CLA 2007 Conference Information

Ticket Swap at CLA

2007-10-26T00:46:00.000-07:00

If you have a conference event ticket to sell or are looking for a ticket to buy, post your request with contact information in the comments section. As always, CLA will have a "ticket swap" board near the conference registration desk.

Laura Fisher
California Library Association

A Little Out There

2007-10-17T11:58:00.001-07:00

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

The Queen Mary Royal Theater
Queen Mary via the Attraction Entrance, accessible from the Seawalk or the Queen Mary Walkway on R-Deck (Level 2)

http://www.queenmary.com/index.php?page=rockyhorror

The performance includes a presentation of the film by 20th Century Fox, as well as a live performance by the resident cast.

Every Saturday at Midnight

Tickets are $8.00 cash at the door, or $8.50 if you prepay online via Paypal. Ticket booths open at 11p.m..
Concessions available in the Royal Theatre lobby starting at 10:30 p.m. Prop/Emergency Kits can be purchased for $1 at the concessions stand. These kits include rice, confetti, balloons, and newspaper (as well as the occasional cracker-jack prize!).

Historical Cemetery Tour

Historical Society of Long Beach
(562) 495-1210 – call for information

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Purchase Tickets When You Arrive
1095 E. Willow Street
Long Beach Municipal & Sunnyside Cemeteries

Tours start every 15 minutes beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Last tour begins at 11:30 a.m. Tours last 2 hours

You will need a car to get there

Howl'Oween Dog Parade and Pet Adoption Fair

http://www.hautedogs.org/howloween.html

Sunday, October 28, 2:30 parade and activities. 500+ dressed-up dogs. Halloween Costume Contest at 4:30 p.m.

Cost: free
Livingston Park (Livingston Drive & Park Avenue) – Belmont Shore

The Passport Bus Service will get you there

A Little Historic Long Beach

2007-10-05T10:27:00.001-07:00

Queen Mary (see at the beach)

Rancho Los Cerritos
4600 Virginia Road, Long Beach
562-570-1755
www.rancholoscerritos.org

Built in 1844, the Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site features a Monterey-style adobe house furnished to reflect the occupants and lifestyles from the 1860s-1880s. Garden and tour.

You will need a car

Rancho Los Alamitos

6400 Bixby Hill Road, Long Beach
562-431-3541
www.rancholosalamitos.com

Features a sprawling adobe ranch house from 1800, four acres of gardens designed by landscape architects of the 1920s-1940s, a working blacksmith's shop and live farm animals.

You will need a car

Historical Cemetery Tour

Historical Society of Long Beach
(562) 495-1210 – call for information

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Purchase Tickets When You Arrive
1095 E. Willow Street
Long Beach Municipal & Sunnyside Cemeteries

Tours start every 15 minutes beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Last tour begins at 11:30 a.m. Tours last 2 hours

You will need a car to get there

Art Deco and Streamline Modern

Just walk around downtown Long Beach and enjoy the Art Deco buildings. Some of my favorites:

The Villa Riviera
800 East Ocean Boulevard
www.villariviera.net/
The Farmers and Merchants Bank Tower
320 Pine Avenue
http://www.longbeach.gov/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=11995
The Wilmore
315 W. 3rd St
http://www.longbeach.gov/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=12086
To check out a lot more information on Long Beach's historic landmarks:
http://www.longbeach.gov/plan/pb/hpd/hl.asp#A

FOR THE FAMILY

2007-10-01T08:51:00.000-07:00

Aquarium of the Pacific

100 Aquarium Way Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 590-3100
http://www.aquariumofpacific.org

9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

General Admission - includes all the galleries, hands-on labs, and presentations.

Aquarium Admission Plus Behind-The-Scenes Tour (Ages 7 and up only) - General admission plus a one hour behind the scenes guided tour.

Aquarium Admission Plus Ocean Experience - General admission and 90 minutes aboard a boat seeing Pacific marine life up close.

Walkable

Catalina Express (see at the beach)

Howl O’ween Dog Parade
http://www.hautedogs.org
Sunday, October 28, 2:30 parade and activities. 500+ dressed-up dogs. Halloween Costume Contest at 4:30 p.m.

Cost: free
Livingston Park (Livingston Drive & Park Avenue) – Belmont Shore

The Passport Bus Service will get you there

Belmont Plaza Pool
4000 E. Olympic Plaza
570-1806

At least four lap lanes are available during all sessions. Lockers are available for daily use, but swimmers must bring their own locks. Children must be 48" tall or accompanied by an adult (18 yrs. and older) in the water at all times. Swimsuits required. No refunds. Leave all flotation devices at home. Water is kept at 80-82°.

The Passport Bus Service will get you there

Game Works
10 Aquarium Way
(562) 308-7529
http://www.gameworks.com/experience.php

There is often a mix of families and young singles. There are family appopriate games and food. There are also several bar areas. Children must be accompanied by an adult over 21. After 9:00 pm this site is only open to the 21 and older crowd.

