California Dreamin’

Blog, Tom's Blog

After talking the talk, we finally walked the walk. Specifically, my good friend, Barry, and I have often talked of visiting the famous Los Angeles rock venues of the 60’s and 70’s. (That’s what guys turning 60 do.)

CAtrip_1 — So, for my 60th birthday, Barry gave me a plane ticket to LA

CAtrip_2 — Now the date was set. Accompanied by our wives, we left for LA in early April for a long weekend of surf, sun and rock & roll

CAtrip_3 — Upon landing, we drove directly to the David Sutherland Showroom at the Pacific Design Center. Having represented my work for 14 years, showroom manager, Steven Tobey and staff continue to do an incredible job for us

CAtrip_5 — With the business part of our trip behind us, we walked to The Ivy, the perennial celeb restaurant to see and be seen. The food was great, drinks even better. As for celebs, we had a “Housewife of Beverly Hills” sighting at the table next to us. My wife and daughter were impressed. Me, clueless!

CAtrip_6 — We said goodbye to The Ivy and drove west to Venice Beach. In Venice, we checked into the Hotel Erwin, a cool, boutique hotel with a spectacular rooftop bar. The sunset that evening was breathtaking

CAtrip_7 — On Friday, proceeding our requisite morning walk on the beach, it was off to The Getty Museum

CAtrip_8 — The Getty has a great collection and the best view in LA. I have never seen it so clear

CAtrip_9 — Saturday morning the 4 of us hiked three miles north from our hotel to the Santa Monica Pier. Great morning for people watching. My wife struck up a conversation with former World Surfing Champion, Robbie Page, who was sitting along our path. My wife and those surfer dudes…

CAtrip_10 — That afternoon the girls headed out shopping while the boys were on the rock & roll trail. First stop, the legendary Troubadour followed by The Whiskey A Go Go and The Viper Room. From there it was off to Laurel Canyon to search for old rocker abodes

CAtrip_11 — We finished the afternoon at the Laurel Canyon Country Store, another 70’s hangout

CAtrip_12 — Sunday we were off to Topanga Canyon followed by an afternoon in Malibu. We toured The Pier there and then settled in for an afternoon of live music and margaritas at the Malibu Inn

CAtrip_13 — New friendships were made almost as fast as the drinks were poured

CAtrip_14 — So, in the end, Barry and I finally had our excellent rock ‘n roll adventure