EXPERIENCE THE LAST BOOKSTORE

The Last Bookstore is quirky, artsy, and astonishing. Upon entering, you will quickly fail to remember that you are in a bookstore.

Your eyes will bulge, especially once you reach the mezzanine level. This floor includes the Labyrinth and the Spring Arts Collective gallery shops. 
 

You can find more than 100,000 books for $1 in the back room of the Labyrinth, but I bet the first time you arrive, you will be too busy taking snaps.
 

The Last Bookstore will also keep you entertained, hosting events like Open Mic Night, Downtown Art Walk, and author signings. 

This is the type of place where you enter as an adult, and leave feeling like a kid in a fairytale. http://lastbookstorela.com/ 

EVERYTHING YOU NEED AT MELROSE TRADING POST

 
In my book, it's a huge bonus to find an outdoor flea market to explore while traveling. During my recent trip to LA, I found the best one thus far. Melrose Trading Post consumes the parking lot of Fairfax High School in West Hollywood. You can carve out the entire day at this shopping extravaganza, and not come close to unearthing what the numerous vendors have to offer. 

If you can't find what you're looking for here, it simply doesn't exist. I spent hours browsing furniture, collectibles, clothing, jewelry, books, one of a kind wares, and so much more. If you need to get caffeinated or nourished while shopping, they gotcha covered. The market provides a food court (indoor malls are so yesterday), where I wolfed down a Nutella pastry and latte while being serenaded by the gifted Katie Ferrera. 
  

I chatted with one of the founders, Pierson Blaetz, who wanted me to share an important aspect of the market is that it raises a lot of money for public school arts education. The modest $3.00 entrance fee helps fund programs for students who attend Fairfax High School, so it's a win-win for all.

This remarkable bazaar takes place every Sunday from 9am-5pm, rain or shine, at the corner of Melrose Avenue and Fairfax Avenue. ATM machines are available if you discover your wallet is empty. Mark your calendars, because you are now well-informed as to why you should be here every Sunday. http://melrosetradingpost.org/

Adorable father/daughter dance

Beer Me at the Mason Lounge

Are you like me and become really enthusiastic when you find the perfect place to throw back a few beers? Color me happy, because my new centrally located digs are within walking distance of the Mason Lounge.

As soon as you enter this easygoing bar, you will feel like you are at a friend's house. Check any pretensions at the door, because they aren't needed here. Kick back on a bar stool, high top or cozy sofa. Marvelous tchotchkes can be found just about everywhere you look.

The proprietor, Bryan, and his staff, are extremely friendly and will take good care of you. There is a dandy assortment of wine and whiskey; however, the real draw (in my book) is the impressive selection of craft beer. You may do a double take when you see the sweet prices that go along with them, averaging about $5 per beer. 

I enjoyed everything I sampled including Des Chutes Red Chair IPA, Furthermore Floating Fire, and especially the New Belgium Portage Porter and Widmer KGB Imperial Stout, which are pictured below.

FYI - not the typical glass size

I don't need another reason to make a date with the Mason Lounge, but if you do, they offer live music and no TVs. The overhead music won't break your eardrums, so you are good with conversation. This would also be a cool place to bring the folks (if you like hanging out with them).

I'm proud to say that I plan to be a regular. Whether you are a local or just breezing through town, you need to check out the Mason Lounge. 

Follow their Facebook page to learn about upcoming events and the current tap list -  https://www.facebook.com/pages/the-MASON-lounge/115147651844969
 

CHICAGO BAR PORN!

My last post was about the fantastic eateries in Chicago, and this time it's all about places to imbibe.  Here you will find my favorite spots to get your drink on, listen to live music, and show your moves on the dance floor.  I have broken it down into categories to make it more reader friendly.

You won't spend any of your hard earned money getting in the door, other than for a live show or special event.  At times; however, concerts are even free depending on where it's at, the band, night of the week, etc.  Many of these bars also offer delicious food, so be sure to check out the menu before arriving.

