Located on a walkway street just above Manhattan Avenue with a fantastic view of the ocean -  Escape truly lives up to its name.  I'd passed it before and was intrigued by their signature  Egyptian Foot Awakening treatment which they do on their front deck.  Two clients in big fluffy robes, sipping champagne, and watching the sunset just looked way too inviting.

On my first visit for a massage and foot awakening I was greeted with such warmth and hospitality - I immediately felt myself begin to relax and let go of the daily grind of the city.  I chose to do a foot awakening and then a hot stone massage, which I had never done before but had always been interested in.  The foot awakening began with a foot soak over warmed river rocks and essential oils (it reminded me of playing in a creek as a small child).  After the soak they do a sugar scrub and then follow up with reflexology on the feet.  It was divine!

Then I went inside for my hot stone massage.  I am so happy I chose to do that massage.  Something about those heated stones and how they place them on the body is simply brilliant - I don't think I'll go back to regular massages after this experience.

Without a doubt I will be back to Escape again.  Next time I'm going to do one of their facials!

Check out their website at www.escapemb.com!

Oki Doki Sushi (cute name, huh?) is one of these little restuarants located in a mini-mall at 442 Pacific Coast Highway.  It's quaint, but full of life.  The decor is modest, but once you taste the food and realize the great deal, it's understandable why people gravitate to this place.

I find their sushi & roll combo's are my favorite deal.

along the strand and out onto the Hermosa Pier (I always make sure to walk out to the very end - that way I get to peek into all the fisherman's buckets!) I also enjoy a good jog. However, running on cement wrecks havoc on my shins, so thankfully, there is the wonderful tree-lined Greenbelt Trail on Valley Drive which starts in Hermosa and goes all the way down to Manhattan Beach.

Now I haven't actually run the entire distance of the path (working up to that) but it's truly wonderful to have in addition to the strand.  I'll be sure to update on where it ends as soon as my endurance improves!

The lofts overlook the ocean and come fully equiped with a wood-burning fireplace (which is always nice during the evenings as it can get chilly at night), kichenette, private balcony and T-1 internet access.  In addition, they have an outdoor jacuzzi and a fitness center.
Their complimentary continental breakfast is served in the oceanfront Strand Cafe and I was suprised to learn that they also have a full-serivce Spa - Beach House Spa at Hermosa  which also provides yoga and tai chi classes on the beach!

The rates are definitely higher than average, but you're getting a lot of luxury in return!

I'll definitely keep them in mind for friends coming into town.

Creme de la Crepe at 424 Pier Avenue.

Ocean Diner at 959 Aviation Blvd.

Both have wonderful coffee and if you like smoked salmon - Creme de la Crepe offers an amazing smoked salmon crepe. Of course, their sweeter fruit crepes and dessert crepes are fantastic as well.

Ocean Diner is perfect for that weekend brunch, even better if you were out drinking the night before! Their pancakes are really good.

Both places are quaint, laid-back, and friendly.

Bring your sun hat, your canvas shopping bag, and your kids!  Here you can find a lovely array of in season fruit and vegetables (the small fiji apples are my favorite), breads and granola (the best I've ever had!), cheese and hummus.  There are tables and chairs set up in case you are tempted by the tamales and hot dogs.  If you are visiting Hermosa Beach, stop by the market and get a true feel of the people in the area!