La Crescenta-Montrose, Los Angeles

It rained, hailed, then the sun came back, by nightfall, the temperature dropped. In the morning the San Gabriel Mountains were clothed in white as snow fell during the night.

La Crescenta-Montrose is a Census Designated Place (CDP). It is neither part of a city nor municipality but belonged to the greater Los Angeles county. It is a suburban geographic area high up the mountains located just 30 minutes away from downtown Los Angeles. It borders posh La Canada and surrounded by the more famous neighboring cities of Glendale and Pasadena. In this predominantly white neighborhood, it is interesting to note that there are a distinct population of Armenians, South Koreans, Filipinos and Persians.

There are a number of accessible public parks, the nearest being Dunsmore and Two Strikes, and my favorite Crescenta Valley Park where you run on grassy footpaths, plus hiking trails through the woods. It was originally called Hindenburg Park in honor of President Paul von Hindenburg of Germany. 

A not to miss place is Old Town Montrose, the center of local commerce and trade where you can buy locally produced fresh fruits and vegetables. On sunny afternoons, the place is ideal for walking along its shady tree-lined streets where shops, stores and outside dining abound.

As I wrote this article, snow was falling again. It’s cold outside. But I was warm inside, intoxicated by the aroma I only know so well - hot coffee was brewing....
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An alternative way to travel or part of your travel itinerary is joining a workcamp from a few days to three weeks depending on the project duration and description. It’s a fun way to know a place and it’s people (anywhere in the world) and it doesn’t cost much. For workcamps in the USA contact VFP. Book a cheap flight to Los Angeles, California and remember to always travel light.