Business & Tech
Surviving 'Carmageddon' in Brentwood
Just because the 405 is closed for 53 hours doesn't mean you need to stay housebound. Check out the Patch picks fun Carmageddon weekend activities.
Deep breath. We are all in this together.
By "this" I refer to the weekend we’ve dreaded for the past month: the 53-hour closure of the 405 freeway, or, Carmageddon.
Fear not, Brentwood residents. A silver lining lies amidst the stormy clouds. This weekend presents the perfect opportunity to catch up on work, relax and indulge.
Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.
Whether you plan to stay at home, focus on getting fit, or try a new restaurant, Patch has your guide to surviving Carmageddon.
STAY AT HOME
Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.
It goes without saying that the easiest way to avoid clogged side streets is to simply stay at home. Before you dimiss the idea as preposterous, think of it as an opportunity to regroup and reorganize your life or home. Behind on paying bills? Closet needs some overdue spring cleaning? Air filters need to be changed? Take advantage of downtime this weekend by handling those pesky household chores you’ve been putting off.
Reward your hard work by cooking dinner or hosting a barbeque at home with family, friends, or neighbors. Shop locally at to purchase cooking supplies. Swing by to pick up dessert — the confectionary is offering a “carmageddon” discount where all cupcakes are buy-one, get-one-free.
WORK ON YOUR FITNESS
This weekend marks the perfect opportunity to kick your fitness level up a notch and burn some calories. Brentwood features a variety of gyms that offer creative methods to help tone, lengthen, and strengthen any body. Try a class at , , or The Bar Method. Break a sweat and boost your endorphins — all while improving your physique and overall health.
INDULGE IN SOME SELF-GROOMING
Try one of Brentwood’s respected and glamorous salons.
offers a multitude of affordable hair services (a wash and blow dry costs just $35) that will leave your tresses looking fresh and fabulous. The salon even serves complimentary croissants on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Bellacures offers “exfoliating walnut” and “microdermabrasion” manicures/pedicures that promose to leave your skin silky-smooth and nutrient-enriched. Plush leather chairs, state-of-the-art nail and waxing technology and hip accent lighting all make for an enjoyable and relaxing experience. Call ahead for appointments.
TRY A FINE BRENTWOOD RESTAURANT
Some of the finest dining establishments in Brentwood have stepped up to the plate by offering discounts on appetizers, drinks and cuisine.
offers free appetizers after 5 p.m. throughout the entire weekend. Nosh on items such as the Maui onion rings, steak tartare on a toasted baguette, or mozzarella and eggplant panini.
, features cocktails and wine for $4.05, grilled cheese for $10, and chocolate chip cookies at The Larder for $1.01.
The Daily Grill also boasts creatively priced drinks, appetizers and desserts. Car-themed cocktails such as the sidecar, greyhound, and metro martini will be available for $4.05 all weekend. Fried calamari, popcorn shrimp and a trio of hummus, among other appetizers, will cost $4.05. So will desserts — including strawberry shortcake, fresh fruit cobbler and warm caramel apple sundaes.
Remember to take deep breaths and remind yourself that this "natural disaster" will soon be over.
With so many fabulous weekend activities to choose from, maybe the 405 should shut down more often?
