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Idyllwild, California has some personal significance to me, so it was extra exciting to finally be able to see this California mountain town. I went with my fiancé and our dog to celebrate my fiancé's (somewhat) recent milestone birthday. Our overnight trip was in late February, and we were driving from Los Angeles.

Idyllwild is a mountain town located in the San Jacinto Mountains and is about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles. Idyllwild makes for a great day trip, overnight trip, or weekend trip. In this article, I’ll share what to know if you’re considering a mini-getaway to this quaint town in the mountains.

What is Idyllwild known for?
Idyllwild is a mountain town located in the San Jacinto Mountains in Southern California. It’s about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles. Idyllwild provides access to hiking, wilderness, and local businesses such as restaurants, shops, and wineries. The town is ideal for a short escape from the hustle and bustle of busier SoCal cities. Idyllwild is perfect for a day trip, overnight visit, or weekend getaway. 
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Does Idyllwild have snow?
Yes, Idyllwild has snow. This may be surprising considering it’s located in Southern California, but once you start driving up into the San Jacinto Mountains, it’s as if you’re being transported into a whole other world. You leave the desert climate of inland SoCal and enter a wintery landscape full of snow, beautiful mountains, and pine trees. Now, don’t expect snow in Idyllwild all-year-round, but if you go in the winter, there’s a good chance you’ll hit a beautiful snowfall. 

Is Idyllwild worth it?
Yes, Idyllwild is worth visiting. Idyllwild definitely embraces the quaint mountain town aesthetic. From cabin-like lodging to adorable local shops, you shouldn’t be disappointed. Plus, Idyllwild is super-relaxing and quiet; I slept the best I had in months during our overnight stay! Our dog, Piper, also got to meet the Idyllwild Mayor, an adorable golden retriever who made the rounds visiting folks in town. 

What is the best time of year to go to Idyllwild, CA?
I imagine different people will have different answers for this, but in my opinion, the best time to go is the winter to (ideally) see a real snowfall near LA. As someone originally from Michigan, it's really cool treat to just drive a few hours and experience a pretty snowfall in the mountains. We stayed in February, but I imagine this would be a gorgeous place to stay during the holidays i you're craving that snowy Christmas weather.

Where to Stay in Idyllwild
We stayed at the Silver Pines Lodge, which is located right around the corner from the center of town, so the location is great. Silver Pines Lodge offers cabin-style rooms that are very cozy. The rooms come with a fireplace that runs on a thermostat system, so it's easy to control. The main issue we encountered with our room was that the bathroom does not get heated, and as a result, the floor in there was extremely cold. A refrigerator was included with the room, though, which was a nice addition. They are also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your dog on the trip if you stay here! 

How long should you stay in Idyllwild?
You should stay in Idyllwild for a day, overnight, or for the weekend. Idyllwild is not very big, so any time longer than a few days isn’t necessary. 

Transparency Disclosure — The opinions on this website are independent and based on my own personal experiences. I may receive a referral fee for stays booked through the links on this site.


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​What was once a sleepy downtown is now a thriving Midwest hub. The city of Grand Rapids is filled with new high-rise apartment buildings and exciting businesses. From locally-owned boutiques in Eastown to trendy bars and restaurants Downtown, GR is more alive than ever.

So, what better way to show that off than with the best instagrammable spots in Grand Rapids? These top Grand Rapids photo spots will provide you with stunning backdrops, bold colors, interesting art, and more. 

Where Can I Take Photos in Grand Rapids?

1. La Grande Vitesse
Starting off the list is Grand Rapids’ artistic claim to fame and a long-standing symbol of the city. La Grande Vitesse – or the Calder sculpture – is located Downtown in Calder Plaza. It was created by American artist Alexander Calder, whose iconic red sculptures can be found in museums, galleries, and gardens all over.

What makes La Grande Vitesse so Instagram-worthy isn’t just its ties to the city (though that’s certainly a major factor) but also the variety of options you can use for your photo. Of course, there’s the obvious idea to take a photo of the sculpture in its entirety. However, if you want to mix it up for additional shots, you can utilize the beautiful bright red of the sculpture as a colorful backdrop. Simply walk right up against the sculpture and frame your photo so that you only see red in the background and boom: Instagram ready!

2. Corner of Monroe Center and Ottawa
This corner in front of Madcap Coffee in Downtown Grand Rapids provides a great city backdrop for your photos thanks to the gorgeous architecture of the buildings and the brick road that runs along Monroe Center.

You can opt for either portrait style or a regular background, but my personal recommendation is using this backdrop in portrait mode. For the optimal shot, stand across the street in front of the Grand Rapids Art Museum to get the full backdrop behind you. 

3. Ah-Nab-Awen Park
Located on Pearl St. in front of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Ah-Nab-Awen Park is a perfect spot to capture a beautiful view of Grand Rapids.

There are plenty of interesting parts in this particular viewpoint that will create a beautiful photo for your Instagram, including the Grand River, Pearl Street Bridge, and city skyscrapers and buildings. Your ideal photo times will be either a sunny day or at night to capture the city lights. 

4. Follow Your Heart Mural
Murals are wonderful to photograph, and as Grand Rapids grows, so does its access to beautiful artwork. The reason I picked this one in particular is because it also represents a positive, uplifting message with the phrase ‘Follow Your Heart’.

This mural can be found at 368 Diamond Ave. SE – an eclectic, growing neighborhood just outside downtown. Created by artist Dave Battjes, this mural is somewhat hidden on a side street, which means you won’t have other folks walking into your shot and you can take more time so that you get the perfect image for your feed.

5. The Blue Bridge
The Blue Bridge in Grand Rapids is another iconic downtown location. It's over 100 years old and is great for photos.

