Ramona Saviss

Call us old-fashioned, but we like our haunted places in L.A. authentic. We’re not talking about manufactured scares at haunted houses; we searched the spookiest nabes for horror hot spots—and consulted our friends over at Ghost Hunters of Urban Los Angeles (GHOULA). Founder Richard Carradine has been collecting tales of L.A. haunted spots for years, and used to host monthly Spirits With Spirits mixers (at some of the city’s spookiest venues and on ghost tours), which later morphed into a podcast. Ready to scare yourself silly? Here’s your handy guide to a dozen of the most haunted places in L.A., including a Hollywood theater, a notorious Downtown hotel and a Long Beach ocean liner where ghosts of the past still rattle a few chains. 

The women in your life should be celebrated every day, and so too should these women-owned businesses. Whether you want to join in on International Women’s Day festivities or simply shop local, consider supporting these L.A. spots—including a Westside workout, a HiFi bar and a budding taco empire. Just a reminder: If you’re able to head out in person, please make sure to check out each store beforehand as times and opening status may vary given the current state and city health guidelines. Otherwise, get out there and shop these local spots to help support and celebrate the women who back them.

Hollywood may seem like a tourist trap for tourists and natives alike. It’s one of those Los Angeles attractions like Disneyland (except it’s not), that is on everyone’s must-see list. The shopping options at the mega complex are your typical chain stores: Forever 21, Victoria’s Secret, Hot Topic—need we say more? Stop in to these Hollywood stores for unique shopping experiences and finds. They’re close enough to Hollywood and Highland so that you could potentially walk—but then again, don’t walk, you’re in L.A.

Not quite in a relationship and not quite single? We understand. You’ve met someone and just when you’re still getting used to writing 2016 as the year, all of a sudden it’s Valentine’s Day. What do you do when you just want to be friends? Or when you want a lot more? Or if you just met and have no idea where it’s going? Instead of heading to the best lingerie stores (too intimate), sex shops (too soon) or chocolate shops (too predictable), choose one of these Valentine’s Day gifts for that “it’s complicated” person in your life. RECOMMENDED: Find more Valentine’s Day ideas // var vglnk = { key: 'b1dd7a2b35c8ab61d18b653f5d33bbe2' };    (function(d, t) {     var s = d.createElement(t); s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true;     s.src = '//cdn.viglink.com/api/vglnk.js';     var r = d.getElementsByTagName(t)[0]; r.parentNode.insertBefore(s, r);    }(document, 'script')); //

Born and raised in L.A.? You’re a special (read: native) breed, one who culls awe and respect not only from transplants who just moved here, but also folks who identify as “true-blue Angelenos,” but were really born in Ohio. You, on the other hand, have L.A. pride in your blood. You ventured to Hollywood with fake IDs; you remember when Downtown was less hip, more scary; you’ve seen the City of Angels grow, change and stay the same. Here’s our list of things only true Angeleno natives can relate to.

Heading to L.A.’s Chinatown? Use this as your go-to guide for shopping—from unique art-inspired boutiques to old-school neighborhood shops—because no matter what you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered. Unlike nearby neighborhoods such as Highland Park, Echo Park and Los Feliz, Chinatown is an L.A. hub that you may need help discovering. Walk through the historic streets and see it like a local with this guide to the best shops—so you don’t miss on the great stores hidden in and out of the arcades. RECOMMENDED: Things to do in Chinatown

A candy store is one of those whimsical, colorful shops in Los Angeles that we wish were on every street corner. Sure, we've got ice cream, pie and macarons to satisfy our everyday sugar cravings, but sometimes they just don't cut it—sometimes even a stop in a chocolatier won't do. To find festive candy and nostaglic-retro sweets like Abba-Zaba, Big Cherry and Good News bars, and even Scandinavian treats, head to these top candy shops.

A trip to Los Angeles wouldn’t be complete without a little celebrity spotting. Stars in L.A. are practically everywhere, all the time, and for the most part, they’re used to being gawked at. But if you want to avoid looking like a tourist (we’re talking to you, Star Tours bus riders!), we suggest you eat, shop, drink and play among the stars in their natural habitats—a mix of attractions and restaurants and bars (make your reservations now). We give you: L.A.’s top celebrity hangouts. Now... just act natural.

You've probably visited a Persian restaurant before and had no idea whether the food you were eating was authentic Iranian fare or just an Americanized version. Problem solved: We've found the best Persian food in L.A. at these top restaurants serving kabob, stews and rice dishes. Persian food is one of the best cuisines to pick if you're dining with a large group: whether you're an adventurous foodie who searches out Armenian pastries, a vegetarian or a vegan, there's something for everyone on an extensive Persian restaurant menu. Once you've tried the real deal at these top spots around L.A.—many, of course, located in and around Persian Square in Westwood—we're sure you'll be coming back for more.  

