Local Gems: The Valley

Join us for the eighth and final CicLAvia Sunday of the 2024 season—and our 57th CicLAvia Sunday since 2010! CicLAvia—The Valley is on Sunday, December 8th, from 9am - 3pm. 

Join us as we celebrate 5 miles of open streets connecting Canoga Park, Winnetka, and Reseda all along Sherman Way. Enjoy this local gems blog featuring a few of the MANY things to eat, see, and do in the area. Thanks to everybody who contributed their local gems on social media and be sure to also use the CicLAvia Interactive Digital Map to plan out your day!

Sherman Way links the three neighborhoods together. This 15+ mile long street is named after Moses Hazeltine Sherman, a successful land developer who helped construct the Pacific Electric Railway streetcar system in Los Angeles. Although there are no longer active streetcars in the area, his name and legacy live on throughout the Valley.

Check out:

 

Things To Do + See

Canoga Park Branch Library
20939 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303

The Canoga Park Branch Library, part of the Los Angles Public Library system, is located on the intersection of Sherman Way and Independence Ave. Although they will be closed on CicLAvia Sunday, be sure to swing by for special events, workshops, or to read a book!

 

Taxco Theatre
7242 Owensmouth Ave, Canoga Park, CA 91303

The Taxco Theatre is a publicly-owned facility which provides opportunities for local artists, nonprofit organizations, community organizations, and performing arts students to develop and produce new work. After being closed for almost five years, on February 26, 2024, the Taxco Theatre reopened after a $1.4 million renovation. 

 

Madrid Theatre
21622 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303

The Madrid Theatre was constructed in 1926 and has a longstanding history in the city of Canoga Park. After undergoing heavy damages in 1994 due to the Northridge earthquake and being reopened in 1998, the theater is currently under renovation and slated to reopen soon. The new makeover consists of new lighting, stage improvement, and interior developments. The Madrid Theatre and its staff eagerly await the reopening to showcase movies, plays, and many other forms of performing arts to the city, all for an affordable price.

 

Antique Row
Sherman Way / Alabama Ave, Canoga Park, CA 91303

Further west on Sherman Way you will find Antique Row, a corridor  suited for timeless antique shopping, with storefronts dating back to the 1920s/30s. Swing by Alabama Antiques and Collectibles, Retro Relics Etcetera, Main Street Vintage Mall, and many others for some classic collectables and vintage finds!

 

G Line Bikeway
1019 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Want to get more miles in before or after the event? Take a ride along the 17+ mile long Orange Line Busway Bike Path. This path begins in North Hollywood and runs along the Metro Orange Line Busway all the way to Chatsworth and can be accessed via the CicLAvia route at the intersection of Sherman Way and Canoga Ave.

 

Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area
17017 Burbank Blvd, Encino, CA 91316

Connecting to the bike path in Encino is the 2,000+ acre Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area. This open area offers plenty of outdoor activities such as: kayaking, biking, and swan boat rides. Keep in mind that the recreation area is ~4 miles from the route.

 

The Victorian / Platt Office Building
19715 Sherman Way, Winnetka, CA 91306

Along the route you will notice a Queen Anne style house that Dennis Platt, a professional carpenter, constructed from salvaged pieces of Victorian houses. He spent many years collecting pieces from a rest home located in Boyle Heights to construct this historic building which has served as office space since 1981.

 

Reseda Theatre
18443 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91335

The Reseda Theatre is a local theater that opened in 1948. Although it’s been closed and vacant since 1988, this historical landmark has future plans to reopen to the public in the near future.

 

Sherman Way Station
21384 Sherman Way, Los Angeles, CA 91303

To elevate the Angeleno transit rider experience, Metro Art commissions artworks from award winning artists. If you’re taking Metro to CicLAvia, make sure to check out the following station for its site-specific artwork. Here is one of the many artworks at LA Metro stations in the area. Owensmouth/Canoga Park by artist Margaret Lazzari is an artwork which celebrates the urban and botanical history of Canoga Park, previously known as Owensmouth. At this Metro station you will see images depicting native plants and the LA River, encouraging viewers to, “ … connect to the earth beneath their feet and to the plant and urban life surrounding them.” - Margaret Lazzari, artist.

 

Los Angeles River
Los Angeles, CA

The Los Angeles river is a ~51 mile long river which begins in the valley and ends in Long Beach. The river is extremely vital to the surrounding ecosystem and currently has significant support from local Angelenos to revitalize it. Check out LA River X and Friends of the LA River for more information on clean ups, meetings, and much more information on how you can help support the LA River.

 

Reseda Sign
Sherman Way / Lindley Ave, Reseda, CA 91335

There’s no better photo op at CicLAvia–The Valley than taking one right next to the Sherman Way/Reseda sign. This sign has welcomed countless people heading west further into the Valley.

 

Places To Eat + Shop

Cavaretta's Italian Deli
22045 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91304

Cavaretta's Italian Deli is a local favorite in the valley known for its hospitality, Italian food, and atmosphere. If you’re craving sandwiches, pasta, or having a sweet tooth for a cannoli, this is the place for you.

