131. Exploring This Ugly Beautiful City with Kristen
Show Notes
About the Guest(s):
Kristen: Kristen is a Los Angeles-based blogger who passionately writes about the city’s unique dichotomy of being both “ugly” and “beautiful.” Originally from the Midwest, Kristen has embraced her new life in LA for the past 16 years and is well-versed in its hidden treasures and vibrant culture.
Her blog, “This Ugly Beautiful City,” offers curated itineraries, neighborhood guides, and valuable tips for tourists and residents alike. She champions small businesses, focusing on LA’s rich, diverse culinary landscape and unique attractions.
Episode Summary:
In this engaging episode of LA Hackers, host Stefan welcomes the insightful Kristen from “This Ugly Beautiful City.” Los Angeles, often misconceived, holds vast explorations beyond its glitzy facade and notorious traffic. Kristen, originally from the Midwest, recounts her journey to LA fueled by love and her decision to embrace the city’s offerings post-breakup.
Exploring LA for its ever-evolving discoveries has become her passion, leading to the creation of her blog, where she shares hidden gems, unique experiences, and culinary wonders that defy common stereotypes.
Throughout the conversation, Kristen delves into why she views Los Angeles as an “ugly beautiful” tapestry. She explains how the traffic-laden streets often lead to unexpected pockets of beauty, like Malibu’s serene beaches and the mysterious tide pools at Leo Carrillo State Beach.
She provides invaluable tips on navigating LA—suggesting that visitors break the city into neighborhoods to fully appreciate the wide array of experiences. Kristen further offers glimpses into her curated itineraries and shares her love for immersive day trips from LA to places like the Coachella Valley and cultural meccas like Palm Springs, describing them as extensions of California’s impressive beauty.
Key Takeaways:
- The Dichotomy of Los Angeles: LA’s inherent beauty lies beyond its busy streets, often requiring insight and exploration for true appreciation.
- Neighborhood Discoveries Over Stereotypes: Kristen stresses exploring LA one neighborhood at a time rather than rushing through tourist traps.
- Curated Itineraries and Small Business Focus: The blog spotlights local hidden gems and supports small businesses, enhancing visitor experiences.
- Day Trips and International Views: Kristen appreciates California’s wonders and global explorations, drawing parallels between LA and world cities like Barcelona.
- Connecting Through Community: Post-pandemic initiatives aim to rebuild community connections, emphasizing real-life interactions for city explorations.
Notable Quotes:
- “You have to kind of trudge through that traffic to get to these beautiful places.”
- “Sometimes the ugliness is worth it. Sometimes LA can be ugly beautiful at the same time.”
- “Don’t try to do everything in one day… You’re going to sit in the car the whole time and be miserable.”
- “One of my favorite articles is the Facts About Los Angeles… geared towards people who are new or just visiting.”
- “The thing I like both about Culver City and that area is that I’m trying really hard to think about if there are chains there… they’re all mom and pop and small business.”
Resources:
- Kristen’s Blog: This Ugly Beautiful City
- Instagram: @thisuglybeautifulcity