Given the current state of the economy, the country, the world, it would be
insensitive to spend wads of cash on entertainment, even if you had said wads. Hence, we explore cheap thrills in the city so that you don’t have to add boredom to broke-ness.
Movies on a budget
A movie ticket during peak hours is currently $12.00 to $13.00, which is obscene when you consider it would take a person two hours working minimum wage to fork over that amount. However, a matinee at any theater is at least three or four dollars less. If you’re annoyed by the crowds and architecture at places like the Grove, you should join the Cinefamily at the Silent Movie Theater. $25 a month gets you admission to all of their screenings, free admission to any members-only events, and a free bucket of popcorn. They don’t play the usual movie fare; a recent series celebrated Disturbing and Inappropriate Kid’s Films.
Food For Less
Ever heard of “prix-fixe?” Me neither–until all the trendy restaurants in LA began to implement fixed menus to lure in those wary of gastronomic splurges. It all began earlier this year, when Dine LA Restaurant Week brought in tons of business because of the fixed-price, three-course meals at stylish eateries across the city, and restaurants took a hint and continued to serve appetizers, entrees, and desserts for a standard lump sum. Keep an eye out for new and improved happy hour deals as well, implemented with the recession in mind.
Low-Cost Culture
Now that more decadent diversions have become fiscally difficult, one might consider turning to local museums for some fun. The Getty and Getty Villa, for example, are completely free to visit (parking has been raised to $10.00, or you can park somewhere else or carpool). Others are free certain days of the week: the Hammer, Skirball, or MOCA (free every Thursday from five to eight p.m.). Some are free once a month, like the Norton Simon or Huntington Library, but be advised that they can get a bit crowded on those days.
Refresh Your Digs
Apparently people stay home more in a cruddy economy, and consequently they do more home-improvement so that staying home feels like a treat. By hitting up local antique markets and yard sales, you can both get out of the house and home-improve for cheap. Craigslist is a great way to scope out when and where people are having sales, and even see pictures of what they are selling. If you want more selection, try the Pasadena City College Antique Swap Meet, the second Sunday of each month, or smaller variations on Melrose near Hollywood or on Ohio in Santa Monica. Sure, there are a lot of expensive antiques, but also some cheap finds that can be haggled for a little cheaper with some effort.
Appreciate LA
If all else fails, there is a lot of LA to appreciate for no money at all. Catch some street performers at Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade (assuming you can resist their aggressive attempts for tips). Window shop and gawk at how the other half lives on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Do your research and go on a self-directed tour of LA architecture. Observe the wildlife in Venice (maybe splurge and get yourself a coffee at one of their many excellent coffeehouses). Pack a lunch, drive out to San Pedro and check out the Korean Friendship Bell and Point Fermin. Enjoy your meal while you watch the boats out on the Pacific and try to figure out how many movies you’ve seen that were filmed there (two that will come to mind immediately: The Usual Suspects and Face/Off). Drive through Pasadena and check out the beautiful, stately homes while you daydream.
And hang in there: you’re not alone!
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