The TTS Toolkit: Your Guide to Navigating LA
Discovering LA can be overwhelming - here are the tools I use to curate the best spots in the city!
Today we’re getting really geeky and talking about all the tools I use to find the best of the best in LA! One of the my most frequently asked questions is, “How do you find out about all of this stuff?” Unfortunately, there isn’t one secret master resource I’ve been hiding from you all. I love researching and combing through many corners of the internet & apps to curate the best experiences. It’s truly a hobby, despite the added effort it takes! See below for most of my secrets :)
What do you use to find places to visit in LA, or when you travel in general? Reply directly to this email and let’s trade secrets!
The Ticket to Sarahdise Toolkit: Your Guide to Navigating LA
Google Maps - Google Maps is my #1 tool for navigating any city. My favorite and most frequently used featured is the “Saved’ section, where I create maps saving pinned locations across town. In Los Angeles specifically, I have two maps - 1) Los Angeles (To Try) and 2) Los Angeles (Tried). Same goes for New York. Then, I not only have my personal to-do list saved, but I also have recommendations and a quick reference list to share favorites with friends and family. Within the saved location, you can also jot down notes - which is amazing. For example, if someone recommends a specific dish at a restaurant, I’ll write that in the notes so I don’t forget! See a couple screenshot samples below.
Instagram - Coming out of COVID, Instagram became an essential tool for businesses to connect with their community and share timely updates. Nowadays, that aspect has evolved and allowed businesses to post not only timely updates about being closed for the day or sold out of items - but also share timely events and pop ups! I highly recommend following all of your favorite coffee shops, restaurants, gourmet grocery markets, etc - chances are, you’ll start to see more and more event flyers pop up in your feed. Sample below of an event flyer I saw in my feed this morning!
E-Mail Newsletters + Weekly Digests - Though I’m sure there are plenty I’m not even aware of, my favorite newsletters to read weekly are: The Infatuation, Eater LA, and Downtown Center BID. Though most of these are food focused, they tend to comprehensively cover what’s going on in LA and help me stay on top of new openings in the city.
Photos (iPhone folder + Google Photos) - I am taking pictures constantly, and though that’s usually for posting content purposes - I also use my photos as a resource for travel and recommendations! Lately, I’ve gotten into the habit of snapping a quick pic as I pass a place I don’t want to forget about. Then, I can go back to the photo later and reference the spot using the Maps feature. I also frequently search rough dates in both photo apps - i.e. I will search “May 2021” if I know I went to a certain place around that time.
Ticket to Sarahdise Event Digest - Week of 5/1
Every week, I’m sharing 3 events you should be checking out in LA. Here’s this week’s download!
Foodologie 3rd Anniversary Party at Hi-Lo - On Saturday 5/6, Foodologie is hosting their 3rd anniversary party at Hi-Lo Liquor in Long Beach! Head to the beach for some yummy food and drinks + DJ tunes. More info here.
Mayumi Market - In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, check out Mayumi Market on Sunday 5/7! Shop & hang with an assortment of AAPI creators, makers, chefs, artists, and small businesses. More info here! *Shoutout to TTS TikTok friend @kateofthevalley for sharing this one!
Renaissance Pleasure Faire - Yes, I am 100% seriously recommending this event to you!! I went last year and it was amazing. Take a day trip and head to the Renaissance Faire in Irwindale- the turkey legs alone make it worth it! The faire runs every weekend through May 21, buy your tickets + more info here.
You know the drill! Until next week… you can find even more LA content from me over on TikTok! Feel free to reply directly to this newsletter with any topic or event recommendations, feedback, even your hot takes. Have a great rest of your week!