Phone home phone home!!!! Lol. It is absolutely amazing to me how iconic the E.T. home still is -…read morealmost thirty years after the movie was filmed!  As the Grim Cheaper and I drove up the hill where the residence is located and the property came into view, we both immediately recognized not only the actual house, but the cul-de-sac and neighboring residences which surround it.  Being that I haven't seen E.T. in almost three decades (I only watched it once, when it first came out, and I became so hysterical when E.T. left Elliot that my parents had to drag me out of the auditorium kicking and screaming and I've never been able to re-watch it since), I find that to be absolutely amazing!  The long, sloped driveway, the cul-de-sac, the mountains in the background - for better or for worse, those images of the house are indelibly engraved in my memories.

This was an amazing place…read more It was super easy to drive down the street and find the cul de sac and park next to the house. This was great! I've wanted to come here forever! The house looked the same - so did the backyard. But there were less trees. You can stand in the driveway and take pictures with the house too. There were cars in the driveway but there was no one out in the neighborhood. It's a super quiet spot. My favorite destination I've been to!!

I enjoy looking at this house, whether it be in person or at the photos of it. It reminds me of a…read morehobbit's house because hobbits aren't good at making straight lines. It is said that a hobbit house can be peaceful. I would next like to investigate the amount of hair on the top of the owner's feet, only to confirm my suspicions. Thank you

If you are a lover of both history and art, take some time to go over to Burbank Blvd. and…read moreColdwater Canyon in Van Nuys and walk the length of the Great Wall of Los Angeles. Told in a series of murals, the Great Wall of LA tours you through time. The Dust Bowl...The Zoot Suit Riots...World War II...Rosie the Riveter...the Japanese internment camps...the Baby Boomer era...the era of covered wagons...The Gold Rush... all are depicted in beauty and tragedy alike. There is so much history here told in art that I cannot write it all out. Go for yourself and see how much you know -- how much you learn.

The great wall of LA spans, many yards. I don't know how long distances really, but it goes on for…read morea long time and has a lot of different paintings murals in pitchers in the school to check out.

I lived a few blocks from Villa Terraza and would go there at least 5 times a week, mainly to have…read morea drink but also to eat their great food. Highly recommend them!

We ordered from Villa Terraza because we've been there before and knew it would probably be busy…read more My husband specifically ordered over the phone and clearly said "no onions please" because I'm allergic to onions. When he got home and we opened the food, there were chunks of onions in the seafood linguine and scallions (which are onions) all over the cheesy garlic bread, which something I've never even seen on their garlic bread before, or any kind of garlic bread. On top of that, there was a hair in my husband's food! We called and spoke with Leslie, the alleged manager, and instead of apologizing, she argued that "the kitchen doesn't carry onions" and that "our chefs don't have hair," which honestly made the situation even more ridiculous. Meanwhile, we were sitting there hungry, irritated, and unable to eat the food we paid for. Her solution was basically "you can order something else", which after this experience, we absolutely would never do. She also said my husband would get a refund, but there was still no real apology or accountability, just excuses and defensiveness. Honestly, just really disappointed. If the kitchen was overwhelmed or overbooked, they could have simply said so. We would have respected the honesty far more than careless food prep and zero concern for an allergy issue.

If you're in the Burbank area and going to be walk in the Palm Ave area where the movie theater is…read morethen you have to stop by to visit the Batman statue here. The Batman statue is right in the middle before the stairs walking up to AMC theaters and in front of Slice House. It looks even better at night time because there are two lights shining the statue.

I am Batman!! The…read moreiconic DC Comics signature bronze statue is a local flavor staple in Downtown Burbank just aside of the AMC 16 - Burbank movie theater. Sponsor by Visit Burbank this fun for a photo op as well as artwork for admiration has a hopefully permanent residence after many years - adding some motion picture love and value, but definitely could use a buddy or two, whether that be another superhero and/or iconic cinema character or scene. It's fun and amazing to know that Batman is always looking out for you whether you're headed in or out of the AMC, down to Barney's Beanery, a beverage at Yard House, up to Finney's Crafthouse, dessert time at Ben & Jerry's or one of the many spots in the thick of DTBK. The statue was inspired from the artwork of the late Jim Lee and designed by sculptor Alejandro Pereira (Ezcurra). Take it in anytime of day or night... ...If for some reason he's not there... Look to the sky for the Bat Signal!

