maria_so

Hi All, don't want Rodeo Drive. More interested in somewhere like Melrose Place. Been at a cool street in "Melrose" before that had all these cool little stores and they really were not that expensive either. I can't remember the name but one of the streets started with an "F".

My husband will be in a conference in Anaheim next week and I want things to do by myself. If you can recommend good cafe's or bistro type places that I can sit outside in would be good.

Many thanks in advance. Also, can some of the locals in the area say something about fire damage in the area and places to avoid?

maria_so

ttt

maria_so

Looking at the map of west hollywood, is it west fairfax and montrose that's the main stream area for the shopping in Melrose?

connecticutyankee

I don't know if you're interested in malls at all, but there's South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa (south of Anaheim, maybe 20-30 minutes depending on traffic). Lots of stores and food to keep you occupied.

Also, in Newport Beach, about 20-30 minutes further (depending on traffic) there is Fashion Island with shopping similar to SCP.

lvk

Here's a quick synopsis of some different shopping districts in LA with the bordering streets.
www.losangeles.com/shopping/

The Fashion District in downtown L.A. is always a pretty interesting cultural experience. www.fashiondistrict.org

Keep in mind that you should aim to wait until the morning traffic lets up a bit before leaving Anaheim. (After 10am and notice I say "a bit")

Laguna Beach would also be a nice destination for a day. There are shops and galleries and plenty of restaurants.

travisblue

Yes it's probably Fairfax/Melrose that you're looking for. Lots of restaurants with seating on the sidewalk on Melrose and not very expensive shopping. You might also try third street/Fairfax (near the Farmers Market & very close to melrose). If you head West (towards the Beverly Center) on 3rd street, there are a lot of boutiques and restaurants as well. No fire damange in and around melrose/hollywood/west hollywood. Another good restaurant with outdoor seating/good viewing is Cafe Med on Sunset blvd in West Hollywood. Some high end boutiques around there as well.

Erin74

If you don't want to drive all the way to L.A. from Anaheim (an hour each way), there's plenty of interesting shopping and outdoor in Laguna Beach and Newport Beach.

In Los Angeles, I'd recommend Robertson Blvd. for shopping. There's a mix of young designers' boutiques and some less expensive, hip stores. You can also go to Beverly Dr. for a bunch of the chain shops (Gap, Anthropologie, Ann Taylor) in addition to some local boutiques. Melrose is a little more grungy, but good if you're looking for cheap stuff/ resale clothing.

Erin74

Sorry, that should say "outdoor cafes" in my post above.

Also, the other posters are correct. The Melrose shopping area starts to the east of Fairfax and ends at Highland Ave.

maria_so

thank you thank you thank you! that's very helpful info.

i'll be there for a week and plan to do christmas shopping early too so will check out Laguna Beach and other areas as well as the OC.

Thanks so much!

maria_so

anyone know the best/fastest way from anaheim to la (west hollywood area)?. I plan to leave around 10:30 fromanaheim to get to LA around noon when the shops open.

thanks!

maria_so

anyone?

lvk

I would think that the 5 to the 101 would be the quickest route, unless there is some construction that I don't know about.

You can check www.dot.ca.gov for road conditions.

Erin74

I would take the 5 north to the 10 west and exit at La Brea. Head north on La Brea and that'll take you straight up into West Hollywood.

travisblue

I usually take the 5 to the 10 west as well. When you exit La Brea head North (towards museums) and you will hit Melrose. You could also exit the 10 at Fairfax, again go North and you will hit Melrose. 101 works as well (you exit at Melrose), but there always seems to be a bit more traffic through downtown than on the 10 West.

smartcookie

Are you driving? Everyone is assuming you are here. Please do clarify as it makes a big difference. Anaheim is 1 hour drive from LA, without traffic. You will probably need a car to drive to Newport Beach and other shopping in Orange County from Anaheim.

If you do go to LA, here are the shopping areas that you will probably find most useful (I am assuming you like the cheaper boutiques of Melrose Ave, not the designer boutiques another part of Melrose like those on Robertson):

- Melrose Ave between Fairfax Ave and LaBrea Ave is probably where you have been before

- 3rd Street and LaCienega area where Beverly Center is has Loehmann's (discount designer stuff), Marshalls, and Steve & Barry's which you will probably like and is in your budget. Also, check out sale racks at the Beverly Center Macy's and other stores there

- The Grove has Forever 21, Nordstrom, Banana Republic. There is also a Ross across the street

- DSW is great for shoes. There is one on Hollywood Blvd and LaBrea Ave. Shoe Pavilion is close to the Grove and Melrose areas at Fairfax and Beverly

- Santa Monica Promenade has 4 blocks of popular chain boutiques and a mall. Most have sale and clearance racks.

If you're not looking for regular-priced designer stuff, Robertson Blvd is not your cup of tea.

If you need driving directions, just use www.mapquest.com.

maria_so

THANKS EVERYONE.

Yes smartcookie, you are indeed a smart cookie . I am looking for all those things and yes, I am driving. My husband will be in a conference all week so I plan to do some christmas shopping at melrose ave and probably try out the fashion district - never been there and am curious. has anyone been there? is it cheap looking stuff because that won't work for me. Still, I'm curious of what I've heard about Surrey Alley. Can anyone tell me about the retail areas and which street has most of those? I went to the link about adn it looks like most are warehouse but it says that it could also be retail - how do you know? do you go in and ask or is there a sign? Is it safe to walk around there by myself? I've noted parking for this area too so good there.

I will probably spend most of that day in Melrose Ave and you are correct, at the cheaper area not the high end boutique places. Does anyone have any idea of a good spot to park?

smartcookie

If you don't want cheap-looking stuff, I wouldn't go out of my way to go to Santee Alley. You would spend a lot of time trying to find something decent as well as parking, and will probably be dissappointed.

I think you will find most of what you're looking for in or around West Hollywood between all the places I listed. You can park on the street when you go to Melrose. It's not hard during the week during the day. There are meters as well as 2-hour street parking on most streets. There are parking lots at all other places mentioned which are either free or $1. There is a lot of competition, so they provide cheap or free parking so you will shop there

maria_so

THANKS THANKS THANKS smartcookie! you saved me some time and disappointment! I really appreciate that.

maria_so

Oh, one last thing. I need to pack (soon). Any suggestions? I'm guessing cold at night, nice during hte day? Do I need long sleeves during the day? I looked at the weather and it looks like low to mid 70's and mid 50's at nihgt.

Again, thanks in advance!

smartcookie

Weather has been varying a bit during the day. Last week, it was in the 80s, so short sleeves were fine. Today was a bit chilly, so you would want long sleeves and even an overshirt. At night, it's always colder, so you need an overshirt or a very light jacket. So bring some short sleeve tops with something to wear over it.