Want to Go Somewhere Other Worldly? Take a Trip to the Americana!
My first visit to the Americana was intimidating with its "ginormous" parking structures.
As often as I visit the Americana, eat my ham and cheese crepes from the Crepe Maker, and watch the fountain and water shows, I just can't seem to get enough. To learn more about the Americana, visit www.americanaatbrand.com. Written by Kaylene Peoples |
Oh, the beautiful smells, vibrant colors, rich architecture, pristine landscaping, and superior design—all these descriptions are based on my experiences at Glendale, California's the Americana. 
I discovered that I was a visual, auditory coveter at six years old when my parents took me to Disneyland for the first time. My senses were titillated by all the colors, sounds, and smells. And every year like clockwork, I went back to the 'happiest place on earth' expecting the same rush—never once disappointed. Living forty-five minutes away was the only downfall. Several lifetimes later, as a grown woman, I still enjoy my annual visit to Disneyland, but now I can get a bit of that 'other worldly' feeling any time I want, just seven minutes away.
The Americana debuted earlier this year. 
It was rumored to be modeled after the Grove, a shopping area off Fairfax in Los Angeles. Its design and attention to detail is unrivaled. 
The landscape is beautifully manicured and sports supremely green grass, and a beautiful fountain with water shows every thirty minutes, accompanied by emotion—evoking songs by Celine Dion. Music plays the entire time. I feel as if I'm starring in a movie accompanied by the expertly composed soundtrack. There are a few gold neo-classical (Davinci-like) sculptures surrounded by little eateries and boutiques. There is even a playground next to my favorite food stand, The Crepe Maker, from which I can look up anytime I desire and see the Eiffel Tower replica. The other food stands/kiosks are Nestle's Toll House Cookies, Richie Palmer's Pizzeria, Jamba Juice, etc... 
In the lobby are a player grand piano and well-uniformed guards standing by the elevators eagerly helping patrons. It didn't take me very long to learn my way around, and now as a veteran, I can quickly descend into the hub. There are popular retail chains and restaurants everywhere, including The Cheese Cake Factory, Katsuya, Frida Mexican Cuisine, and even Pinkberry. The shops are endless. 
I've experienced them all, including Antropologie, Gilly Hicks, Guess by Marciano, H&M, J. Crew, Bare Escentuals, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, and Calvin Klein, among others. And let's not forget those beautifully designed, luxury condominiums that are strategically placed above the Americana overlooking the landscaping. I've even watched a film or two at the movie theater, the Pacific Theater 18. 
I've described the basics of the Americana , but I neglected to explain why it is so important to me—it's the shiny red trolley. 
(It reminds me of an amusement park.) The trolley circles around the entire structure in just a few minutes. The conductor happily drives visitors around, answering their questions while they're on their mini tour. When Agenda shot the Americana editorial a few weeks back, our spokesmodel Lindy Flowers and I were privately chauffeured on that trolley. And Americana Designer Rick Caruso offered exclusive insight to us on the workings of this magical retail landscape. 
I have discovered that when I am feeling down, burnt out, listless, or just plain overworked, this place serves as a quick pick-me-up. After a short visit, I am in a good mood. Why? Maybe because it does remind me of Main Street in Disneyland; or the tourist strip in Charleston, South Carolina; or perhaps it has that vintage New Orleans feel; or maybe even Paris. The Americana encompasses elements from some of the most beautiful places in the world, hiring the best entertainers, and utterly delighting my senses. There's a hint of Utopia only a hop, skip, and a jump away. What more can I say—it just works!