You find out new things each time you come here. I've been loads of time but usually for lunch or a…read morestroll through the mall. There's nothing fancy there but since it's there might as well walk through. But along the main strip, they do have a good amount of restaurants, bakery and quick and easy dining. Not to mentioned some shopping along the way. We came for dinner with some friends which I didn't even know that that had a night market happening. I was told that it goes on during The weekend. It's nothing to fancy just a few vendors with homemade gifts and a few food stalls. It's a good way to showcase your business as it right along the strip where the movie theatre and restaurants are. I've also been to a Yelp event just along here which was fun. Downtown Burbank isn't crazy but it does pack a lot into it. With Finney's, Yardhouse, Granville to name a few of the bigger chain restaurants. You have the movie theatre, more restaurants and shopping along the strip. Then there's the mall at the corner. It's a few block radius which isn't too big but all packed in together. Also loads of sushi restaurants which I love. Plenty of parking at one of the many parking structures. There's street parking if you get lucky.

Gotta love DTBK, Downtown Burbank in the city of Burbank is a central hub of food, entertainment,…read moreculture and more. From the local Burbank Town Center to the AMCs (16, 8 and 6) to the cool statues like Batman outside of the Slice House by Tony Gemignani Enjoy fun vendor marts, the Taste of Burbank festival and gatherings throughout the year. Parking garages are plentiful, but they can absolutely fill up on weekends as well as holidays. Walking is fun with easy navigation (very pedestrian friendly) - I'm often around exploring from Angeleno Avenue to Burbank Blvd/San Fernando Blvd, which breaks up but highlights the center of Downtown. Enjoy sandwiches at the Wild Carvery, ranked #30 among top sandwich shop spots in 2025. Dine in at Granville, Wokcano and other little big chains. Another Broken Egg Cafe is very much a popular spot for breakfast, brunch and lunch. Shop it up at Burlington Coat Factory, Macy's and more. Selfcare at Purpose LA Barbershop, The Local Salon inside the mall (aka BTC - Burbank Town Center) and Eden Nails & Spa to name a few. Laugh it up at the iconic Flappers comedy club off the corner of 1st Street/Magnolia Blvd. Take the Downtown Burbank Metrolink, local city LA Metro or Burbank Busses, Pink and Orange routes. Some parts of Burbank do have an incline, especially in the down of town area. Easy but busy freeways like the 5, the 134 being the closest connection. Depending on your destination to or from Magnolia Blvd, Glenoaks Blvd and even Burbank Blvd can be the next best thing. For the nightlife Fantasia Billiards is a fun place to shoot some pool and have a drink, nice patio overlooking the main Boulevard. And Round1 Bowling & Arcade stays open until 2am w/ karaoke rooms, eats and solid beverages #FunForAll The cost of living ranges (2k for a one bedroom), but the area is very inviting, rich in life and culture, not to mention cuisine. Summers can be quite hot, but also enjoyable. Winters and fall will definitely see some exciting season holiday decor, plus happenings. Explore, visit and thrive in Downtown Burbank.

Come down today.. 10/18/14 ... From 2pm till 7pm and you will will enjoy a unique October…read moretradition in the heart of Burbank.. Between Olive and Angelino on San Fernando Blvd.. Stretching 2 blocks .. Beer tasting galore.. Beer beer and more beer .. Over 30 breweries.. Booths and people.. The admission includes lots of goodies.. Free tastings of beer and the obligatory small beer glass (which is the legal pour amount of 4oz).. Safe and sane fun.. And who doesn't love day drinking.. Parking is available all around the area.. The value for the money is good.. 5 stars.. Come down and support the wonderful work being done in Burbank.. And grab a beer.. See you there.. Biscuits and Gravey..

Awesome time great beer ! And yelp girl is awesome ! Food at wild carvery is phenomenal ! Worth…read morecoming down for sure!

