Sixteen weeks have flown by once again and we find ourselves at the brim of summer break.
Though we are not quite at the end, there is no reason why we can’t think about making plans. So here are some suggestions and tips to do for the next three months without school.
There is a chance that there will be one day where laying out at the beach or by the pool will just sound boring.
For the sports fan or anyone looking for a fun crowd, L.A. Dodger game tickets can be purchased for about $20, get there early and pop a few drinks in the parking lot (if you are of age, of course) before the game to save a couple of bucks on alcohol. Checkout where you will be sitting if you’re going to a day game, the sun can be a killer so be prepared.
Same goes for college football, UCLA Rose Bowl tickets range from $20 to $500. There are always bar-barbeques in the parking lot before the game. Afterwards, you can head to Old Town Pasadena for a game of pool and some drinks at Jake’s Diner.
For a little culture, hit up Los Angeles Contemporary Museum of Art on a Friday night. A free jazz concert is hosted every Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Los Angeles Times Central Court.
The Getty Center also does an “after-work event” the last Friday every month through September from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. “Fridays Off the 405” features live music and a cash bar. After, hop back on the 405 or grab a taxi to head down the street to West Lounge at Hotel Angeleno.
For the fitness buff, check out the free hatha yoga class from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. every Thursday in June at the Church in Ocean Park in Santa Monica. There are plenty of restaurants nearby Third Street Promenade with healthy choices to save the calories you just burned. Or to stick with the relaxing mood take a walk down Santa Monica beach before heading home.
Most cities have a free farmer’s market whether you are on the prowl for some great produce or just to go for a stroll. The Northridge Mall is the sight closest to campus and is held every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. For other farmer’s market locations, head to Farmernet.com to check out one near you.
For other great finds, check out the Rose Bowl Flea Market on the second Sunday of every month. Admission prices range from $10 to $20 depending on the time of your arrival. Or to do some shopping with the coastal breeze, Ventura Flea Market is held on the third Sunday of every month, admission is $5.
The late night NBC host Jay Leno will be stepping down in 2009 so to experience the Tonight Show you can head to the NBC Studios in Burbank. NBC releases tickets the morning of the show at 8 a.m. It is a first-come, first-served basis, so get there early and tickets are not guaranteed.
Downtown? Grab a French Dip from Philippe’s on North Alameda Street and head to Pershing Square for a free concert in the park. The schedule is in the works, but checkout www.laparks.org/pershingsquare for updates.
Right now the majority of us are cramming for final quizzes, writing research papers, preparing presentations and dreading the second week of May. So hopefully, while you take a break from your work to read this, it will bring a slim ray of light into finals week.