Walkable

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

3720 Stephen M. White Drive

San Pedro, CA

(310) 548-7562

This kid-friendly aquarium on Cabrillo Beach is housed in a structure designed by Frank Gehry and features the world of sea life.

You will need a car

Los Angeles Maritime Museum

Berth 84 (at the foot of Sixth Street)

San Pedro, CA

(310) 548-7618

Browse an awesome collection of model ships from every era, and submerge yourself in the legacy of L.A.'s maritime pioneers at the museum.

You will need a car

Point Fermin Lighthouse

807 W. Paseo Del Mar

San Pedro, CA

(310) 241-0684

Tour one of the oldest lighthouses on the West Coast. The light has been removed, but the Victorian charm is still evident.

You will need a car

2007-09-08T19:05:00.000-07:00

Nightlife: Clubs, Bars and Music
Downtown Long Beach, compact and vibrant, offers an eclectic mix of cuisines, shopping and entertainment. The red Passport shuttles are free in the downtown area, so it’s fast and easy to get around.

Alegria
115 Pine Avenue
(562) 436-3388
www.alegriacocinalatina.com

Friday, Saturday & Sunday: Flamenco- Two Flamenco Shows 1st one at 7:30pm 2nd at 9:00pm Friday & Saturday: Hot local bands: 10:30pm-1:30am

Walkable or Long Beach Transit’s Pine Avenue Link

The Auld Dubliner Irish Pub and Restaurant
71 S. Pine (at the Pike)
(562) 437-8300
www.aulddubliner.com

The Auld Dubliner’s interior was hand crafted in Dublin. Irish music is regularly presented Thursday through Saturday (sometimes more often – check the calendar on the website). Beer is served in 20 oz Imperial Pints. Food offerings range from curry chips and sausage rolls, through hamburgers, touching on Irish fare (shepherds pie and Irish stew), to Boxty (Irish stuffed pancakes) and finally to traditional entrees (stuffed sole, lamb chops).

Walkable or Long Beach Transit’s Pine Avenue Link

Blue Café
210 Promenade
(562) 983-7111
www.thebluecafe.com

This is a pool and music venue. You can sometimes catch two shows (one upstairs and one down). There is a very mixed audience - college students, bikers, older folks, and a tattooed contingent.

Walkable or Long Beach Transit’s Pine Avenue Link

Cohiba
110 E. Broadway
(562) 491-5220
www.clubzone.com

This elegant nightclub and lounge are nestled above Pine Street in downtown. Here you will find specialty martinis, fine cigars, three professional pool tables or the newly renovated nightclub.

Walkable or Long Beach Transit’s Pine Avenue Link

Cotton Club West
730 E. Broadway
(310) 654-1116
www.roscoeschickenandwaffles.com/
Fridays – Latin, Jazz and Salsa
Saturday – Top 40, R & B, Salsa
Sundays – Jazz
The Cotton Club West is an intimate jazz lounge. Adjacent to the famous “Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles, the Cotton Club West is where you can catch the most current in Jazz, Latin Jazz, Top 40 and R&B! The Cotton Club offers a full bar.

La Palapa
4020 Olympic Plaza, 1 (next door to the Belmont Plaza Pool)
(800) 958-7729
www.lapalaparestaurant.com/menu/brunch.htm
Fridays – Nopal
Saturday, JAZZ

Mai Tai Bar
87 Aquarium Way
(562) 435-1200
www.clubzone.com/c/Long_Beach/Beach_Bar/Mai_Tai_Bar.html
The Mai Tai Bar overlooks Rainbow Harbor and the Aquarium of the Pacific. It is one of Long Beach’s hottest new venues. Relax on the patio with a view of the water and enjoy the sounds of the islands by hip local bands.

Walkable or Long Beach Transit’s Pine Avenue Link

Pike Bar and Grill
1836 E. Fourth Street
(562) 437-4453
www.pikelongbeach.com/Home.html
The Pike Restaurant & Bar is a neighborhood fish grill featuring Long Beach’s Best Fish and Chips - rated #1 in the Press Telegram.
The diverse menu features pastas, fresh grilled fish, burgers, fish tacos and salads. The beverage menu includes an extensive variety of Micro Brews on tap, Fine Wines and a full bar. All of this and Long Beach’s finest Live Entertainment 7 nights a week!

V20
81 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.v2olongbeach.com
"One of the largest venues in the area, this $10 million dollar nightclub is something that you have to experience. With an atmosphere that will stimulate your eyes, a sound system that will rock your ears and a beverage menu that will keep you coming back for more...V2O Nightclub is the place to stimulate your senses."

Walkable or Long Beach Transit’s Pine Avenue Link

Vault 350
350 Pine Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802
(888) 80-vault
(562) 590-5596
www.vault350.com
Three-level, 28,500-square-foot Long Beach venue hosts music acts and more.