It's the SFV! The…read more818 great... The valley Alicia Silverstone references as the iconic Cher Horowitz in the 90s must, Clueless! And Sun Valley (where the party was) has quite a bit Kohl's, the second location for 786 degree (super pizza) and a solid Grocery Outlet... among other hidden gems. The San Fernando Valley has got heart, charm, grit and gold... Full of kind souls... Young, beautiful, and bold and is the place I call home! I was born in Los Angeles near LAX in the city of Gardena and attended grade and some middle school all over Los Angeles county. Aside from the 1993 Northridge earthquake some of my early valley experiences were visiting friends who lived here back in the day. Venturing through Tarzana, Reseda, Van Nuys and Canoga Park (home of the famous Follow Your Heart cafe & health food store/grocer) which are also cities I've lived in since returning to LA close to 13 years ago and setting up home in one of the most laidback and still very adventurous parts of the Greater Los Angeles. There is so much history/herstory/therestory in these SFValley streets from Ventura Blvd to Rinaldi (Street)... Agoura Hills to the edge of Burbank... North Hollywood, Studio City, Winnetka, Woodland Hills, Shadow Hills, Pacoima, Arleta, Valley Village, Valley Glen... Encino, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Chatsworth, Porter Ranch... the cities go on!! Cinema & television studios, gorgeous murals, unique museums, a melting pot of food + beverages whether, strolling around, sitting down or pushing a grocery cart about... Markets are good and plenty. Major brands covered... Target, Del Taco, CVS, Macy's, Starbucks, AMC Theaters, 2 Bob's Big Boy, loads of gyms. Family friendly, education is plenty, lgbtq+ inclusive + lqbtq+ spaces, vegan options for days, parking pretty okay on most days... You quickly learn to navigate. We've got the 5, 118, 170, 134, 101, 210, and 405 as our major freeways. Housing of all kinds and finding something affordable is a well worth find. Apartments, Townhomes, Condos, Houses, Studios, Guest houses, Hotels, Inns, Motels, you name it... We got it! Public transportation has been improving, but definitely needs more and more tlc. The metro G (Orange) as well as B (Red) Lines run the main show, but the city busses, metro micro and LADOT Dash go beyond. Scooters and Bikes are here, just not in as many accessible places as the main city. Have a nice dinner at a great restaurant, get take out, pop into a dive bar, find that speakeasy, swirl at one of the many wine bars or wineries... Laser tag, escape an escape room, see a magic show, explore parks, gardens and trails... Ride the outdoor carousel... Plenty to do and fun people to do it with! Grateful I have so many friends who live here, with a few new ones in the area as well. Cool places to visit, but an even cooler to live in my opinion.... Then again after 13 years I'm a little bias.

I dedicate my celebratory review #1500 to the San Fernando Valley, the place that I call home for…read more20 some years. I moved to Los Angeles and found our home in the Valley and I always loved having so much greenery around, flowers, nice neighborhood streets, even if you live in a big urban jungle. The Valley doesn't make me feel that way. I think of the times when it was a big field full of orange trees and Encino was considered being in the countryside. I got scorn at a few times (or more) when asked where I live, I heard many snarky remarks like "Oh, where they make porn?". I felt insulted by the snobbery and nowdays I am merciless about it. If you know me, don't ask me that question, or else it won't be pretty. I find the Valley like a great mid point between many areas in Los Angeles. You are very close to Hollywood (speaking of urban jungle) for going to have fun, you can drive to the beach easily, close enough to West Side, close to Pasadena. On top, we have the subway here so it's a fast ride to Downtown, Chinatown and other parts of town. Or maybe not the fastest, but a great option. It beats driving! Parking is easier to find in the Valley. People love to go all the way out and decorate like crazy and share the various holidays spirit with everyone. Toluca Lake and Burbank areas take the awards! I always love Ventura Blvd. for shopping, for the restaurant scene, for its emblematic look. There are major studios here, Universal and Warner Bros, Disney close by as well. Many shopping areas (Burbank is a great hub for that), lots of great ethnic restaurants all the way to Encino and Tarzana. I love hiking and we have places to enjoy the outdoors here, sometimes just at 15 minutes drive. Being close to Griffith Park is a major plus with its many reaceational activities, hiking trails, horseriding tours. The LA Zoo is next door alongside Autrey Museum. Sure, the cultural sites aren't as many in the Valley, we could use a few museums, but Valley Relic Museum is a fun option and Skirball Center and Getty aren't that far. Many things to do, lots of parks, unique stores, walking areas, lively with cafe-s and restaurants. We do have many Farmer's Markets as well, during regular times great street fairs and nice libraries. Public transportation is expanding, which is great, Burbank has a nice ariport and Metrolink stops. The Valley has many to offer, I still discover places, corners, new shops, parks, activities. Especially during the pandemic when we didn't venture out as much. It is still safer than other parts of town, sure, not as safe nowadays. I know there are some areas to be avoided, also some industrial areas, not too pretty. But they thave their uses. Sure, the area is developping too much, we need more trees in the areas, more greenery, we need a solution for the homeless population and help. But I like the location within the LA area, I love driving on Cahuenga to the Hollywood resevoir on a sunny day (it gets hotter in the Valley) or taking slow turns through the famous Laurel Canyon with its legends and its story. The area has unique places, ingrained in the history of California. And the views are incredible in Girffith Park or other hiking trails. So are the sunsets! You feel like living here. So, this Romanian girl is officially a Valley girl by adoption. Not something to mess with!