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

Not quite in a relationship and not quite single? We get it. You've met someone and just when you're still getting used to writing 2015 as the year, all of a sudden it's Valentine's Day. What do you do when you just want to be friends? Or when you want a lot more? Or you just met and have no idea where it's going? Instead of heading to the best candy store or adult store, choose one of these gifts for that "it's complicated" person in your life, whether it's a friend with benefits or someone you just met online and are not sure what to get them. RECOMMENDED: More Valentine's Day ideas

Not quite in a relationship and not quite single? We understand. You've met someone and just when you're still getting used to writing 2016 as the year, all of a sudden it's Valentine's Day. What do you do when you just want to be friends? Or when you want a lot more? Or if you just met and have no idea where it's going? Instead of heading to the best lingerie stores (too intimate), sex shops (too soon) or chocolate shops (too predictable), choose one of these Valentine's Day gifts for that "it's complicated" person in your life. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Valentines Day NYC

In the small alleyway behind Paty’s Diner and next to Michael’s on Riverside, there’s a tiny red door (get it?) that leads to one of the Valley’s best-kept secrets. With dark red booths and silent movies playing on the wall, the vibe at the Red Door is more subdued than rowdy, and that’s exactly why we like it. There is a food menu, but it’s pricey, so eat beforehand, and come ready to drink some excellently-made cocktails.

Before the rise of fitness studios on every corner and Pelotons in every living room, Nonna Gleyzer established her independent studio in a nondescript building on Sunset Boulevard. The pilates trainer to stars from Samuel L. Jackson to Gisele Bündchen, Gleyzer has since been named by “The World’s Best Pilates Instructor” by Forbes. She uniquely uses her background in gymnastics to train her clients and transform bodies but also heals with therapeutic bodywork to make sure her patrons are healthy above all else.

L.A. photographer and prop stylist Danae Horst took her passion for plants and started Folia Collective. The botanical Eagle Rock shop focuses on leafy indoor evergreens and items for plant lovers including home and garden accessories plus interior design services.

In need of new ideas for Camp Mommy or Camp Daddy? Use this guide as a resource for spending the final few weeks of summer in L.A. with kids. Whether you’re looking to beat the heat (and it’s too hot and crowded at Disneyland) or if you’re just looking for free things to do, find ways to keep your kids entertained, while rediscovering the city all over again. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in L.A. right now   Photograph: Time Out/Michael JulianoMildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden   Discover a hidden oasis at UCLA’s Mathias Botanical Garden Escape to a hiking trail and botanical garden in the heart of Westwood. This hidden gem is a free activity for kids of any age, from stroller-bound toddlers to teens, and the expansive gardens are a must. There’s even a recirculating stream that runs alongside the nature walk, as well as a waterfall, ponds and pedestrian bridges.  Check into a pretend sleepaway camp at Kidspace Head to Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena for sleepaway camp–themed summer activities—without the whole overnight part. This seasonal special program runs through September 13 and is offered daily along with music, games and traditional camp songs. Kids can take a make-believe road trip up the coast, driving over a mini Golden Gate Bridge along the way, and create camp crafts or even go “fishing” in a blue-colored sand play area with a boat and toy fish. Plus, there’s a chance to cool off with water-play in the arroyo. General admission is $17 for anyone o

Sin City is known for many things—”sins,” like gambling, nightlife, pool parties and partying. I’m a native Angeleno, born and raised in Los Angeles, which is only to say that I have spent many vacations from childhood into adulthood in Las Vegas. Throughout the city’s storied past, its high-fueled energy hasn’t stopped, especially in recent years with F1 and the Las Vegas Grand Prix revving things up on the Strip each fall. Yet there is a little Vegas revolution happening with gambling- and smoking-free properties paired with an emphasis on wellness and spa offerings. And Sin City has never been known for tea time—until now. That’s why I was so intrigued by the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas’ new Peacock Alley. As part of the hotel’s full multi-million-dollar renovation, the 23rd floor of the Waldorf Astoria was transformed from the former check-in lobby (now located on the ground floor near the entrance) to a breathtaking setting that houses Peacock Alley and Hard Shake, the adjacent bar and lounge. With massive floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the dazzling Las Vegas skyline and streets below, the airy Peacock Alley space is bathed in natural light. There is a feather-shaped bar, inspired by an actual peacock, adorned with a sculptural glass canopy and custom mosaic tile floor. The serene space is outfitted with contemporary light blue and grey-hued decor and white seating throughout. Hard Shake, on the other hand, is dark, sleek and sexy with lounge seating and sweeping view