 

Follow Your Heart Market & Cafe
21825 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303

Follow Your Heart Market & Cafe is a unique half market half vegan/vegetarian restaurant. Since 1970, this beloved location has been serving its local community and those who make the visit.

 

Grandi Italiani
21730 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303

Grandi Italiani is an old-school Italian restaurant serving up pastas, pizzas, and many other Italian dishes since 1959. Grandi Italiani is also the sister restaurant of Andre’s Italian Restaurant in Mid-Wilshire. 

 

India Sweets & Spices
22011 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303

India Sweets and Spices specializes in fresh, high quality ingredients. Stop by to grab a vegetarian or vegan dish from their counter-service style bar or do some shopping in their adjacent grocery store.

 

Allen & Sons Table Tennis Club
21915 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303

Allen & Sons Table Tennis Club is a local facility dedicated to ping pong lovers of all skill levels. Follow their Instagram page to learn more about upcoming classes, events, and tournaments!

 

Rock Paradise
21828 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303

Rock Paradise is a unique destination for rock/gem enthusiasts. As you enter their peaceful and welcoming environment, you will learn about the many healing properties and multiple functions of the wide variety of stones they have to offer.

 

Green Thumb Nursery - Canoga Park
21812 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303

The Green Thumb Nursery is a garden center known for its extensive collection of plants, gardening supplies, and knowledgeable staff. Swing by to look around or have a convo with their friendly staff!

 

Canoga Discount Birds
21731 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303

 

Aquarium City
21723 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303

Looking for a companion around the house? Canoga Discount Birds and Aquarium City have a wide range of birds, fish, reptiles, and pet supplies to choose from. Both locations also have extremely knowledgeable, super friendly staff to assist you in no time. 

 

The Real Juicery
7212 Remmet Ave, Canoga Park, CA 91303

The Real Juicery in Canoga Park is a juice bar known for serving fresh, made-to-order juices, smoothies, and other nutritious offerings. It has become a popular destination for locals looking to enjoy healthy, refreshing drinks.

 

J B Bike Shop 2
2223 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90031

J B Bike 2 is a local, family owned bike shop in Canoga Park. Swing by their store front for bike repairs, sales, and accessories from experienced and super friendly staff!

 

King Fandom
21425 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303

King Fandom is a pop culture and collectibles store that is known for their wide variety of products related to comic books, video games, movies, anime, and much more. Check out their Instagram page for the next comic book singing, toy release, tournament, or fan-centric gathering!

 

Vinh Loi Tofu
18625 Sherman Way #101, Reseda, CA 91335

Vinh Loi Tofu is a Vietnamese restaurant that serves comforting pho, mouthwatering sandwiches, and much more. What makes them different from the others? Vinh Loi Tofu is 100% vegan and has all the popular Viet dishes all while being plant based! 

 

Johnny Pacific
100 N Toluca St, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Johnny Pacific is a restaurant located slightly off the route. This spot has been serving warm, crispy, and a wide variety of empanadas since 2003. Johnny Pacific has traditional options such as beef, chorizo, and cheese. In addition, they also have unique, seasonal flavors such as pumpkin!

 

Collector’s Paradise
7131 Winnetka Ave, Winnetka, CA 91306

Collector’s Paradise is a comic book store known for its vast selection of comics, graphic novels, and pop culture merchandise. Follow their Instagram page for the next signing event or rare collectible drop!

 

Carrillo's Mexican Deli.
19744 Sherman Way, Winnetka, CA 91306

Carrillo's Mexican Deli is a popular, family-owned spot in Winnetka known for its authentic and delicious Mexican comfort food. Whether you’re craving a satisfying breakfast burrito or a nice steak plate, Carrillo's has got you covered.

 

Sasoun Bakery
18135 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91335

Sasoun Bakery is a family-owned bakery known for their Armenian pastries, bread, and treats. They are praised for their lavash, boreks, baklava, and meat pies. 

Thank you for checking out a few of the MANY local gems in the area. As you go throughout the CicLAvia route be sure to check out other local gems such as: Canoga Park Improvement Association, Coco D’s BBQ, Henri's Restaurant, Jerry's Pizzeria, Khuu Bistro, Nico's Family Restaurant, Phở So 1, Phở 21, Phở 999, Resalat Educational Foundation, The Thyme Pizzeria, Universal Thrift Store, Valley Sandwiches and much more! 

We can't wait to see you all at CicLAvia—The Valley on December 8! Don’t forget to sign up for our mailing list so you don’t miss out on updates and information, future programs, and to be the first to hear about 2025 events!

These events are made possible by contributions from people like you. To support more open streets, consider making a tax-deductible donation here today! 

Photos courtesy of: Brian Feinzimer, @t.r3.0, @dca_taxcotheatre, @mainstreetvintagecanogapark, Farah Sosa, Wikipedia, @la_ismyhome, @toomuchfire, Metro Art (Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority), Jon Endow, @fyhmarketcafe, @dr.mingwoo, @indiasweetsandspices, @allen_and_sons_pingpong, @_rockparadise_, @greenthumbnursery, @canogadiscountbirds, @aquariumcity, @therealjuicery, @_kingfandom, @johnnypacificla, @collectors_paradise, @carrillos_canogapark, and @sasounbakery.