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The Best Of Long Beach
WRITTEN BY LONG BEACH MAGAZINE STAFF
Long Beach is one of the best cities in the world; of this there can be no doubt. But ask five locals where to get the best steak and you’ll get five different answers. So we decided for our Best Of feature this year, we’d propose what we think is the very best of Long Beach. What follows are mostly the opinions of the Long Beach Magazine staff. (Luckily, we’re a very opinionated bunch.) But don’t worry – you’ll have a chance to have your say next year for the 2009 Best Of issue.
Activity & Adventure
“The temperate climate, open park spaces and expansive beaches are perfect for workouts in Long Beach. We’re quite fortunate to have a huge, scenic backyard of sorts to stay in shape and keep us motivated.” Justin Rudd!

Best outdoor workouts
Marine Stadium

The combination of glassy water and clean, crisp air is incredibly soothing. You can run and meditate at the same time.

5225 E. Paoli Way



Stairs to Heaven

4.25 miles on the strand from the tip of Shoreline Village to the Belmont Pier – five sets of steps between the Pier and Cherry Street hill!



Best way to get around the canals and burn calories
Paddle boarding

“On a calm sat morning I went out with a friend to try out Stand Up Paddle boarding in Naples and I must admit it was a blast. I never thought standing a board would be such a great workout and offer Zen-like relax¬ation! I stayed on it for over two and a half hours. I recommend anyone, no matter what physical fitness level, at least go try it in Naples. From my research this is the fastest growing water sport in the world and over the next couple of years will be mainstream.”

AJ Yager, Editor-in-Chief, Long Beach Magazine

Long Beach Windsurf Center

3850 Ocean Blvd, 562.433.1014, windsurfcenter.com



Best way to walk it off
The City of Long Beach was recently named 8th Most Walkable City in the U.S. in the national Walk Score survey! 24 Long Beach neighborhoods were ranked, with the top five being: Downtown, Belmont Shore, Bel¬mont Heights, Bixby Knolls, and the East Side.

Getting exercise walking through LB’s neighborhoods? Lovely.

Even better? Beating out L.A., who came in 9th.

Strap on your walking shoes and we’ll see you out there.



Best place to contemplate ancient Egyptian building techniques (or watch NBA hopefuls)
The Walter Pyramid at CSULB

The 18-story pyramid contains three full basketball courts and five volley¬ball courts, and is home to Division 1 men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams. The Southern California Summer Pro Basketball League uses the Pyramid in July.

Did you know: Each side of the perimeter of The Walter Pyramid mea¬sures 345 feet, making it a mathematically true pyramid..

1250 N Bellflower Blvd.



Best place to get your wings
Angel City Flyers.

Why drive when you can fly? Get a pilots license through their highly structured and disciplined approach to flight training.

angelcityflyers.com



Animal Life
Best place to see a whale up close (and mistake it for the aquarium)
Wyland Whaling Wall XXXIII.

Planet Ocean was painted by the marine artist Wyland in 1992. It is Long Beach’s most recognizable landmark and for that alone we’d award it a prize, but it’s also cool that the 116,000 square foot mural earned a Guin¬ness Book of World Records listing as the world’s largest mural. And no, that’s not where the Aquarium is.

Did you know: Everything in the mural portrays the actual size of its sub¬jects?



Best place to pet a shark
What is the second-happiest place on earth? The Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific! At least according to the folks at the Zagat Family Travel Guide, who recently rated the Aquarium the #2 Los Angeles area Family Destination, second to Disneyland. Pet a shark in the 10,000 square foot Shark Lagoon, free on Friday nights from 6 – 9 p.m.

100 Aquarium Way, 562.590.3100, aquariumofpacific.org



Best place to observe a cougar in her natural habitat
Need we say more?

