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3 Dog-Friendly Hikes in Los Angeles
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Do you have a fur baby? I do! Her name is Tiger Lily and she’s the love of my life. While she can be stubborn and give me side-eye, she’s perfect nonetheless. One thing that always gets her in a cooperative mood is spending time outside.
Contrary to what we may believe, treats are not the priority for a dog. It’s movement! Just like for us humans. So, here’s a round-up of some of my favorite dog-friendly trails around LA that Tiger Lily and I love.
Warm weather tip: Before embarking on any of these trails, make sure to pack your pup insulated, cold water! If it’s not insulated, by the time you get to the peak of your trail, the water can get pretty warm. Also, if you feel the weather is especially hot, put the palm of your hand on the ground. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s going to be too hot for your pup! The last thing you want to do is burn your dog’s paws. You can purchase dog shoes but I know some dogs end up feeling very uncomfortable with them on, so test it out on your dog before you commit to hiking.
Runyon Canyon
The most LA place in all of LA, this is one of my favorite hikes to take Tiger Lily on because you get to take your dog off-leash. I’ve seen many celebrities and group fitness classes here. Parking can be a bit tricky, as the hike begins nestled in a residential area, so make sure you leave enough time to find a spot. There’s generally no issue if you plan to go early weekday mornings. There are varying trails to go on within Runyon Canyon but if you’re looking for the quickest route, there is a 1.9-mile loop where, on a clear day, you get to see views of the city.
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Runyon Canyon
The most LA place in all of LA, this is one of my favorite hikes to take Tiger Lily on because you get to take your dog off-leash. I’ve seen many celebrities and group fitness classes here. Parking can be a bit tricky, as the hike begins nestled in a residential area, so make sure you leave enough time to find a spot. There’s generally no issue if you plan to go early weekday mornings. There are varying trails to go on within Runyon Canyon but if you’re looking for the quickest route, there is a 1.9-mile loop where, on a clear day, you get to see views of the city.
Mount Hollywood
Another tried and true trail is one that involves Griffith Observatory. There are several trails leading to the observatory but I enjoy Mount Hollywood because it offers 360-degree views—including the observatory, Hollywood sign, downtown Los Angeles, and the San Gabriel Mountains! I prefer starting from Western Canyon entrance as it’s a little more challenging and I like working my way up. Round trip from the Western Canyon it’s about four miles. If you prefer to start at the observatory, the trail is a little bit shorter, averaging about three miles. Surprisingly, Tiger Lily handles herself well on this trail. And of course she’s exhausted afterward, but I love seeing her sleep so peacefully after a strenuous hike. A tired pup is a happy pup, in my opinion!
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Mount Hollywood
Another tried and true trail is one that involves Griffith Observatory. There are several trails leading to the observatory but I enjoy Mount Hollywood because it offers 360-degree views—including the observatory, Hollywood sign, downtown Los Angeles, and the San Gabriel Mountains! I prefer starting from Western Canyon entrance as it’s a little more challenging and I like working my way up. Round trip from the Western Canyon it’s about four miles. If you prefer to start at the observatory, the trail is a little bit shorter, averaging about three miles. Surprisingly, Tiger Lily handles herself well on this trail. And of course she’s exhausted afterward, but I love seeing her sleep so peacefully after a strenuous hike. A tired pup is a happy pup, in my opinion!
Wisdom Tree Hike
The Wisdom Tree hike is another destination to experience. It’s a three-mile out and back trail but it’s important to note, the path is very rugged. Just make sure to watch your (and your pups) step! At the tree, there is a box for visitors to leave notes. This is LA so, of course, there are business cards for networking left in there. You can leave any kind of letter you’d like, though. Show your dog a little extra admiration after the hike with a love note!
In my opinion, fresh air and a little extra exercise with your furry friend is never a bad idea, no matter where you live. In case you don’t live close to any of these trails, one resource that has really helped me in identifying where to go around the city is HikeSpeak. You can search by distance, dog-friendly hikes, and location. Happy hiking!
