Silver Lake Are Homes and Information

The Alcove Café & Bakery in Los Feliz is a great spot for lunch or dinner. The Big Bar, which opened last October is a great addition.  Though there is some indoor seating, most folks opt for the outdoor patio for salads, sandwiches, desserts.  Ah, those desserts!  The establishment is one that has you order and pay at the counter and let a courteous staff member bring you your order when it’s ready.  No problem, but while you wait for your turn to order you will see a delectable assortment of desserts behind that glass counter! Make sure to save room!

No longer missing from the Alcove is the opportunity to imbibe along with that meal. The Alcove added Big Bar to the mix last fall and patrons are happily having a drink with that meal, thank you very much! How nice to have a glass of wine or a beer with that tasty lamb burger, one of my favorite Alcove entrees.  Big Bar is also open to those who’d simply like to enjoy a drink sans meal.

Big Bar can be reached from its own separate entrance from the Alcove patio or directly from inside the Alcove itself via a wide passageway. Big Bar has the feeling of being a part of the Alcove, but also its own thing entirely. The bar has the same relaxed vibe as the Alcove restaurant – come as you are and enjoy yourself. It’s a perfect addition to Los Feliz.

The Big Bar serves a nice selection of beer and wine plus cocktails that tend towards a twist on the classics. You’ll find some interesting mixes like the Los Angeles Cocktail, New Brunswick and the Vie Rose all priced at $12. During happy hour, 4 – 7 p.m. on weekdays, select drinks are $8, well drinks are $7 and $5 will get you a draft beer. You’re bound to find a special or two during happy hour as well. Regardless of when you arrive, you can choose to eat, drink or do both. Big Bar food items are printed on one side of the menu while the Alcove menu is on the opposite side. Patrons can order from either menu at the Alcove or Big Bar making it easy to get what you want all at one time.

If you haven’t been to the Alcove in a while, you might want to try a bloody Mary with Sunday brunch.  Not hungry but would like to enjoy a drink out on the patio? Give the Big Bar a try- you won’t be disappointed.

Big Bar: 1927 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Feliz; (323) 644-0100

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For more information on Los Feliz and buying or selling property in Silver Lake, Echo Park, and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Jenny Durling, Broker
L.A. Property Solutions
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com
Copyright © 2011 By Jenny Durling *Big Bar at Alcove in Los Feliz, Cocktails on the Side?*

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Buying or Selling Los Angeles Real Estate

Buying a Los Angeles home is no simple process.  Los Angeles is a huge city!  If you are new to the area or planning a move to the area, working with an agent who specializes in the neighborhoods that interest you such as  Silver Lake,Los Feliz, Hollywood Hills, Echo Park, and Eagle Rock can be of critical importance.  If you have or plan to have children, you’ll want a Los angles real estate agent who can direct you to the best area schools.  Where will you be working?  An experienced local Los Angeles Realtor can help you narrow down the neighborhoods that will make the most sense for your commute to the office.  I am your local resident expert and can be your guide in finding the right Los Angeles properties for sale to choose from that will fit your budget and lifestyle!

It is also important for Los Angeles Home Sellers , to work with a local expert. When I list and sell a Los Angeles home for a client, I help them understand the local market and the minds of local agents and buyers alike. My priority is to sell your Los Angeles home for the most money possible in the least amount of time.  When you hire me to list your Los Angeles property, you hire me to market it fully to fellow agents, their buyers and the public both online and in person. Many agents will represent both the buyer AND the seller in a single transaction.  That is not how I operate. I believe that it is my duty to represent only YOUR interests and feel it would be a conflict of interest to represent a buyer for your Los Angeles property for sale simultaneously.

When I list and sell Los Angeles homes for my clients, I make the process as smooth and pleasant as possible. You will never have to question where my loyalties lie. You can trust me to take care of the details and keep you informed every step of the way. Please let me know how I can best serve your real estate needs by filling out the online contact form , or better still, give me call today at 213-215-4758.

Search for Los Feliz Homes

The Los Feliz Village Street Fair will be held Sunday, July 24 from 11am to 10pm on Hollywood BoulevardbetweenVermont and Hillhurst Avenues.  After two years with no fair, this one should really be great.  There will be many booths and hopefully lots of people out enjoying the selection of foods from Los Feliz Village restaurants and libations in the beer and wine gardens. There will fun and entertainment for all ages including live local bands, dancing, and dance lessons. Kids will love the moon bounce, games, carnival rides and more.

Other entertainment includes performances by Troupe Vertigo and Cirque School of L.A, a chalk art display and various arts and crafts exhibits. Visitors may also be interested in checking out the designer trunk show and runway presentations of Los Feliz Fashion Festival which will showcase local independent designers.

