When people think of Venice, they may think of medical marijuana, the iconic Muscle Beach, Silicon Beach, or the always entertaining boardwalk, but some of the neighborhood’s most stylish blocks are undoubtedly found on Abbot Kinney.
Often referred to as LA’s West village, this eclectic boulevard offers everything from killer Sunday brunches to galleries, boutiques, small studios and gyms, coffee shops, and cutting edge pop-up shops.
This neighborhood has undergone several transformations on its journey to become what GQ has called “the coolest block in America.” the recent renaissance includes farm to table bistros like Gjelina and Tasting Kitchen, which are equally famous for their eccentric mixology and in-demand reservations. Stroll AK and find locals lining up halfway to Main Street for an organic drip from Intelligentsia. TOMS has become a social hot-spot since opening an inviting indoor/outdoor space with free wireless, where people congregate for the workspace and networking opportunities as much as for the ‘one-for-one’ shoes, sunglasses, and roasted brew.
Perhaps even more intriguing than the drinking and dining are the locals: hipsters, surfers, and creative entrepreneurs. Immerse yourself in the hip old-school vibe of casual beach-chic. As Rumi says, “What you seek is also seeking you.” Whether you’re seeking a rosemary absinthe mojito or a human connection, grab your beach cruiser, channel your inner creative, and ride down Abbot Kinney for an interactive and soulful meditation.
Elise Joan teaches yoga at locations including Equinox and Exhale. She created an online yoga/fitness site that lets you build and save your own yoga and workout playlists from 10 minutes to two hours: elisejoanfitness.com
Elise is wearing clothing by OUT incorporated (best friend sport tight, contortionist sportee, and agent bra): outincorporated.com
Nir Livni’s photography can be found at: bigcameraman.info
Elise Joan is an LA yoga teacher who teaches at Equinox and Exhale (among other locations). She has a yoga/fitness site that allows users to create yoga and workout playlists from 10 minutes to two hours. www.elisejoanfitness.com