P.S.  Dimly lit bars aren't the best place for good photos:)

 

Best Dive-Style Bars:

Miss Ollie's

Simon’s Tavern

Skylark 

Best Wine Bars:

The Tasting Room
Webster’s Wine Bar
Volo Restaurant Wine Bar

Best Selection of Beer:

Hopleaf

The Map Room
Goose Island Clybourn

Uptown Lounge
Howells & Hood (amazing patio)

The Bad Apple

Best Neighborhood Style Bars:

Simone's

The Paramount Room
Delilah's 
Uncommon Ground

Jake Melnick's Corner Tap

The Plymouth Restaurant & Bar (for the rooftop patio)


Best Lounge Style Bars:
Kit Kat Lounge
The Violet Hour (very unique and mysterious)
Murasaki
Crimson Lounge at Hotel Sax
Nellcote 
Gilt Bar
Blue Line Lounge & Grill
Epic (fabulous rooftop) 

The Kit Kat Lounge should be in a category all its own!  Go for the mouth-watering martinis and stay for the marvelous entertainment.  There is no cover charge (don't forget dollar bills for tipping), and the divas put on quite a show.  The martini list is endless and several nights per week they are half-price.

Best Dance Venues:

Big Chicks
Beauty Bar (get a manicure and a drink)
Crimson Lounge at Hotel Sax
Spin
NV Penthouse Lounge (rooftop with great views)


Best Gay Bars:
Roscoe's (Sin Thursdays is a must)
Big Chicks
Scarlet Bar
Sidetrack
Spin
Parlour on Clark

Best Live Music Venues:

The Green Mill 
Lonie Walker's Underground Wonder Bar  
The Beat Kitchen
Reggie’s Music Joint
The Empty Bottle
aliveOne
Schuba’s
The Bottom Lounge
Uncommon Ground on Clark

The Green Mill also deserves a special nod, as it's a spectacular place for jazz.  It's Al Capone's old hangout and still has some history with a 1920's vibe to it.  The club offers remarkable talent every night of the week, and a very cool poetry slam on Sunday nights.  Beware - the staff (especially the bouncer) isn't terribly pleasant, but don't let that stop you!

Get your jazz on

The ambiance at Green Mill is amazing

 

Kit Kat Lounge is a great place to celebrate

G-Spot Martini at Kit Kat with glow stick and playing card (blush:)

 

So many beers to choose from at Hopleaf

 

France Jean-Baptiste & the Sexy Menz at Underground Wonder Bar

  

I won trivia night at Underground Wonder Bar

  

Hanging with the one and only Lonie Walker of Underground Wonder Bar

 

Lagunitas night at Simone's

Humor at Spin

 

Fierce dancer at Spin

 

Forty Winks at Uncommon Ground

 

Fire performer at Roscoe's Sin Thursday

So whether you live in the city or just coming for a visit, check out these venues for some drinks, music and a great time.

Cheers!

A toast at Howell's & Hood

Breathtaking Barcelona!

What luck - an international pillow fight the day I arrived!

I feel so lucky to have had the privilege of spending a week in Barcelona.  The city offers so much - culture, fantastic food, the best sangria I ever tasted, architecture, lovely people, and astounding beauty everywhere! 

Unique architecture along the beach

A colorful mermaid

Barcelona is so expansive that my companion and I decided to spend a few days in one area near Park Güell, and another few days near Poble Sec with a weekend flight to Lisbon in between.

Love the pop of street art!

Our hosts in the Park Güell area are two of the most wonderful people I have met in my life.  You will be well taken care of in their stunning flat and hope they adopt you so that you don't have to leave.  I gained new friends for life.  https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/74649

View from the host's terrace

Our second hosts near Poble Sec were lovely as well, providing everything you need in a terrific area.  The host's mother even taught me how to use the washing machine and hang my clothes out the window:)  https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/51952 

This is how they do it

Found someone who likes to fist bump

There are so many barrios in Barcelona that I think it's best to identify the ones that I visited, and then list the specific places that I recommend in each one.  Unfortunately, I lost track of the many venues that I dined or drank at, so not much sharing in that department.