When I first stepped into Chaz Dean’s Hollywood compound I didn’t know what to expect. My knowledge of the celebrity hair stylist was minimal—I knew him mostly from his late-night infomercials. As a writer for nearly two decades—much of that as a Hollywood events editor and red carpet reporter—I’ve had my share of celebrity encounters. Still, I wondered what he would be like, and if he really was a great stylist. Driving to Hollywood, I passed his legendary billboards. Dean started his hair care company Wen in 2000 at his then-salon in Los Angeles, but he didn’t formally launch it to the public until 2001. As an L.A. native, I feel like his Wen billboards, which he regularly updates with new photos of himself, are part of the unique fabric of our sprawling city.  After missing the turn into the obscure-from-the-outside compound, I found street parking and took it, not knowing I would be there for nearly the entire day. I headed toward the gates off Fountain Avenue and mistakenly walked into his bungalow and spotted Dean—tall, handsome, looking somehow younger than ever—along with three other stylists (eight currently work at the L.A. location) and their clients, with assistants buzzing around. It was orchestrated chaos, but the type that you’d expect from any celebrity salon. His three large Labrador Retrievers lounged nearby, waiting for a walk.  I greeted Dean, who was with another client, and quickly realized I walked through the wrong side, bypassing the salon’s front des

Sometimes the best family adventures start with just a few hours on the road. From mountain escapes to beachside retreats, these destinations make it easy to swap city life for fresh air, wide-open spaces and plenty of kid-friendly fun. Check out (and check in at) these top family road trip destinations from Los Angeles that deliver big memories. Looking for even more Labor Day travel inspiration? Check out our favorite day trips and farther-flung road trip ideas.   Photograph: Courtesy Ana Lui/Rosewood MiramarRosewood Miramar   Santa Barbara Distance: 2hrs by car, 3hrs by train (Amtrak Pacific Surfliner) Santa Barbara blends small-town charm with a touch of glamour, all framed by golden beaches and mountain views. Spend mornings building sandcastles at East Beach, feeding giraffes at the Santa Barbara Zoo, exploring the historic Stearns Wharf’s aquarium or letting little ones loose in kid-centric MOXI’s hands-on science exhibits. Montecito adds a more serene touch with oceanfront strolls, boutique shopping and plenty of shaded patios for family lunches. If a stop is needed, take a quick detour off the 101 in Ventura to stroll the pier or grab fish tacos from Spencer Makenzie’s before continuing up the coast. Where to stay: The Rosewood Miramar in Montecito offers direct beachfront access, lawn games and roomy suites—including standalone bungalows that provide a sense of privacy with the littlest of travelers. There’s even an ice cream shop on-property and the railway passe

Getting to Coachella is one thing. Packing for Coachella is another. Whether you’re flying into LAX and driving a car or traveling like a pop star with no time to waste via a private jet, knowing what to pack (TSA-friendly or not) remains top priority. Prep for the weekend with desert-friendly products from all over the world including a French mineral mist to a Korean foundation that doubles up as sunscreen with SPF 50+. Hydrating Facial Mist Revive your skin against the dry heat with Avene Thermal Spring Water spray ($9) because dry skin is not a good look. Pack it in your backpack for the fest and use all day to rehydrate, calm and neutralize your skin’s pH for an Instagram-ready visage 24/7. A must have for French girl skin.  SPF 50 sunscreen spray Instead of lathering on sunscreen, try an easy-to-apply sunscreen such as Coola’s travel-sized sport SPF 50 ($36). It's an unscented spray that goes on easily without getting your hands greasy. The brand uses anti-aging antioxidants and organic ingredients to protect against the sun and the travel size won’t take up too much space, but will last you all weekend. Blow-dry in a bottle Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk ($10) may just be the answer to our festival-going prayers. Perfect for travel, this small-but-mighty dry shampoo cleanses the hair, while not leaving it sticky or stiff. For those with lighter hair color, it even comes in a natural tint that won’t leave your hair with white residue. Aburatorigami Japanese beauty p