Van Nuys High School is the home of the Wolves, which is most appropriate as you kind of need to be…read morea wolf to live in Van Nuys. Wolves are resourceful, adaptable, intelligent, playful and fiercely loyal/protective of family. Van Nuys has a strong sense of community and looking out for one another. Hot heads might prevail sometimes, but for the most part everyone tends to avoid any fighting/aggression. Don't make the colossal mistake of thinking we're weak though - when push comes to shove, the inner animals come out to display hierarchy in the most primal of ways. Basic rule of the jungle - don't start none, there won't be none! The ground sparkles like a concrete beach filled with broken glass, debris, trash and homeless people. The streets are lined up with traffic in every direction you go. Smoke permeates the air from countless people and businesses grilling various meats. Street vendors are set up on most streets from people hustling flowers and food. Sepulveda Blvd has other types of people on the street selling things late at night so keep your windows up (if you know, you know). Van Nuys Blvd has cruise nights for car enthusiasts. There's always something happening somewhere so keep your eyes peeled. Overall, Van Nuys is just like any other city in the Valley, just a little rougher around the edges. It's centrally located so pretty much everything is reasonably drivable. Keep your head on a swivel, be aware of your surroundings, have fun and don't act a fool!

The City of Van Nuys is a magical place. After relaxing in a hot soup of skin and bandaids, I…read morecleaned off my body and made some friends. I will always come back because friends are forever I think Thank you

On Sat. April 25, 2026, I went on a Walking Food Tour with "Melting Pot Food Tours-Pasadena". The…read moregreat weather allotted for a wonderful tour. I was accompanied by my husband and friend. We had an amazing experience. Let me start off by saying I have done this tour twice in the past but my experience this time was great. Jody the new owner was our guide and we all left with a new outlook on the city of Pasadena and its Old Town history. Second, new locations were added since my last tour. OMG! We had Sipping Chocolate & Venezuelan Chicken Empanadas from Amara Cafe, Chicken Wraps & Pickles from Sincerely Syria, Samosa's & Veggie Pakora from Tibet Nepal House, Garlic Naan, Curry Chicken & more from New Delhi Palace, Scones & Two Pots of Delicious Teas from Chado Tea Room. The Chado staff also gave us a complimentary Iced Hibiscus Tea to try. Last but not least we had wonderful Chocolate Candy from Mignon Chocolate. We were even allowed time to shop for goodies in the great Old Town specialty stores. There is plenty of parking in a garage less than five minutes from the starting point. If you are looking for a fun-filled day, reserve your spot with Melting Pot Tours. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking for 3.5 to 4 hours. Stay hydrated. Have fun.

My daughter and I live in the LA area but have always been overwhelmed by the Original Farmers…read moreMarket so we took a food tour. Jody was our guide and she's an absolute delight. She told us the history of the market and the surrounding area and then took us through the market to sample of the top places. My daughter doesn't even like falafel but she loved the one we ate. Jody told us about the vendors and food. We were part of a small group which allowed us to take our time and really feel like locals. I highly recommend their tours if you want to eat, explore and learn about LA. So fun being tourists in our own town. Can't wait to try one of the other tours. Come hungry because you leave stuffed. And these are just a couple of the goodies we tried.