... and I need things to do. I'll be down there for the weekend of the 31st. The only thing I know I'm doing for sure is seeing Brick. So, I need some of you folks that are familiar with the area to lend a helping hand and give me some suggestions. Places to eat (preferably vegan/vegatarian friendly, but not a must since most places are willing to flex their menu)? Places to go? I'm trying to steer clear of anything too touristy/ultra expensive. I'll also be in Orange County for part of the trip, so any ideas for down there would be great, too. Thanks in advance!

I can't help you there, I've only been to LA once.

But if you're looking for an overpriced hairstylist in Beverly Hills, my sister's the way to go.

Where you staying?

LA, maybe Hollywood, and Orange County, maybe Disney, are pretty big ......... do you know the names of any cities to narrow it down - or at least where you are staying?

Info on your sister is useless without pix.

I have family down there, so I'm staying with them. Foothill Ranch, to be specific.

Foothill Ranch? That's awesome!

I don't know much about the LA area, so I'm not sure on exact places I'll be.

I'm staying in southern Orange County. The Irvine area. The town is Foothill Ranch.

A big no on Disney/Knotts/Universal Studios. Too time consuming and over priced. Plus, I've been to all of 'em a bunch of times.

Considering you're older than like 10, I would probably stay away from Disney(unless you reallyyy want to go). In the L.A. one it's pretty much only kiddie stuff, they don't have the MGM or Epcot that DisneyWorld has. California Adventure, maybe. It wasn't there when I went years ago, so I have no idea about it.

You crazy? You think I'm just gonna post a pic of my sister on a forum?

Do you need a hair cut? Haha.

(It'd be creepy in a way for you to dish out $100 and tell her all about her brilliant little brother...the little brother you've never really met).

Heh. Why's that? Both times I've been, it's bored me to tears. Am I missing something?

Ooooh, makeshift and Christian need to have a Foothill Ranch movie night.

That's what PMs are for, dummy.

Really isn't FootHill Ranch way out there, I went out there for a job and it is about 60 miles away from Hollywood / Los Angeles.

I agree from what I saw it looked pretty boring so I don't know much around that area.........But not sure, maybe it is an OK place to live.

If you've got a car, or some other means of access, I insist you spend a good day at the Huntington Gardens. Between the seven (or so) gardens and all the small buildings with painting, the waling paths, its really beautiful, relaxing, invigorating, and you'll see flowers, paintings, plus theres a cafe with a vegetarian menu. If you bring a book you can get a wrap and go hand out anywhere in the gardens under a tree and read.

Pretty much the only place I liked in LA, actually, except for the Getty Museum.

Especially if you love ancient art and archeology, the Ghetty is a MUST!

http://www.getty.edu/

That sounds so nice...except for the part about getting a wrap.

I think that's why I like Starbucks, Borders, etc. I can sit in peace, while still being around others...

1. Getty. Go. Really.
2. Pac 1 - drive up to Malibu and loose yourself in the hills. AWESOME views from the hills and canyons overlooking the ocean. And no tourists.
3. Hearst Castle. If you can drive up to San Simeon, (not that far up Pac 1) PLEASE see this. Seriously one of the most amazing places I've ever been. It's cheap if you have a reservation.

The best thing to do in the LA area that weekend would definitely be to see Ozma at the Chain Reaction in Anaheim.

Last time I was there, it was nothing as well, lol. But they did some development in nearby cities like Corona and Temecula, so I don't know if it spilled over to Foothill Ranch. I don't remember, that's in the border of Riverside county and Orange County, I just don't know which one it belongs to, lol.

Yes, definitely stop by the Getty. I mean, even the tram ride to the top of the hill where the Getty stands is pretty fun!

Are you sure we're talking about the same Foothill Ranch? I don't remember Corona or Temecula being close.

Huntington Gardens sounds great, Galia. I'm just not sure if I'd have enough time for it. I'm only down there for a weekend, so spending a whole day at one place is kind of difficult.

The Getty sounds interesting. I'll look in to that, for sure.

Anyone else have any ideas? Great restaurants (even if they're chain) would be ideal because I have lots of family to get around to and taking them out to a meal is always a quick and easy way to get that shit over with.

Sounds like you're thrilled!

Unbelievably so. I'm excited for the trip because I love getting away for awhile, but the whole family biznass is teh suck.

Yeah, but you're staying with family. They'll still be on your back!

You should grab a room at the Westin.

Is that your sister's house?

I remembered the perfect thing for you, knowing your tastes in the gothic, supernatural, and horrorific!

Well, I've never been, but am seriously obsessed with the Winchester Mansion. Go. GO!

http://www.travel-wise.com/northamerica/winchester/