Silverlake

As we have talked about in some of our earlier blogs, LA is more than just movie stars and Hollywood (although we do LOVE that part of it). It also boasts some awesome neighborhoods that you feel cool just visiting. One of these neighborhoods is Silverlake. Lauded by Forbe’s Magazine as one of Americas “Best Hipster Neighborhoods”, Silverlake is nestled between Hollywood and Echo Park and boasts some of the coolest hangouts in the LA area. Not only that, but this trendy ‘burg is also where stars such as Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Christina Ricci, Lisa Edelstein, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and many others have called home.

The city itself is built around a commercial reservoir and was named for the engineer who built the it (although thinking there might actually be silver water there is kind of cool). Surrounding the reservoir is a fantastic walking path and meadow. Silverlake is host to a huge arts scene and has some incredibly unique architecture surrounding it. It is home to some of the most celebrated modernist architecture in the country, including Richard Neutra’s VDL Research House and John Lautner’s Silvertop. Plus, they have some cool independent art galleries and theatre’s.

Speaking of independent businesses — Silverlake is chock full of them. You won’t really find a lot of chains there. But what you will find, from clothing to tattoos to food is always fabulous. Especially the food. Yep, we said it. The culinary experience you will find in Silverlake is just that…an experience. From their incredible food trucks to yummy restaurants ( we are talking popcorn bacon here), Silverlake is not only a city for the senses, but for your belly. If you want a great cup of coffee, check out Intelligentsia. While there, you can grab a seat, settle in and you may run into one of your favorite stars. Celebs spotted there include Drew Barrymore, Zachary Quinto, Olivia Wilde and Jane Lynch.

Besides Silverlake’s firmly established cool factor, it’s history is also firmly ensconced in the story of LA. In fact, in the 1930’s, Walt Disney built his first large studio there, next to Hyperion Avenue. While the studio is no longer there, you can still see the influence of Hyperion in Disneyland today, such as the Hyperion Theatre.

So the next time you want to venture out of Hollywood or the beaches, check out this very cool town. You never know what, or who, you will find! Let LA Insider Tours take you there!