Gothic Quarter - this is a really cool area full of unique architecture and history.  I suggest wandering around here to discover shops, bars, restaurants, street musicians and spur of the moment live events.  The barrio has a medieval feel and look to it like no other.  A must-see bar is Bollocks!  The drinks are awesome and here is a taste of what it's like.

La Rambla - This area is home to a well-known pedestrian street that goes all the way to the harbor.  Be prepared for lots and lots of people, which is why I didn't spend a lot of time here.  My favorite place was La Boqueria.  All five senses will be on high alert while walking through this phenomenal market.  I also liked getting up close and personal with the Columbus Monument.

Get ready to feed your face!

Columbus Monument

La Ribera - This is a beautiful area with lots of museums.  I highly recommend Ciutadella Park and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar.  Don't miss an area off to one side of the church called Fossar de les Moreres, which is a small square rich with history.

Ciutadella Fountain

Triumphal arch

The Waterfront - I think it's probably a given that everyone should visit the waterfront in Barcelona!  So much is offered here including a port for ships, beaches, restaurants, shops, bars, museums and boat rides.   You can walk a promenade to the Maremagnum, which is a huge complex filled with shops and restaurants on the water. 

Interesting sculptures

Seafront promenade

Then head back for a stroll along the beach and a dip in the sea.  I was in awe of the unique architecture.  I made a welcome discovery, which was an ice bar right on the beach, aptly named Icebarcelona.  You are given a thermal parka and gloves upon entering, and it was very "cool" indeed:)

Brrrr!

Everything is made of ice!

Montjuïc Park - There's a lot going on in this area and where most of my activities took place.  I think the best place to start is at the bottom and work your way up the mountain!  Begin at Plaza d'Espanya, taking in the two Venetian Towers and Palau Nacional.  Palau Nacional is home to Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, offering a fantastic collection of Romanesque and Gothic art.  

If you want a gorgeous place to relax, check out the Botanical Gardens.  My companion and I hiked all the way to the top to the magnificent fortress known as Montjuïc Castle, and then took great pleasure in riding the cable car back down.

The Towers and Palau Nacional - what a site!

Looking out from inside Palau Nacional

Botanical Gardens

Montjuic Castle

Reward at the end of the day

Remembered how fearful I am of heights

No turning back now

One thing you must do while in this area is have drinks at the pool at the B Hotel.  I spied this beauty while taking in views from the Arenas de Barcelona mall nearby (this is also a great place to visit).  I was pleasantly surprised how inexpensive the drinks were.    http://www.b-hotel.com/hotel/default-en.html

This is the life

Great views from the mall's rooftop

The Olympic Stadium is also near this area if you wish to make a pit stop.  There is nothing to really do here other than walk around and get some nice photos.

One of the things I was most excited about seeing was works by the master of modernism himself, Gaudi.  I was thrilled that my first host was within walking distance of Park Güell, my first stop on the Gaudi train.  As the photos portray, this is a fascinating and beautiful place.

The only other creation I had time for was the Basilica of the Holy Family.  Words cannot even begin to describe what this experience was like.  I highly recommend both if you visit Barcelona.

The entrance to Park Güell

Basilica of the Holy Family

The couchsurfing group in Barcelona is fantastic!  I was very lucky to get invited to an exclusive rooftop terrace party being held by a local CS'er with a live performance by his band, as well as a traveling musician from Brooklyn, Robin Aigner.  It was a magical evening with good food, drinks, meeting people from all over the world, and of course great music.  Definitely one of the highlights of my trip!

The lovely and talented Robin Aigner

CS host and his band

I do believe I have given you more than enough reasons to want to jump on a plane to Barcelona.  I know that I will make a return trip there one day and still dream about it.