TOPANGA CANYON-- woodsy, bohemian escape minutes from the bright lights of Hollywood

Topanga Canyon is a place unlike any other.  Especially in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.  After a windy drive up through a stunning canyon, the tiny town of Topanga greets you with shops and restaurants housed in quaint barnlike buildings, tie-dyed wares flutter like butterflies outside.  We love coming up here for afternoon, early evening hikes- Eagle Rock is a stunner at all times of year, and then going to Froggy's for drinks and dinner.  Froggy's is an indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar with several areas-- the outdoor area rambles and takes advantage of the woodsy canyon setting and the indoor area has a soaring beamed ceiling, a massive fireplace and you swear you might be in a Swiss chalet by the looks of the place.  The food is simple-- fish tacos, grilled fish, guacamole-- but good and fairly priced.

Another option for a more gourmet dining experience is the Canyon Bistro. We've only had lunch here and the tuna tartine was delicious. 

The Inn of the Seventh Ray is probably the most famous restaurant up in Topanga and definitely the "fanciest." It is certainly an experience-- a beautiful, highly romanticized setting, but unusual as the servers talk about the vibration levels of the items on the menu-- little bit upscale hippie!

There are several cute little shops right in the "town square" selling jewelry, books on astrology, candles, etc.  And a vintage store we've never had much luck at, but you never know.... Take a yoga class at Yoga Desa which is also located in the heart of town.  Annmarie Solo is one of our favorite teachers- the perfect blend of physical and spiritual.

Make a weekend of returning to nature and tuning into your crunchier side and rent a charming cabin in the woods.  www.vrbo.com