Tantalum, 6272 E. Pacific Coast Highway, 562.431.1414

Kelly’s, 5716 E. Second St., 562.433.4983

Panama Joe’s Grill & Cantina, 5100 E. Second St., 562.434.7417



Arts, Attractions & Events
“Long Beach is home to some of the finest arts groups in California. Our residents can take in a symphony, see plays and musicals at a variety of venues, visit world class museums, attend an opera and meet a variety of visual artists without ever leaving the city limits. And with the Passport bus, you don’t even have to get in your car! Where else can you experi¬ence such a plethora of art and artists but in Long Beach!”

Paul Garman, Executive Director/Producer - Musical Theatre West



Best place to enrich your mind when your pockets are empty
MoLAA

Has the economy drained your wallet? Fear not…at least when it comes to getting cultured. The Museum of Latin American Art is free Fridays and Sundays. You can forget your woes by escaping to Latin America and visiting the worlds of Fernando Botero, Rufino Tamayo, Joaquin Tor¬res Garcia and Roberto Sebastian Matta.

628 Alamitos Ave., 562.437.1689, molaa.org

“Over 900 works of art—painting, sculpture, works on paper and photography—represent 340 Latin American artists from 20 countries within the four Spanish-Portuguese speaking Latin America countries in the regions of Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean”.



Best place to get your nerd on
The TED Conference

If being the dumbest person in the room inspires you, head on over to the Technology, Entertainment, Design Conference, which for the very first time will be held in our backyard. Moving from Monterey to Long Beach, February 4 – 7, 2009, the TED Conference brings some of the brightest and most eclectic thinkers together to spread new ideas, revolutionary inventions, debut performances and ground breaking discoveries. Past speakers have included former Vice President and world-renowned envi¬ronmentalist Al Gore, Playwright/activist Eve Ensler, and New Times Best¬selling author Malcolm Gladwell. Though the conference is celebrating their 25th anniversary instead of highlighting past achievements, “The Great Unveiling” as this year’s conference is dubbed, will focus only on the future. The Long Beach event is by invitation only, but registration to attend in simulcast is still available at TED@palmsprings.com. For more information on the TED Conference, visit TED.com.



Best place to laugh until you cry
The Laugh Factory Long Beach

Who couldn’t use a good laugh right about now? While it may take some time to attract big name headliners like its Hollywood counterpart, the comics performing on a recent Saturday night were top rate and beyond hilarious, offering a little something for everyone. Those with virgin ears though, should be forewarned—the only thing soft and sweet dished out at this venue, is the Cheesecake Olivia off the Outback Steakhouse lim¬ited menu. Thursday, Friday, Saturday. Two shows nightly. 8 and 10:30.

Admission $20.00 plus a two drink minimum.

151 S. Pine Ave., 562.495.2844, laughfactory.com



Best places to sing, Other than in the shower
Silver Fox

You never know who you might run into here - entertainment personali¬ties and local artists can always be found at the “Fox”, and Karaoke Sun¬days and Wednesdays mean anyone can grab that spotlight.

411 Redondo Ave., 562.439.6343, silverfoxlongbeach.com



The Prospector

Two nights of Karaoke at this place - Wednesdays and Fridays. Drink a pint or two or three! Then get ready to impress your friends with your vocal talents.

2400 E. Seventh St., 562.438.3839, prospectorlongbeach.com



Best place to fly your rainbow
Long Beach has a lot of pride! Our Lesbian & Gay Pride Festival & Parade is now the third-largest in the U.S. Over 75,000 revelers gather and cel¬ebrate for two days in May, with seven different stages, dance areas and venues next to the ocean.

Did you know: after producing only two parades and festivals, LBLGP, Inc. (Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride, Inc.) started making grants to other nonprofit organizations – nearly one million dollars since they began!

562.987.9191, longbeachpride.com



Best local Dancing With The Stars impression
On January 24th you’ll get to see our very own A.J. Yager, Trent Bryson, Jeannie Baker, Lorie Moran, and Chris Miller compete in “Dancing for Our Stars”, benefiting the Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. They are taking dance lessons at Arthur Murray, a Ballroom and Latin Dance Studio specializing in private dancing lessons & classes for all the popular dances including Waltz, Fox Trot, Swing, Salsa, Hustle, Argentine Tango, Country Western, Ballroom Dancing, and more.