Walkable or Long Beach Transit’s Pine Avenue Link

Yard House (SHORELINE VILLAGE )
401 Shoreline Village Dr.
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 628-0455
www.yardhouse.com/location

“The Yard House is an upscale-casual eatery known for its extensive menu, classic rock music, and world's largest selection of draft beer. From classic lagers to more obscure ales and stouts there's a draft beer flavor for everyone. Each Yard House location features a transparent keg room containing more than 600 barrels, some 1,000 gallons of beer, and an endless fleet of tap handles - 130 to 250 - depending on the location. The menu of American cuisine includes an impressive selection of appetizers, salads, pastas, sandwiches, individual-size pizzas, seafood, steaks, ribs and chops. The Yard House plays classic rock and roll on its state of the art sound system while an abundance of flat screens showcase the day's sports and special events.”

Walkable

Salsa Clubs

Mariposa Restaurant
135 Pine Avenue
(562) 437-2119
www.mariposaonpine.com

Free salsa lessons every Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Open at 6 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday. Every Friday – Saturday following dance lessons, the salsa band, Candela, plays till 1:45 a.m. Full menu of Mexican cuisine with entrees starting at $10.

Walkable or Long Beach Transit’s Pine Avenue Link

Cafe Sevilla and Sevilla Nightclub
140 Pine Avenue
(562) 495-1111
www.cafesevilla.com, www.sevillanightclub.com

One-hour salsa lessons on Thursday begin at 8:30 p.m. Cover which includes lessons, $5 before 9:00 p.m. and $12 after 9:00 p.m. After the lessons, dancing till 1:45 a.m. Open at 4:30 p.m. (Note: Friday and Saturday, no salsa, only hip-hop. Top 40 and house music.) Full menu of Spanish cuisine with entrees starting at $15 and tapas from $5 to $12.

Walkable or Long Beach Transit’s Pine Avenue Link

Long Beach Public Library Staff Recommendations

2007-08-22T11:03:00.001-07:00

The Staff of the Long Beach Public Library are happy to share their Restaurant and Shopping Recommendations with you.

Restaurants - Inexpensive to Mid-Range – Within Walking Distance

Buono's Authentic Pizzeria
250 W. Ocean Boulevard, #A
562-432-2211

http://www.buonospizza.com

Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery
One Pine Avenue and Ocean Blvd.
562 -308-2255

http://www.rockbottom.com

This popular chain brews their own beer on the premises. The menu features a wide selection of appetizers, burgers, chicken, salads, seafood, pizza and ribs.

California Pizza Kitchen
61 S. Pine Avenue
562-628-1800

www.cpk.com

Auld Dubliner Irish Pub and Restaurant
71 South Pine Ave.
562- 437-8300

www.aulddubliner.com

Alegria Cocina Latina
115 Pine Avenue
562-436-3388

www.alegriacocinalatina.com

Its unique menu offers many of Spain's most noteworthy treats including paella.

George's Greek Deli
318 Pine Ave
562-437-1184

www.georgesgreekcafe.com

Pf Chang's China Bistro
340 S. Pine Ave.
562-308-1025
www.pfchangs.com

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
87 Aquarium Way, the Pike at Rainbow Harbor
562-432-0300

www.bubbagump.com

CasaVino Wine Bar
51 South Pine Ave
562-216-1590
www.casavinowinebar.com

Mai Tai Bar
The Pike, 97 Aquarium Way
562-435-1200

www.maitaibar.com

A trendsetting and fun spot overlooking gorgeous Rainbow Harbor and the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Yard House
401 Shoreline Dr. (Shoreline Village)
562-628-0455

www.shorelinevillage.com

Largest selection of draft beer in the world with 250 taps and menus ranging from steaks, seafood, pizza, salads and great appetizers.

Outback Steakhouse
20 Shoreline Dr.W.
562-435-0002

www.outbacksteakhouse.com

SuperMex
732 E. First St.
562-436-0707

www.supermex.com

Restaurants - High End - Within Walking Distance

L' Opera Ristorante
101 Pine Avenue
562-491-0066

www.lopera.com

Northern Italian cuisine.

Parker's Lighthouse
435 E. Shoreline Dr.
562-432-6500

www.selectrestaurants.com/parkerslight/index.html

Landmark restaurant housed in a U.S. Coast Guard-sanctioned rooftop lighthouse with spectacular views from every table.

Restaurants - Reasonably Priced - Requires Transportation

Joe's Crab Shack
6550 E Marina Dr., in Alamitos Bay Landing
562-594-6551

www.joescrabshack.com

Park Pantry
2104 E. Broadway
562-434-0451

Famous for good fresh home cooked meals in a casual and friendly atmosphere.

