LONG BEACH THROUGH A LOCAL’S EYE: BOO SIMMS
Boo Simms is an LA-based artist and creative director known for her ability to spark joy through her vibrant, larger-than-life murals, illustrations and designs. She is the founder of Wylie West Creative, a studio dedicated to bringing imagination to life. Boo's larger-than-life creations have earned her a reputation as a visionary artist who brings a unique and vibrant aesthetic to any project.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Boo is one half of the culinary and creative duo behind Lady & Larder, a Los Angeles-based cheese and charcuterie shop that pioneered the artful grazing board movement in 2016. With deep roots in the California hospitality industry and a background in design and marketing, Boo possesses a rare ability to weave brand stories through her creative lens.
Her portfolio includes collaborations with notable brands such as Citizens of Humanity, HP, Bulgari, Boochcraft, Speck and Lululemon. Her work has also been featured in publications like Martha Stewart Weddings, Forbes, Flower Magazine, Domino, and O Magazine.
When Boo is not dreaming up her next mural or making homemade pizza in her backyard, she can be found painting in her workshop or playing dress-up with her daughters. Mother of two and a proud Wrigley neighborhood resident, Boo is deeply committed to creating beauty and inspiration in her community and beyond.
We caught up with the local mom-preneur and asked her to share the seven things she’s vibing on most in Long Beach right now. This is what she said…
LONG BEACH FLEA
If it’s the third Sunday of the month, odds are you will find me and my whole fam cruising the market. We love to go early bird status — grab an ice cold beer and a hot dog, and search for treasures. Long Beach Flea is perfect for finding handmade pottery, vintage tees, plant babies you didn’t know you needed, and all sorts of cool art and homewares too. And if you’re not in the mood to buy, the people watching alone is worth the admission price. [Cash only for admission but lots of vendors take card now.] P.S. if you are looking for vintage goodies on any other day of the month, you can check out a rad little local shop called Magnolia and Willow – I always find good pieces there!
LONG BEACH BEER LAB
I have dreams about Long Beach Beer Lab’s Margherita pizza. It’s shaped like a star and made with beer malt sourdough crust stacked with melty garlic tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, and mozz that they top with this herby pesto oil. Honestly, I can eat a whole one myself and prefer not to share but you can do whatever feels right for you. The beer is also great – they have board games and pinball – live music some nights and a secret sake bar in the back with the most insane premium selection of Japanese sake…avail in glass or flights!
JOLLY SAILING
Max and Kayla Jolly are locals and charter their beautiful 1989 Ericson 32-3 sail boat from LB harbor — so much fun for sunset cruises or fun in the sun. You can bring up to six guests, BYOB (they provide a cooler and cups!), you can bring your own picnic and food and you can swim and dive right off the boat. Bring your fave playlist — Jolly Sailing has Bluetooth speakers! And best part? A licensed Capt. handles the sailing so you can just chill and enjoy.
NOBLE BIRD
This place is located on the backside of 2nd & PCH center and their rotisserie chickens are perfection! But if you are a sandwich person, you need to try the Noble Club. I crave this beauty at least once a week. It’s made with their house chicken, smoked bacon and these epic little roasted tomatoes that balance perfectly with pickled onions, garlic aioli and greens. Trust. Also, the lemonade is noteworthy. Noble Bird is also owned by a local family – Steve and Sidney Price and they’ve created such a cool vibe inside and on the patio. Check out the bathrooms, too. I painted them before they opened and hope they make you smile.
BABY GEE BAR
I love a dive bar and this heavenly little checkered floor watering hole (the former Red Room) does not disappoint. It’s intimate, dim lit with stained glass and full of cutie little nooks and corners to get cozy. Baby Gee Bar’s cocktails look as good as they taste and they have a nice natty wine selection. Everything is so thoughtful. It feels like you are hanging out at a friend's place. It’s a total vibe and it’s perfect for a pre-dinner or post dinner drink.
SWAN BOATS AT THE RAINBOW LAGOON
Swan Boats by Wheel Fun Rentals is my favorite wallet-friendly but still romantic date night – pack some tasty snacks and a flask (can I say that?). It’s very affordable and you can cruise around on the most adorable pedal boats. After sunset, the Swan Pedal Boats have LED lights that somehow manage to make the swans even more magical. Note: reservations are required! Book your slot online ahead of time.
LONG BEACH MUSHROOMS SUBSCRIPTION
Justin & Mia grow the most beautiful and sustainable mushrooms! I’m obsessed with all the colors and textures – I mean, have you seen a King Blue or Pink Oyster mushroom?! Total eye candy. And if you dig mushrooms in the kitchen, Long Beach Mushrooms has a rad monthly subscription where you can pick up a 1 lb. mixed box each month from their farm in Signal Hill! They also have their next batch of Mushroom Grow Kits available for preorder right now, so you can grow these insane little wonders right on your own kitchen counter.
