Leila Elihu

L.A. might have a bit of a rep for being a very expensive place to stay, but the truth is that the city is actually packed with affordable hotels, too. Shocker, right? Not only are these accommodations a little cheaper, but plenty are also full-on luxurious and boujee. All you need to do is know where to look. Luckily, we're here to help you out. We've scoured Los Angeles to find the city’s finest affordable places to stay, from sleek beachside estabs to peaceful retreats in the hills. Read on for our pick of Los Angeles’ budget hotels. You're welcome.   RECOMMENDED: The best hotels on the beach in Los AngelesRECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Los AngelesRECOMMENDED: The best bars in Los Angeles Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

And the countdown to Christmas begins! There are little markers in L.A. that let us know that one of the most exciting times of the year is soon approaching: Christmas lights being lit, holiday music on the radio and the Hollywood Christmas Parade. Every year, thousands of Angelenos don their most festive apparel (still too tight from Thanksgiving dinner) and head to the Hollywood Walk of Fame as it’s transformed into a winter sort-of-wonderland. Here’s everything you need to know about the Hollywood Christmas Parade, one of the first major Christmas events of the season. When is the Hollywood Christmas Parade 2023? The Hollywood Christmas Parade takes place on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 6pm. How can I watch the parade? Reserved grandstand seating will be available to purchase here. Reserved spots are likely to cost upwares of $100, but curbside viewing along the parade route after Highland Avenue is free. If you just want to watch on TV, all of the action usually airs closer to Christmas on the CW and KTLA (this year’s air date is still to come). Where does the parade start? The parade begins at Hollywood Boulevard and Orange Drive, in front of the Chinese Theatre, and heads east. It then turns south onto Vine Street and west onto Sunset Boulevard, where it continues until reaching Orange Drive. A route map and street closure information can be found here. Who will be appearing? Erik Estrada, Laura McKenzie, Dean Cain, Montel Williams and Elizabeth Stanton will host. The r

Southern California’s apple picking season, which generally runs from Labor Day through Thanksgiving, draws apple-loving Angelenos to comparatively rural counties nearby for a fresh taste of fall and a change of scenery. The closest apple picking area to Los Angeles is Oak Glen, a small unincorporated town in San Bernardino County where a cluster of longtime orchards allow purists to pick apples straight off the tree and indulge in timeless fall treats like apple cider, apple cider doughnuts and hot chocolate (even if the actual weather outside still hovers above 80 degrees).  While the trek to Oak Glen typically takes an hour to two hours’ drive from most parts of L.A., many of these U-pick farms offer a day of worthwhile family-friendly activities, from fresh cider pressing to petting zoos and archery—hence why they’re part of our guide to the best things to do in the fall. If you’re willing to spend three or four hours in the car, the sleepy town of Julian in San Diego County is an even more charming apple picking town—albeit better suited to an overnight trip or a longer day trip for those willing to get up even earlier to make the drive. From late October (the last few weeks of prime apple picking season) to early November, the remote mountain town also transforms into one of SoCal’s true fall foliage destinations and local bakery Julian Pie Company turns the fall bounty into some of the best pies in Southern California.  For best results and little chance for disappoin

The month of October is full of activities for people of all ages. Kids can enjoy the splendor of enough free Halloween candy to last them the remainder of the year, while those without a curfew can partake in the countless haunted houses and happenings that will scare them well until the following Halloween. It’s also the only month you won’t mind being told to “get lost”—in a corn maze, that is. Los Angeles has plenty that are a guaranteed good time, as you weave through a labyrinth of corn husks (and maybe a few dead ends) until reaching the finish. Some are even designed to create particular images and messages. Visit one, or visit all of these corn mazes in L.A. and be sure to take stock in the abundance of corny jokes that await. RECOMMENDED: Looking for more produce? Try these pumpkin patches and places to go apple picking.