Avila's El Ranchito Mexican
5345 Long Beach Blvd.
562-428-7348

Cha Cha's Caribbean Fusion
762 Pacific Avenue
562-495-4242

Phuket Thai – Belmont Shore
5274 E 2nd St
562-433-5859

Star of Siam – Thai Restaurant
2109 E Broadway
562-439-1564
www.starofsiamonline.com

Panama Joe's – Belmont Shore
5100 E. Second St.
562-434-7417

Award winning Mexican dishes

Chen's Chinese Restaurant
2131 E Broadway
562-439-0309

Le Creperie Café – Belmont Shore
4911 E 2nd St
562-434-8499

www.lacreperiecafe.net

Crepes just like you would find in cafés and bistros on the streets of Paris.

Pinkberry Ice Cream and Yogurt – Belmont Shore
5305 E 2nd Street
562-987-5472

Riley's – Belmont Shore
5331 E. Second Street
562-856-1612

Selection of typical finger foods, from wings to spinach dip, plenty of burger and sandwich selections and also a surprising choice of reasonably priced dinner entrees. Restaurant is owned by the son of one of our librarians.

Cafe Gazella – Belmont Shore
191 La Verne
562-438-5033

Classic Italian cuisine in a gorgeous setting featuring lamb, New York steak, veal tenderloin and fresh fish.

The Pizza Place
1431 E. Broadway
562-432-6000

Belmont Brewing Co.
25 - 39th Place
562-433-3891

www.belmontbrewing.com

Four Olives Café
4276 Atlantic Ave.
562-595-1131

A trendy Bixby Knolls restaurant touted by locals for its quality meals at reasonable prices.

The Library - A Coffee House
3412 E Broadway
562-433-2393

Polly's Bakery Café
4680 E Los Coyotes Diagonal
562-595-5651

Since 1968, good old-fashioned meals and outstanding pies and baked goods.

Restaurants - High End - Requires Transportation

The Reef Restaurant
880 S. Harbor Scenic Dr.
562-435-8013

http://www.reefrestaurant.com

Boasting "the best view in Long Beach" no matter where you are seated in the restaurant you will experience the breathtaking vision of the downtown Long Beach skyline from across the Queensway Harbor.

Bono's Restaurant – Belmont Shore
4901 E. 2nd St.
562-434-9501

Owned by Christy Bono, the late Sonny Bono's daughter. The menu consists of dishes designed to emulate California cuisine with just a hint of Italian influence.

Café Piccolo
3222 E Broadway
562-438-1316

Northern Italian cuisine served in an enchanting garden atmosphere.

Shopping Locations - Within Walking Distance

The Pike at Rainbow Harbor – across the Convention Center
95 South Pine Avenue
562-432-8325

http://www.thepikeatlongbeach.com/

A vibrant dining and entertainment district linking the Long Beach Convention Center to Rainbow Harbor's waterfront and the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Have fun at GameWorks, ride the antique carousel or catch the latest movie release at the state of the art, all-stadium seating Cinemark Theatre complex.

Shoreline Village
562-435-2668

www.shorelinevillage.com

A reasonable walk to shops and restaurants. Go past the Aquarium of the Pacific and Pine Avenue and turn right onto Shoreline Village Drive. Or, take the Passport a free shuttle service that connects Shoreline Village to the downtown area every 12 minutes.

CityPlace Mall

A reasonable walk to an eight-block urban retail development in the heart of downtown Long Beach, that is bound by Third Street to the south, Sixth Street to the north, Pine Avenue to the west and Elm Avenue to the east. Stores include Wal-Mart, Nordstrom's Rack, Ross Clothing, Albertson's Supermarket, and drugstores.

http://www.longbeachcityplace.com

Shopping Locations - Requires Transportation

Belmont Shore

A cozy little community by the beach and the most heavily shopped area of Long Beach. Belmont Shore stretches along 2nd Street and Ocean Avenue on the southern most end of the city. Popular 2nd Street, an approximate four-block long shopping region features great shops, boutiques, galleries, book stores, restaurants, banks, photo labs, Starbucks and Peet's coffee, and the Bay Shore Branch of the Long Beach Public Library located at 195 Bay Shore Avenue. www.belmontshore.org/index.php

Bixby Knolls

An area of Long Beach nestled between the North Long Beach, California Heights, and Wrigley areas of Long Beach within the 90807 zip code with a concentration of retail and restaurants especially along Atlantic Avenue. The Dana Branch of the Long Beach Public Library is located on 3680 Atlantic Avenue.

www.bixbyknollsinfo.com

Queen Mary
1126 Queen's Highway
562- 435-3511

An array of unique shops and one-of-a-kind treasures inside the Queen Mary. The Queen's Marketplace, outdoors, is an English-style village that includes refreshments and gifts.

www.queenmary.com/index.php?page=shopping

Market Place
Boutiques and restaurants
Pacific Coast Highway and Second Street
562-431-6282

www.longbeachmarketplace.com

Food

2007-08-16T13:05:00.001-07:00

Long Beach must be one of the best restaurant cities in California. From the high priced and swanky Madison to the local and friendly Omelette Inn (Breakfast and lunch only) there is something for everyone. Many are within walking distance of the Convention Center. And, if you take a trip farther out to Belmont Shore you will find even more. Here is a small selection:

The Madison
102 Pine
(562) 628-8866
http://www.themadisonrestaurant.com

Pricey and elegant.

