What to do for the 4th of July in Los Angeles

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July Fourth is one of my favorite holidays (#2 on the list to be exact.) I mean, what’s not to love about a holiday that a). includes a day off from work, b.) involves hanging out all day with friends & family, c.) every American, regardless of religion, can participate and d.) promotes barbecues, cocktails and being outside. To me, it also marks that it is full blown SUMMER season. Oh, and Fireworks are just a cherry on top.

As an LA transplant, I scoured this little town for the best goings on this Fourth of July. Take your pick.

1. In a Pool

This partyparty pool at Mondrian will definitely make your Fourth one to remember (albeit hazily).  The Skybar is hosting all day DJs, cocktails, fun pool floaties and jaw dropping LA views–what’s not to love? Tickets are reasonable at $25 and available here. I was sold by the photos of their recent Memorial Day party.

2. On the Water

Whiskey Red's

Hit up Marina del Rey’s Burton Chace Park, make a reservation at a waterfront restaurant or find a friend with boat. You won’t get better sunset or fireworks views and as the nearest host of the fireworks on the beach, the atmosphere will be festive to say the least. If you are going the picnic in the park route, get there EARLY. Spots are usually filled by 6pm for the 9pm fireworks.

Whiskey Red’s, located right along the scenic marina, is hosting a buffet barbecue and reservations are being taken now for patio ($62.95) or indoor seating (52.95)–but come on people, you want the patio.

3. On a Roof

erwin

High, the rooftop of Venice’s funky hotel gives you unobstructed views of the fireworks, the sunset and the pretty people that are sitting at the tables next to you. A table reservation gets you 2 beers, a cocktail, a gourmet sausage and DJ to complete the perfect summer evening. What’s more American than that?

4. On a Boat

queenmarycunard

The Queen Mary is welcoming revelers on board for a day filled of events–from a circus to a Great Gatsby party, each decade from the 1940s will be represented, letting attendees party through the ages. The ticket gets you on board and access to the events, plus prime viewing of the Long Beach fireworks from the deck. Purchase your tickets here for a hefty discount ($26 vs $44 on their website).

 

Local Side of Cartagena

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USTOA Live Like a Local
A Colonial coastal city with history, culture and personality in spades, it’s easy to fall in love with Cartagena. What really makes it stand apart is it’s amazing local culture & tradition so come dive right in with me!

Day Trips in Cartagena

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USTOA Live Like a Loca
There’s plenty to do in the city but sometimes, you need a little R&R. I discovered that it’s easy to find incredible beaches like the ones in Manzanillo as well as jawdropping natural paradises on the Rosario Islands.

Food of Cartagena

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USTOA Live Like a Local
Food plays an integral role in the local life of Cartagena and I got a crash course in local cuisine from a chef. We explored the gritty and fascinating Bazurto Market, had a cooking lesson and then I hit up the old city to sample all the international flavors that come together to make Colombian cuisine.

Shopping in Cartagena

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USTOA Live Like a Local
The streets of Cartagena are filled with crafts and local treasures, it’s easy to get your shopping on. Don’t miss Las Bovedas–a former prison that is now converted into shops with local crafts, souvenirs coffees and more.

Dance Partying in Cartagena

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USTOA Live Like a Local
When in Cartagena, we dance! Come check out the local party atmosphere of this incredible city–from salsa lessons to party buses to dance halls–Cartagena knows how to heat up the night.

Mall of America: My Staycation inside

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I spent 3 full days inside the massive Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota and what I found was, I could have stayed longer. From the seemingly endless shops, restaurants, aquarium, amusement park, and theatres to the excellent Radisson Blu hotel that I called home (and can’t forget my favorite, the Solimar Spa) this Mall of America “staycation” was quite the luxurious experience.

*Note: I say there’s no sales tax at the Mall of America, I mean no sales tax on clothes and shoes only (the most important things!).

The Parker Palm Springs

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The Hotel Snob goes to the shishi Parker Palm Springs to see what all the fuss is about. She indulges her way through Norma’s, the Lemonade Stand, saltwater pools and the various lawn games, all underneath the swaying palms and bright blue sky of the desert. Watch her review.

Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara

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Oceanfront views: check. Stunning grounds: check. Fantastic restaurant: check. Croquet: check.
The Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara ticks off a lot of boxes–watch the full review to find out if it’s worth the splurge for getaway.

A Chocolate Guide to Saint Lucia

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Get Lost in Saint Lucia with Kelley Ferro
Chocolate Trail
Saint Lucian chocolate is known far & wide as some of the world’s best, and on the island you can find chocolate has a variety of uses. Kelley experiences chocolate not only as a sweet food, but as a savory spice. She also learns about it’s benefits for the outside of the body–at the spa. Through it’s handcrafted production methods, dating back to the beginning of the island, chocolate is much more than just a sweet treat.