Long
Beach area offers various attractions,
experiences
By Brigid McGuire
Diversions Editor
OnlineForty-Niner
Long Beach is a city full of interesting places to go and see. At first glance
one may just see a regular California city, with its many donut shops and gas
stations, but there is more to Long Beach than meets the eye.
One only has to drive down 4th Street near Cherry Avenue and he or she will
find many vintage and thrift stores to please every trendy person out there.
On the corner of 4th and Junipero, there is a coffee shop called the Portfolio,
and every Wednesday there is a free open mic night for all types of music,
and the best part is that it is free.
For the movie buffs out there the Art Theatre on 4th Street shows many independent
films and every Saturday at midnight they show the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
However, if you are more into the local music scene, you need not to look far
to find many venues for all types of music. Alex’s Bar on Anaheim Street
and the Prospector on 7th Street, are both small local bars which show many
different types of local artists and indie rockers for usually only $5 at the
door. You have to be 21 to enter most of the local bar clubs, but don’t
fret, there are still many places nearby for all ages shows.
Fingerprints record store offers many free instore performances for all ages.
Most shows require a person to pick up a ticket in advance to the show, but
they are free of charge. The Chain Reaction in Anaheim is just a short drive
away to check out many of the up and coming bands of Los Angeles and also special
small concerts.
If you don’t mind the drive, the Lab on Bristol Street, in Costa Mesa,
also offers a free open mic night every first Wednesday of the month. The Lab
is a small shopping center which offers many small independent clothing companies
and also larger branches like Urban Outfitters. Many small restaurants and
cafes are also located there, including the vegan chain restaurant, Native
Foods.
The local Long Beach Play House is a wonderful live theatre offering many comedies
and dramatic works all year. The Play House is showing “The Butler Did
It,” a comedy, mystery spoof at 8 p.m. Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays
until Feb. 11. The Play House is located on Anaheim Street, with parking located
off PCH.
As you can see, you would have to be living under a rock to not go explore
our wonderful city of Long Beach and surrounding areas to not experience something
new.
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