Project Gas Tank - Trip 2 - Sierra Madre

OK, so this isn't even quarter of a tank but I have to write about.  From Santa Monica to Sierra Madre it's only 45 miles.  It's a little confusing if you don't have a GPS as there are a number of exits off the 210 fwy that suggest you are there when you are not.  The exit is Baldwin and by this time you've already passed two other exits that look promising including Sierra Madre Blvd.

After exiting the freeway you drive north through a beautiful residential area with huge old trees and quaint houses.  The village starts at a crossroads with shops going west and north along two streets and there is a little court yard where you can sit in the shade of the trees.  The village is full of boutique stores, an ample amount of coffee shops and restaurants, as well as numerous places for gifts and pampering yourself.

The Four Seasons, which really they should have stayed away from that name as when you see the "Four Seasons Tea Room" its a bit of a shock.  Is not a tea room at the "Four Seasons" but a little English tea house at the top of the village.  They offer a number of different versions of an english high tea and it really is one of the best in LA, and my opinion counts as I've had more than my fair share of teas to judge! http://www.4seasonstearoom.com

Just down from the tea room is a little store called Belle's Nest.  It's owned by two sisters, who are both funny and charming.  You'll easily spend more time than you expected in this little gem.  I think I lost about two hours here just chatting with them and browsing the store.
http://www.bellesnest.com/

They have a number of festivals throughout the year in Sierra Madre as well as a weekly Farmer's Market every Wednesday from 3pm to 7pm.  The next festival is on March 25th and is the Wistaria Vine Festival. 

And SM is home to a bloody enormous wistaria!  The festival will close off the main thoroughfare and they'll have stalls with all kinds of arts and crafts, food, jewelry and other stuff. 

Leonora Moss is by the little court yard on Kersting Crt.  It's a flower shop but also has cards, jewelry and gifts.  The owner told me they have some great things in for Halloween and the holidays.  Next to Leonora Moss is a shop that stocks kitchenware, unusual packeted mixtures and stuff for you dinner parties of all kinds, (I can't remember it's name!)  Also on the same block is Lucky Baldwin's a pub that does really good lunches.  I had my much sort after Fish and Chips after being so disappointed in Big Bear, and it was delicious.  They do a half potion which was the perfect size for me.

On a nice day it's a great little place to wander around, shop and eat.  I found the people to be very friendly and helpful as well as enthusiastic about their village.  If you have an afternoon Sierra Madre is a great trip not too far out of LA and less than a quarter off a tank.  I highly recommend it, although it might not be the most interesting place if you've got kids other than when the festivals are on.