Discover all the South Bay has to offer

Things have certainly quieted down now that the holiday season is over!

No more running around like a headless chicken, shopping, wrapping, shipping, decorating, entertaining, cooking, baking, drinking, eating, eating, eating and eating!

What on earth will you do with all the spare time? Never mind the spare tire!

You might consider exploring some of the South Bay’s best kept secrets – take a ride in a vintage automobile at the ADM (Sundays), tour the Point Vicente lighthouse (second Saturday of each month), take a crash course in Falconry (by appointment) or explore the amazing natural habitat of the Palos Verdes Peninsula with the PV Land Conservancy (see calendar of events). Find all the information you need on these activities and more right here: http://southbaybyjackie.com/ongoing-events.php.

The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts First Thursdays tonight, January 3rd in Downtown Hermosa Beach. The event runs from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm with participating shops and businesses offering special discounts, snacks, giveaways and other cool stuff. Other special events include live music, children’s activities and other entertainment. Downtown Hermosa Beach offers a wide variety of dining establishments to choose from so why not make an evening of it? After all the shopping is complete, stop in one of the many terrific restaurants for a fabulous meal. For more information, visit the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/facebook#!/FirstThursdays.

On the first Friday of each month, the Manhattan Beach Business and Professional Association hosts First Fridays – an extended showcase of all that is cool, stylish and fabulous in Downtown Manhattan Beach. The monthly event features special offers, discounts, music, giveaways and other fun things to do. Select stores, restaurants and businesses below Valley Drive, west to the pier and surrounding streets, will be participating. You’re encouraged to mix, mingle, meet up with old friends and make a few new ones – it’s a great way to kick off the weekend! This is a popular event, so if you plan on making a night of it and having dinner at one of the many fine dining establishments, reservations are highly recommended. First Fridays – when downtown gets its groove on. The event runs from 6:00 pm through 9:00 pm. For more information, visit the website at http://www.downtownmanhattanbeach.com/2011/10/first-friday/.

Walk In, Dance Out hosts Swing & Sway at the Knights of Columbus in Redondo Beach this Sunday, January 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. If you’ve ever dreamed of tripping the light fantastic, this is your chance. The South Bay ballroom dancing community is extraordinarily welcoming and encouraging, so even if you’re a beginner, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to practice your moves and dare I say, strut your stuff. Walk In Dance Out offers dance instruction at several locations throughout the South Bay. Many of the students and instructors attend this monthly event and are delighted to share their knowledge and expertise. Maybe it’s time to channel your inner Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers. The cost is $10 per person with light refreshments and a no-host bar. The Knights of Columbus hall is located at 214 Avenue I in Redondo Beach. For more information, visit the website at www.walkindanceout.com or call 310-373-8487.

The 14th season of the Norris Center for the Performing Arts’ popular Cabaret Jazz Series continues on Sunday, January 13 with the Side Street Strutters. The internationally acclaimed band will perform two shows at the Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion. The Side Street Strutters play over a half century of jazz styles, from early New Orleans Dixieland and blues, to big band swing and popular standards. Both Cabaret Jazz performances feature reserved table seating, a catered gourmet meal, full no-host bar, dance floor and two sets of music. Guests can choose between an 11:30 a.m. brunch show, and a 5 p.m. dinner show, each priced at $65. The Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion is located at 501 Indian Peak Road in Rolling Hills Estates. For more information and ticket purchase, call 310-544-0403 or visit the website at www.norriscenter.com.

As always, check the calendar links and ‘Things to Do’ page on my website, www.southbaybyjackie.com, for details on these and other events throughout the South Bay.

On The South Bay Show this morning, our guest was Mark Herderson. Mark is running for a seat on the Gardena City Council. Don’t worry, if you missed it, you can listen to it here: http://southbaybyjackie.com/january-3-2013-mark-henderson-candidate-for-....

Have a great South Bay weekend!

Jackie
www.southbaybyjackie.com

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, South Bay Adult Recreation Examiner

Jackie Balestra is an island girl and beach baby from way back. Growing up on the island of Manhattan and spending her summers in Rockaway Beach, life took place at the water’s edge. On a whim, Balestra switched coasts and landed in the South Bay of Los Angeles. She rediscovered that life really...

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