The Mahogany walls and columns are original, so are the amazing high ceilings, adorned with delicately painted details. The whole of New York City was searched to find two antique crystal chandeliers to illuminate the elegant interior. On the back wall, from a stunning mural, pale faces haunt the room like benevolent ghosts of a gentler era.

A la carte entrees start at $20 with sides (vegetables, potatoes, etc) beginning at $6. Soups and salads begin at $7.

L'Opera
101 Pine
(562) 491-0066
http://lopera.com

Warm, elegant and beautiful.

Entrees - $11 – 30
Soup - $6

Leave room for Tulipano ($8.50) or one of their other fabulous desserts.

Alegria Cocina Latina
115 Pine Avenue
(562) 436-9108

www.alegriacocinalatina.com

Friday, Saturday & Sunday: Flamenco
Two Flamenco Shows 1st one at 7:30pm 2nd at 9:00pm
Friday & Saturday: Hot local bands: 10:30pm-1:30am

George's Greek Deli

http://www.georgesgreekcafe.com
318 Pine Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 437.1184

Saturday night belly dancing at 8:00 pm

Entrees $10 - $20
Sandwiches $7 - $10

5316 E. 2nd St. (Belmont Shore)
Long Beach, CA 90803
(562) 433.1755

Same menu – no belly dancing

Gumbolaya
245 Pine Avenue, Suite 220
(562) 901-6800
11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Gumbolaya is the new, affordable Cajun restaurant that openend in June 2007 in the Pine Square Theater Complex. It can be found on the outdoor second story of the theater complex with tables overlooking Pine Avenue, a half-dozen tables inside and a long lunch bar with stools in the back.

-- Vegetarian --

P. F. Chang's China Bistro (Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly)
340 South Pine Ave.
Phone: (562) 308-1025
http://www.pfchangs.com/

A national chain of Chinese restaurants with savvy management at the top and four attractive locations in the Los Angeles area. New on their menu are four vegetarian entrees offered as lunch selections in addition to several vegetable dishes in the regular menu. The lunch dishes can also be ordered for dinner. Even more impressive is that their vegetarian foods are prepared in a separate portion of the kitchen from the rest of the menu. Try their Ma Po Tofu, Coconut Curry Vegetables, and Brown Rice for a delightful lunch or dinner treat.

Hours: Sunday through Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight

Zephyr Vegetarian Café (Vegan and Raw)
340 East 4th Street, Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: 562-435-7113

An informal café with a funky ambience and reasonable prices that features a full menu of salads, raw and cooked daily soup specials, sandwiches, burgers, living foods, and entrees. The soups, both raw and cooked, are delicious. Be sure to try the Seitan Bowl, a garden of vegetables over brown rice with chunks of seitan stir fried in a tasty teriyaki sauce. Most of the vegetables served are organic and are purchased at the local farmers' markets.

Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday
Closed Monday

For more choices in the downtown and Belmont Shore areas, check out:
www.dlba.org and www.belmontshore.org

Add a comment about your favorite Long Beach restaurant

Shopping

2007-07-31T18:33:00.000-07:00

The bad news is that the nearest Nordstrom is in Los Cerritos Center (you’ll need a car for this). The good news for you bargain hunters is that there is a Nordstrom’s Rack just up Pine Street at the City Place.

City Place (3rd and Pine)

Nordstrom’s Rack and a variety of food and shops

Walkable or Long Beach Transit’s Pine Avenue Link

Acres of Books
240 Long Beach Blvd.
(562) 437-6980
http://www.acresofbooks.com/

Immortalized in Ray Bradbury’s “I Sing The Bookstore Eclectic”, this is a must see for book lovers. The façade is Streamline Moderne. The building extends for one hundred and fifty feet. Used books on almost every subject. Although they have some antiquarian books, they do not consider themselves an antiquarian book dealer. They are merely the best used book store ever!

Walkable

Z Gallerie
230 Pine
Long Beach, CA 90802(
562) 491-0766
http://www.zgallerie.com/

Stylish, contemporary furniture and home decor

Walkable or Long Beach Transit’s Pine Avenue Link

Metropolitan Living
55 Long Beach BlvdLong Beach CA, 90802
(562) 733-4030
http://www.losangelesfurniture.com/metropolitan_living.html

Contemporary furniture, decor and design services

Walkable

Village Treasures
146 Linden Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 435-3110
www.villagetreasuresonline.com

An African gift shop, boutique, and gallery that contains unique, personal, and domestic treasures, including African artifacts, clothing, artwork, furniture, and musical instruments.