Green Scene a Big Draw

A popular returning feature is the Green Scene Eco Pavilion that will showcase sustainable, organic and eco-friendly products and services. There will also be a new pavilion at this year’s Los Feliz Village Street Fair called Mind Body Spirit which will feature holistic life approaches including yoga, spirituality, and meditation.  Both of these Pavilions are hosted by Kris Willey, founder of  Women of the Green Generation,  a networking group of green minded professional women actively involved in educating and motivating others to engage in sustaining the planet.

Keeping with the green-theme, if you ride the Metro Rail to the Los Feliz Village Street Fair, you can submit your pass to the Metro Booth at the Green Scene Pavilion for a chance to win tarot readings, yoga classes and massages. The fair takes place just one block north of the Metro Redline Station at Sunset and Vermont so leave the car at home, avoid the parking hassle and maybe leave the happy winner of a spa package!

As with many Silver Lake and Los Feliz community events, the Los Feliz Street Fair will have no shortage of live music. The main stage  at Hollywood and Vermont will feature A Million Pieces, The Saffron Parade Arabesque Band, Austin Hanks, Dark Matter,  One Trick Pony, Charlie Chan Blues Band, Raheem Cohen, Outliar, Polaris at Noon, and Cosmic Suckerpunch.  The annex stage at Hollywood Blvd and Rodney Dr. will showcase Atwater Village Glee Summer Camp, Angles, The Soul of John Black, The Mighty Echoes, and Heartbeat House.  Check here for the list of performance times for both stages.

Come out and support the community and the Los Feliz Village Business Improvement District while eating, drinking and making merry!

Where to Find the Los Feliz Street Fair

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For more information on Los Feliz and buying or selling property in Silver Lake, Echo Park, and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Broker Associate

Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz

213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com
Copyright © 2011 By Jenny Durling *18th Annual Los Feliz Village Street Fair Takes Place on Sunday, July 24*

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Buying or Selling Los Angeles Real Estate

Buying a Los Angeles home is no simple process.  Los Angeles is a huge city!  If you are new to the area or planning a move to the area, working with an agent who specializes in the neighborhoods that interest you such as  Silver Lake,Los Feliz, Hollywood Hills, Echo Park, and Eagle Rock can be of critical importance.  If you have or plan to have children, you’ll want a Los angles real estate agent who can direct you to the best area schools.  Where will you be working?  An experienced local Los Angeles Realtor can help you narrow down the neighborhoods that will make the most sense for your commute to the office.  I am your local resident expert and can be your guide in finding the right Los Angeles properties for sale to choose from that will fit your budget and lifestyle!

It is also important for Los Angeles Home Sellers , to work with a local expert. When I list and sell a Los Angeles home for a client, I help them understand the local market and the minds of local agents and buyers alike. My priority is to sell your Los Angeles home for the most money possible in the least amount of time.  When you hire me to list your Los Angeles property, you hire me to market it fully to fellow agents, their buyers and the public both online and in person. Many agents will represent both the buyer AND the seller in a single transaction.  That is not how I operate. I believe that it is my duty to represent only YOUR interests and feel it would be a conflict of interest to represent a buyer for your Los Angeles property for sale simultaneously.

When I list and sell Los Angeles homes for my clients, I make the process as smooth and pleasant as possible. You will never have to question where my loyalties lie. You can trust me to take care of the details and keep you informed every step of the way. Please let me know how I can best serve your real estate needs by filling out the online contact form , or better still, give me call today at 213-215-4758.

Search for Silver Lake homes

Los Feliz Village Holiday Festival

Los Feliz Village Holiday Festival takes place this evening, December 4, from 5-10pm. If you aren’t in the Christmas spirit yet, this may just do the trick. The annual holiday festival includes music, elves, carolers and lots of cheer. It’s free to attend, and open air buses and trolleys will transport revelers around Los Feliz Village maind streets of Vermont, Hillhurst and Hollywood Blvd.

Los Feliz Village Holiday Festival Tree Lighting

This year’s festivities will once again kick off with singing and the tree lighting at 5pm in front of the Los Feliz Library. at 1874 Hillhurst Ave. This 5th annual holiday festival is once again being sponsored the Los Feliz Village Merchants and Restaurants in conjunction with the Los Feliz Village Business Improvement District. There will be a variety of activities and businesses will be open late so can enjoy a great meal and get some holiday shopping done while you’re at it.

What’s happening in Los Feliz Village

Stroll along the main streets in Los Feliz Village and participate in a variety of activities for the whole family. On Hillhurst there will be an Antque Car Show at Ise Automotive, Puppeteers at Dragonfly DuLou, Hot cider and 20% off at Pany Raid, and along the block you’l find mariachis, face painting and more.