When you want to see magic in Los Angeles, you go to the Magic Castle. You've probably seen it perched above Franklin Avenue and have always wondered what kind of mystifying acts take place within the walls of this Victorian chateau. If you're an out of towner, this just might land on your list of places to visit in L.A. But if you're a local, it's a right of passage to becoming a true Angeleno. So whether you're going for the bar, restaurant or magic, here's our guide to this exclusive club. What is it? The Magic Castle is a private magic clubhouse in Hollywood that offers magic shows, dining experiences and séances to their members. The club first opened its doors in 1963, but the Victorian building dates back to 1908. Where is it? The Magic Castle is located at 7001 Franklin Ave in Hollywood. It’s one block north of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. When is the Magic Castle open? The Magic Castle is open daily from 5pm-2am. Weekend brunch is Saturday and Sunday from 10am-3pm. The venue may be open, but the magic schedule may have different times.  How can I get in? There are actually a number of ways to get into the Castle even if you’re not a member, which you can find here. The venue is 21 and over, except during weekend brunch. How much does it cost? Members can enter anytime without paying an entrance fee. The same goes for up to five guests entering with a member; additional guests must pay. The admission fee if you manage to get an invite is $20 Monday through Thursday and

As the epicenter of trend-setting red carpet looks, high-impact studio makeup and—let’s face it—the beauty-obsessed, L.A.’s expansive range of beauty supply store options is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. From sun-kissed Santa Monica to star-studded Hollywood and beyond, the city is brimming with top-of-the-line beauty emporiums and boutiques for all of your glamify-ing needs. Whether you’re looking for eco-friendly, age-defying skincare products, handmade bath bombs for ultimate post-work pampering (bless you, Lush Cosmetics), a pro-approved makeup edit (hello, Violet Grey) or just a few products to make you feel like you've spent the day at one of the city's top spas, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of the best beauty supply stores in town, and stock your cabinets with everything from industry-approved makeup to all-natural skin care products.

It should come as no surprise that L.A. has a wealth of health food stores. In a town so hooked on yoga, green juice and clean living, people also like to have extra-healthy options for their grocery shopping. These shops sell everything from fair-trade, locally roasted coffee beans and organic produce to raw vegan snacks and wholistic remedies. If you're extra vigilant about what goes into (and on) your body, these health food stores are your first and best bets for groceries, home goods and more.

Think you know kosher food? Go beyond falafel, shish kabob, shawarma and hummus. From the best Thai to best Mexican, the city's wide selection of kosher spots make this Biblical dietary restriction more enjoyable (and a little easier). Here are L.A.'s best kosher restaurants. RECOMMENDED: Best restaurants in Los Angeles

It doesn't have to be Hannukah for you to enjoy the best latkes in Los Angeles. You can find these potato pancakes at some of the expected Jewish spots plus a few surprising restaurants, from Fairfax Village to Downtown and everywhere in between. The crispy latkes come in a variety of flavors (sweet potato, zucchini and more) and many are available to go. RECOMMENDED: L.A.'s best kosher restaurants

It's an all-too-familiar scenario: somewhere between wrapping gifts and putting up the last ornaments on your Christmas tree, you forgot to pick up a bottle of wine or pint of ice cream and find yourself asking what's open on Christmas Day. Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. Fortunately, there are a few grocery stores open on Christmas throughout L.A.—although the big chain stores dominate this list, other non-chain establishments will be open for those harder-to-find, specialty items. And remember: while you’re roaming the aisles in a frenzy, don’t forget to spread some holiday cheer to the people making it possible for you to pick up more dinner rolls. RECOMMENDED: See our complete guide to Christmas in Los Angeles

You've just finished losing the weight you piled on from the last holiday season, but there is no way you are going to deprive yourself of delicious turkey and pumpkin pie at this year's Thanksgiving dinner. So, what is a pragmatic Angeleno supposed to do? A turkey trot. Los Angeles has these 1-10K runs (or walks) happening all around, with the proceeds benefitting various charities. So you can both give back to the community and burn some extra calories all at the same time. If you're not ready to take out those running shoes, you can still support the cause by volunteering or rooting on the turkey trotters. RECOMMENDED: See more of Thanksgiving in Los Angeles

There will be plenty of things growling on the streets during Halloween in L.A., but your stomach shouldn't be one of them. Candy stores, bakeries, restaurants and bars are coming up with spooky Halloween treats and cocktails, but even more are offering full-blown bar crawls and multi-course menus to ring in All Hallows Eve. Slap on your costume and pick out one of these Halloween restaurant specials and events to close out the haunted holiday. RECOMMENDED: Find out more about Halloween in L.A.