5236 E Los Altos Plaza., 562.986.4496, arthurmurraystudios.com



Best place to get your eardrums blown out
The Long Beach Toyota Grand Prix.

The city of Long Beach plays host to several must-attend events each year, but none are more thrilling or louder than the Grand Prix. Since Mario Andretti avoided a first lap multi-car collision and went on to become the first American to win a Formula One race on US tar, in 1977 this event has become an international sensation. Every April for three fast and furious days, downtown becomes a playground for racing superstars, celebrities and Formula One enthusiasts from around the world. Danica Patrick is rumored to be racing for the first time this year in the newly added IndyCar series, so before putting in your ear plugs don’t be surprised if you hear, “Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines.”

April 16-19, 2009

Grand Prix Offices, 3000 Pacific Ave., 562.981.2600, 888.82.SPEED, tickets@gpalb.com



Best place to let out a scream
Shipwreck at the Queen Mary.

Dubbed the “most terrifying place on earth” Shipwreck is housed every October aboard the Queen Mary, home to many unexplained haunted happenings and paranormal activities. Daring souls can descend into the dark and gloomy bowels of ship in order to navigate six of the longest fright-filled mazes in Southern California. Scaredy cats can scream their heads off to live bands in Purgatory Park or dance away their jitters in the Dome of Doom. The only thing not chilling about this annual terror fest is the price. For a safe and sane $34, this and more scary fun is available for those brave enough to handle it. Fri & Sat 7pm to Midnight

Sunday 7-11 pm

1126 Queens Highway., queenmaryshipwreck.com



Food & Wine
Best place to get veggies so fresh there’s still dirt on them
Farmers’ Markets

Thursday Market – Long Beach Uptown
In Bixby Knolls at Atlantic Ave. and E. 46th St.

Friday Market – Long Beach Downtown
CityPlace, at The Promenade North & E. Fifth St.

Sunday Market – Long Beach Southeast
Alamitos Bay Marina

goodveg.org



Best place to get most originally - named imported cheese
Olives Gourmet Grocery with their Drunken Goat wine-bathed cheese from Murcia, Spain.

Two locations:
3510 E. Broadway, 562.439.7758
5000 E. Second St., 562.949.5580



Best Place to talk with a Fake British Accent while enjoying high tea and scones
Vintage Tea Leaf

“Teas and scones, dear? Sounds a little too Pommy and contrived to me. Walking through the entrance and choosing your choice of tea cup and, if you like – head attire – we soon found out it wasn’t too posh at all. One part Alice in Wonderland, the other regal aristocracy, the Vintage Tea Leaf on Broadway offered my wife and I an absolutely unique breakfast to celebrate our one year anniversary. A serene environment, fantastic atmosphere and the sort of first class service that you just don’t get any¬more. Take a loved one here, treat her like a princess and re-discover high society.”

Christian Lane-Brown V.P. Sales Long Beach Magazine

969 E. Broadway, 562.435.5589, vintagetealeaf.com



Best pickled egg in town
Joe Jost’s

Serving beer and millions of pickled eggs since 1934.

2803 Anaheim St., 562.439.5446, joejosts.com



Best pies. Ever.
Jongewaard’s Bake ‘n Broil

If you haven’t tried their lemon meringue pie yet, drop this magazine right now, get in your car and GO. We’ll be here when you get back. You can thank us later.

3697 Atlantic Ave, 562.595.0396



Best place to take your sweetie for a sweetie
Frosted Cupcakery

Owned by locals Nancy and Stacia, you can have your choice from an assortment of cupcakes with yummy flavors. Think vanilla, chocolate, but¬tercream and more...

Either eat there, stroll and nibble, or keep your goody safe with a protec¬tive Cup-A-Cake sold at the shop.

