LA VENTA INN CELEBRATES 100 YEARS
To commemorate its 100th anniversary in 2023, the historic La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes Estates, Calif., is hosting a myriad of engaging, fun and food-filled, community-focused events throughout the year. The property has served various roles since its development in 1923, including community center, inn, private residence, and special event venue. In 2021, Meg Walker, CEO & executive chef of Made by Meg, became the operator and exclusive caterer of La Venta Inn, and she remains committed to respecting the beloved venue’s rich history, while ensuring its continued legacy.
100 YEARS, 100 MORE
Finally realizing her lifelong dream of becoming La Venta’s newest caretaker, Walker’s first task was to refresh the property while still preserving its iconic landmark status in partnership with local designer, Dannielle Albrecht. In addition to La Venta’s facelift, Walker extended Made by Meg’s signature cuisine and attentive service to guests of the venue. Looking to La Venta’s future, Walker and her team plan to continue the storied property’s long legacy of hosting exquisite seaside events. An emphasis on community will also take precedence in 2023 and beyond. Through the upcoming public centennial events, new traditions and other future initiatives, La Venta will revisit its roots as a community gathering place for many years to come.
“It is an incredible honor to be the proprietor of this historic landmark as it passes 100 years of service to our wonderful community,” Walker says. “A day doesn’t go by without someone sharing that they were married or went to a treasured event at La Venta. We are in awe of how much history La Venta holds and how much is to come.”
A HOSPITABLE HISTORY
La Venta—which means “the sale” in Spanish—was designed by architect brothers Walter and Pierpont Davis in 1923 and originally built as the sales office for the then soon-to-be-inhabited city of Palos Verdes Estates. The Spanish-style property offered sweeping ocean views and lush gardens designed by landscape architect brothers John Charles Olmsted and Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.––who was behind the design of New York City’s beloved Central Park in the 1850s––and was used as a model to encourage and attract prospective landowners to build homes in the new neighborhood. Over the past 100 years, La Venta’s role within the community has evolved, being used as: a lookout during World War II, a restaurant, an inn, a private residence, a haven for Hollywood’s elite during the industry’s Golden Age, and of course, a beloved seaside venue for timeless weddings and events.
“La Venta has been part of our family for nearly 80 of its 100 years and is filled with memories of our grandparents, parents and siblings,” says co-owner Mark Matthews. “We are so fortunate to have the privilege of protecting such a special place. Every year we have held family reunions at La Venta to pass on the love and responsibility to the next generation. I have no doubt that between our family and Meg’s team, it’ll remain in good hands.”
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION SCHEDULE
To commemorate this momentous occasion, Meg Walker and La Venta Inn team have curated a schedule of celebratory events to be enjoyed throughout their centennial year.
- Love at La Venta – February 14
- For the first time ever, La Venta Inn will host couples for an unforgettable dinner featuring breathtaking views of the Queen’s Necklace shoreline on Valentine’s Day. For $75 per person, couples will enjoy a romantic 3-course meal, complete with wine pairings. Reservations only.
- Easter Celebration + Easter Egg Hunt – April 9
- Easter at La Venta Inn will consist of a classic egg hunt, bites from Made by Meg catering, a visit with the Easter Bunny and more!
- Mother’s Day Brunch – May 14
- Surrounded by lush gardens and greenery, Mother’s Day at La Venta will consist of a decadent meal for the whole family will enjoy.
- Centennial Rally with the PV Library/Historical Group – June 17
- Take part in a rally for the ages in partnership with the Palos Verdes Library and Palos Verdes Historical Group.
- La Venta Fireworks Viewing Party – July 4
- Experience a dazzling firework display from the best view on the Peninsula! Enjoy a variety of BBQ bites and family-friendly activities, all while taking in the sights of fireworks bursting throughout the city of Los Angeles, everywhere north of Palos Verdes!
- A Very La Venta Holiday Party – December 3
- Take part in the most wonderful time of the year at La Venta Inn’s second annual holiday party! Adults and children alike can enjoy seasonal activities, holiday hors d’oeuvres and festive libations.
For additional information on centennial programming, please visit LaVenta.com.
Dear Laura,
Thank you for your article about La Venta Inn that read in PV Magazine.
I want to correct a common mistake about the landscape architects John Charles Olmsted and Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. (the Olmsted Brothers) and their work with their father, Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr. They are often confused with their father.
It was their father, Fredrick Law Olmsted, Sr. who designed Central Park in New York City between the years 1853 and 1856. He died in 1903, and of course had nothing to do with landscaping in Palos Verdes. His nephew and adopted son, John Charles, was born in 1852, and his son, Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. was born in 1870, and therefore couldn’t have designed Central Park.
Lee Jester