With more than 11 acres of corn, Big Horse Corn Maze just might be the biggest in all of SoCal. For more than a decade, people have been coming from all over to explore their intricately and—when viewed from the air—patriotically designed labyrinths. The maze is open from Tuesday to Sunday (plus the two Mondays before Halloween); the attraction coincides with a harvest festival, as well, which features bounce houses, slides and a pumpkin patch.

Australian Fashion Labels is having its largest Sample Sale yet with up with pieces starting at only $5. Brands include C/MEO Collective, Finders Keepers, Keepsake the Label, The Fifth Label and JAGGAR Footwear. The event is for two days only, with sizes available from XXS to XL. The Sample Sale takes place May 24 and 25 from 10am to 4pm at Downtown’s Cooper Design Space; just make sure to bring some cash, as that’s the preferred method of payment.

This beautifully modern, outdoor restaurant serves Italian dishes and creative cocktails that you can enjoy beneath a flowering tree and surrounded by romantic string lighting (the indoor bar offers dining for 10 people). Though it's the ideal outdoor dinner date spot in Palm Springs, Birba's friendly staff and comfortable ambiance make it a great choice for family-friendly dining as well. The most popular dish is Nonna's meatballs, but Birba has options for everyone's dietary needs, including a cauliflower and gluten-free crust for the pizzas—and the menu changes every two months, so every time you visit there's something new to try.

The weekly pop-up from San Francisco opened its first store in Culver City's modern Platform space a year ago and has been serving up their tasty Mexican food and handmade tortillas ever since. Loqui will be celebrating its 1 year anniversary in true Mexican style with live mariachi, churros, tacos and $3 modelos. Enjoy their tasty Mexican dishes with fresh salsa and beer all day long at one of L.A.'s newest taquerias.  

For all your questions about climbing Mt Whitney, expert Dr. Ken Murray will lead this free informational session to go over everything you need to know, from tips on gear to trip planning. If you weren't picked during this year's permit process, Dr. Ken Murray will offer popular routes so you can still get on the trails this year. The presentation begins at 7pm, but come at 6:30pm for their happy half-hour and to chat with this seasoned Sierra mountaineer.    

In addition to being a great platform for sharing photos of your adorable French Bulldog and delicious brunch, Instagram can be a useful tool in building your brand. Puno, founder of ilovecreatives, is leading this 4-hour workshop to teach you, step-by-step, how her company went from having 13 followers to more than 100 thousand in just one year, and how you can do the same for your own brand. Bring a laptop and smartphone, and be prepared to learn valuable tips on how to take your Instagram to new levels.

Add some color to your Easter celebrations with natural egg dyeing at Makers Mess (602 N Hoover St). Liz Spencer—the dogwood dyer—will teach you an environmentally friendly way to color both Easter eggs and cloth. Learn techniques like mordanting, extraction and patterning, all with the use of local plants. Participants will leave with 2 dyed silk scarves, colored eggs and a guide on how to repeat the process at home.

You may have seen Adi Goodrich's acclaimed patterned walls and sets in ads for Google, Target, Facebook and even music videos for artists like OK Go and Little Dragon. At this workshop, you can learn different techniques to make massive patterned sets for your own projects, from the award-winning art director herself. Adi will go through her portfolio and teach participants how to stamp, hand-paint and make patterns, collages and gradients; everyone will create and leave with their own patterned canvas wall.

Do you know what a fragrance note is, let alone the difference between a top, middle and bottom one? During this kid-friendly workshop, you will not only learn the technicalities of perfume making, but also have the opportunity to blend your very own perfume to take home. Persephenie Schnyder is an aromatherapist and perfumer in L.A. who will teach about extraction methods, fragrance families and the basics of crafting a perfume. Learn a new skill that makes the perfect gift while knocking an item of your shopping list.

