My Favorite Weekend

Actress Alex Kingston is the newest addition to the staff on NBC’s “ER”

On the Road: On an ideal Friday night, I would get into my car and take the 101 to the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo. The rooms are outrageous! There’s one that’s the Buffalo Room with a ceiling made of glitter, a huge buffalo head on the wall and bright blue leather armchairs. It’s very kitsch. There’s also the Caveman Room in which the bathroom and the shower are a waterfall.

Coastal Living: Because I’m new to California as of July, it’s a treat to see the fantastic stretches of coast and to be able to walk year-round by the sea. I like to roller-blade in Santa Monica or go to the sand dunes at Pismo Beach.

Nouvelle Cuisine: I’ve just really been introduced to sushi. Teru Sushi on Ventura is nice. I also like El Coyote for Mexican food. I’m not the kind of person who likes fancy-schmancy places; I’m not someone who wants to sit around with agents or movie stars.

Daytripping: There is so much to see around me that is new that I don’t like to stay at home if I can help it. I like hiking, and I have really enjoyed both Temescul and Malibu canyons. Recently, some friends and I went to the Antelope Valley Museum. It’s a fantastically eccentric Swiss chalet in the middle of the desert that’s filled with Native American artifacts.

From House to Home: At the moment, most of my shopping revolves around buying furniture. I like to shop at flea markets a lot and the Rose Bowl is fantastic. You have to get there early though, to beat the crowd and the sun.