For more in the downtown area check www.downtownlongbeach.org

Belmont Shore
East 2nd Ave.
Long Beach
(562) 434-3066
www.belmontshore.org

The most shopped area in Long Beach with local and chain stores as well as many restaurants. In the Shore you will find Banana Republic, Chico’s, Color Me Mine (paint and fire pottery), Luna (object d’art), Wiskers (get a gift for your pet), Shore Books, and much more.

Take Long Beach Transit’s Passport Service

Cultura Latina Bookstore
4125 Norse Way
Long Beach, CA 90808
(562) 982-1515
http://culturalatina.com

Cultura Latina Bookstore is a family owned and operated independent bookstore. Cultura Latina Bookstore is a full-service retail bookstore specializing in Hispanic/Latino literature written in English and Spanish. Literature from all sectors of the Latino community: Mexico, Spain, Central America, South America, and North America. Specialize in cultural relevant pre-K to 12th along with adult literature and reference.

Near the Long Beach Airport. You will need a car for this venue

Los Cerritos Center
39 Los Cerritos Center
Cerritos
(562) 402-7467
www.shoploscerritos.com

This is where you will find Nordstrom’s and other major chains.
(20 minutes from Long Beach by car)

You will need a car for this

And More Fun at the Beach

2007-07-27T13:33:00.001-07:00

Justin's Sand Challenge

Saturday and Sundays, 9:00 – 10:00
$10.00/class
Rain or Shine

1 Granada @ Ocean Blvd.

Sand Challenge is a weekly training program designed to get you in the best shape of your life, quickly and safely, with the maximum amount of fun and support. (Intermediate to advanced fitness level)

http://www.sandchallenge.com/

Peddle Boat, Boat, Bike, Skate (and more) Rentals

Alfredo's Beach Club

434-6121

http://www.alfredosbeachclub.com/rentals.htm

Numerous locations, check the map: http://www.alfredosbeachclub.com/locations_lb.htm

Beach Cruisers, Kids bikes, inline skates, Roller Skates, kayaks and surreys

Offshore Watersports
128 E Shoreline Dr
(562) 436-1996

http://www.owsrentals.com/

Wave runners, family boats, Zego sports boats, fishing skiffs

Marina Sailing – Sailing School
429 Shoreline Village Dr., Ste. M
Long Beach, CA 90802
Tel: (562) 432-4672

Pacific Sailing – Charter and Instruction
419 Shoreline Village
(562) 590-0323

http://www.pacificsailing.net/

Wheel Fun

Shoreline Village
419 Shoreline Village Drive
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 951-3857

http://www.wheelfunrentals.com/

Bikes, Skates, Surreys

Bike Station

221 First Street
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 436-BIKE (2453)

Downtown across from the transit mall

An attendant on-site during these regular business hours:
Weekdays: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Weekends: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Weather permitting)

Catalina Express

http://www.catalinaexpress.com/

Leaves from Catalina Landing which is within walking distance of the Convention Center

Round-trip fares

Adult (12-54 yrs) 59.00

Senior (55+ yrs) 53.00

Child (2-11 yrs)* 45.50*

Infant (under 2 yrs) 4.00

Bikes/surfboards 6.00

Commodore Lounge Upgrade - $10.00 per person each way.
Children under 7 years must be accompanied by an adult.

Grand Romance Riverboat
200 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802-
562-628-1600
Fax: 562-628-0547

http://www.spiritmarine.com/95minutesupercirclecruise.html

There is a 2 hour tour around Long Beach as well as a selection of other cruises.

Harbor Breeze Yacht Charters and Cruises
100 Aquarium Way – Dock 2 in Rainbow Harbor

(562)432-4900

45-minute fully narrated Long Beach Harbor tours. Adults - $10, Seniors - $8, Children under 12 - $5 (children under 5 are free)

Rainbow Rocket

Located at Dock 7 in Rainbow Harbor in front of the Yard House

(Phone) (562) 437-6253

www.rainbowrocket.net

A speedboat that goes out past the breakwater and into the Pacific Ocean. Once past the breakwater, you have a high speed ride through the waves.

At the Beach - Part One

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Long Beach is definitely a beach city. It lacks the waves of some beaches because of the break water that was completed in 1949 to provide a secure harbor for the Navy Fleet. (A picture of the Navy fleet off of Rainbow Pier in 1938 http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/kt8q2nc7nv/ ) At one time (well into my life time, actually), Long Beach was home to the notorious Pike Amusement Park with its incredible Cyclone Racer roller coaster, sailors and arcade games. (http://longbeachheritagemuseum.com/pikepix.htm) The Navy has since left Long Beach for San Diego and the Pike was shut down in 1979 but it is still a beach city. There is a new area called the Pike now. It is home to cinemas, restaurants and shopping.

Queen Mary
http://www.queenmary.com

The Queen offers shopping, dining, the Ghosts and Legends tour where the ship’s past is brought to life and special events.

