This is my photo trip through Abbot Kinney, the best neighborhood in Southern California, which happens to be in Venice only a few blocks from the beach. It has settled down from the activity of last month's festival and in my opinion, it's the best place to shop, eat and people watch in the whole city. 
I love the trendy design shops, high-fashion retail and culinary spots such as Lemonade, Gjelina, The Tasting Kitchen and Joe's.
You have to love the architecture and the fact that there are no chain stores or restaurants in site. It represents the cross section of Venice Beach, which is like no other place on earth. 
Named after Abott Kinney, a wealthy tobacco mogul, who tried to make Venice beach culturally reminiscent of Venice, Italy. The original Venice had cannals, gondolas and and a great emphasis on fine art. It didn't quite work out. 
What really transpired is a casual beach town, the total anthitisis of anything Venetian. 
It is home to my favorite shop, Mystic Journey Bookstore.
In this day and age, when shopping is no longer an outing, it's nice to have a neighborhood like this.
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