Feeling overwhelmed? Now more than ever, it’s a perfect time to stop and smell the roses. Luckily, you can immerse yourself in natural beauty at several of the city’s beautiful botanical gardens, which were among the first establishments to reopen in L.A. Our pick this week is Descanso Gardens, whose camellia collection is legendary. This month, however, is the perfect time to see the modern and heritage roses in bloom. And don’t miss The Sky Beneath Our Feet, an immersive sound installation created by composer Pete Wyer that plays over 72 speakers at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. daily in the Oak Grove and Camellia Forest. Note: Nonmembers now need to purchase their tickets online in advance. Bring along a mask and water. Open daily 9 a.m.-8 p.m. $5-$15, under 5 free. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, 818.949.4200, descansogardens.org
For those lamenting the loss of a Hollywood Bowl season this year (read: all of us), you can still enjoy the Bowl picnicking experience, albeit from the comfort of your home. Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine, led by James Beard Award winners Caroline Styne and Suzanne Goin, has launched Hollywood Bowl Supper to Go, which lets you choose from six different three-course meals; a family-style barbecue meal for two; and á la carte selections such as Spanish fried chicken, summer squash gratin, Alaskan halibut and more. Pair with Old and New World varietals from the Bowl’s extensive wine list. We suggest the Ultimate Wine Package—four bottles hand-selected by Styne. It’s the next best thing to spending summer nights at the Bowl. Order and pay in advance online, select a pickup time, then drive to the Bowl’s main parking lot for curbside, contactless pickup. Available Th-Sa 4-7 p.m. 2301 N. Highland Ave., L.A., 323.850.2000, hollywoodbowl.com/togo
After subsisting on takeout and delivery for months, the city’s top restaurants are now in the process of reopening for dine-in and expanding their alfresco dining options. One spot we’re excited to dine at again is Birdie G’s, James Beard Award-nominated chef Jeremy Fox’s ode to regional American cuisine. Located at Santa Monica’s Bergamot Station art gallery complex, the acclaimed eatery just celebrated its first anniversary. Grab a seat on Birdie G’s patio, where you can order foodie-favorite dishes like the “Hangtown Brei” and a slice of Rose Petal Pie. Fellow members of the Rustic Canyon Family of restaurants—including Tallula’s, Milo & Olive, Cassia and the namesake Rustic Canyon—have also reopened their doors. 2421 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica, 310.310.3616, birdiegsla.com
Bars were given the go-ahead to open on June 19, making them some of the last local businesses to reopen. One of our favorite drinking dens is eye-catching bar/restaurant Idle Hour in North Hollywood. The historic 1941 bar, an example of “programmatic architecture” that was refurbished by the 1933 Group, is once again serving its Americana cocktails, beer, wine and elevated bar food both inside the barrel-shaped building and on its patio, where you’ll also find a re-creation of the 1928 Bulldog Cafe. Safety measures including clear shields, rearranged bar seating and fewer tables are in place—reservations via Resy are recommended. What’s more, the 1933 Group has also reopened the Formosa Cafe, which it restored to its former glory last year. Stop by and be transported back in time to the golden age of Hollywood. 4824 Vineland Ave., L.A., 281.682.2280, idlehourbar.com; 7156 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.850.1009, theformosacafe.com
Photos from top: Courtesy Descanso Gardens; Dylan + Jeni; Lucianna McIntosh; William Bradford