General Admission -- Adult: $22.95, Senior/Military: $19.95, Child (5-11): $11.95 Admission with Ghost and Legends tour -- Adult: $25.95, Senior/Military: $22.95, Child (5-11): $14.95

In October, the Queen Mary will present Shipwrecked 2007 – 13th Annual Queen Mary Halloween Terrorfest. Approximate cost: $30.00. Time 7:00 p.m. to Midnight.

Check the website for more information

Champagne Sunday Brunch in the Grand Salon, the ship’s original first-Class Dining Room

Approximate cost: $37.50
Guests are seated from 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The Long Beach Transport’s Aqua Link or Aqua Bus will get you there (but service on these lines ends at 6:00 pm)

Scorpion Submarine
Next to the Queen Mary
www.russiansublongbeach.com

Admission can be combined with the Queen Mary (the All Aboard option - Adult: $29.95, Senior/Military: $26.95, Children: $18.95

10:00 am – 6:00 pm

(Not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs. Not recommended for those, like me, with claustrophobia)

Gondola Rides in Naples (near Belmont Shore)
http://www.gondolagetawayinc.com/
(562) 433-9595

Cost -- $75.00 for two - $20 for each additional up to 4 additional
Previous booking is necessary!!

Take the Long Beach transport’s Passport A or D line

Harbor Breeze Yacht Charters and Cruises
http://www.2seewhales.com/
100 Aquarium Way – Dock 2 in Rainbow Harbor
225 E. Broadway Ave, Suite 610
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 432-4900

Adults: $25
Seniors (over 62): $20
Children (11 and under): $15
Children (2 and under): FREE!

2 ½ hour cruise

Monday - Friday: 2 whale watch trips at 12 noon and 3pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 3 whale watch trips at 9am, 12noon and 3pm.

Long Beach Transit’s Aqua Bus and Aqua Link

Shoreline Pedestrian/Bike Path
http://www.labikepaths.com/LongBeach.html

Along the water's edge on the main beach from Alamitos Bay to Shoreline Village. 3.1-mile. Two six foot lanes for bicycle traffic; one five foot lane for pedestrians.

A map of other bike paths in Long Beach: http://www.bikestation.org/longbeach/images/LB_bike_map_06.pdf

Arts and Culture in and around Long Beach

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In the mood to explore a museum or experience live theatre? Check out these local offerings…

Long Beach Museum of Art
2300 East Ocean Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90803
(562) 439-2119
http://www.lbma.org/

Long Beach Transit’s Passport A and D lines will take you there

Galleries & StoreTuesday - Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Oceanfront Dining at Claire's at the MuseumTuesday - Friday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Saturday & Sunday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free Fridays

Museum of Latin American Art (MoLAA)
628 Alamitos Ave
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 437-1689
http://www.molaa.org/directions.htm

Newly expanded, MoLAA is the only museum in the western US that exclusively features contemporary Latin American fine art.
Tuesdays: 11:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sundays: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Free Family Sundays, 4th Sunday of every month

Long Beach Transit’s East Bound Village Tour D’art will get you there

VIVA Café at MoLAA
Tuesday to Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Authentic Latin American dishes at affordable prices and right within a few feet of our new galleries and museum store.

Long Beach Arts
245 W. Broadway (at Pacific)
Suite 260
(562) 435-5995
http://www.long-beach-arts.org/

Wednesdays – Sundays: Noon - 4 p.m.(closed the weeks between exhibitions)
Contact the organization for the current show

Walkable

Non-profit art organization that offers group exhibitions in various media.

East Village Arts District
An area of galleries and restaurants
From Ocean Blvd to Seventh Street and from Long Beach Blvd to Alamitos Avenue on the east side of Downtown Long Beach.
http://www.eastvillageartsdistrict.com/

Long Beach Transit’s Village Tour d’Art will get you there

International City Theatre
300 E. Ocean Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90802 in the Center Theater
(The Center Theatre is located behind the larger Terrace Theater.)
(562) 495-4595
http://www.ictlongbeach.org/

October 16 - November 18: “Tom, Dick and Harry” by Ray and Michael Cooney and directed by Ray Cooney, artist-in-residence

Walkable or take the Passport Line

Found Theatre
599 Long Beach Blvd. at 6th St.
Long Beach, CA 90802
(Corner 6th and Long Beach Blvd Downtown Long Beach)
(562) 433-3363

http://www.foundtheatre.org/

Check website for current offering

Walkable or take the Passport Line

Garage Theatre
251 East 7th Street
Long Beach, CA 90813
(The Theatre is located on 7th Street about 20 yards west of Long Beach Blvd.)
(562) 433-8337
http://www.thegaragetheatre.org/

“Valparaiso” by Don DeLillo

Long Beach Shakespeare Company
Richard Goad Theatre
4250 Atlantic Ave
Long Beach, CA 90807
(just north of Carson)
(562) 997-1494
http://www.lbshakespeare.org/