On Hollywood Blvd, grab a tamale sample at Yuca’s, and a glass of rum punch at Sweeney Todd’s. Numerous shops and restaurants will be providing treats and give-aways. There will be hot chocolate stations ar various points on Vermont and you’ll be treated to strolling musicians in the street and a wonderful model train display at Skylight Books. So grab your coat and get your hat and head out for a fun night of holiday cheer in Los Feliz! For more information on what's happening in the area, visit my Silver Lake facebook page. For information on buying or selling property in Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Echo Park, and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Los Angeles Live Steamers Ghost Train in Griffith Park

This is the last weekend to take a ride on the Live Steamers Ghost Train. The Los Angeles Live Steamers have been entertaining kids with this Halloween ride since 2001.  There is free parking and the suggested donation is $7 with rides taking place through October 31 from 7- 10pm nightly.

The Los Angeles Live Steamers are located at 6303 Zoo Drive in Griffith Park. The organization, supported by train enthusiasts, is a non-profit corporation  that has been running their 7 1/2-inch gauge model trains on the north side of Griffith Park for over 50 years. The public is welcome to ride every Sunday for a suggested donation of $3. Normally, the ride takes about 10 minutes.  For Halloween, the ride is slowed down so passengers can enjoy all of the scenes and animations and runs 20-25 minutes.  The train's path is decorated with a series 30 spooky scenes and is lots of fun for kids and adults alike. The steamers bring back favorites from prior years and add new things as well.  Some of the animations include, Alien invasion, Insane Asylum, Creepy Clowns, Giant Spiders, and some pretty neat lighting effects.

Though the ride is idea for kids, riders must be 34 inches tall and accompanied by an adult if they are under age 15. Don't worry that the ride will be too scary for your children.  It's more spooky than scary with lots of colorful lights, skeletons, spiders and displays.  Stop by and check it out and I'll be you'll come back year after year.

Here's a video from last year's Ghost Train.

You'll find the train right next to the Traveltown museum, west of the LA Zoo. Take the Forest Lawn exit off 134 and head east on Zoo drive. Enjoy the ride!

For more information on what's happening in the area, visit my Silver Lake facebook page.  For information on buying or selling property in  Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Echo Park,  and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

Copyright © 2010 By Jenny Durling *Los Angeles Live Steamers Ghost Train in Griffith Park*

Boo at the Zoo - Los Angeles Zoo hosts its annual Halloween Event in Griffith Park this weekend

 If you are looking for something fun to do with your kids this weekend, treat them to a safe and not-so-spooky Halloween at Boo at the L.A. Zoo! This annual event takes place on Saturday and Sunday, October 30 -31 from 10am to 4pm. The zoo is transformed into themed areas for trick-or-treaters with performances, pumpkin carving, crafts and more.  Your kids will love it!

The Eucalyptus Grove is transformed into a Pumpkin Patch. There will be pumpkin carving demonstrations, arts and crafts for the kids and lots of photo opportunities.  In the zoo's Australian section, kids can trick-or-treat through the ghostly graveyard, get their faces painted and learn about extinct animals.

If your kids really want to be hands-on, take them to the Winnick Family Children's Zoo for Creepy Creature Encounters.  Visitors will have the opportunity to get close up and personal with bugs, spiders and snakes! Entertainment is also provided in this area, with a Variety Show at 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM, and Jim Gamble's Witches Brew Puppet Show at noon and 2:30 PM.

Don't forget- this all takes place at the zoo where animals will always be the main focus.  The zoo's inhabitants will be provided with pumpkins to Stomp ‘n Chomp throughout the day. This is usually a big hit with kids and adults alike.

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The Los Angeles Zoo is located at5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027 inside Griffith Park off the 5 Freeway. Have a Howling good time!

For more information on what's happening in the area, visit my Silver Lake facebook page.  For information on buying or selling property in  Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Echo Park,  and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

Copyright © 2010 By Jenny Durling *Boo at the Zoo - Los Angeles Zoo hosts its annual Halloween Event in Griffith Park this weekend*

Laughlin Park- an exclusive, gated community in Los Feliz

Laughlin Park is an exclusive, gated community in Los Feliz that was rated by Los Angeles Magazine as one of the "top five" neighborhoods of Los Angeles.  Established in 1905, the enclave is secure behind five gates between Los Feliz Blvd and Franklin Avenue on the Western edge of Los Feliz. Laughlin Park was once home to many of Hollywood's rich and famous including W.C. Fields, Charlie Chaplain and Cecil B. DeMille. DeillMe's villa was built by developer Homer Laughlin who's intention was to build a neighborhood of 40 villas.  Subsequent lot divisions have brought that number to 60 homes. DeMille's villa was built on the largest, highest lot in Laughlin Park providing majestic panoramic views. Today many well-known celebrities and filmmakers are still drawn to the neighborhood with its quiet seclusion and peaceful tree shaded streets.

