Taylor Jenkins Reid, renowned author of bestsellers such as ‘Daisy Jones & the Six’ and ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,’ takes us on a picturesque tour of Los Angeles in a recent feature.
In her new novel, ‘Atmosphere,’ set against the thrilling backdrop of NASA in the 1980s, Reid offers a unique insight into the inspirations behind her storytelling.
One significant influence may very well stem from her daily commute along the Dr. Sally Ride Memorial Highway, a stretch of the 101 Freeway in Encino.
Reid reflects, ‘I am sure that it worked its way into my subconscious. It was there waiting for me because I’ve driven by that sign so many times.’
Encino and the San Fernando Valley provide Reid with a wealth of inspiration, which she embraces wholeheartedly.
She envisions an ideal Sunday spent with her husband, Alex Jenkins Reid, and their 8-year-old daughter, Lilah.
The day begins at 8 a.m. with a cozy reading session in bed.
Taylor notes, ‘Everybody in my house is reading in bed. I am reading “Harlem Rhapsody” by Victoria Christopher Murray.
I have been late multiple mornings now because of how much I’m enjoying it.’
She mentions that her daughter often joins in, creating moments of shared enthusiasm for literature.
By 9:30 a.m., the family heads out to Millie’s, a beloved diner in the Valley known for its welcoming atmosphere.
Reid describes it as a ‘no-frills place, but the food is so good,’ adding that the staff has long memories of her husband’s family’s visits.
The tortilla soup at Millie’s is a personal favorite, illustrating the charm of a local spot that has become a second home for her family.
At 10:30 a.m., Reid attempts to persuade her daughter to experience the beauty of the nearby Upper Canyonback Trailhead in Encino Hills.
Although some days the bribing doesn’t work, she mentions, ‘she actually does love to hike and just forgets that she does.’
This location, temporarily closed due to fires, offers breathtaking views of the city, with decisions made on which paths to take based on mood and weather.
By noon, Reid follows through on her bribery tactics with a visit to Vroman’s bookstore in Pasadena.
This bookstore boasts one of the best children’s book sections in Los Angeles, capturing her daughter’s attention as they cuddle up on benches to read.
Taylor humorously recalls, ‘my husband’s like, ‘Dude, would you like to leave and actually pay for these?’
Afterward, they find themselves exploring Old Town Pasadena around 2 p.m. for some culinary delights.
At the Motto Tea Cafe, the family indulges in Japanese soufflé pancakes, where her daughter favors the Nutella cream topping.
Nearby, Kinrose Creamery offers unique ice cream flavors, including an unforgettable sour cherry with candy floss.
After dessert, they enjoy a stop at Central Park, which features a beautiful playground for Lilah to stretch her legs and enjoy some playtime.
At 3:30 p.m., Reid’s muse shifts to her passion for paint colors, as she convinces her family to make a stop at Farrow & Ball.
Taylor delightfully shares, ‘I’m completely obsessed with paint colors, so I make my family go pretty often.’
Even though she may have no immediate painting project, her enthusiasm for the beautiful palettes keeps her engaged.
She avidly follows Joa Studholme, the company’s color curator, and enjoys watching her videos about color inspirations.
As the day winds down, by 5:30 p.m., the family has settled into their Sunday tradition of enjoying takeout from Lido Pizza.
For Reid, their pasta is the best, surpassing any upscale restaurant option.
Her loyalty to Lido Pizza runs deep, illustrated by her commitment to their unique salad dressing, which she has ordered by the jug for home use.
The atmosphere of this humble eatery holds sentimental value, as they have frequented it since her daughter was a baby.
Reid even shares how the parking lot of Lido Pizza became a backdrop in the film ‘Booksmart.’
As her perfect Sunday draws to a close, Taylor Jenkins Reid’s experiences highlight the significance of local connections, family traditions, and the joys of everyday life in L.A.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/travel/story/2025-06-08/sunday-funday-taylor-jenkins-reid-things-to-do-los-angeles
