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Walking Tour Of Los Angeles' Atwater Village North

walking tour 610 header
(credit: shutterstock)

Atwater Village North, a stretch of about a half dozen blocks on tree-lined Los Feliz Boulevard, serves as the unofficial dividing line between Los Feliz and trendy Glendale. There, you'll find all kinds of enterprises, from a smooth neighborhood bar to an exotic Indian grocery store to a place to buy the best running shoes. Consider the following five places of interest.

The Village Bakery and Cafe
(credit: The Village Bakery and Cafe)

The Village Bakery and Cafe
3119 Los Feliz Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 662-8600
www.thevillagebakeryandcafe.com

You'll know what's inside this amazing enterprise even before you walk through the door because of the sweet smell of baking bread wafting in the air. It's made all day in all kinds of forms, as are other tasty treats. Also on the premises, where you are encouraged to eat there or take out, a veritable farmers market of delicious fruits and vegetables is on tap. If you decide to dine before dashing on to the next event, expect a leisurely meal that is as fresh as fresh can be, and if you decide to buy for later, be sure to grab at least one loaf of The Village Bakery's iconic sourdough bread.

India Sweets and Spices
(credit: Raj Jawa)

India Sweets & Spices
3126 Los Feliz Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 345-0360
www.indiasweetsandspices.us

Owner Kumar Jawa opened what became the largest Indian grocery store in Southern California three decades ago, now offering everything from hard-to-find spices and sauces as well as Indian breads that complete any meal serving this complicated cuisine. Not only are the ingredients on hand to make your own meals, but an accompanying restaurant shows you how it's done by offering fare from both Northern and Southern India, up to and including melt-in-your-mouth samosas.

the roost cocktails
(credit: Jazz Beitler)

The Roost Cocktails
3100 Los Feliz Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 664-7272
www.roostcocktails.com

Claiming to be "the stiffest pour in town," this Atwater watering hole comes up with your favorite libation in short order. Want something different? Ask for the barkeep's choice. Meanwhile, munchies are plentiful, from popcorn chicken to chicken satay. The favorite vegetarian choice? The Roost Dragon, a combination of noodles and smoked tofu, combined with a secret sauce made on the spot.

Related: Best Studio Tours In Los Angeles

Potted
(credit: Bethany Nauert)

Potted Store
3158 Los Feliz Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 665-3801
www.pottedstore.com

This store delivers on its promise to provide "indoor style for outdoor living" with its eclectic finds, like sturdy butterfly stores that emulate the winged insect and planter boxes that are based on the peace sign. Tiny mod bird houses are on the agenda as are wok fire pits, a big deal at this small haven for whatever is next in style.

runners circle atwater village
(credit: A Runners Circle)

A Runner's Circle
3216 Los Feliz Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 661-8971
www.arunnerscircle.com

To get you on the right track (pun intended), stop by A Runner's Circle for your next pair of trainers. Or, just stop by to commune with other runners who are avid about their athletic addiction and learn about the next race on everyone's agenda. This community-based store often acts as a pep club for those on the run to get from start to finish in the best and most eventful way possible.

Related: Top Unique Tours In LA

Los Angeles freelance travel writer Jane Lasky, contributes to publications such as Travel + Leisure, Vogue and Esquire. Her weekly sojourning column ran in 40 newspapers for 20 years. Jane is anything but an accidental tourist. Check out her articles on Examiner.com.

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