Check website for current offering

A car is best for this site

Long Beach Community Playhouse
5021 East Anaheim Street
Long Beach, CA 90804
(562) 494-1014

http://www.lbph.com/

The studio theatre will have “Crimes of the Heart Comic Drama” by Beth Henley
Check the website for the Mainstage offering

A car is best for this site

Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
12700 Center Court Drive
Cerritos, CA 90703
Info Line: (562) 916-8501
Ticket Office: (800) 300-4345
http://www.cerritoscenter.com

10/26/2007, Friday @ 8:00 p.m.: “Trio Con Brio Copenhagen"
10/27/2007, Saturday @ 8:00 p.m.: “Brenda Russell and Earl Klugh”
10/28/2007, Sunday @ 3:00 p.m.: Lynn Trefzger opening for“Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop”

A car is best for this venue

Getting Started and Keeping Going – Coffee . . . Starbucks and Beyond

2007-07-05T22:47:00.000-07:00

Walkable

Starbucks Coffee
242 Pine Avenue

Creama
locally owned
440 Pine AveLong Beach, CA 90802
www.creamacafe.com

Sip an espresso while relaxing in plush chairs and couches or refuel with a specialty pastry or panini.. Free WiFi. Open daily from 6 a.m. On Pine between 4th & 5th.

Seattles Best
Inside Borders at the Pike

La Muse East Village Cafe
locally owned
455 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach
http://www.lamusecafe.com/
(562) 432-1965

Coffee at the historic Cooper Arms Building and much more – Ham & Cheese Croissant, Yogurt, granola & fresh fruit bowl, Irish Oatmeal with brown sugar & raisins, bagel, bruschetta, pastry, crepes , wine menu – opens 7:30 am

On the first floor near the courtyard (where you can enjoy your coffee)

It’s A Grind
444 W. Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90802

In Belmont Shore (Long Beach Transit’s Passport Service)

Polly’s Gourmet Coffee
(locally owned) in Belmont Shore
4606 E 2nd StLong Beach, CA 90803
http://www.pollys.com/

Babette’s Feast
Locally owned
Belmont Shore
4621 East 2nd Street, Long Beach, CA 90803

Pannini, quiche and more

Do you have a favorite Long Beach coffee house that we missed? Add a comment and tell us about it.

Getting Around Long Beach

2007-06-27T16:07:00.000-07:00

Long Beach has a lot of ways to get around the city and some of them are almost as fun as getting there! As we write about places to go and see, we will try to give you an idea of the best way to get there.

Walking

Many of the places and activities that we will present in the blog are within walking distance of the Convention Center. Long Beach is a big city. And, as in any big city, it is useful to have a walking buddy and to be aware of your surroundings. Pine Avenue, in particular, is a "happenin' place" and there tends to be a fair amount of foot traffic.

Long Beach Transit and Metro Blue Line

Long Beach Transit offers a wide variety of ways to travel throughout Long Beach.

The Passport services, the Pine shuttle, the Village Tour d’Art, and a number of water taxis (the Aqua Link and the Aqua Bus) can get you to some of the best sites in Long Beach.

The Aqua Bus: $1. Seats 49. Wheelchair accessible at most stops. Aquarium of the Pacific at Dock 4, Queen Mary, Shoreline Village at Parker Lighthouse, Catalina Landing, Pine Avenue Circle at Dock 7 and the Coast Hotel. Service ends at 6:00 pm

The Aqua Link: $3. Seats 75. Wheelchair accessible at Dock 4 near the Aquarium. 68-foot catamaran ferry to the Queen Mary and to Alamitos Bay. Service ends at 6:00 pm

The Metro Blue Line will take you into Downtown Los Angeles and connect you to other Metro lines to go as far afield as Universal Studios, Pasadena or Redondo Beach.

http://www.lbtransit.com/
http://www.mta.net/default.asp

However

The Los Angeles area remains the car capital of the United States and for some venues a car still is best.

Virtual Long Beach

2007-05-23T17:12:00.000-07:00

Before you even get to Long Beach here's a website to get you started on your tour of Long Beach.

If you have a high speed Internet connection, try the Discovery Interactive Map of Long Beach. You can find places of interest and see where they are and how to get there. I have used this map with a dial up connection and while it works, it does take time.

http://www.longbeachcamap.com/content/view/233/332

Welcome

2007-05-23T17:08:00.000-07:00

The purpose of this blog is to give you a preview of the places to go and things to see around Long Beach. If you have areas you'd like to know about or suggestions for others, let us know.

Keep Checking Back. We will be posting on:
Virtual Long Beach
Getting Around
Getting Started and Keeping Going – Coffee . . . Starbucks and Beyond
Arts and Culture
At the Beach
Shopping
Food
Nightlife
History
For the Family
A Little Out There
Fitness and Outdoors

We will also use this blog to highlight speakers and programs.

Don't miss a thing. Use bloglines to subscribe to this blog and you won't miss any of these exciting episodes . . .