There is absolutely no reason to go to this museum, which is the very reason why you should go! If you're stuck on run-of-the-mill, socially-relevant, highly-educational museum experiences, then Chuck E. Cheese would be more enlightening, but if your idea of a good afternoon is sifting through hand-made treasures at an alzheimer patients rummage sale, then I've got your spot! It's very small, dimly lit, and not many of the displays actually function, but it does encapsulate a very distinct, random, getting-away-with-it spirit, which courses through the finest of Los Angelenos.

Part restaurant, part market, part publication, Botanica is a lively space in LA’s Silver Lake neighborhood. We converted the former drop ceiling liquor store by peeling the space back to its original shell and opening up the back wall and patio creating a space that reflects their personality and cooking – bright, lively and communal.

Grocery-store carts and trash litter [Ballona Creek], joined by flotillas of foam-plastic cups after rainstorms. — Jane Engle, Los Angeles Times

South Willard is both elegant and laid back. Let's call it High Folk. It functions as both an art & design gallery and boutique. It's extremely well curated with a heavy focus on ceramics by artists both known and newly discovered. Peter Shire, Ruby Neri, Jason Meadows.., work by artists I have known and admired for decades can be found here and acquired in a means considerably more approachable than through the other galleries that represent them. South Willard is a friends and family affair and the experience feels warm and welcoming. Have fun. 

I’ll say it again, I love living in a city where I can easily go to the beach for the day and be home by dark. Venice speaks for itself, I guess. I’m originally from the east coast and the sunset over the ocean still hasn’t gotten old.