The resurgence of urban life is prolific throughout America. Once dilapidated city buildings are being reconfigured, painted, polished and shined, resulting in uber-chic districts. Streets splayed from the heart of downtown unravel into cultural treasure-troves of trendy restaurants, exotic hotels, and unceasing activities.

Los Angeles is no exception. Within a three miles radius of Union Station, new establishments represent the victory of reincarnating run-down neighborhoods into prosperous, hip, "the place to be" businesses.

The re-beautification of downtown L.A. has grown exponentially within the past 10 years, and shows no sign of abating. It has its own unique flavor. Visitors can catch a recital at Disney Concert Hall, or the latest exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art Stop by The Pantry restaurant for a good old-fashion breakfast, take in a game at the Staples Center or catch up on historic events at the Japanese American National Museum.

The area screams to be explored, and warrants an overnight getaway from the burbs. Following is a smattering of what L.A.'s historic core has to offer.

Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising

919 South Grand Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90015

Phone: (213) 624-1200

Current exhibit: July 10 through Sept. 9

www.fidm.edu

An unexpected surprise awaits at this creative college. The ultramodern campus hosts three, free exhibits a year in the FIDM Museum & Galleries. Past shows include Star Wars costumes, textiles from Switzerland, and historical costumes of California. Presently, a 40-year retrospective of America's favorite TV costumes from 1966-2006 is open to the public at The Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design show. Who could forget the ever-so-sparkly dresses worn by Joan Collins and Linda Evans in Dynasty? Nolan Miller catapulted to stardom with those designs. Sonny and Cher's whimsical outfits from the mid 1970s bring back memories of the zany variety show. Robert Conrad's duds from The Wild, Wild West and Wonder Woman's tiny uniform demonstrate just how small these superheroes were. Antonio Banderas is much taller than expected, as shown by the costume he wore in the 2004 HBO show "And Starring Pancho Villa As." The popular television sensation "Dancing With The Stars" graciously loaned their Emmy winning attire to the museum.

Students, faculty and alumni provide items for sale at the adjoining museum shop. Handmade jewelry that rivals any top designer sells for a fraction of the price. One-of-a-kind pieces such as "Baby's Bib In A Bottle," and "Go-Go Gear Travel Bags" allow customers to purchase items they can't find elsewhere.

The FIDM Scholarship Store is bursting at the seams with new clothes, sunglasses, jewelry, house-goods, fabrics and even bridal dresses donated by manufactures. Shirts sell two for $5, earrings for $8, men's ties for $1, flip-flops for $4. All proceeds go to the scholarship foundation. Students run the store and the public is welcome to pick up a bargain.

The Palm Restaurant

1100 South Flower Street

Los Angeles, CA 90015

Phone: (213) 763-4600

www.thepalm.com

After perusing the costume exhibit, stroll a few blocks south to the Palm Restaurant. The original Palm opened in New York City circa 1926. Since then, the classic steak and seafood house has expanded to 30 locations. Three generations of the Ganzi and Bozzi families have owned and operated the restaurants since their inception. Celebrities, politicians, and the locals frequent the many Palms. The colorful personalities were the genesis for caricatures painted on the restaurant's walls. Years ago, local newspaper men would draw a cartoon on the wall as a way to pay for their meal. The tradition was born. Today, hundreds of familiar faces adorn the inside of this friendly eatery.

A mahogany bar and booths at L.A.'s Palm contribute to the restaurant's warmth. Tables bathed in white linen counterbalance the heaviness of the wood. Impeccable attention is paid to the authenticity of each Palm Restaurant. The salad tomatoes in every establishment are Lucky brand, flown in from Georgia. The amazingly oversized lobster is from Canada. A Cobb salad is made with shrimp instead of turkey. A few twists to traditional foods make the Palms a cut above the rest.

Due to the proximity of the L.A. Palm to the Staples Center, lots of athletes stop by for a bite to eat following a game. A 36-ounce New York Strip goes down easily after a few hours on the court. It's not unusual to see a stretch limo waiting outside. Who knows, maybe you'll be eating linguini beside Kobe Bryant.

Figueroa Hotel

939 South Grand Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90015

Phone: (800) 421-9092

Room rates: Singles, $118-$138. Doubles, $124-$164. Suites, $175-$225.

www.figueroahotel.com

The hotel is disguised, from the street, as a dive. But one step over the threshold leaves patrons slack-jawed with disbelief. Rock the Casbah! The stunning Moroccan-themed lobby will stop you in your tracks. Stone columns, skylights, ornate tile, wrought-iron chandeliers, Kilim wall tapestries and immense planters housing 10-foot palm trees transport visitors to the African continent. The 12-story, 285-room funky enclave exudes character. Ornately stenciled overhead beams add an artistic flair. Cobalt blue and vermilion walls in the Medina, Marrakech and Casablanca suites are reminiscent of the Mediterranean Sea and colorful spices at a Moroccan market.

After checking in, pop down to the Veranda Bar which overlooks the swimming pool. Here a gurgling fountain, succulents and bougainvillea happily coexist. The courtyard blurs the distinction between indoors and out. Travelers can take an afternoon snooze on a canopy covered sofa draped with a silk sitara.

Club Fez and Room Tangier are frequently used to host Hollywood parties. The hotel sometimes entertains Hollywood's rich and famous, but their bread-and-butter is from a constant flow of visitors from Japan and Europe. That only adds to the uniqueness of this 1925 beauty.