Posts by Sheilah Brooks

I love Los Angeles and one of the main reasons is because it never stops recreating itself. A city known for its shock value, it's distinctive when it comes to numerous choices of dating places. With that said, I hate the idea of a traditional "romantic date." You know the ones I mean; the soft lights, candles on the table, easy listening emanates from the restaurant's walls while the waiter shoves the menu at you which of course list the customary "lobster" as their main course.

Los Angeles is the place to shake it up when it comes to romantic dating. From the Bungalow Club complete with individual bungalows, to the very intimate Nirvana on Wilshire artfully decorated with fireplaces and canopy beds throughout.

But who says romance has to be all candles and dark lighting. I personally like the fun dates that include things like pool at places like Break Shot Billiards, (nothing like someone trying to show you how to hold a cue) miniature golf or moonlight bowling. (same principals can apply)

If you've checked out everything you can in Los Angeles, but don't want to travel far, then Long Beach is the place to be. The Pike by my opinion is still one of the best kept secrets in Southern California. Forget about the restaurants although there are a number of them to choose from, but there is also Gameworks if you're into playing things like pinball, etc., or grab a blanket and find a spot right near the historic Long Beach Light House. Plus, the city has several choices of either day or night time cruises. But what if you're on a first date and getting comfy-cozy might not be the smart thing to do, then rent some bikes and take a ride on the beach, or to really make it unique, then check out renting a couple of Segways.

So if you are having a problem finding places for a romantic date, then the problem might not be the city, the problem might just be you.

I've lived in New York most of my adult life and never even gave California a thought except when my mother spoke about her trips to San Francisco; and even then she only spoke about Fisherman's Wharf. Any thoughts or comments I had on California were based on what I saw on television, in the movies or what my musician friends would tell me when they had returned from their trips to Los Angeles. I knew that there was always some competition between NY and Cali. After all, both coasts talk big when it comes to being in the forefront of fashion, music and entertainment.

When I started giving thoughts to moving out of New York, I wanted to move to a place that was similar. After not too much consideration, I chose California. New York had been good to me and I loved the liveliness and excitement of it, but I couldn't take the weather anymore, so I decided to give California a chance.

However, there was one thing I wasn't expecting. How challenging it would be to find out where all the eligible men hung out in Los Angeles. After all, in New York City, it was easy to meet men. I was never without a date, unless I chose to be.

What made it so easy was simple. Very few people drove in the city and because of the accessible transportation (subways, metro lines and buses) you were constantly forced into social situations and because New York City is such a great place to stroll on the weekends, you'd have to be virtually invincible not to get at least one verbal greeting whether you wanted it or not. Add to the constant nightlife--how could you not meet someone?

So if I had to chose which coast is easier when it comes to meeting men, I'd have to say hands down New York. But does that mean single women should move in herds to New York to get a date—no. Yes, it is a challenge to meet men in Southern California, but is it impossible…absolutely not.

If you are new to Los Angeles, here are few places I'd suggest. First, you have to start thinking like a Californian. What are they known for? I can think of three easy answers; healthy eating, exercising and beaches. Right there you have three different destinations to meet single people; health food stores, gyms and the many, many beaches.

California is also known for its many outdoor club activities. There's bike, hiking and back packing clubs. But what if you're not into the exercise or outdoor scene? Then check out your local church and other weekend events. In other words, if you're new to Southern Cali, and if you want to have a dating life, you might just have to think outside the 'dating' box.