Glendale was incorporated in 1906, and can thank real estate developer Leslie Coombs Brand, for whom the town’s main drag is named. It’s gorgeously scenic, with views of distant mountains and blue skies and comes with numerous public parks. In the early 1900s, Chamber of Commerce president Edward U. Emery came up with the idea to call Glendale “the Jewel City,” as he said it “sparkled like a jewel in the sun.”

But if you really dig in, you’ll find that Glendale has a variety of fun things to do that you just can’t find in L.A.. You can, for example, enjoy a $4 Mai Tai or learn about the history of neon (and even how to make your own neon sign). It has an old-school roller rink with a decades-long LGBTQ night – the Moonlight Rollerway - and the Complex that is sometimes more happening than anything on the Sunset Strip.

Things to Do

Check out the Museum Of Neon Art at 216 S. Brand. Inside there’s a studio where you can sign up to learn how to make your own neon art, and lots of fascinating history. Their collection includes the sign from the Brown Derby formerly at Hollywood and Vine, as well as the animated sign from Zinke’s Shoe Repair in Glendale.

There’s also the gorgeous Americana – Glendale’s answer to the Grove. The restaurants include Katsuya (arguably one of the best Sushi places in LA!), Din Tai Fung and Bourbon Steak; coffee is available in numerous spots including French eatery La Pain Quotidien; and you can unwind at Ombra Wine Bar or Nordstrom’s Bar Verde. One of the Americana’s newer shops is Sugarfina, a high-end candy shop where you can customize your very own bento box of unique treats! Of course, the Americana is right next to the Glendale Galleria, a big old mall with everything from Nordstrom’s to Hot Topic.

Drinks & Dining

Thirsty? Check out Glendale Tap, a dive with over 50 brews on tap. Or maybe you’d like the Brewyard Beer Company – Glendale’s first brewery.

Hungry? Then head to Foxy’s. It’s a very versatile diner, offering a variety of both American and Mexican cuisine that’s suitable for all three meals of the day. Or try Damon’s - a long-standing tiki restaurant/bar in the heart of downtown Glendale. It’s been around since the 1930s!

There’s so much to see and do and this is just the TIP of the iceberg. Stay with us and we’ll be posting blogs all the time that highlight this amazing, wonderful neighborhood!