It’s so much fun to take a day vacation and Sierra Madre is just the place for Los Angelenos. Step back into a small town that nestles at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. The nice surprise is they also have great food and free concerts.

This Memorial Day Weekend, Sierra Madre hosts the Mt. Wilson run on May 29th starting at 7:30 AM. Now The Frugal Diva is not so into running the race however she loves to be there at the finish line cheering everyone on. Then it’s time for lunch at Mary’s Market a small local part cafe and market. They serve breakfast and lunch for prices that make it seem like you went back to another era. 

Stop at E. Waldo Ward for jams, jellies, pickled fruits, and all manners of condiments. They were established in 1891 and still use local ingredients from their mandarin orange and tangerine groves. Everything is canned and prepared on the property in Sierra Madre.

The Creative Arts Group  have events all year round including a jewelry show on June 18th and 19th.

Start at the intersection of E. Baldwin Ave. and E. Siera Madre Blvd for a tour of the downtown boutiques including Attitude, Provisions, and then stop at Bean Town for a coffee. Explore and come back for the 5th of July parade where the whole town participates.

Free Sunday concerts start on July 11th starting at 6 PM at the Memorial Park Bandshell 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. Bring a blanket and a picnic, just like the Hollywood Bowl except it’s free.

And you are very close to a gelato place in Altadena named Bularini that was named one of the best by the LA Weekly.