1. The Grove

When in Los Angeles (L.A.), The Grove is considered THE shopping place to be that isn’t a drive (Rodeo) or an avenue (Melrose).

Here’s the 411: Just to the north is CBS Television City.  Just to the west is the LA Farmers Market, which is currently celebrating its 75th Anniversay.  Beyond shopping, celebrity sightings happen here often.  This appears to be a favorite spot for TMZ cameras.

The Grove has one of the largest Barnes and Noble Bookstores I’ve ever had the pleasure to wander.  There is plenty of parking, with the first two hours available for validation by purchasing something in one of The Groves establishments (otherwise $3/hour with a $20 cap/day).

This shopping venue is immaculately clean.  There is piped in music throughout with a Bellagio-style water fixture (on a much smaller scale, of course).  There are plenty of shops, dining choices, a movie theater and an old-time clock above Nordstrom that chimes on the hour.

This shopping experience is sweet and bountiful, just like the fruit from the orange groves that used to populate so much of SoCal back in the day.