Overview

In the Spring of 2007 our troop organized a Cluster train trip to LA to explore the fashion district, eat dinner in Chinatown and come home. The trip was part of our work on the IP Fashion Designer. We had so much fun that we planned the trip again for the troops in the South Bay “Rainbow Region” and then started going annually each November, check out all the information on the Sunnytrails Website and contact Debbie Lechner at lechner@cox.net with questions.

(The prices quoted in this article are from 2007! Check the Sunnytrails website for more current costs. You’ll have to research to bring them up to date..but they give you a rough idea)

We originally went to explore the fashion district but since that first trip I’ve had troops that have planned trips to see Hollywood, to explore Little Tokyo and go to the Japanese American Museum, they’ve gone to see the LA county museum of Art, visited the Art District and much more! Check the Sunnytrails website for a current list of ideas.

Shopping the 90-block LA Fashion District may seem like a daunting task, but with a few simple hints you will soon be on your way to finding some amazing bargains. Be sure to get a free copy of the official LA Fashion District map guide and lots of other information.
• Many stores are wholesale-only (solo mayoreo). Signs will be posted on the outside if they are not open to the general public. Occasionally, (generally on Saturdays) some wholesale-only stores will sell to the general public – don’t be afraid to ask!

• Many stores do not accept credit cards and only take cash.

• Bargaining is encouraged. Store owners are more likely to lower the prices if you buy more than one item.

• Most stores do not have formal dressing rooms. Dress in layers so you can slip things over your clothes to try them on.

• Merchandise varies from day to day. If you see something you like – buy it now, it may not be there later.

• Choose merchandise carefully – many sales are final and sold “as is,” meaning the merchandise will be sold in its current condition.

• Public restrooms are limited. See the LA Fashion District map guide for exact locations.

• Luggage strollers come in handy when making large and numerous purchases.

• The LA Fashion District is 90 blocks – wear comfortable shoes and clothing!

Here is the Cost breakdown and our Itinerary

Cost (We spent about $100 per girl which included $20 each shopping money, lunch, dim sum, bus and train trip)

Transportation
call 800 1477 to get prices from Amtrak if you are planning the trip on your own.. The regular price is $74 for adults and girls under 12 are 50% at a ratio of 2 girls for every paying adult. (It’s somewhere between $66 and $45 per person going with Amtrak). Recently I’ve been buying the 10-ride commuter tickets to go from San Diego to Oceanside from Amtrak (the adult on each ticket needs to be one of the passengers but the other 9 can travel on the same ride ticket) and then I get Metrolink group tickets for the trip to LA and back from Oceanside and those can be used for public transit all over LA. It works out to about $35/person including girl scout insurance! The trick is that you need a minimum of 10 people in your group (exactly 10 is best) and a maximum of 50 (that’s the limit for Metrolink group fare.)

Meals

We recommend the Empress Pavillion Restaurant in Chinatown for dim sum.
http://www.empresspavilion.com/menu.htm Dim sum costs $2-$3.50 per plate, typically we share several plates and get to eat a variety of little snacks that way. If you stick to the A and B plates it’s a pretty inexpensive meal.

Bus/Other transportation
DASH bus only .25, Day pass for METRO line buses and subway only or .25 each trip..(.75 for one metro ride and 2 bus trips), if you’re using a Metrolink train ticket then all your metro and bus are included!
Bus runs till 5pm!! Make sure you’re up near the station by then!!

Itinerary

6:30am meet at Amtrak San Diego (bring bag breakfasts or money for café car)
7:05am departs 9:50am arrives in Los Angeles
catch the DASH bus from Union Station to the Fashion District or stroll through Olvera Street Mexican shops, get taquitos for an early lunch then take the DASH bus (DA from Union Station to E bus at 7th and Flower to the Fashion District)

Shop the Fashion District! 90 blocks to explore, download the mp3/ipod podcast tour of the fashion district and take the tour..stopping to shop along the way.

3:00 Take the DASH bus to Chinatown for an international dining experience. We like the dim sum at Empress Pavillion, 3:30pm.
http://www.empresspavilion.com/menu.htm

Walk through Chinatown toward Union Station..walk through Olvera Street shops watch Mariachis and entertainers here open till 7pm

6:00pm meet at Union Station
7pm leaves 9:40pm returns to San Diego

Photos

Here is a slideshow of our trip.

We had a great time!

Other troops have gone to LA to attend a matinée of a Broadway show, or visit one of the studio production facilities in Hollywood or the valley. We’ve heard that it’s lots of fun to go to LA after Christmas and work on one of the Rose Parade floats, they need lots of volunteers!

Disneyland is actually in Anaheim not LA. There is a great girl scout “house” your troop can rent there and save money on a hotel! Contact the Orange County Girl Scout Council for more information.