The REAL Santa Monica
The REAL Santa Monica
by: Matt Tucker
So you want the real scoop on Santa Monica while you are in LA? Well, here goes...most of the locals stay away from the Promenade. It is a tourist TRAP and (therefore) the homeless tend to congregate there. Don't get me wrong, the monkey on a leash that takes your money and deposits it in his owner's pocket is cute (in an animal cruelty kind of way), but the Promenade is where every tourist goes. If you want to stay under the radar, go South, my friend, go South. Specifically, head over and down to Main Street, Santa Monica. Main has the shops where Angelenos actually go. You can walk it all the way down into Venice without having to dodge that gaggle of vagabonds that (until now) seemed synonymous with Santa Monica. You should walk the Promenade ONCE, but only to say that you have done it. There you will find mainstream stores like Old Navy, and the like. Once you have done your "touristic" duty, though, head over to Main. You'll find independent stores like ZJ Boarding House (home for surf, skate and snowboard), and The Artist's Web (handmade gifts, etc.). You'll also find a slew of great eateries along the way. Be sure to stop into the Governator Schwartzenegger owned Schatzi on Main. The original Gold's Gym is located just up the way in Venice, one block East of Main on a street called Hampton. This is the Mecca of bodybuilding, where Arnold, Dorian, and Flex all toned their perfect pectorals. After pumping some iron, head over to the spot where these buff-daddies get their grub on. Of course, I am talking about The Firehouse. Whole wheat pancakes, and the Bodybuilder's Menu are this spot's trademarks. They, regrettably, do not have a website, but are located at 213 Rose Avenue at the corner of Main. You can see the red building from Gold's. This is the real Santa Monica (with parts of Venice), as the locals see it. Check out http://www.mainstreetsm.com/new.html to see all that Main has to offer.
North (and perpendicular) of Main Street is Montana Avenue. This is the other hidden gem of Santa Monica. With places like The Blue Jean Bar (with every brand of jeans your little heart could desire), Three Bags Full women's clothing, and Hilary Druxman Jewelry, you can't go wrong. Other points of interest on Montana are Room With a View and Shabby Chic, both specializing in stuff for the home. The moral of the story is that you don't have to be stuck to those usual tourist traps just because you're not from LA. Stick with me, kid...you'll go places...new, interesting places.
Until next time.
