LA Dreaming Podcast

Bullocks Wilshire an Art Deco Icon

Bullocks Wilshire was once one of the most premiere and luxurious shopping experiences in Los Angeles. It was frequented by Hollywood Stars like Clark Gable and Mae West while also serving as a filming location for movies like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. In the early 90’s the store sadly closed but the building itself was taken over by Southwestern Law School. For this episode, we are joined by archivist Sara Halpert who shares incredible stories about Bullocks Wilshire. Sara also shares how you can step inside this special place. 

You can sign up for the Friends of Bullock’s Wilshire mailing list to get information on events. If you have any memories or photos you would like to share with Sara about Bullocks Wilshire you can email her at shalpert@swlaw.edu.

The Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier is a beloved place in Los Angeles County. Visitors from all around the world come to this special place every day as it continues to be a fun and unique place to have some fun by the beach. For this episode, we are joined by Jim Harris the Executive Director of the Santa Monica Pier. Jim shares some fascinating stories and history behind the pier with us. For more information on what we discussed in this episode, you can visit the Santa Monica Pier’s website here and read the book America’s Last Great Pleasure Pier.  

 

For more information on things to do at the Santa Monica Pier check out our blog post on ladreaming.com. 

You can follow our host Michelle on Instagram and TikTok.

A Guide to the Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is one of the most iconic places to visit in Los Angeles. This beautiful museum is free, fun, and educational, and the views of the sky and LA are fantastic. The observatory also hosts free events like public star parties. Joining us this episode is Alanna from Periodic Adventures, as we highlight some of the best things to see inside and outside of the observatory. We also share tips for other things to do in the area to incorporate into your visit. 

For more information on what we discussed in this episode please visit: https://ladreaming.com/guidetola/take-advantage-of-free-griffith-observatory-admission/ 

You can follow our guest Alana through her blog, Instagram and TikTok.

You can follow our host Michelle on Instagram and TikTok.

The Painted Stairs of Silver Lake

Have you visited the painted stairs in Silver Lake? You can visit on your own, or if you want to be immersed in the stories and history of Silver Lake you can take a tour of the painted stairs with Chris from “See LA in a Day”. In our conversation with Chris, we talk about the Micheltorena Stairs, Stair Tempo, the Swan Steps, as well as other stairs in Los Angeles worth checking out. 

For more information on what we discussed in this episode please visit:

https://ladreaming.com/guidetola/the-painted-stairs-in-silver-lake/

You can follow our guest Chris on Instagram @seelainaday and head to seelainaday.com.

You can follow our host Michelle on Instagram.

Exploring LA Public Libraries and Their Many Benefits

Do you know about some of the amazing things you can get with your LA Public Library? In this episode I speak with Mayuko and Cisco from LA Library Adventures on Instagram. They visited all 73 branches in the LAPL system. We talk about some of the branches, resources like the California Library State Parks pass and so many other things you can get through our public libraries.

For more information on what we discussed in this episode please visit:https://ladreaming.com/guidetola/use-california-state-parks-library-pass-at-over-200-locations/ 

You can follow our guests on Instagram @la_library_adventures

You can follow our host Michelle on Instagram & Tiktok.

Your Guide for the TCM Classic Film Festival

The Turner Classic Movies Film Festival takes place every April in Hollywood, California. For this episode, we are joined by Jack Fields who is a classic movie enthusiast that has attended this festival every year since it began in 2010. Jack shares information about the TCM Classic Film Festival and what the experience is like. We discuss festival passes, how to get standby tickets, what venues are used and so much more. In the end, we also share places near Hollywood that class movie fans might like to check out. 

For more information on what we discussed in this episode please visit: https://ladreaming.com/guidetola/a-helpful-guide-to-the-tcm-film-festival-in-hollywood/ 

You can follow our guest Jack on Instagram and Youtube.

You can follow our host Michelle on Instagram & Tiktok.

TV Show Tapings in Los Angeles

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be in the audience of a TV show taping? Join me as I speak with my friend and TV fan TeArra Hardiman about what it's like to go to talk shows, game shows, and sitcom tapings in Los Angeles. We share what you can expect, how to get tickets, and tips to make your experience more enjoyable. 

For more information on what we discussed in this episode please visit: https://ladreaming.com/movies-tv/the-ultimate-list-of-tv-show-tapings-in-la/ 

You can follow our guest TeArra on Instagram.

You can follow our host Michelle on Instagram & Tiktok.

Exploring Los Angeles County Landmarks

We are discussing 7 Landmarks in Los Angeles County that you can visit on a day trip. We are joined by Andy, the project manager of The SoCal Landmarks project. The SoCal Landmarks project was started a few years ago and has introduced many people to some spectacular places. In our conversation, we talk about Wayfarers Chapel, Point Fermin Lighthouse, the Korean Bell of Friendship, The USS Iowa, Sunken City, the Warner Grand Theatre, and Fort MacArthur. Andy also shares wonderful resources and suggestions for how people can become involved in preserving landmarks. 

For more information about the landmarks please visit the website for The SoCal Landmarks Project and connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

For more information on what we discussed in this episode please visit: https://ladreaming.com/guidetola/visiting-landmarks-in-los-angeles-county/ 

You can follow our host Michelle on Instagram & Tiktok. 

Valentine’s Day Movie Filming Locations

We are discussing filming locations in LA from the movie "Valentine's Day" with Becca from The Film Tripper. Valentine’s Day uses so many real places that you can visit in Los Angeles as filming locations. We discuss locations like the Venice Canals, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Lake Hollywood Park, and more. 

For more information on what we discussed in this episode visit: https://ladreaming.com/movies-tv/valentines-day-movie-filming-locations-in-los-angeles/

Our guest Becca has a blog: TheFilmTripper, Instagram and TikTok where she shares about filming locations.

You can follow our host Michelle on Instagram & Tiktok. 

 

Food Halls and Food Markets in LA

We discuss Food Halls and Food Markets in Los Angeles with Kris from Get Lost With Kris on Instagram. Food brings people together and these locations that we focus on are providing places that are great to experience with family and friends. We speak about classics like the Original Farmers Market and Grand Central Market, both of which are beloved by locals. Other locations we discuss are Citizen Public Market, BLVD MRKT, the Anaheim Packing District, 4th Street Market, and the Riverside Food Lab. We also give a few shout outs to other locations that we did not have more time to focus on. If you are a foodie we hope this episode will be extra enjoyable for you.

For more information on what we discussed in this episode please visit: https://ladreaming.com/guidetola/a-guide-to-food-halls-and-food-markets-in-los-angeles/

You can follow our guest Kris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getlostwithkris/

You can follow our host Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la.dreaming