One perfect day in Glendale, CA

DAY: Stop by for a free concert: Glendale's own Taj Mahal, the 1904 El Miradero mansion, is home to the Brand Library & Art Center, where you can catch art exhibits and concerts. The L.A. Opera (with Placido Domingo's help) is putting on a free performance here on May 7, showing off its rising stars. Closed Sun; 1601 W. Mountain St.; brandlibrary.org

NIGHT: Taste the food putting this town on the map: Even L.A. foodies cross the border for the ultra-seasonal plates, mason jars of potted pork (it's a thing now), and cured meats at Palate. Cheese-ivores can mingle at the Cirque du Fromage weekly tasting sessions, then take the party home with cheese and wine from the shop in back. $$; 933 S. Brand Blvd.; 818/662-9463.

Still hungry? Three more can't-miss eats

Take home a treat: Snookies Cookies has been a mail-order sensation for decades (and did you catch the mention by Sean Parker's character in The Social Network?), but the only brick-and-mortar store and delivery truck are right here in town. Our picks: the fresh oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and an eat-on-the-spot ice cream sandwich. 1609 Victory Blvd.; 818/502-2013.

Table for two: You won't bat an eye when the bill comes at the chic and cheap Pho Hut that serves enormous bowls of its namesake noodle soup. The pork-shrimp spring rolls are the musty-try starter; finish with the sweet "boba" milk tea for dessert. $; 312 N. Brand Blvd.; 818/247-6955.

After hours: Wine and jazz are a perfect pairing at Left Coast Wine Bar & Gallery. There's seating on the outdoor patio, but we prefer upstaris in the cozy loft where the local singer-songwriters perform. $; 117 E. Harvard St.; leftcoastwinebar.com