This bridge extends across the Grand River, and as the name suggests, this bridge is painted a beautiful sky blue, which actually adds to its photogenic qualities. The bridge is especially great for portrait-style shots with the background slightly blurred for added dimension. 

FAQs 
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1. Where can I take engagement photos in Grand Rapids?
There are plenty of beautiful engagement photo locations in Grand Rapids, including the places mentioned above: La Grande Vitesse, the Corner of Monroe and Ottawa, Ah-Nab-Awen Park, the Follow Your Heart Mural, and the Blue Bridge. 

​If you plan to take sunset engagement photos, I recommend going to Riverside Park just outside downtown. The views along the river with the greenery are absolutely beautiful at that time of day and can make a romantic backdrop. 

Learn more: Why Summer in Grand Rapids is the Best
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2. What are some indoor photo locations in Grand Rapids, MI?
The Public Museum and Art Museum in Grand Rapids can be really great for indoor photo locations. Another gorgeous spot is the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, which boasts an elegant décor. The hotel is open for people to explore, and you'll likely find other visitors capturing photos inside the hotel.

3. Does Grand Rapids have a downtown?
Yes, Grand Rapids has a downtown. Since 2010, Downtown Grand Rapids has grown immensely, making it a popular spot to live, hang out, and of course, take great photos. 

4. Why is Grand Rapids famous?
Well, that depends who you ask! Grand Rapids has a lot of different claims to fame. It's been home to a major art competition called Art Prize, which drew artists from GR and around the world. Grand Rapids was also awarded the title Beer City USA for its exceptional craft beer selections. Those are just a few, but it's also just getting more notoriety because it's a growing city where more and more people are looking to move to.

5. What is there to do on a date in Grand Rapids, MI?
Another perk to a growing city is that you have lots of different date night options. There are plenty of great restaurants and bars downtown, along with great entertainment like the Civic Theater, Dr. Grins Comedy Club, and the Grand Rapids Ballet (to name a few). If you want to more adventurous, you can try out some Grand Rapids tours and scavenger hunts. 

​Transparency Disclosure — The opinions on this website are independent and based on my own personal experiences. I may receive a referral fee for stays booked through the links on this site.

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Los Angeles is one of the biggest cities in the world, quite literally. It’s so sprawling that most visitors need access to a car just to try and see everything. As you might imagine, a city this size also has an abundance of different neighborhoods, each with its own vibe and pros and cons.

Even if you have a car, where you stay when visiting LA is important because of the traffic and how long it takes to get places. With that in mind, I’ll break down some of LA’s top neighborhoods to stay in and where I think you should avoid staying. 


The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Los Angeles 

West Hollywood
West Hollywood is one of my favorite LA neighborhoods and is a rare gem here because it’s very walkable. In WeHo, you’ll find plenty of great restaurants, bars, and shopping. It’s also home to the famous Sunset Strip. For those who plan to bring their dog to LA, WeHo is very dog-friendly; I love to take our dog, Piper, to the West Hollywood Dog Park at the corner of Santa Monica Blvd and San Vicente. It’s also clean, safe, and central for easier access to other LA areas.

The downsides to WeHo are that it can get pricey, and parking is hit-and-miss since many neighborhoods have permit parking overnight. 

Silver Lake
The Silver Lake area is great for those who prefer to stay in an area without many tourists that also has more of an artsy, eclectic vibe to it. Silver Lake is lined with local eateries, coffee shops, bars, and stores, so there’s plenty to do in the area. Also, it’s not too far from Hollywood for those who still want to visit big tourist sites. This hipster-friendly neighborhood is a great find, but keep in mind that it’s not close to the beach, so getting near the water will easily be a day trip with the city’s notorious traffic.

Santa Monica
With plenty to do, including its iconic pier and the Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica is a great option for those who want to stay close to the ocean. Santa Monica is home to many hotels, so there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to lodging. Plus, you can easily access other beach areas, including Venice, which is right next door.

Burbank
Consider Burbank if you’re looking for somewhere quiet and safe with more affordable hotels. This valley neighborhood has more of a suburban vibe, and it’s where Warner Bros. Studio is located. It’s also right next to Universal City, which houses Universal Studios here in LA. The downside to Burbank is that you’d definitely need a car, though downtown Burbank is fairly walkable and has plenty of shops and restaurants. Another advantage of Burbank? It has its own airport, which is way smaller and less crowded than LAX.


Where to Avoid Staying in LA

Downtown
Normally, you might assume a city’s downtown is the place to be, but that’s not the case with LA. Though there are some cool spots worth checking out, downtown is one of the less safe areas of LA. The upside to downtown LA is subway accessibility, but personally, I would avoid staying here and opt for another neighborhood.

Hollywood
Hollywood might be on your Los Angeles bucket list, but it’s not the ideal place to actually spend the majority of your trip. Loud, crazy, and filthy are just some adjectives I think of when it comes to Hollywood. You’re constantly dodging poop on the sidewalk, and Hollywood Blvd., in particular, is overwhelming. Instead, plan a day to visit Hollywood.

Venice
Though it’s a famous LA neighborhood, Venice has seen an uptick in crime in recent years. Venice is worth visiting, including the boardwalk and Abbot Kinney Road. However, I recommend staying in a different beach neighborhood, such as Santa Monica, because it is safer and less rowdy. 
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By LAX Airport
Unless you’re only here for one night, staying by the LAX airport just isn’t worth it since you’re not really close to anything unless you take a drive or an even longer bus trip. Even though hotel deals can be better around the airport, you’ll make up the cost in Uber rides or gas.
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Transparency Disclosure — The opinions on this website are independent and based on my own personal experiences. I may receive a referral fee for stays booked through the links on this site.