195 Claremont Ave. (soon to be at 4817 E. Second St.), 562.987.1080, frostedcupcakery.com



Best place to get an insulin overload
Powell’s Sweet Shoppe

Just like what you dream an old-time candy store would be like. Powell’s will delight shoppers of any age with a sweet tooth. Bet you can’t walk out without even just a little something.

5282 E. 2nd St. 562.434.6105, powellssweetshoppe.com



Best ice cream deal
Rite Aid during two quarts for $5.00 sales.



Best comfortable ‘i just want a good burger and fries with friends,’ American ‘hole in the wall’ cuisine
MVP Hamburgers on Fourth just East of Redondo. (It’s a burger joint right on the lawn of a house!)



Best place to take the championship Little League team
Me’n’Eds Pizza on Cherry and Carson



Getting Around
“Long beach is one of the most important and well-known private jet airports in Southern California and the world. Gulfstream, among other large companies, is stationed here. Top pilots in the world are sent here for comprehensive training and license renewals. Sultans and princes even fly here from other countries to pick out the exterior colors and extravagant interiors of their new private jets! I have flown many celebrities out of Long Beach because they prefer to take off from here instead of LA or OC. Long Beach Airport is another world of activity and exciting adventures.” Eric Mossberg, private jet pilot



Best way to go around in circles
The Long Beach Traffic Circle

Designed by a German engineer in 1930 and still confounding drivers today, it’s the only high volume traffic circle in Southern California. Over 60,000 vehicles pass through the traffic circle per day. Did you know: The circle was converted from an old style traffic circle to a modern roundabout in 1993, the first such conversion in the U.S.



Best boat ride on a budget
AquaLink and AquaBus

Stop saving your pennies and dreaming about getting out on the water. The gas would be too expensive anyway! Instead, grab an affordable ride on AquaLink or AquaBus.

AquaLink is a groovy-colorful catamaran that takes passengers from Long Beach Harbor to Alamitos Bay Landing and all interesting points in be¬tween, for just $3. AquaBus costs only $1 to go to your choice of six “ports of call”. All that, and you don’t even have to swab the deck.

lbtransit.org



Best way to get out of So Cal fast
Long Beach Airport

Hark back to a day when airline travel was pleasurable. Then take a short drive up to Long Beach Airport and relive that feeling. With four airlines flying out of Long Beach, offering direct flights throughout the U.S. with easy domestic and international connections, it is no surprise that when we plan trips, we plan them around our local gem of an airport. Convenient parking, pleasant check in staff and minimal security fuss make sure the vacation starts when we park the car. (Now they just need to update their website….)

4100 Donald Douglas Dr., 562.570.2600, longbeach.gov/airport



Best way to tour Long Beach and learn some history
Segway Tours of Long Beach

Within a brief 20 minutes you can learn how to ride a revolutionary Segway, then for the remainder of your two hour tour, you'll glide over bridges, along the ocean, around lagoons, and throughout our world renowned city! This guided tour takes you through the historic city of Long Beach to experience all of the great sights the city has to offer. You will visit every major landmark and enjoy the best views of our scenic, coastal destination.

866.SEGWAY9, Segwaylb.com



Home & Garden
Best place to nurture your green thumb
Long Beach Community Gardens

Love organic veggies but can’t afford to spend a bundle on a bundle? Grow your own! Don’t worry if you don’t have any outdoor space – rent a plot.

“There can be no other occupation like gardening in which, if you were to creep up behind someone at their work, you would find them smiling.” Mirabel Osler

longbeach.gov



Best musical home and Garden accessory
Jacob’s Musical Chimes

Chime in and help us celebrate wind chimes crafted by Long Beach artisan Jacob Sokoloff! His original Waterfall chime was created for his mother, and he’s been selling them for 25 years now. Available for $7.95 – $100 exclusively in Long Beach at his sister’s store Fern’s Garden (yes, she is named Fern!), where they sell hundreds a month. They also have a wide selection of other home and garden goodies.

