The Spirit of DTLA

Sips at Greenbar Distillery and a Walk in Hollenback Park

03.08.2018

Dazzling variety defines the beating heart of downtown LA and one of its true treasures: Greenbar Distillery in the Arts District, LA’s first and biggest since Prohibition. In fact, it boasts the most diverse portfolio of organic spirits in the world. Add in a visit to a hidden gem of a park, and you’ve got the makings of a tasty and spirited adventure.

While Greenbar’s guided tour is impressive, the tasting session is overwhelming. You get to select six samples of their 17 current spirits—tough choices, since you’ve just heard the unique story behind each. Choose from whiskeys, tequilas, rum, vodka, gin, Fruitlab liqueurs (orange, ginger, and hibiscus cocktail supplements), and even bitters. A Weekend Sherpa favorite is the Grand Poppy Amaro, whose inspiration came from native plants encountered on local hikes. With this kind of repertoire, it’s no surprise that their weekly cocktail classes are so popular.

POST-SIPS STROLL: You may never want to leave this haven, but nearby Hollenbeck Park in Boyle Heights is not to be missed. It’s a 1.5-mile walk from the distillery, or you can drive to the lot just north of Saint Louis and 4th Streets to start a 1-mile loop through the park. Enjoy views of Hollenbeck Lake, the downtown skyline, and, yes, the busy I-5. Head down the hill to the paved path and then right to create a counterclockwise loop. The serene lake and redwood-dotted island are home to a miscellany of waterfowl, including coots, ducks, egrets, and geese. You’ll soon reach a pretty bridge and a surprising variety of trees, including jacaranda, oaks, eucalyptus, palms, bamboo, and pines. No need to bring trail snacks, since you can grab a paleta (fresh-fruit ice) or taco from a vendor, and savor your treat on one of the park’s many benches. As we said, variety is truly the LA spirit.

Take the I-10 to the 4th St. exit. Head east on 4th, turn immediately right on Saint Louis St., and look for street parking, or park in the small lot up the hill. Tours ($12) are on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Visit the Greenbar website for times and reservations. No dogs in distillery.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  2. Surfboards and tents for shade are set up on the beach at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the Swim Lagoon Area

    Switchbacks and Swimming Holes

    Hike hard, play hard! This 7-mile out-and-back in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a great workout with payoff vistas and a relaxing post-hike picnic and dip in the water.

    View

  3. Hike the Rainbow

    Catch all the colors of a rainbow at Calero County Park on this 10-mile hike currently showcasing the season’s best blooms.

    View
  4. Hike Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve

    Purisima Charisma

    Hundred-foot redwoods, a shaded canyon, and views overlooking Half Moon Bay. This 10-mile loop hike in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is a roller-coaster of uphill and downhill along with easygoing stretches through some of the Bay Area’s most beautiful landscape.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. People on a guided horseback tour with Central Coast Trailrides at Santa Margarita Ranch near Paso Robles

    Saddle Up with Central Coast Trailrides

    Untouched and sweeping, the mountainous scenery and deep valleys of Santa Margarita near Paso Robles are just begging to be explored. So saddle up for a scenic adventure with Central Coast Trailrides (CCT) at the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch.

    View
  2. A woman on a hiking trail with huge open space and yellow flowers around her at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks

    Going Wildwood

    Consider this your invitation to get a little untamed. In just one walk through Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, you can chase the sound of a cascading waterfall, duck into a shadowy cave, and soak in big hillside vistas. The mostly flat 4.25-mile loop makes wild feel wonderfully accessible.

    View
  3. Two people fly fishing on the Truckee River with guides from Reno Fly Shop

    Zen and the Art of Fly Fishing

    Learning to fly fish is one of the most fun and beautiful ways to connect with nature, family, friends, and yourself. It’s also a great way to truly experience the magic of a place. Make that place Reno Tahoe, where a fly fishing adventure with Reno Fly Shop is like being planted in a plein air painting of dreamy outdoors.

    View
  4. A woman on the overlook deck overlooking the Truckee River at Oxbow Nature Study Area in Reno

    This Way to Oxbow and Dickerson Road

    Just west of downtown Reno—tucked right alongside the Truckee River—is a nature haven for wildlife spotting and waterside relaxing. The 22-acre Oxbow Nature Study Area is ideal for those seeking solitude and a short hike. Afterwards, explore the creative hub of Dickerson Road.

    View