Author: Melissa Curtin

As a freelance travel and food writer, Melissa's articles have been published on Lonely Planet, AAA World Magazine, Zagat Stories, Roadtrippers, Canadian Traveller, Business Insider, MoneyInc, Resident Magazine (NYC), JohnnyJet, Heart of the Hotel, World Footprints, and many more. Some of her favorite travel articles can be found in Darling Magazine. She also writes for local print magazines such as SoCal Life Magazine, Where Traveler LA, Malibu Coast Lifestyle Magazine, Conejo Valley Lifestyle Magazine, LA Travel Magazine, and LA Downtowner. Her love of adventure and learning was fueled while traveling around the world at age 20 on Semester at Sea. She received a Master's degree in Education, taught in England on a Fulbright scholarship, and has been an educator for over 20 years. Over the last decade, she has worked with high-profile families in the Los Angeles area. After growing up in Connecticut and a decade in Washington, DC, west coast living has won her over. Living in California for the last 16 years has brought Melissa so much joy - thus why LaLaScoop was born. A desire to cover and discover the Best of LA became a shared passion that expanded to numerous guest writers bringing the 'LaLaScoop. Besides writing and helping children love learning, Melissa spends her free time seeking out the next adventure, savoring the Malibu coastline, and looking for unique finds for her new Palm Springs home. Follow her travels on @lalascoop or contact her at Melissa@lalascoop.com. Discover your next adventure -https://linktr.ee/MelissaCurtinMcDavitt
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LaLaScoop’s Valentine Gift Guide – Make your loved one swoon with a special surprise

Celebrate the one you love with a special gift this Valentine’s Day.  Surprise with POMP Flowers The go-to floral provider for the Rose Bowl and the Tony Awards, POMP flowers has been cultivating high-quality flowers for over 30 years on their family-owned farms in Ecuador and Columbia, with expertise in over 600 flower varieties all hand-raised and sustainably grown. Surprise your loved one, say “I Love … Continue reading LaLaScoop’s Valentine Gift Guide – Make your loved one swoon with a special surprise

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breathe, calm, jet away, mmm...tasty

Reset this winter at Terranea Resort

I couldn’t stop looking down, because 70 feet below I could see the ripples of the sand while orange Garibaldis and silver sardines swam around me. The blueish-green hued water was so clear off the coast of Palos Verdes that I contemplated capsizing my kayak just so I could swim on this hot Indian summer day in November. Just a mere hour’s drive (mid-day) from … Continue reading Reset this winter at Terranea Resort

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jet away, mmm...tasty

16 ways to prepare for a trip to Cuba

This article was first published in print in LA Travel Magazine, Spring 2017. It seems like everyone these days is posting themselves on social media in some fancy colorful dress in Havana, Cuba perfectly sweat-free and even in heels. After spending time in Cuba this seems almost outrageous, and not really a good reason to venture to the “Pearl of the Antilles”. Perhaps people want … Continue reading 16 ways to prepare for a trip to Cuba

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Kauai Dining Guide for your next trip to Hawaii

Some say there is no food scene on Kauai, but that’s entirely untrue. This volcanic Hawaiian “Garden Isle” — with dramatic natural beauty at every turn — provides the ultimate fresh produce from the land and sea while featuring influences from Japan, China, the Philippines, Spain, Germany, and many other countries. The best bites don’t necessarily come from the finest restaurants. It’s easy to find … Continue reading Kauai Dining Guide for your next trip to Hawaii

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Favorite Hotel Stays in Paris, Rome, Florence, and Tuscany

A hotel stay can make or break a vacation so it is important to choose wisely. These unique European accommodations enhanced our travels as we looked forward each night to returning to a comfy bed in a unique setting after long days of walking and exploring. Create the best memories with a stay at one of these special properties. RELATED: 12 Things to Know Before You Go … Continue reading Favorite Hotel Stays in Paris, Rome, Florence, and Tuscany

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flair, jet away, mmm...tasty

5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Paris!

This article was first published in print in both Malibu Coast Lifestyle Magazine and Conejo Valley Lifestyle Magazine and can be found online at City Lifestyle LA. Paris may be the center of the universe for fashion, but style is a way of life. Style can be found in the art and architecture, the way a boulangerie or patisserie displays its baked goods, pastries and … Continue reading 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Paris!

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Malibu, mmm...tasty, topFAVs

Ode to LA, written during the pandemic

This article was first featured in AAA World Magazine print in September 2020. ODE TO LA By Melissa Curtin Pelicans soar along the water line, and dolphins follow me down the beach. I admire a pack of surfers soaring and swiveling as the waves carry them home, or at least to Malibu Pier. Sixty years ago, fictional surfer girl, Gidget, rode these same waves in … Continue reading Ode to LA, written during the pandemic

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Palm Springs is always a good idea

This article was first published in Malibu Coast Lifestyle print, Conejo Valley Lifestyle print and online at City Lifestyle LA in December 2022. Just like when movie stars of the ‘20s and ‘50s flocked to the area from Hollywood, Palm Springs continues to be Los Angeles’ favorite getaway. This little big town in the desert, flanked by the dramatic San Jacinto mountains and poking palm … Continue reading Palm Springs is always a good idea

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Where to stay in Sicily that won’t break the bank

There has been a renewed interest in Sicily, especially after the second season of the hit HBO show White Lotus. While everyone may want to stay at San Domenico Palace Hotel (A Four Seasons Hotel), not everyone can afford it. Check out some of these unforgettable hotel stays that won’t break the bank we stayed in this past summer 2022 in our article Best Hotels … Continue reading Where to stay in Sicily that won’t break the bank

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You can never eat enough lobster – Check out our favorite lobsta spots in LA and Maine

“Lobster, lighthouses, leaves” was a recurring theme as we drove from one quaint seaside town to the next in mid-October. Maine had always been a distant memory as my Connecticut sailor parents brought me to this premier summer destination around the age of six. To my parents’ surprise, one steamed lobster was not enough. Maine is where my love affair with the briny bottom feeders … Continue reading You can never eat enough lobster – Check out our favorite lobsta spots in LA and Maine

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