Fern’s Garden, 5308 E. Second St., 562.434.6425



History
Best way to bring history into your home
Long Beach Historical Society

Finger through (with gloves, of course) over 30,000 historical black and white photos depicting Long Beach from as far back as the 1800s. Choose the ones you would like, and within a few days you’ll be able to hang a bit of LB history on your wall. Any size is available, 8”x10” for $30.

4260 Atlantic Ave., 562.424.2220, historicalsocietylb.org



Best way to trace your roots
Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens.

Relax under the large Willow and Cottonwood trees (don’t forget your favorite book). Breathe in the history as you travel back in time to learn about how people survived before electricity (good for the kids). Inhale the sweetness of the peaceful rose gardens and the calming earthy aroma of the Adobe home.“The story of Rancho Los Alamitos reflects almost every era of the history of Southern California”. The Rancho is open Wednesday through Sunday beginning at 1pm, with the last tour starting at 4pm.

6400 Bixby Hill Road, 562.431.3541, rancholosalamitos.com



Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site.

Did you know that the earliest presence of Native Americans in the area was found right in the middle of the Virginia Country Club? It’s true. Why not take grandma and the kids down to see the cogged stones (discovered in 1930) that date back 2-5,000 BC to learn all about the Tongva Indians. Then walk through the formal gardens and residence to learn about how the occupants and workers lived (from prehistoric times through 1955).

4600 Virginia Road, 562.570.1755, rancholoscerritos.org



Kids and Family Life
Best new playground for kids
Livingston Park Tot Lot

Tongues have been wagging all summer about the new Livingston Park Tot Lot. Will this be the playground Long Beach kids have been waiting for? We put that question to Harry Saltzgaver, Treasurer of the Tot Lot Committee (TLC).

“There’s no doubt about that,” he raved. “This was put together with love by a group of parents; designed by parents with their own children in mind. This group raised $150,000 to put this Tot Lot together and the City Parks & Rec Department stepped up to match that. So it’s taken a little longer than we hoped, but at the same time we only started 15 months ago. This is a great testament to the community here.”

The Tot Lot will (hopefully) open in November.

Livingston Drive at Park Ave.

562.433.2000 x119, totlotcommittee.org



Best place to get your kid educated
Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD)

LBUSD teachers Patricia “Tish” Bonner (third grade GATE classes at Madison Elementary School), Joyce Mariko Chino (adapted physical education from kindergarten through Grade 8 at Stanford Middle School and Whittier and Henry elementary schools), and Chris Eckert (fourth grade at Tincher Preparatory School) were selected as 2009 Teachers of the Year. And, LBUSD was recognized for the fourth time as one of the top urban school districts in the nation. Lots of apples on lots of desks for these folks.

lbusd.k12.ca.us



Best place to send your hyper kids
My Gym Children’s Fitness Center

Tired of your kids bouncing off the walls? Send ‘em here! Kids are kept busy and active with new activities every few weeks for children; changed up so they won’t get bored.

6226 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., 562.986.0066, my-gym.com



Best way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon with the kids
Why not hit some bike trails? Don’t have a bike? Grab a rental.

ci.long-beach.ca.us/park/recreation/sports/bike_paths.asp and for the Bike Rental…go to Wheel Fun Rental, 423 Shoreline Village Dr., 562.951.3857



Best place to get creative
Target Family Art making Workshops at The Long Beach Museum of Art

Looking for something fun the whole family can do together? Well, if it’s the third Sunday of the month you’re in luck. Head on over to the Ralston Family Learning Center and let your imagination and your hands run wild. Spend a few hours creating artwork inspired by the current col¬lection showing at the museum. The best part, besides the quality time with family, of course? It’s FREE! 1 – 3 p.m.

