While SoCal is known for its palm trees and endless sunny vibes, every year June Gloom hits and sends Southern Californians into a mild craze.  Our hearts are ready to embrace the heat, but the skies send dreary overcast vibes.  While you may want to stay inside and nest, it’s time to get out and enjoy the summer atmosphere, even if it’s just in our hearts until the heat comes to stay.

Make your own Nail Polish at Orly Color Lab – Mid City – @orly

Having a fresh set of nails is an absolute dream, so why not make a custom color that you can even name yourself?  Orly Color Labs can help you achieve that goal for only $24!  Book ahead of time to skip the line and meet with your own personal mixologist and get creative.  You can choose from classic colors to matte to even something with a touch of glitter!  The process doesn’t take too long and you’ll leave with  your own personal polish to cherish forever!   

Enjoy a Night at a Korean Spa – K-Town – @wispa_usa 

Time to get all cozy and warm, and give your body some much needed rest and relaxation!  While there are a multitude of spas in LA to choose from, the most comprehensive that can also be budget friendly is Wi Spa.  Open 24/7 and only costing $30 to enter (though if you purchase enough additional services, they will waive the fee), Wi Spa has it all.  The Jade Room and the Clay Sauna are top notch, and when you close out with the Ice Sauna Room your body will thank you dearly!  Additional options such as facials, massages, and nail and skincare services can be added on as needed!

Host an At-Home Poetry Slam Night 

Gather your friends, lovers, and family members, head to one of LA’s amazing local bookstores (Kate’s Best Bookstores!), and select a used or new book of poetry.  Curate a lovely charcuterie board with some wine to pair, get overly romantic with the amount of candles you light, and recite your favorite new or old poems.  Looking for something new and exciting, be sure to check out The Ripped Bodice, which boasts entire sections of incredible poetry featuring work by Queer and Women Writers! 

Take a Sculpting Class at POT or Paint Ceramics at Glaze Fire:

Time to tackle a new hobby and depending on how artsy you are, I’ve got two levels of pottery for you to try!  GLAZE FIRE is a wonderful spot to nurture your creative side and paint some pre-made pottery (mugs, serving dishes, and other various items available). You can even book a painting party and bring snacks and beverages to enjoy! 

For those looking to level up in the arts world, the fabulous POT Studio in West Adams is an amazing community ceramics studio that prioritizes POCs and the Queer Community.  They offer a range of classes from a single session to get you hooked to 4 or 6 week classes focusing on hand sculpture or wheel ceramics!

Go on The Great Taco Tour – Various Locations!

When it comes to street tacos, Los Angeles is hard to beat.  Kate’s Great Taco Tour is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon!  Save room for at least 4 stops to make your tour worth your time. My jumping off point is always Tacos Delta in Silverlake.  One taco and a tamarindo drink there will set your tasty journey off in the right direction, from there the possibilities are endless!  

Check out a Lesser Known Museum – Various Locations 

We all love the Getty, LACMA, and The Broad.  But there are also some amazing smaller spaces all over Los Angeles that will open your mind to some incredible art.  The California African American Museum is a beautiful space that rotates out various installations quarterly.  Free of charge, the CAAM hosts amazing pieces that illuminate various aspects of Black life from historical events to hosting Juneteenth Celebrations!

Another fantastic museum is Jeffrey Deitch, which is also free of charge! With incredible works of modern art and rotating exhibits that continue to push the form to the future, Jeffery Deitch is the perfect place for a solo afternoon of reflecting or a unique first date spot.