It was our biggest walk yet. Thanks to the recent Los Angeles Times feature on the Great Los Angeles Walk, hundreds of Angelenos joined us on Saturday morning, Nov. 23, at Exposition Park (and at the oldest palm tree in Los Angeles) to kick off the 19th annual Great Los Angeles Walk. This year, we were inspired by the day's USC vs. UCLA game (as well as my son at UCLA and nephew at USC) to walk from USC to UCLA — about 13 and a half miles.
And it was a beautiful day for a walk. The temperature was mild (not too cold, not too hot) and the rain stayed away (other then a bit of a mist, particularly by the end of the walk -- but it was a welcome, refreshing mist!). There was plenty of serendipity along the way too, as walkers were treated to all sorts of extra experiences along the way. That started with free copies of the L.A. Times' walking issue, as well as free hats and water bottles from the folks at Noom.
After a few words, I introduced L.A. Times' Wellness editor Alyssa Bereznak to say a few words about the issue. I shouted out Cat and Steve Whalen, the now-married couple who first met a few years ago on the walk, and gave everyone the rundown on the day. And then we were off!
First thing, we checked out check out the Natural History Museum's new NHM Commons wing, featuring Gnatalie the dinosaur and Barbara Carrasco's recently installed landmark mural “LA History: A Mexican Perspective.
After the NHM Commons, we started heading north on Vermont and then moved west on 24th street, checking out some of the historic homes as we made our way to Normandie — where we headed back north.
At Washington, we ducked into the Angelus Rosedale Cemetery, where the old, turn-of-the-century gravestones are fascinating to see. Also as we kicked off on Washington, there was a special treat: The "Meeting of Styles" event, featuring street/graffiti artists from all over the world, creating new designs in alleys and in various places. Different hubs also featured music, vendors and other cool things.
That included the new art for the Hungarian Cultural Center. And there was event some tribute to Ray Charles, whose memorial library, Ray Charles Square, recording studio and even post office were in the area.
This may have been the most art-intensive street; besides the "Meeting of Styles" street art, there were murals throughout Washington Blvd. There's also arts institutions like the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center and many, many art galleries.
Later, a lucky handful of us hit the 7th Ave. Garden just as creator/founder David Horvitz was there to open the gate and allow us explore. See, serendipity!
Mid way through, walkers found plenty of places to eat. The Pacific French Bakery offered walkers a deal (their famous french roll, free with purchase of a treat), while plenty of folks discovered Re/creation cafe. And Roscoe's Chicken n Waffles (where a bunch of us had lunch) is always a hit.
Making our way to Culver City, we visited the Helms Bakery complex, the Culver Steps, the Culver Hotel, City Hall, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Veterans Memorial Park. We then headed north on Overland (got to see the "Crapi Apartments") and then turned west on Pico, in time for the Apple Pan.
Heading north on Westwood, there were plenty more sights to see, including the UCLA Nimoy Theatre and later, the free Hammer museum. We ended our day at the Broxton Brewery & Public House, right next to the Broxton Plaza Holiday Market — were the tree was lit and Santa was in full force.
What a day! Thanks to everyone who made all of the trek, some of it, or even just helped give rides to their friends. Check out The Great Los Angeles Walk's Instagram feed for more pics, and the hashtags #glaw and #greatlawalk for more as well.
But here are just a few highlights from the day:
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