How to Plan and Pack for a Road Trip

Road trips are arguably one of the best ways to travel. Unlike flying on a plane, you’re able to see the countryside, and make pitstops as you see fit, providing you with plenty of photo ops!

So before you hit the dusty trail, keep these tips in mind as you prepare for your summer getaway:

  1. When packing clothes for any trip, the key is to roll and not fold. Rolling will help prevent wrinkles and offer a bit more space than folding does.
  2. Stuff your shoes with small items, such as chargers and underwear.
  3. Pack snacks for your car ride, because meals on the road can get expensive fast.
  4. Consider traveling to a National Park during the last week of August for big savings. They’re offering free admission.

Visit the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds This Summer

If you have just moved in to your apartment in Palmdale or maybe you have been too busy to explore the area, you really need to visit the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds this summer.   Located in Lancaster, CA, the fairgrounds provide a unique opportunity to explore the area’s deep roots in agriculture.

On the 4th you can watch professional bull riders and a firework spectacular at the Fairgrounds.

Then in August, you won’t want to miss the 78th Antelope Valley Fair and Alfalfa Festival.   The fair runs from August 19th through August 28th and includes carnival rides, livestock, music (with headliners like Pat Benatar and Foreigner), monster trucks, and competitions.  You really don’t want to miss this one of a kind fair.

Find out more here.

 

 

Enjoy a Live Concert at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center

Music is one of the few outlets for people, when it comes to a break up, a wedding, or even a birthday, it sets the tone and helps you relate to the many emotions you may be feeling.

For all you Rock n’ Roll fans out there, still jamming out to Springsteen and Neil Young, you’ll be pleased to know that legendary singer and songwriter Jackson Browne will be performing at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center.

This added show is part of a limited spring tour. Browne has been a major player in the music industry since the 1970s, having written and recorded songs such as “The Pretender”, “Running on Empty”, “Lawyers in Love”, “Doctor My Eyes”, “Take It Easy”, and “Somebody’s Baby”, in addition to being an activist.

Browne was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

Tickets are available for $79, $64, or $59 per person.

When: Monday, May 16, 2016 at 8 pm

Where: The Lancaster Performing Arts Center – 750 West Lancaster Boulevard, Lancaster, CA

 

Events near Palmdale: BBQ & Beer Fest

How can you not daydream about this beautiful weather while you’re in your office?

So why not make some plans to get out and actually enjoy it?

The creators of the Legendary California Beer Festival are proud to present the first BBQ & BEER FESTIVAL, which will take place at Central Park in Santa Clarita on May 6th and 7th.

This is a two-day event that will feature BBQ, live entertainment, and handcrafted brews from local breweries!

On Friday you can sample over 45 Craft Beers on tap, listen to live music and enjoy some BBQ! Your ticket will include a Souvenir tasting cup and beer samples. Then Saturday is all about the BBQ!

Address: Central Park – 27150 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91350

Wine and Dine near your Palmdale Apartment

Just 15 minutes away from your Palmdale apartment, you’ll find a lovely little steakhouse, a true gem, nestled within the small community of Quartz Hill.

Set in a cozy and rustic atmosphere, the spices and sauces at Broken Bit Steakhouse are unique to the establishment.

Using only the finest quality meats, each steak is hand cut, seasoned to perfection, then grilled over oak. This process works to slowly sear the meat in its own juices while adding a mild smoky flavor.

Is your mouth watering yet?

With a seasonal menu and desserts like strawberry jalapeño cheesecake, chocolate bread pudding, and other specially crafted menu items, this is an ideal date night spot.

So if you feel like sipping on red wine and enjoying a lamb chop or seafood dish, you’ve come to the right place.

Where to Bike in Palmdale

With Spring upon us there is no better time than now to get outdoors, enjoy the beautiful weather, and get active!

Biking in particular is good for your heart, muscles, immune system, mental health, coordination, waistline and lifespan.

Here in Palmdale, you can find plenty of spaces to exercise outdoors, including the Sierra Bike Trail which can be found between the very active Metrolink commuter rail tracks and Sierra Highway.