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Wisdom Tree Hike
The Wisdom Tree hike is another destination to experience. It’s a three-mile out and back trail but it’s important to note, the path is very rugged. Just make sure to watch your (and your pups) step! At the tree, there is a box for visitors to leave notes. This is LA so, of course, there are business cards for networking left in there. You can leave any kind of letter you’d like, though. Show your dog a little extra admiration after the hike with a love note!
In my opinion, fresh air and a little extra exercise with your furry friend is never a bad idea, no matter where you live. In case you don’t live close to any of these trails, one resource that has really helped me in identifying where to go around the city is HikeSpeak. You can search by distance, dog-friendly hikes, and location. Happy hiking!
Beauty
Black-owned Beauty and Wellness Businesses to Know
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February is Black History Month—a celebration of the achievements and contributions of African Americans in society. As the beauty and wellness industry becomes a more welcoming and inclusive space for all, we are taking this opportunity to continue to shine a light on the gap of inclusivity and diversity in our industry, and take action to promote, empower, and honor the Black community that shapes and grows wellness.
While the beauty industry is making improvements—it's important to showcase and support Black businesses and the creatives in this space every day. To honor them, we're shouting out some of our favorite Black-owned beauty and wellness businesses to support.
1. Beauty Bin
Beauty Bin is a full-service day spa and dry bar located in Asheville, NC. With a focus on inclusivity for people of all backgrounds, genders, and races, their MO is to match the outer beauty of every client to their inner beauty. From eyelash extensions and hydrafacials to waxing and massage, Beauty Bin is a one-stop-shop for all the spa services.
2. KIKA Stretch Studio
The KIKA Method® is a gentle assisted stretching process that loosens up tight muscles freeing your body from pain and stress. By practicing this method, clients can experience decreased muscle tension, increased energy, enhanced flexibility, a substantial reduction in stress, improved posture and relaxation, and increased mental clarity. While its headquarters is located in Las Vegas, NV, they have multiple locations sprinkled throughout the US, including Atlanta, New York City, and Dallas—just to name a few.
3. Kimberly Coleman Salon
At Kimberly Coleman Salon, their philosophy begins with promoting healthy tresses, elegant sets, unique accouterments, perfect pampering of hands and feet, and precision cuts. Known for working with models and celebrities, they fully appreciate and celebrate the diversity of their clientele which also includes super moms and warrior dads.
4. Pressed Roots
Pressed Roots was developed with the simple concept in mind—that everyone deserves access to easy, and quality hair care. What started as a single pop-up shop in Boston, grew to a multi-city pop-up tour, and is now slated to be the largest national hair salon franchise specializing in the care and styling of highly textured hair, they launched their first flagship location in Dallas, TX.
5. SW3AT
Jersey City resident, Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez started SW3AT. The company began as a fitness apparel line in 2015 but evolved into a sanctuary catered to health and wellness now known as SW3AT Sauna Studio—the first infrared sauna studio in Jersey City. The healing power of infrared heat therapy is a phenomenal option for holistic health proven to strengthen the immune system and provide relief from joint stiffness and muscle pain. It is also supportive of any fitness program as it aids in weight loss (you can torch up to 900 calories in a 45-minute session) while also detoxifying your body from some of the most harmful toxins.
6. The TEN Nail Bar
Kelli Coleman and Anika Jackson opened The TEN Nail Bar in Detroit to address a void in their city. They saw a need for a quality, modern nail bar that could also serve as a fun social space for Detroit’s residents and professionals. They designed the TEN to provide their clients with a #Perfect10 experience—where you can relax, enjoy music, a drink, your friends, a clean and precise manicure, and a much-needed break from all your hectic days.
7. Bettye O Day Spa
Located in the beautiful downtown Hyde Park Chicago area, Bettye O Day Spa specializes in first-class treatments. They aim to nurture and relax each of their clients with individualized and innovative therapeutic techniques. From body wraps and massages to facials and hydrotherapy, this day spa promises to be a safe place for healing to occur.
Looking for more businesses to support? ClassPass has also created a list of Black-owned business to check out all year-round. While both of these lists are a great start to get you familiar with many of the Black-owned businesses either in your neighborhood or around the globe, we have only scratched the surface. We'd love to keep these lists growing.If you have any businesses you'd like to see on this list, click here to submit a Black-owned business we should be highlighting as well!
