Hey, Menders! Welcome to the last stop in our LA guide, at least for now. Today, we're hitting up one of the busiest (and most famous) parts of the city: Central LA.
What we love about this part of the city is that there is so much diversity. From Hollywood glitz and glamour to karaoke nights to unique museums to outdoor movies, there's a little something for everyone. Next stop for Mend City Guides: Northern California!
Treasure Hunt At The Trading Post
It's no secret that LA locals are huge on thrift shopping. One of the most well-known flea markets is Melrose Trading Post, which takes place every Sunday at Fairfax High School. If you're looking to makeover your wardrobe or apartment, you'll find great goods here.
This weekly event boasts a long list of vendors selling vintage fashion, handcrafted goods, antique furniture, and more. Be on the lookout for up-and-coming artists and designers - you can get high-quality art at reasonable prices. When you're done shopping, enjoy live performances by local musicians and pop-ups from non-profit adoption centers (because who doesn't have puppies on their shopping list, right?) Fun fact: Photographer Gray Malin got his start here, among others!
Find Your True North
Wanderlust is the newest and hottest place to retreat and recharge in the middle of Hollywood. At Wanderlust, you can try movement and meditation classes that vary in intensity levels to help you get the mood boost you need, and the beautifully designed and decorated building (more like a center!) will make you feel calm the moment you step in.
Try the Flow Foundation class if you're a beginner or the Yogamaze class if you're looking for something more rigorous. Then, stop by the Wanderlust Cafe for an organic, post-meditation treat, and don't forget to swing by their library and the rooftop deck for some chill time.
Pro Tip: Megan Monahan, a friend of Mend, is the Director of Meditation there, so tell her we say hi! Her #howimend interview is here.
Dance It Out
If you're looking for a crazy fun class that will leave you feeling like a new person, you have to try the cult-favorite YBB. Yoga Booty Ballet at Swerve aims to reinvent how you work out by incorporating meditation, yoga, and dance into an exhilarating routine. The community of regular Yoga Booty Ballet takers is also amazing - so authentically warm and welcoming, which makes this a great class to take if you're solo.
The class starts with meditation to center your mind and the upbeat dance portion will get you sweating and feeling like a rock star. Even if you've never danced before, the classes are easy to follow (not like Zumba!) and are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. If you're looking to spice up your workout in a fun and empowering environment, then get your booty to Swerve, and take your first class for only $10.
Pro tip: Say hi to our friend Danielle Cuccio (her #howimend interview is here), who teaches YBB!
Don't miss our Mend Guide for Westside Los Angeles. We also have Mend guides for East LA, London, New York, San Francisco, and Southern Portugal.
