Issue link: http://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25044
lext: greg kennerson ascend the santa monica steps Ever since the LAPD frowned upon the 100-yard-dash with-television after the riots of 1992, Angelenos have been looking for different ways to work out their urban angst. One of the best spots for getting rid of the big city blues is the Santa Monica steps, know in LA-speak as Stairmaster: The Real Story. This is where the Westside's bold and beautiful go to trudge their way up 1 the side of a hi llside to keep those rear ends in shape. The stretching concourse boasts a great view of the sun set and probably a great pick-up scene for anyone with any breath left in their lungs. Be sure to check out the gorgeous Craftsman-style houses down the street too. Top of stairs at Adelaide, off San Vicente Blvd. chill in griffith park radIUS at the edge of Griffith Park, buy a can of Bud for $2.00 and count my blessings that I live in the City of Angels and never took up golf. This pastoral setting a stone's throw from Interstate 5 has been the site of Beastie Boy golf tournaments (the Boys' international 'headquarters is around the corner), and the food at the kitschy diner ain't half bad either. Head back up Los Feliz Blvd and make a right into the park. Enjoy the spectacular view of the city from the observatory (on those clear, LA winter days) and take a trek on the miles of hiking trails. It can make you feel like you're far, far away from the grunge of Hollywood. Griffith Park Ranger Station, 21 3-665-5188. Los Feliz 3-Par, 3207 Los Feliz Blvd, 21 3-663-7758. hour On a balmy winter Sunday, there's nothing I'd rather do • than head down to the public Los Feliz 3-par golf course 3 h 0 u r radius aerial combat Thrill jockeys who like their G-forces with special sauce may want to head out to Fullerton a few hours drive from LA and hop in the cockpit of a fighter jet. Outfitted in flight suit, parachute, and strapped into a Siai Marchetti SF-260, unlicensed amateurs (with instructor in tow) can be aces for a day. In the hour long flight, two planes go head to head, Top Gun-style, with real display and gun-sights, attempt ing to blast each other out of the sky, figuratively speaking. The flight is taped from three angles and pi lots are 'debriefed' after their aerial interlude. The school also holds sessions in major cities around the country including New York, Chicago and Dallas. Air Combat USA, 800-522-7590. hour 5 r ad ius carve at mammoth mountain For a longer wi nter wonderland jaunt, make your way up to the Mammoth Lakes area and board or ski at Mammoth Mountain. Though the crowds at holiday time can be hell, the mountain is big enough to accommodate them and is among the best in the state for variety of terrain. In the non-winter months there's plenty of biking and hiking in the region. Book your lodging in advance for peak times. Mammoth Lakes Visitors Bureau, 760-934-27 12. Greg Kerinerson lives in Los AM'ala • .,. ..... . _;.,ႀ.-r .. .. r .... g.