The desert has long been a destination for Angelenos to flee the lights and craziness of the city and set up camp in a place where the noises of the 101 are only a figment of your imagination. For nearly two decades, the desert has also become a place to attend some of the biggest music festivals, like Coachella and Stagecoach. Those that don't want to limit their desert excursions by lodging in a hotel can opt to stay at Base Camp, a pop-up RV and tent camping resort during the Coachella and Stagecoach festivals. The site is at 82950 61st Ave, just 6 miles south of the festival grounds, with nonstop service to the festival. Guests have to option to camp in an RV, tent, car or luxury tent. Amenities are aplenty and include a swimming pool, hot air balloon rides, art compound and restaurant. Seekers of the ultimate desert and camping experience stay at Base Camp. Period.

Get your laughs and lube in the same place. Join the Pleasure Chest for the return of the ever popular Performance Anxiety, a comedy night hosted by Eli Olsberg and T.J. Miller. For seven bucks, you can enjoy free beer, 15% off purchases and live performances by some of the best comics working today.

Elle Chase, author of Curvy Girl Sex: 101 Body-Positive Positions to Empower Your Sex Life will be sharing all her favorite sex tips, tricks and positions for curvy women at this workshop. Get all your questions answered by a certified expert, learn which at-home items you can introduce to the bedroom and leave feeling empowered and excited about your curvy, beautiful body.

Surprise, surprise—L.A. traffic is the worst. If you feel like it's gotten worse over the years, you're right, and now there's an interactive platform called Crosstown Traffic to prove it. USC's School of Engineering teamed up with the School for Communication and Journalism to apply their data into useful facts for Angelenos. Very useful findings include the most dangerous time to drive and accident-prone spots in the city. Data shows that 5-7pm on Fridays is the most dangerous time to be driving on L.A. freeways, likely because of the increased amount of people on the roads. A total of 4,995 collisions happened during this timeframe in 2016, which is 23 percent more than on Mondays at the same time. For some, driving during then is unavoidable, but avoiding it would be a safer option. In addition to the most dangerous time to be driving on an L.A. freeway, the most dangerous spot is the where the 57 and 60 freeways meet, with an average of 168 accidents taking place there in three years. This two-mile area, known well by San Gabriel Valley commuters, merges 17 lanes into 14. According to the survey, confusing signage and it being a popular route for semi-trucks are also part of the problem. It's safe to say that being at the 57/60 Confluence on a Friday between 5-7pm is not the safest of choices. Other dangerous intersections are at Colima and Fullerton roads, Colima Road and Nogales Street, South Hacienda Boulevard and Gale Avenue, and South Vermont and Sepulveda Boulevard

It's spring! And after having one of the rainiest winters in years, you can expect to see plenty of flowers blooming this season. A good way to finish off your spring cleaning checklist is by bringing home a beautiful bouquet of flowers, made even more special when it's trimmed and arranged by you. But before you head for the hills, picking flowers and pricking your fingers, learn from an expert at these flower arranging classes around L.A. Floral Art: Every fourth Thursday the month, designer and owner Jennifer McGarigle will teach you the different varieties of certain blooms, techniques like floating blossom compositions and how to pair them best during themed classes like Bali Bliss, Sweet Pea Divine, Plush Peonies and more. 3607 Hayden Ave, Culver City. $150 per class Flower Duet: After going on a tour of the Original Los Angeles Flower Market, Flower Duet will teach you how to design your own arrangement by focusing on one flower variety, ranging from tulips and roses to dahlias and hydrangeas. They also offer a Wednesday night wedding series workshop where you can learn to make centerpieces, table accents, bouquets and boutonnieres. 2675 Skypark Dr, Torrance. $85 per class Los Angeles City College: If one day isn't going to do it for you, LACC offers a series of three to five classes. Learn the basics of wedding, holiday and special occasion arrangement during Floral Design I and II, or take Ikebana: Japanese Art of Flower Arrangement, where you'll be taught the Japane