The trail is also landscaped, helping to provide some “green” relief to the desert surroundings. And, if you get fatigued, you’ll find  several benches along the route. As the trail is located on the edge of the Mojave Desert, the sun can be hazardous, so be sure to bring and drink plenty of water on your excursion.

 

Happy Exploring!

Enjoy the Springtime with these Events

Now that Spring is officially here you can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities. Here are a events going on near you!

Photo Credit: theexpressweeklynews.com

  1. Yoga on The Green with Lululemon Athletica: On March 31st from 11am to 12noon head over to The Americana at Brand for a free yoga class. Classes are held regularly on Sundays from 9:30am to 10:30am and Thursdays from 11am to 12pm. Address: 889 Americana Way Glendale, CA 91210
  2. La Diosa Presents Piter Albeiro Comedy: The on April 1st at 9pm you can catch a special performance at the Alex Theatre. Colombia native and winner of the World Record of Humor, Piter Albeiro is making an appearance right here in Glendale. Address: 216 N. Brand Blvd. Glendale, CA 91203 
  3. Spring Egg-Stravaganza: On Saturday, March 26 from 9am to 12 noon take part in an Easter egg hunt, take a picture with the Easter Bunny, and more. Address: 1515 North Glenoaks Boulevard, Burbank

Head to the Morrison to Watch March Madness

Still looking for a local bar to watch March Madness? You can head to your local Buffalo Wild Wings, or you can take a drive into the LA area and grab a seat at the Morrison!

With daily specials from 3-7, the Morrison is a great spot for watching March Madness! The bar offers a large beer and whiskey selection, plus plenty of crafted cocktails.

Games will be broadcasted live along with plenty of March Madness deals on food and drink!

Menu options include sliders, mac & cheese, red hot Morrison Wings, nachos, loaded potato skins, fries, and if you’re in the mood, brunch!

And for those of you who prefer the company of your canine friend, they also offer a dog menu.

For more information call (323) 667-1839

Address: 3179 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

Take a Scenic Excursion this Weekend in Palmdale

Sometimes you just need to let your hair down, and let someone else do the driving… or in this case, navigating. Head down to the Fillmore and Western Railway for a scenic train ride, not far from your Palmdale apartment.

You will be transported back in time as you step aboard the 1930’s vintage dining and passenger cars. The train winds through century old citrus and avocado groves in the beautiful Heritage Valley.

The first stop is in downtown Santa Paula, where passengers can visit the historic Southern pacific depot, the St. Francis Dam Memorial sculpture, the Santa Paula Art Museum, the California Oil Museum, the Ventura County Agricultural Museum.

With a layover of approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, the train will then continue on before stopping at the Loose Caboose Garden Center and Gift Emporium

Tickets for adults are $25, seniors are $23, youth (4-12) are $15, toddlers (2-3) are $10. Under 2 is free.

Take advantage of this event on Saturday, January 30, and February 6 and 13, from 12pm-4pm.

5 Must-Try Sushi Places in Palmdale

Tired of the same ol’ Americana and Italian cuisine?

Why not try one of these delicious restaurants serving up some of the best sushi and Japanese fare in Palmdale!

  1. Goldfish Japanese Restaurant: This casual establishment features a sushi bar for specialty rolls, bento boxes, sake and much more. Located at 3135 Rancho Vista Blvd. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner.
  2. Shogun: Here you’ll find a wide selection of sushi, paired with a sake bomb, or Kirin beer of your choice. Located at 828 Ave Q-6 E.
  3. Sushi Zen Bistro: Customers love the personable chefs and their Big Tuna Roll. Located at 1329 W Rancho Vista Blvd. Open Monday through Friday from 10:30am-10pm.
  4. Tokyo Steak: Dine on hibachi tables with a wide array of familiar Japanese dishes and sushi. Located at 2106 E Palmdale Blvd.
  5. Bigtuna Japanese Restaurant: If you’re a sushi lover, go for the all-you-can-eat sushi! Located at 43530 10th St W.