Friday, August 16, 2013

Topanga Canyon Adventures

TRAVEL BY NIC…….The Perpetual Tourist!

Topanga Canyon Adventures

Wow!  I haven’t made a post for quite awhile!  Trust me, I’ve still been going on my adventures, I just haven’t found the time to set down and put pen to paper….or fingers to keyboard!

So we’ve cruised around the Canyon roads of LA before, but I forgot how beautiful and relaxing it is!  For all of you out there that picture the typical craziness of LA, I urge you to venture onto the Canyon roads.  We started our adventures from PCH in Malibu.  We turned at Pepperdine University and worked our way up Malibu Canyon.  Right away you notice the beautiful view of the ocean you are leaving behind and entering the green hills and curvy roads that lie ahead.  Our 1st stop was the Paramount Ranch, rather than me telling you to turn left on Mulholland and then right on Cornell, I suggest you GPS Paramount Ranch!  But then it’s ok to get lost in the canyons!

Paramount Ranch has been on my list of “must see” for a long time!  It is FREE to walk around this abandoned set out in the Canyon.  You will find a whole Western Town to wander around.  Isn’t it sad that instead of picturing  a shoot out, a bar brawl, horses galloping through town or cowboys spurs clinging on the wooden walk; I picture a film crew here filming the actors doing all that while sitting over to the side eating a Big Mac!  You cannot get into any of the buildings, but you can peak into some of them.  For the most part it is a boarded up set waiting to be used, to come alive with signage, windows, and “Action”!  I’d say there were about 8 or 9 buildings.  You’ll find a hotel, bar, jail, barn and barber shop to name a few.  The Sheriff’s office is the only building they had open for us and inside was a jail which was great for photo opps!  So I bet your wondering….what has been filmed there?!  Dr Quinn, HBO Carnivale, Love Bug, The Virginian to name a few.  The land/hills were used for other filming projects like M*A*S*H, Flintstones and many more.  We did not participate in this but they do offer “Silents Under the Stars”.  During the summer you can have a unique movie experience watching silent films under the stars. It sounds like a fun activity that is only $6!!  It’s just working your way out there at night and living about 2 hours away….ya know heart is willing but the body gets tired!!






From there we found The Rock Store!  The Rock Store is really a cafe where bikers hang out but it has had its share of celebrities stop by and its share of screen time!  The Rock Store is not far from the Paramount Ranch.. It was named after the river rocks used to build this cafe 1925.  The cafe is often used for commercials & feature films when a country gas station is needed.  You may recognize it from some of the following shows:   “Cobra” with Sylvester Stallone, “Mother” with Albert Brooks, and “The Sweetest Thing” with Christina Applegate & Cameron Diaz.


In-between the Paramount Ranch and the Rock Store is the Peter Strauss Ranch.  While Peter Strauss was working on Rich Man Poor Man, he loved the area so much that he purchased it!  That is how Peter Strauss Ranch came to be.  We drove into the parking lot but did not get out and explore. The ranch looks like a BEAUTIFUL place to go on hikes and explore but we more interested in the unique little Canyon stop across the road. 

So what’s across the road?!  The Old Place is across the road!  You can’t miss these cute worn western buildings with an old 50’s pick up sitting out front.  Right away I was attracted to the rugged stone path and the wooden adirondack chairs sitting outside.  I could picture myself relaxing and watching the cars go by on the Canyon road.  The Old Pace was a 1930’s general store and post office.  Some of the stars that have partied there are Al Pacino, Goldie Hawn, Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan and Steve McQueen.  I encourage you to stop,  get out and walk around, the place is so charming!  We had already eaten, but someday I would love to have a meal at The Old Place!  So stay tuned for info one day!



Next we ventured over to Topanga Canyon, as you curve your way into this artsy little town I say stop and sit a spell!  Topanga means “above place” and it’s a hideaway for recluses, outcasts and nature lovers.  One our favorite places to shop is a super fun vintage store "Hidden Treasurers".  Everywhere you turn in that store you appreciate their creativeness displaying their vintage finds!  Do any of you remember watching “Boy Meets World”?  I always thought Topanga, in the show, had such a strange name…..now I get it!

Shenandoah at the Arbor, 10631 Los Alamitos Blvd, Los Alamitos, CA 90720

Sooooo, since we were to full to eat at The Old Place, I bet your wondering where we ate?  We actually ate at super cute place / stop on our journey to the canyons.  Shenandoah is so charming and the food was great!  The guys were a little overwhelmed by all of the ladies!  A lot of showers, bridal parties, and Red Hat ladies know about this place.  The inside reminded me of a shabby Chic with country charm.  Outside you are shaded by huge mulberry trees.  The food was great!  They are known for their fried chicken dish, so that’s what I had.  The restaurant is nestled on a busy road surround by 3 stores that are just as charming as the restaurant!  Again, your just cruising down busy Los Alamitos Blvd, and if you don’t look quick you could miss this charming find!  GO,Go, go and try this one out!  (Can’t wait to take mom!)



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