2300 E. Ocean Blvd., 562.439.2119, lbma.org



Best place to get back to nature
El Dorado Nature Center

Winter Break Workshops include Science Sorcery, It’s A Bug’s Life, Back¬yard Buddies, and one that we might not want a report on over dinner called “Yuck!”. Kids 6 – 7 years old can take part in morning sessions while the afternoons are for 7 – 9 year olds. Parents can get in a bit of ex¬ercise on the trails while kids learn about the natural world, for only $9.

ci.long-beach.ca.us/naturecenter



Pets
“Pets are a major part of our city of half a million humans. The love, peace and devotion the animals bring to our lives is honored and respected.”

Justin Rudd!



Best place to Make new (furry) Friends
Long Beach Dog Beach

“It’s a doggone great place!”

Cammy, Coby and Jack – pups of Mark (Publisher, Long Beach Magazine) and Trish Stevens

Between Roycroft and Argonne avenues in Belmont Shore, a few blocks east of the Belmont Pier and Olympic pool.

hautedogs.org/beach.html



Best workout for your pooch
Long Beach Herding Association

Run your herding and non-herding breeds, and if your Fluffy or Fido is a natural it’ll be the best workout imaginable. Thursdays 11:00 am till 7:00 pm

Jerome M. Stewart

home1.gte.net/jerstew/long_beach.htm, jerstew@verizon.net



Best inspiring feline
Sam the Cat

Think the Dalmation is the only fire station mascot? Not so fast! In the late 1950s, Sam the Cat started hanging around Long Beach Fire Depart¬ment’s Station #6. It is said that he was the only cat in the world who could slide down a 20-foot brass fire pole. Seriously! The furry media darling would stay for six years, until they moved into a one-story building with¬out a fire pole. See pictures of Sam and other historical images at the Long Beach Firefighter’s Museum. Wednesdays 7:30 – 11:45 a.m.

Second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

1445 Peterson Ave., 562.570.8628, lbfdm.org



Leisure
Best place to buy a book
{open}

Selling books, music, magazines and art, the shop takes a nice chill ap¬proach with their noon weekday and 11 a.m. weekend opening hours. No high pressure atmosphere here.

2226 E. Fourth St., 562.499.OPEN, thestoryofopen.com



A posthumous shout-out to Acres of Books. The little gem closed on October 18th and we’re still in mourning. This spot was a favorite among local literary circles and the ultra tight-knit group of Long Beach poets - especially by beatnik poetry profs from Cal State Long Beach. Highly recommended…too bad it’s gone.

We can only hope that Phil and Jackie Smith will be moving on to happy times elsewhere after they turn their last page. It seems it’ll take some time though.

“I can’t decide which is worse, this or seeing my grandfather lying in state, or having my toes cut off one at a time,” Jackie, who had been at Acres for 32 years, said a few days before the closing.

acresofbooks.com



Best place to read a book
Alamitos Bay State Park

Next to the yacht club, this is a perfect place to bike on down to with a bevvie and a book. Catch up on your reading, or just watch the boats go by. Take Ocean Blvd. east all the way to the end. Hop off your bike. Sit down on the rocks. Sigh contentedly.



Best place to go up in smoke
The legal kind of smoke, that is.

Joe R. Churchills

107 W. Broadway, 562.491.7300, cigarfriendly.com/joers



Best place to get drop in on a free internet wave
Portfolio Coffeehouse

2300 E .4th St., 562.434.2486, portfoliocoffeehouse.com



Best place to Knit One, Purl Two
Knit & Cruise with the Alamitos Bay Yarn Company

Cruise in an electric Bay Boat and work on your latest project. No instruc¬tion is provided, so make sure you know what you’re doing – but boating experience is not needed as they supply the captain!

Wednesdays 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., weather permitting. Remember to sign up the Sunday before, and pick up any supplies you need at the store, where they carry a great assortment of yarn, needles and notions, kits, bags, and more.

174 Marina Drive, 562.799.8484, yarncompany.com



Best couch surfing
The Pursuit.

Alright so maybe catching a firing wave is next to impossible in the calm waters of Long Beach, but watching Aaron Lieber’s THE PURSUIT, the first surf film to be shot in Blu-ray high definition from the comfort of your living room is the next best thing.

