Park – 295 East Shoreline Drive, Long Beach, CA 90802

When: Saturday, June 4, 2016 from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM

 

Story Time for Toddlers in Downey

Reading to your child at a very early age is encouraged, especially before the child’s 1st birthday.

Not only is it an incredible bonding experience, but it’s also a great way to immerse your child in sights, sounds, and speech rhythms, all of which are necessary for language development.

Studies have shown that by regularly reading to your child from infancy, by 18 to 25 months, your child will say and understand more words than those who hadn’t.

The Downey City Library is offering a special event for your babies and toddlers this coming Saturday, April 30, from 9:15 to 9:45 am

You’ll be able to start off your morning reading and signing, as you share your favorite childhood songs and rhymes with your child.

The program is designed for babies and toddlers 0 to 2 years old and their parents or caregivers.

Grand Opening: Local Farmers Market near Downey

Going to the grocery store to buy produce may not always seem appealing, and that’s okay, because now you have options.

Photo Credit: vchca.org

A brand new farmers market is making its way to Whittier.

The Lions Farmers Market will have its debut on Saturday, April 23, from 9am to 1pm. 

Coordinated by the Whittier Host Lions Club, it will be held at the Sierra Education Center.

The Lions Club is 100% volunteer based, so that means no staff, no overhead, and no expenses; allowing the revenue made to go directly back into the community.

With over 40 vendors registered, you can pick up fresh organic produce, flowers, baked goods, cheese, popcorn, honey, eggs, coffee, and more!

And you can rest assured that when you’re buying produce it will be both local and organic.

Where to Wine and Dine near Downey

Who doesn’t love those classic black and white films featuring 1930’s gangsters and mob bosses, dressed to the nines, smoking a cigar?

Most of these films seem to unfold in swanky restaurants with dim lighting and live music.

So where does the modern day American find a restaurant that exudes this 1930’s “rat pack” appeal?

At the Dal Rae you will be served the finest aged prime beef and choice cuts of the freshest seafood.

The restaurant itself is filled with rich, warm paneling and comfortable large booths. The customer service is impeccable and the fine wines and generous cocktails will have you feeling warm and fuzzy. With table-side service and live entertainment from the piano bar on the weekends, you’ll feel like you stepped back in time.

Address: 9023 E. Washington Blvd., Pico Rivera, CA 90660

To make reservations, call 562-949-2444

Hiking and Biking Trails near Downey

At times it may feel that you’re overwhelmed with the amount of work you have to do, causing you to stress and make little time for yourself.

Rather than neglecting your health and wellbeing, why not spend a couple hours this weekend exploring the outdoors of Downey.

No, not the residential areas, but rather a trail.

One such local trail that you’ll find is the San Gabriel River Trail. The trail extends from the San Gabriel Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. This trail connects to several others, acting as the main backbone for the trail system in the region.

The landscape is diverse, as the trail will bring you to residential and commercial areas, as well as views of the surrounding mountains. The trail follows the course of the river, and brings you to the Santa Fe Dam and Whittier Narrows.

Great Local Breakfast Spots near Downey

This weekend go out and enjoy a delicious breakfast at one of these great establishments located near your Downey apartment!

Pop’s Cafe: Ginormous pancakes to be found here, please come hungry!

7840 Florence Ave
Downey, CA 90240

Phone number: (562) 927-0096

Pieloon: Pancake sandwich, anyone?

10822 Lakewood Blvd
Downey, CA 90241

Phone number: (562) 862-0223

Arthur’s Restaurant: Order their buttermilk pancakes and wash it down with OJ.

8813 Lakewood Blvd
Downey, CA 90240

Phone number: (562) 869-9189

The Nest – A Breakfast Joint:  You’ll have the choice of bacon or custard pancakes, among a host of other deliciously rich options.

9260 Alondra Blvd
Bellflower, CA 90706

Phone number: (562) 804-5097

Uncle Bud’s Kitchen: Customers love the original pancakes, fluffy, yet crisp.

16636 Clark Ave
Bellflower, CA 90706

Phone number: (562) 866-9389

Johnny Rebs’: You must try the sweet potato pancakes and chocolate chip banana pancakes.

16639 Bellflower Blvd
Bellflower, CA 90706

Phone number: (562) 866-6455

Off Street Cafe: Traditional pancakes, and gluten-free options.

11020 Artesia Blvd
Cerritos, CA 90703

Phone number: (562) 402-9665

Springtime Events Happening near Downey

Have you thought about how you would like to spend your Easter Sunday? You may not want to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen, and that’s perfectly okay.

Instead, you can swing on over to the Lakewood Country Club!

You can enjoy all of your favorite breakfast foods, plus some delicious lunch items, and finish it off with a selection of yummy desserts.

Here are some of the things that you can look forward to enjoying:

  • Make Your Own Action Stations – Customize your favorite dishes!
  • Milk Chocolate Fountain with an assortment of dipping items
  • Complimentary coffee and assorted juices
  • Mimosas & champagne for guests 21 & over
  • Drink specials all day!

When: Sunday, March 27, 2016 from 10am to 3am

Where: 3101 East Carson Street, Lakewood, CA 90712

Best Sports Bars for Watching March Madness

Photo Credit: www.frontrowct.com

When was the last time you were glued to the TV watching a big game unfold?

Okay, so maybe it wasn’t the long ago… Sunday, February 7th to be exact (Super Bowl).

But for those of you who are more interested in basketball, it’s that special time of year again… March Madness is here!

So head to one of these local bars, grad a seat, and enjoy the games!

  1. Mambo Grill & Sports Bar Small: Grab a spot on the patio or indoors for casual American food and beer.
    Address: 11018 Downey Ave
  2. Downey Brewing Co Brewery: Order some beer and bar food as you enjoy a basketball game.
    Address: 10924 Paramount Blvd
  3. Morrison LA: Known for their scrumptious bread pudding and unreal happy hour deals, you can catch a March Madness game just outside your city.
    Address: 3179 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

How to Decorate your Apartment for an Oscars Themed Event

The 88th annual Academy Awards is just a few days away. But fear not, there are still ways you can decorate your Downey apartment in no time. These DIY projects require little time, and just a few materials!

  • Cut black felt fabric sheets into rectangles about 2 ½ by 3 ½ inches, in addition to a single strip for each rectangle about ½ inch wide. Next, pinch each rectangle in the middle, wrap the strip around, and glue to keep in place. Then, superglue each bow to a glass of your choice.
  • Start by folding a square black napkin into thirds. Scrunch the middle section. Then, tie a small piece of black fabric around the middle of the napkin.
  • Create a Hollywood Walk of Fame in your living room by taping large silver stars to the floor.