L.A. Times Concierge: My 73-year-old mom is visiting from the East Coast. Where should I take her?

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My 73-year-old mother is visiting from the East Coast, and she’s still recovering from hip surgery, so walking long distances is difficult for her. She enjoys unique activities – she’s a fan of those conveyor belt sushi restaurants! I live in Sawtelle, and in the past when she’s visited, we’ve gone to places like the Getty Villa, studio tours, and a local ramen shop. She especially likes places with interesting histories. She’s really into true crime, so when we were in Boulder, she even wanted to drive by the house where JonBenét Ramsey lived. This time, she specifically mentioned wanting to see a taping of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” – CJ Schellack

Here’s what we suggest:

Your mom seems fun, and I agree with her – the most memorable places often have a story behind them. Let’s start with food. Since she enjoys sushi, Yama Sushi Marketplace, right in your neighborhood, is a great option. It’s a family-owned shop that sells sushi as good as you’d get in a restaurant, but at takeout prices, according to Tiffany Tse. She says you can simply pick out what looks good, and they’ll slice it fresh for you. If you’d rather try a revolving sushi restaurant, Kura also has a location on Sawtelle.

Travel & Experiences

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This must be Sawtelle

This neighborhood isn’t just known for its trendy restaurants and bubble tea shops; it also holds a rich history as a community built by Japanese immigrants.

If your mom loves unique and interesting things to do, take her to Galco’s Soda Pop Stop in Highland Park. It might be a bit of a drive, so avoid going during rush hour, but it’s definitely worth the trip, especially if she enjoys sweets. This family-owned shop has been around for 100 years and is filled with rare sodas from all over the world, classic candies, and vintage toys that the owner, 82-year-old John Nese, says you won’t find anywhere else. They even have a deli in the back with amazing sandwiches—named “blockbuster” after boxing champion Rocky Marciano, who said one tasted like a winner! If John is there during your visit (and he probably will be—he says he’s there almost all the time!), ask him for a recommendation.

For a unique L.A. experience, many of my coworkers recommend watching a movie at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Throughout October, Cinespia hosts film screenings there, projected onto the side of a mausoleum, with attendees relaxing on the grass. The cemetery is the final resting place of stars like Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, and Johnny Ramone. They have a special accessible area for wheelchair users and companions, with nearby restrooms and accessible parking (you’ll need to reserve a parking pass beforehand). Just remember to bring your own snacks and something to sit on, like a picnic blanket or low chair.

If your mom prefers staying inside, consider the New Beverly Cinema, which is owned by Quentin Tarantino. It’s famous for showing double features of classic, independent, and cult films on traditional 35mm film. According to a guide to the best Los Angeles movie theaters, the New Beverly is exactly what a classic cinema should be: comfortable, relaxed, and full of enthusiastic fans, with the occasional surprise event.

Lifestyle

From the haunted houses of ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘Poltergeist’ to locations featured in several ‘Halloween’ movies, here’s a look at twelve of the most chilling homes in Southern California.

If your mom loves true crime, explore some of Los Angeles’s most infamous locations. Vanessa Franko, a senior editor, suggests driving along the Sunset Strip to point out where celebrities like John Belushi (at the Chateau Marmont) and River Phoenix (outside the Viper Room) tragically died – you can even do this from the car! For a more in-depth experience, visit Greystone Mansion and Gardens, the site of a mysterious 1929 murder. Travel writer Christopher Reynolds notes it offers a fascinating combination of crime history, a film location, and a glimpse into L.A.’s oil past. We’ve also compiled a list of 12 iconic L.A. homes featured in horror movies and TV shows – including the house used in the series “Charmed.” We hope you and your mom have a fantastic time, and we’d love to see photos if you visit any of these places!

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2025-10-13 20:31