You may have never heard of the Larchmont neighborhood, but it’s one of the oldest and most historically significant areas in Los Angeles (not to mention incredible cute!). In the early 1900s, a gentleman by the name of George A.G. Howard set out to create a family-friendly neighborhood, one with large and elegant homes like those found in the English countryside.
Today these impressive homes seem slightly out of place in this Southern Californian city, just blocks from Spanish bungalows and brightly-tiled courtyards, but they offer a unique charm to this little ‘hood only minutes from Koreatown and Hollywood. And don’t be mistaken, Larchmont is charming. Strolling down Larchmont Boulevard is an almost-Pleasantville experience: a small cupcake shop, a quaint bookstore, a darling florist. And everyone seems to know their neighbors – you’ll catch people smiling hello and shouting out greetings from across the road.
We had out-of-town visitors during this MyBestLADay (one set of parents!) and we happily introduced them to all our favorite places in this lesser-known part of town. So take the afternoon off from big city living. Park your car, slow your pace, and heck, buy a cupcake. Larchmont might be tiny, but it’s got plenty to offer for a fantastically charming and full day.
Stop 1: Bricks & Scones
This darling coffeeshop and café is a favorite for students and screen writers alike, and it's easy to see why. The interior feels like a friend's cozy study, and the garden patio is the perfect place to enjoy an iced coffee with your pooch. The sandwiches and scones are pretty darn delicious, too. We ordered a chocolate chip scone (divine!) and loved the latte with almond milk.
Insider's tip: we recommend the Black Velvet (the pour-over house coffee)
(403 N Larchmont Boulevard)
Stop 2: Hardwear
Nobody loves a romper as much as we do, so we were delighted with the selection of clothes at Hardwear. This is where Angelenos want to shop for summer, with staples like maxi dresses, statement jewelry, printed tops, and shorts. And almost everything is under $50! Score.
(152 N Larchmont Boulevard)
Stop 3: Chevalier's Books
Bookshops are a rare sight these days, so even though Chevalier's Books is tiny, it's one of LA's last standing independent bookstores and it deserves ardent support. It's been around since 1940, and still hosts author signings and a weekly story hour. You'll find the usual suspects - The New York Times best sellers, classic children's stories, and a selection of travel guides. If that's not enough, it may be tempting to stop in just for the glorious smell of books.
(126 N Larchmont Boulevard)
Stop 4: Village Heights
(122 1/2 Larchmont Boulevard)
Stop 5: Larchmont Village Wine & Cheese
Since cheese and wine are probably two of our favorite things ever, Larchmont Village Wine & Cheese is usually a no-brainer. They have some of the very best sandwiches in Los Angeles, and all sorts of yummy snacks to keep you preoccupied while you wait in line to order (cuz there's ALWAYS a line - it's that good, people!)
We got the #3 (soppressata salami, Manchego cheese, sundried tomato spread) on a baguette, and the #6 (vegetarian with avocado, tomato, roasted red and yellow peppers, black olive tapenade) on ciabatta. You order in the line to the left, and pay at the register in the front. Order two and take one home - we promise you'll thank us later.
(223 N Larchmont Boulevard)
Stop 6: Larchmont Beauty
This is one of the best beauty supply stores we have ever stepped foot into. We're talking rows and rows of beautifying goodies, including face masks, nail polishes, skincare products, hair treatments, and make-up. If they don't have it, we swear it doesn't exist. And if you don't leave with at least a new lipstick, you're probably no friend of ours.
(208 N Larchmont Boulevard)
Stop 7: Go Get 'Em Tiger
Go Get Em Tiger is the brainchild of Kyle Glanville and Charles Babinski (the "G" and "B" of G&B Coffee in Grand Central Market) and an important new speciality coffee stop in Los Angeles.
Now here's the skinny: don't come here if you're in a rush. We stopped by at 2pm and saddled up to the bar, where we waited over 10 minutes for an iced coffee and an iced latte. The process is compelling - baristas use cocktail shakers to create drinks - and we did get to enjoy a sample of sparkling tea while we waited. The iced coffee was too bitter for our taste, although the iced latte with house-made almond milk was quite delicious. Because of our love for G&B Coffee and its commitment to quality espresso, we'll probably be back to give GGET another go.
(230 N Larchmont Boulevard)
Stop 8: Larchmont Little Free Library
The Larchmont Little Free Library debuted in May 2013, and is part of a movement of little free libraries popping up all over the place. The idea is that you may take a book if you leave a book, with the goal of promoting literacy and encouraging community. This miniature house has a collection of rather diverse books, and is a charming addition to the neighborhood. So lovely!
(443 N Larchmont Boulevard)
Stop 9: 'Lette Macarons
There are so many fantastical places to buy treats in Larchmont, and we had a difficult time choosing a spot for sweets. But we chose well, because 'Lette Macarons proved to be out-of-this-world-delectable! We ordered a colorful box of lemon, chocolate, salted caramel, pistachio, coffee, violet cassis, raspberry, and passionfruit macarons...and nearly finished them before we left the shop! If taste buds could smile, ours would.
(122 N Larchmont Boulevard)
The Details:
This is probably our easiest day ever, since visitors just stick to one street. And Larchmont is smaller than a square mile, so getting around on foot or bike is your best option. We parked just off Larchmont Boulevard, and then walked the rest of the day.A map of our day looks like this:
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