Come along on his personal tour

CHARLES Phoenix’s quirky slide shows, in which he turns other folks’ memories (their discarded vacation photos) into historical fantasies via entertaining narratives, recipe tips and more, will open Ford Amphitheatre’s summer season on May 11.

The Silver Lake resident is also guiding a “Disneyland Tour of Downtown L.A.” on May 20 (see charlesphoenix.com). He’s a cool weekend host too.

Above it all

On a clear late Friday afternoon, I’d go climb Mt. Verdugo, which overlooks Brand Boulevard in Glendale. It’s about an hour up and down, and it gives you incredible views of the Valley, the shoreline and what looks to be Anaheim Hills and Mt. Baldy. I get up there about the time the lights are beginning to twinkle, and I take a few deep breaths and try to soak it all in. Then I’ll hike down and drive to the Bonaventure Hotel, where I’ll meet friends in the top-floor revolving cocktail lounge. It’s like a 1970s sci-fi experience. It’s the most incredible urban view we have in Los Angeles. After that, we’ll go to dinner at Taylor’s Steak House and then maybe to the Palms Thai and hopefully catch a little bit of Thai Elvis.

Mining estate sales

On Saturday morning I’d get up and check the newspaper for any great estate sales. It has to be a really old estate, as opposed to one that says, “Computers, exercise equipment and children’s clothing.” That one you know to stay away from. I’ll be looking for slides. Then I’ll take a spin through In-N-Out for burgers -- no cheese or sauce, but extra pickles.

If I have friends in town, and I usually do, I’ll take them to the Watts Towers and then to Bob Baker’s Marionette Theater. I’d highly suggest Baker’s place. It’s a highly unusual theatrical experience. Then we might go to the Huntington Library and Gardens. I really like the rose garden in April, the cactus garden in fall, and the new Chinese garden any time of year.

We’d wind up shopping at dusk on Olvera Street and then stopping for dinner at La Luz del Dia. Then we’d go to Tiki Ti in Silver Lake. It’s a total classic from 1961 -- fruity, exotic drinks with umbrellas. This is making it sound as if I drink a lot, but I really don’t. Then I’ll probably spend the rest of the night at a friend’s house, but on the way I’ll pick up some cookies at Gelson’s. I always arrive at people’s houses with something sweet.

Urban exploring

On Sunday morning I’d get up and drive north of the West Adams district to Midtown Lanes. Inside is Maria’s Cafe, and I’d order the incredible huevos rancheros, over hard. And of course I’ll stop at Golyester, absolutely my favorite vintage clothing shop. Then I’ll spend at least two hours driving around South-Central L.A. It’s so under-redeveloped, there’s so much texture and truth there -- miles and miles of incredibly pristine 1920s through 1950s neighborhoods. It’s like a lesson on the first 50 years of Los Angeles.

After shopping for groceries at the Original Farmers Market on 3rd and Fairfax and picking up some doughnuts at Bob’s, I’d have friends over for enchiladas or spaghetti and meatballs.