People move to L.A. for many different reasons: The weather, the entertainment industry, school. But you will never hear someone say they moved to L.A. for the abundance of genuine people and opportunities to make long-lasting relationships. Unfortunately, the glitz, glamour and competitiveness of Tinseltown make it hard to find the one you call BFF.  Los Angeles, we love you to pieces, but you’re attracting the type of people that would make Holden Caulfield pack up and leave. Here’s a list of the 11 faux friend types you’ll find in L.A. 1. The networker: This person conveniently texts just days after you got your cool new job and all of a sudden wants to “catch up.” 2. The co-dependent: You only hear from this friend after he or she splits up with a significant other and needs someone to fill the void. 3. The socialite: Whether fake friend or not, you raise this person’s following by one and that’s a good enough reason to call you a “friend." 4. The flake: If you had a nickel for every time this faux friend has said, "Let's get lunch!," you would have enough to pay for an entire month's rent in Venice. 5. The party animal: The only reason this person has you in his or her contacts is because you know a promoter at Blind Dragon and can cut the entire line. 6. The economist: This manipulative miser knows you'll always offer to pay for a few rounds of drinks, so always insists on joining. 7. The performer: Forget brunch, hiking or cocktail bars, the only activity this friend w

The first question that arises after purchasing Coachella tickets is, "Where are we going to stay?" Hotels get booked up months before the festival. Even if you do manage to score a room, there's the transportation to and from the festival grounds to consider. Marriott is solving this problem by bringing the hotel directly to Coachella.  During weekend two of Coachella, there will be 8 fully furnished tents designed after each of the hotel's lifestyle brands: AC Hotels, Aloft, Moxy, Westin, Le Méridien, Renaissance Hotels, Autograph Collection Hotels and Tribute Portfolio. Each tent will be stocked with bedding, furniture and air conditioning; and guests can still enjoy the amenities you would get from staying at a hotel, including on-site concierge, breakfast, parking, private restrooms and more. So how can you reserve a tent for yourself? Rewards members of Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton and Starwood Preferred Guest can use their points to bid on this ultimate glamping experience. Rewards members can also bid to win passes to attend the sold-out festival. Elite rewards members will get perks like drink vouchers, Ferris wheel rides and access to the VIP area.  If $72,500 points is a little over your budget, but you still want to have a desert camping experience during a music festival, there's also Base Camp, the pop-up RV and tent camping resort during both weekends of Coachella and Stagecoach. Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.

Whether you can recite 100 numbers to the right of the decimal point from memory or you haven't thought of the famous number since high school calculus, Pi Day is a day worth celebrating. Pie and pizza shops alike are offering all kinds of specials to satisfy your inner mathematician and gourmand. So, raise a fork and dig into any of these delicious pies. We guarantee that with deals like these, they will taste all the better. The Pie Hole: One of our favorite pie shops in L.A. is offering a bunch of crazy flavors today, including the Cereal Killer and a matcha green tea pie on a graham cracker crust. It'll disappear from the menu soon—along with a luxurious Thai tea pie—so get to it. If you're looking for a deal, the classic Grammy’s Chocolate will be offered for $3.14. Whole Foods: Finally, we don't have to break the bank at Whole Foods. Take $3.14 off all pies and "take and bake" pizzas today. Atticus Creamery & Pies: You don’t have to limit yourself to only one coconut banana cream, Oreo cheesecake, strawberry pistachio or salted caramel because today your second pie is only $3.14. This special is offered until 10pm tonight at both locations (3rd St and Pico Blvd).  Pitfire Pizza: Head to any one of Pitfire's locations before 3:14pm and you'll be able to score a $3.14 voucher for one of their signature pies on your next visit. The catch? You'll need to show that you follow the pizza chain on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter before you order. Math nerds can get an extra perk

A new study finds that it’s possible for a magnitude-7.4 earthquake to hit not one, but three Southern California counties—L.A., OC and San Diego. The likelihood of this happening is based on whether a quake ruptures along the Newport-Inglewood and Rose Canyon faults, which, though previously thought to be separate fault systems, are actually one continuous one. Recent reports show the faults are a little over one mile apart, versus the three-miles scientists formerly reported, which puts them in the same zone, increasing the likelihood of an earthquake on one fault jolting the other. Though there was consensus among the scientific community that these two were actually one, it could never be proven until now. So does this mean that Angelenos should pack there bags tonight and get as far away from sunny California as possible? Not necessarily. The chance of a 7.4 quake happening along the Newport-Inglewood/Rose Canyon fault is actually less likely than one along the more inland San Andreas fault. This is because the San Andreas is moving much faster—more than one inch per year—while the Newport-Inglewood/Rose Canyon is much slower at one-hundredth per year. So who’s in the danger zone? According to the L.A. Times, the Newport-Inglewood/Rose Canyon begins by the northwest border of Beverly Hills and cuts through Inglewood, Carson, Long Beach, Signal Hill, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa and Newport Beach before going below the ocean near the coasts of

