The Guide to the North Valley of Los Angeles

Come for the macaroons, stay for the sandwiches, the pastries, and the coffee! Belwood Bakery opened in June 2014 after the success of the original location in Brentwood, and the Northridge location does not disappoint. Cases brimming with nearly 30 flavors of macaroons, trays filled with scrumptious pastries from éclairs to “crookies” - that’s a croissant-cookie combo - their pastrami and rosemary chicken sandwiches surely satisfy. Did we mention they have freshly baked bread? We are talking about ciabatta, egg challah, whole wheat French bread and more.

The second largest park in Los Angeles after Griffith Park, O’Melveny Park is tucked away off Balboa Boulevard on Sesnon Avenue. There is plenty of parking in both the lot and on neighboring streets. The park itself is lush and well kept, with many picnic tables, a paved pathway and even restrooms. Head to the back of the park to reach the start of the O’Melveny Trail, which leads up to Mission Point. There are several routes you can take, but the main trail is about a six-mile loop. The hike is steep and not overly crowded, ideal for those looking for a less populated experience.

Located in Van Nuys, Sky Zone is a huge indoor trampoline park. Open to all ages, Skyzone is the ultimate party destination for kids and a great activity for adults seeking a fun workout. Their “Open Jump” includes access to all the Sky Zone activities, from the Main Court for free jumping to the Foam Zone for freestyle jumping into a foam pit. Their Sky Slam is a popular option for those working on their dunking skills - they even host a College Night and an evening of Ultimate Dodgeball. Jumping with a young one? They have Toddler Time, specifically dedicated to allowing smaller kids to explore the park safely.

Located at the base of the Angeles National Forest, the Angeles National Golf Club features an 18-hole, Nicklaus Design course. A public course, they are open to golfers of all skill levels. They offer private instruction in a designated area, as well as an all-grass driving range and putting greens for those looking to work on their form. Their clubhouse, a Spanish mission-style building, holds their restaurant Agave Bar and Grill, several event spaces and a pro shop. Malibu Family Wines has a tasting room on property, working closely with the restaurant to offer special food and wine pairings.

This place is a real deal Country-Western club. Everything is authentic about the Cowboy Palace Saloon, from the regular customers to the décor and the BBQ. You might even recognize the space from the numerous cameos it’s made in various movies, TV shows and commercials. Country bands play live music every night of the week, and they offer line-dancing lessons nightly. Known as the last real Honky Tonk, you can even ride your horse to the Cowboy Palace - they have 12 hitching posts outside in the parking lot.

This Filipino bakery is best known for their turon (a crunchy, sweet banana roll pastry) and their baked chicken empanadas. D’new Aristocrat started as a restaurant, but after moving from their original location in Filipinotown, they decided to focus on their biggest demand, catering. Located in a small strip mall in Panorama City, it’s designed for you to pick up your orders to go. They offer other items like beef empanadas, roasted pig and other Filipino dishes, but it really is their turon that keeps a line out the door.

The Country General Store is the number one destination for those in the market for authentic Western apparel and boots. They have a large selection of hats, jeans and various cowboy wear. Most notable is their floor-to-ceiling wall of boots, stocked for men and women of all sizes. In business since 1971, they originally opened to serve the large cowboy community in the area. As years passed, they began selling to more than just cowboys. If you ever wondered what the real Wild West was all about, the Country General Store will show you.

Simple on atmosphere, huge on taste! Myke’s Cafe is a casual dining spot marked by a funky mural on the front of the building and bright pink booths. Their S’mores French Toast (made with Nutella, bananas, strawberries and house-made s’mores) and their red velvet pancakes are just two of many dishes that keep people waiting around the block for weekend brunch. The menu is extensive and features many Mexican dishes. For those looking for a challenge, order their Kong Burger, a four-hamburger patty mountain of goodness. Chow it down in 30 minutes or less and your meal is free.

Comic book fans rejoice! Arguably one of the best comic book stores in the San Fernando Valley, Galaxy of Comics offers a noteworthy selection of comics, graphic novels, t-shirts, toys, figurines and current TV show memorabilia featuring hits like "The Walking Dead." This is the place to visit if you want to get lost for hours uncovering volumes of comic lore or just score a unique gift. They have an active event calendar, hosting signings at least once a month. They also hold a game night Mondays and Fridays for those looking to “geek out” in kind.