Ansley Rubinstein

Whether you live in LA or are just visiting, it's good to get familiar with the city. Everyone has heard of Hollywood, Silver Lake and Echo Park, but there's more to this city than just those popular, hip neighborhoods. Here's a look at eight neighborhoods you've probably never heard of before—some you may want to visit and others you may want to stay out of for now. 1. Garvanza: Yes, this could easily be mistaken for the new collagen-boosting ingredient in your green smoothie, but it's actually named after the garbanzo beans that flourished here in the 1860s. Bordering Highland Park and Pasadena, you've probably passed through on your way to the Rose Bowl. 2. Porter Ranch: Never mind 90210 when you can live in 91326, an affluent area at the edge of the San Fernando Valley. 3. Westdale: In the no-man's lands of Palms, Mar Vista and the Santa Monica airport, Westdale is equally unremarkable. If you've eaten at the Asian food mecca that is Sawtelle Boulevard, you've certainly parked on the streets here. 4. Victor Heights: This hilly neighborhood next to Echo Park is referred to as the “Forgotten Edge.” In fact, it's so forgotten that Google maps forgot where it is. You've probably gotten stuck in these hills while attempting to avoid traffic after a Dodger Game. 5. Beverly Park: This gated community off Coldwater Canyon and Mulholland Drive is home to the rich and famous. So, unless you are Miley Cyrus, you probably haven't driven through there. 6. Chesterfield Square: This mig

Although it feels as though Los Angeles has re-entered the seventh circle of summer, there are a couple of places where fall foliage almost (almost!) makes La La Land feel like the East Coast. Fall color in Los Angeles is actually quite unique thanks to the region's Mediterranean climate that enables exotic deciduous trees to thrive, unlike in other parts of North America—so take that, New England. LA's temperatures also remain in the 70s and 80s well throughout October and November, so the fall colors continue. So while winter isn't really coming, these are the best places to pretend it is: 1. Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens Located at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, this 127-acre botanical garden is home to Freeman's maples (bright red), Shagbark hickories (bright yellow) and Japanese birch trees (red and yellow). 2. The Huntington Library and Gardens It's hard to believe this oasis is practically in the heart of Pasadena. Wander through various themed gardens while spotting the sweet gum and red gum trees currently changing color. Camellias also bloom throughout November, which add even more vibrancy to the autumn mix. 3. Oak Glen Sure, apple picking season is over, but don't cry over spilt cider. This 5-mile loop (follow Oak Glen Road) is still ablaze with changing leaves. On average, Oak Glen is also 10-15 degrees cooler than in the city, so maybe bring a hat and gloves (finger-less ones, of course). 4. Big Bear Big Bear's fall foliage is thank