If you've ever watched a Clippers game, then you know all about the sass, energy and red sequins that fill a halftime performance by the Clippers Spirit team. Starting Tuesday, February 21, you too can learn how to move like one of the elite members of the Clippers Spirit because they will be offering dance classes in their D.T.L.A. training center, a short walk from L.A. Live. Anybody 16 years and up with any level of experience is welcome to join.  Two different classes will be offered. You can get a workout in by dancing in their high-energy Kickin Cardio class taught by Taylor, the Spirit captain. Kickin Cardio will be offered Tuesdays 6-6:50pm, Wednesdays 12-12:50pm
 and Thursdays 6-6:50pm.  If you want to learn how take your dance game up a notch, bring a pair of high heels and learn how to move with attitude and confidence. Hot in Heels is taught by the team's very own coach Latrice and is offered Tuesdays 7-7:50pm. Both classes cost $15 each. A five-class package is $70 and 10-class package is $130. Drop-ins are welcome, or you can register for classes here. The Clippers Spirit training center is located at 1212 S Flower St, Level B. Parking can be found at any of the lots in the area. After 50 minutes of sweating, you can refuel at any of the best restaurants or best coffee shops in Downtown L.A. Dance classes are expected to run as long as the Clippers are in season, all the more reason to root for them! Email studio@clippers.com with any questions, and check out th

Swiping singles, take note: some things just don't fly, even in the anonymous world of internet and app dating. Avoid these profile pitfalls for a better chance at finding love! The car selfie: Traffic is bad, but not bad enough for you to stroke your ego and snap a pic. Both hands on the wheel, or we're signaling left. The Snapchat filterer: Given that you don't actually have glitter radiating from your head, dog whiskers or huge eyes and a tiny nose, we're swiping left. We're not looking to date an anime character. The pic with a celeb: We live in a city where there is always a celebrity within a three-block radius. This is L.A.; no one is impressed. The biannual visitor: You live 3,487 miles away? Sorry, but we draw the line at Sylmar. Next time you're looking for a companion during your layover, try the In-N-Out line at LAX. The group-photo enthusiast: Don't make us work so hard to figure out who you are. If your beach BBQ friends aren't coming on the date, don't put 'em in your profile. The proud UCB grad: So you listed Upright Citizens Brigade under education? Guaranteed to be the only time you make us laugh. Got a turnoff? Use #swipeleft to let us know! Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.

After learning the tragic news that Carrie Fisher passed away Tuesday morning, fans headed to the Hollywood Walk of Fame to mourn and pay their respects to the late Star Wars actress. Surprisingly, Fisher was never presented with an official star, but that didn't stop fans from creating a makeshift one of their own. Candles and flowers adorn an empty star on Orange and Hollywood boulevards with the words "Carrie Fisher" and "May the force be with you always" written across it. A representative from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce says that this honorary Carrie Fisher star will be left in place for fans to have a place to mourn.  Carrie Fisher does not have an official Walk of Fame star, so fans have made her one. pic.twitter.com/074jY6IR4k — Ryan Parker (@TheRyanParker) December 28, 2016 The born and bred Angeleno played the beloved Princess Leia in the Star Wars film series and also starred in films like The Blues Brothers and When Harry Met Sally. Fisher was born into fame as the daughter of actress Debbie Reynolds and singer Eddie Fisher. The actress grew up in Beverly Hills and attended Beverly Hills High School until dropping out at age 15 to pursue her acting career. After suffering a heart attack during a flight from London, she was hospitalized and passed away Tuesday morning at the age of 60.  Fisher's fans should take note that this fleeting star will not last. Similar to what happened after Prince's death (another celebrity who was never awarded a star), commem