Filmed, produced and edited by CSULB alum Lieber, THE PURSUIT features high adrenaline maneuvers performed by a new generation of surfers eager to push the envelope of this challenging sport.

The double disc release of THE PURSUIT is currently available at surf shops around the country and on surfline.com.



Best place to get inked
Outer Limits Tattoo

“If you want a little bit of history and a great tattoo, take a trip to Outer Limits Long Beach at the Pike. You’ll get to experience the best tattoo artists in the oldest tattoo parlor in the country!“

Tina Griffith, proud owner of two Outer Limits tattoos.

22 Chestnut Place, 562.437.9121, outerlimitstattoo.com



Romance
Best place for a first date
Sunday Brunch at McKenna’s

Get to know each other over the incredible Brie, Wild Mushroom and Lobster Omelette or the Achiote Grilled Barramundi Tostadas. (We don’t even know what Achiote is and your date probably won’t either, but that’ll give you a good topic of conversation once you run out of things to talk about.)

190 Marina Drive., Alamitos Bay Landing, 562.342.9411, mckennasonthebay.com



Best place to make out like a teenager
Shoreline Aquatic Park at Rainbow Harbor

On the romance scale – this spot is off the charts. Make sure you come here right after Thanksgiving in the evening (that’s when they put the sparkly Christmas trees in the water). The best views are definitely around the Christmas season. The chilly weather this time of year also makes a great excuse to snuggle up close. There are benches all around this peninsula-like park which allow plenty of unobstructed views of the Long Beach skyline.



Best place to watch a sunset
The Marina over by Joe’s Crab Shack

There are plenty of benches to sit and ponder the wonders of life. The sounds of the seagulls and the clanging of the sails against the metal masts, the fresh salty air…it’s pretty much perfect, if you’re into that sort of thing.

It’s also a good place to take a stroll with some hot cocoa in the chilly months (November-January).

6550 E. Marina Drive



Best place to propose
Gondola Getaway

Best proposal:
“A guy rents the large gondola to do one of our special dinner cruises. He has his and her parents on board for the dinner. An opera singer is stand¬ing on one of the bridges singing one of her favorites, O Sole Mio. He raises his glass to toast the incredible night, song and then…...’Will you marry me?’ ‘How could I possible say no!’ was the answer. The Ossobuco was perfect but the moment was even better.”

Then there’s the worst proposal:
“The Gondola is floating in the middle of the bay. The guy pulls out a huge rock and sets it on the girl’s knee. She is so startled by the question that she jerks her knee and the ring flies into the air and into the bay. The guy spent the next three days hiring a diver to look for it. Never found. The real question still is…was it really the rock he said it was? No one will ever know!”

Mike O’Toole, partner

5437 E. Ocean Blvd. 562.433.9595, gondolagetawayinc.com



Best place for an engagement ring
Mark Schneider Design

Award-winning third-generation jewelry designer Mark Schneider will create the ring of her dreams. The trademark Schneider Secret Heart is a romantic little touch that will remind her she’s got your heart.

245 Promenade, 562.437.0448, markschneiderdesign.com



Best place to get married
Miller Japanese Gardens, CSULB

Last year over 130 weddings were held at the Gardens. Past brides have loved not only the beauty and privacy at this serene location, but also the calming effect it has so that everyone can enjoy and relax. They can even supply event coordination services for any occasion.

562.985.8889, csulb.edu/jgarden



Best first anniversary
Ristorante daVinci’s

Friday Night Helicopter Flights

Named best special occasion restaurant

2801 East Spring Street, 3rd Floor, 562.685.8111, davincilb.com



Best place to file for irreconcilable differences
Long Beach Court House

Self-explanatory, we think. (Sorry it didn’t work out.)