The Laughlin Park enclave includes the largest and most expensive homes in the Los Feliz area. The grand estates run the gamut in architectural styles from English, Mediterranean and Craftsman to Traditional and Modernist, many with remarkable city and ocean views. The area saw its share of works a number of renowned architects. Lloyd Wright figured prominently in the design of more than five Laughlin Park homes.

The Laughlin Park community remains well-cared for largely due to the effort of its voluntary homeowners association which maintains the gates and the private streets. This close knit neighborhood, like The Los Feliz Oaks, has loyal residence and shows great pride in ownership.

There are currently no homes for sale in Laughlin Park. The last sale in this exclusive neighborhood was the Antonio Moreno estate at 5180 Linwood Dr. This 8000sf home on 1/2 acre sold in October of last year for $3,475,000. For more information on laughlin Park, The Oaks, Los Feliz, and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

Copyright © 2010 By Jenny Durling *All Rights Reserved * Laughlin Park- an exclusive, gated community in Los Feliz

The Oaks- Tree studded enclave in the hills of Los Feliz

The oaks is a neighborhood of hillside homes between Beachwood Canyon and Griffith Park bounded by  Fern Dell Drive on the east and Foothill Drive to the south. The area got its name due to the majority of the neighborhood street names have the word "Oak" in them such as "Spreading Oak", "Live Oak", "Red Oak".  This neighborhood has a feeling of privacy and seclusion with its winding, hilly, tree lined streets. Many homes have canyon and city views all the way to the ocean.

The Oaks offers a mix of architectural styles with a large number of mid-century and traditional style homes built in the 1960's as well as 20's and 30's Mediterraneans with lots of square footage, big yards and views for miles. If you don't know your way around it can be easy to get lost in the winding streets, some of which end right in Griffith Park.

The Oaks is a draw to many in the Entertainment industry. In its heyday, it was home to stars like Cary Grant and Randolph Scott. The area still attracts Hollywood celebrities both in front and behind the camera. Brad Pit and Angelina Jolie have been buying homes on their street in the Oaks for their own personal compound and now own close to 1.5 acres.  But this exclusive neighborhood is not only for the rich and famous. The Oaks has a very active homeowners association and the neighborhood pride of ownership and loyalty is something not seen in many other areas of Los Angeles. It seems once someone moves to the Oaks they are unlikely to leave the neighborhood, simply moving to another home within its borders.

There are currently only 2 homes for sale in The Oaks, one at 5417 RED OAK DR  listed for $1,240,000 and the other at 5740 HILL OAK DR  listed for $2,175,000.  To see either of these properties of for more information on Los Feliz, the Hollywood Hills  and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

Copyright © 2010 By Jenny Durling *All Rights Reserved * The Oaks- Tree studded enclave in the hills of Los Feliz

The Vista Theater in Los Feliz, one of Los Angeles' great remaining single screen theaters

When you think of going to see a movie, no doubt you think of the local multiplex, with multiple stadium seating theaters.  When I was growing up in L.A., I was lucky to live in a neighborhood with two old single screen theaters complete with neon marquis and mosaic tile flooring out front around the ticket booth.  Unfortunately, both of those theaters are gone now. They left the façades in place but the buildings now house business office rather than carrying the air of warm popcorn.

Folks living in Silver Lake and Los Feliz are lucky to still have a great single screen theater.  The Vista Theater at the corner of Sunset and Hollywood Blvd in Los Feliz is a piece of living history that's still going strong today.  Originally opened in 1923, the Vista Theater was home to vaudeville stage acts. It now plays first run movies and many local folks will tell you it's miles above seeing a moving at any of the myriad choices in the area.

 The exterior of the Vista Theater is most certainly Spanish, in style but the ticket booth and interior are Egyptian-inspried with carved Egyptian maidens and serpents, most likely to compete with Grauman's Theater in Hollywood which was built around the same time period.

Though Los Feliz has a few theaters, none compare to the Vista Theater. This is a true gem, not only for its history and terrific architecture, but ticket prices are really reasonable and the legroom is fantastic.  When the theater was remodeled back in 2002, every other row of seats was pulled out. If someone has to walk by you, you barely have to move your feet. There is more legroom in this theater than you'd ever dream of. The space between the rows also makes it more comfortable to watch a movie without having to hear the people behind you chatting or unwrapping their chocolate bars.

The Vista Theater is the oldest movie theater in Los Felizbut when it was refurbished, it was also updated with all the sound and electronic gizmos you'd find in a fancy new theater. It's just a much more elegant place to see a movie.  The theater has no parking lot, but don't let that stop you from enjoying the next block buster there. You'll find plenty of places to park along Hollywood and Sunset and walking a few blocks after the movie might make up at least a little for that large popcorn you'll enjoy!

 For more information on real estate in Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Eagle Rock and surrounding areas, contact Jenny Durling at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com  

 Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com