Can't shake off the show you're currently watching/binging on? We can't either. There is such amazing stuff airing that we don't blame you for constantly thinking about the drug-laden world of Pablo Escobar or the theme park in Westworld while at work or stuck in traffic. Instead of sitting on the couch while anxiously awaiting the next episode or season to begin, head to any of these places around town that are reminiscent of your favorite TV shows. Game of Thrones: Feel like a medieval noble as you watch two knights fight on horseback before your eyes. The Medieval Times will make you feel like you're in Essos watching two brave men fight to the death for the Iron Throne. Stranger Things: Transport back to the '80s and pretend you're fighting the Demogorgon at any arcade in L.A., like Button Mash or Blipsy Bar. The Americans: Enter the home of a Soviet spy and try to uncover their true identity with Maze Rooms' Secret Mission. Westworld: A Western-themed amusement park? That is Knott's Berry Farm. Pan for gold, visit the blacksmith and get lost in Ghost Town. There may not be any robots, but they have Snoopy. Walking Dead: At RoomEscape's Zombie Lab, you and your fellow team of scientists will have 60 minutes to save the world from a virus that is turning fellow humans into bloodthirsty zombies. Appoint one of your friends as sheriff's deputy Rick Grimes, and you'll be all set. Narcos: Get a taste of the show by eating at a Colombian restaurant in L.A. Check out La Fonda An

We get it. The thought of a typical holiday dinner party full of itchy sweaters, lame music and small talk is enough to make your head spin. You never imagined turning into a Scrooge, but it's that time of year again and you've had enough of The Nutcracker and cookie-cutter Christmas cheer. Luckily, we live in L.A. and there are things to do during the holiday season for just about everyone (even you counterculture millennials.) Here is a list of some cool and alternative ways to celebrate (or survive) the holidays. Cinespia The Shining screening and holiday party: You're invited to a party at the Overlook Hotel, where you can explore three floors of this historic theater and enter one of Stanley Kubrick's thrilling masterpieces. Dance in the ballroom, check out the children's play room, take photos in the photo booth and watch this classic on the big screen. Dec 17; $24-60 SparkleBlob presents The Snowglobe of Progress: This all-ages show will be bustling with plenty of radical puppets, live music, satire and sarcasm. Head over early for their pre-show reception before meeting your new favorite puppet family, and be prepared for flying gelt. Dec 9-11, 16-18; $17-25 The HM157 Christmas Extravaganza: Christmas tunes sound a whole lot better inside a Victorian-era historical landmark. See for yourself at HM157's Christmas Extravaganza, where more than 15 local bands will be playing their weird takes on Christmas music. Dec 18; $10 Horse Thief BBQ movie screenings: BBQ and a hol

The mad frenzy of Black Friday has a young and unassuming counterpart called Small Business Saturday. It is a way for shoppers to remember all the local spots that keep L.A. unique (where else would you have the option of adding Sex Dust to your smoothie than at Moon Juice?). So after gorging yourself on Thanksgiving and weaving through crowds on Black Friday, head to one of these places and give back to local businesses while making a dent in your holiday gift list. Miracle Mile Toys: The children's store will be hosting a block party with special giveaways, sales and entertainment for the whole family. 5263 Wilshire Blvd; 10am-5pm Time Travel Mart: Spend more than $25 on the gadgets and gizmos in the shop that help in traveling to another time, and you will receive a free copy of The Wild Things by Dave Eggers. 12515 Venice Blvd; Noon-6pm, or while supplies last Leanna Lin's Wonderland: This Eagle Rock gift shop will have another year of their We Heart Eagle Rock Shop Small event, where there will be entertainment and deals at participating businesses located at Eagle Rock and Colorado Blvd. 5024 N Eagle Rock Blvd; 11am-6pm Mr. Holmes Bakehouse: Everyone's favorite bakery will be rewarding those who shop small with some special menu items only offered on Saturday, like their spiked Fruity Pebbles donut and black cat espresso cookie. 111 S Ave; 3-6pm Rolling Greens: The entire lot at Rolling Greens will be filled with artisanal vendors. Shop their selection of holiday decor,