Spa & Services
Best cheap mani-pedi
Enchantment Salon & Spa

Inexpensive treatments for hands and toes abound, but this little place is a real treasure where staff is incredibly friendly and always remembers your name. No fee for credit card transactions translates to, your $18 pedi and $12 mani, or $30 for a mani-pedi costs that and no more. (Except for the tip, which you’ll no doubt want to leave.)

5353 E. Second Street, 562.434.9200



Best place for a guy to be pampered
Dean Anthony Salon

This salon for men only serves guys their choice of beer and wine in front of a television, while a talented stylist works. The Man-On-The-Go ($22) includes a shampoo, cut and style, while the Classic Cut ($39) kicks it up a notch with shampoo, cut, conditioning treatment, hot towel and style. Splurge with a $55 seven-towel shave and mini facial for 45 minutes of heaven.

5287 E. Second St. 562.434.3326, deananthonylb.com



Best place for a girl to be pampered
The Custom Med Spa Facial at Executive Fitness

In this day and age of “pick one off the menu” spa treatments, the skin evaluation and treatment tailored to your individual needs is refreshing, and effective. $125 for 60 minutes of getting just what you need. Book a session in the Infinity Sok Tub ($35) to really maximize your relaxation.

5708 E. Second St. 562.856.EXEC, executivefitness.com



Community
Best place to part with your money
“Children Today is an amazing charity that will warm your heart and inspire you to teach your children how important it is to give to others and how lucky we are to be able to share what we have. Giving from the heart and seeing the smiles on children’s faces are your repayment… not a bad exchange if you ask me!”

Chimene Armstrong

562.432.1224, childrentoday.org



Best place to spend an extra 5 hours
Volunteer Centers of California

No act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted, reach out and volunteer -AESOP

“Mobilizing people and resources to deliver creative solutions to community problems. “

Mary Manos, Program Director

1407 East 4th St., 562.590.8844, volctr-sobay.org



Eco & Tech
“Technology in Long Beach is a thriving force in this diverse local economy. It is refreshing to see companies hard at work developing gizmos, gadgets blinkers, buzzers and spinney things and actually exporting them to China and elsewhere.

A special “Thank you” to all of the tech people who work hard at things that help us better enjoy life. Here’s to the “geeks” of Long Beach!”

Fran McGrath, CEO - Color Broadband Communications Inc.



Best environmental initiative
The “greening of the Port”. The Port of Long Beach is one of the world’s largest shipping ports, and is the second busiest port in the United States. In 2007, the Port handled more than 7.31 million containers, and cargo valued $140 billion. This marine ship and transport truck traffic has resulted in the area being known for its pollution. But we’re also becoming known for our solution. A strong stance on emission standards, plug-in ships and hybrid tugboats, and cleaner fuels in tankers and trucks are good steps to be taking.

562.437.0041, polb.com



Best process named for our city
Long Beach Method – Two-stage Nanofiltration Process

Developed by Long Beach Water Department Engineers

20-30% more energy efficient than what the more commonly performed Reverse Osmosis.

LB Water conservation measures

Long Beach Water, 562.570.2300



Best local (only) rocket launch company
Sea Launch

This Long Beach-based company is one of only three heavy commercial satellite launchers in the world. Give thanks to Sea Launch, for they’re responsible for DirecTV, Dish TV and Sirius Satellite Radio. While the launch site is almost 3000 miles from Long Beach (at the Equator), you can watch the action live online.

sea-launch.com.



Pop Culture
Best place to see the stars during the day
Look for Long Beach streets and alleys standing in as other locales in movies and TV shows like CSI Miami, Dexter and Reno 911.

How to find the locations to spot the stars? Check for the yellow signs with black printing. They won’t be completely obvious and scream out “TRANSFORMERS 2” (which just finished filming here) but will likely have some code word for the crew. If you see one, keep an eye out for big trucks and trailers, and you’ll be in the right spot.

filmlongbeach.com



Best CSU grads never to attend class
Tommy Lasorda and Steve Martin, who were awarded honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees in 1988 and 1989, respectively.


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