Memorial Day 2015 is just around the corner. Whether you're planning to spend your three-day weekend at the beach, park, or watching an outdoor movie, end the weekend with a new wardrobe thanks to these epic sales. Shop for wallet-friendly discounts at some of our favorite local stores hosting Memorial Day sales—many held throughout the entire weekend. AG Jeans: Use discount code FF2015 when shopping online or at any full-price store for 25 percent off retail. When shopping at an AG Jeans outlet store, buy two of any item and save 20 percent, or buy three and save 30 percent off. (Thursday-Monday) Aldo: Take 25 percent off ladies sandals and men's casual shoes, plus handbags and accessories in-store. (Thursday-Sunday) Current/Elliott, Joie and Equipment: Score an additional 20 percent off sale items both in-store and online using the code: MD2015. (Thursday-Monday) Joseph: Shop for deep discounts with 50 percent off all sale merchandise in store. (Saturday) Junk Food Clothing Co.: Stock up on men's, women's, and kids vintage style tees for up to 30 percent off retail price, both in store and online. (Thursday-Monday) Lorna Jane: Take 30 percent off sale prices in store. (Friday-Monday) Mr. Kate: Shop for 30 percent off site-wide plus free shipping on all US orders. (Saturday-Monday) Myrtle: Score 25 percent off the entire store (and online with code SUMMERFLING). (Thursday-Monday) Ted Baker: Take 30 percent off in store and online. (Friday-Monday)   Looking for more things to

LA is filled with a plethora of sample sales, but rarely do three major shopping events fall on one weekend. There's no need to wait for the Memorial Day sales next week—head to these events for a weekend filled with finding bargains and scoring a new spring wardrobe. 1. Gilt City Warehouse Sale: What: Shop this legendary sale at Siren Studios in Hollywood for up to 80% off designer apparel and accessories. We're talking high-fashion brands such as Zac Posen, Helmut Lang, Carolina Herrera, Missoni, Vera Wang and more. Where: Siren Studios, 6063 W Sunset Blvd When: Friday-Sunday, Times vary   2. OCRF's Super Saturday: What: Shop 'til you drop alongside celebs at this day-long designer charity sale that started in the Hamptons. The sale offers luxe fashion, beauty and home items for a fraction of the suggested retail price; all proceeds from the event will go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF). Where: The Barker Hangar When: Saturday, 11am-5pm   3. Artists & Fleas One Year Anniversary: What: Celebrating their first anniversary in LA, this flea market-meets-craft fair based in the Downtown Arts District is putting on a spectacle to honor the occasion. Shop a hand-selected roster of local designers, vintage collectors, crafty artisans and food trucks, alongside more than 2,500 Angelenos looking for a fun thing to do this weekend. Where: Mateo St between 6th and 7th Sts in the Downtown Arts District When: Saturday and Sunday, 11am-5pm  

Mother's Day is just days away and you're stuck without a gift? We won't give you any more grief for being a procrastinator, because your mom probably already knows all about that. Get back on her good side by gifting her one of these Mother's Day spa specials—many from the best spas in LA—perfect for a last minute gift. Moms are not be the easiest people to shop for, but if there is one thing that pretty much all moms love, it's a spa day. After a nice Mother's Day brunch, these treatments are sure to please (and pamper) your mom on her special day. Exhale Mind Body Spa: Spend time with Mom and join in on the pampering with 25% off spa services when you both book treatments together. Plus, bring your mom to a Core Fusion class for free when you take the class together. Both deals are available now through Mother's Day. Spa del Rey: Treat Mom to the special "Mother Glows Best" facial for $175, or buy her a gift certificate for 20% off of $200 or more in services at the Ritz Carlton Marina del Rey's beachy in-house spa. Kinara: Moms will not only leave Kinara with glowing skin—she'll also walk out with a Red Carpet Facial Kit (a $145 value) for at-home treatmentswith any spa package over $300. Treat yo self. And by "yo self," we mean your mom. Ole Henriksen Face + Body Spa: Choose from three specials for Mother's Day, all of which include a glass of bubbly. The "Motherly Love" package ($295) includes a 25 soak, a 50 minute Oxygen Facial, plus three face creams to take home. Th

Post-Dodger game yoga is the new seventh inning stretch. Instead of waiting around for Dodger game traffic to die down, take the field and practice your downward dog. Dodger Stadium is hosting the largest yoga class ever to be held at Dodger Stadium. Join 1,000 other yogis on the field for a special practice after the Dodgers play the Rockies on Sunday, May 17. All levels are welcome and the class will be led by YogaWorks instructor Mia Togo and 20 assistants. Tickets for the yoga package are limited and start at $50. That includes a ticket to the game and a Dodger yoga mat. The practice will begin 30 minutes after the 1:10pm game, which typically lasts about three hours. Plus, at 12:30pm a YogaWorks instructor will be showing the crowd various yoga poses. While there are many only-in-LA workouts, this one definitely tops our list. And when you're done with your practice, head to these places to eat and drink near Dodger Stadium. Namaste, Dodger fans.

All those shopping bags full of clothes just sitting at the back of your closet, waiting to be dropped off at Goodwill since, um, November? Those can be gone on Saturday in the time it takes you to request an Uber. This Saturday, Uber drivers will pick up your clothing donations and donate them to Goodwill for free! You can do this in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, and many more cities around the world. We know how it goes—you go to a sample sale or shopping event and after waiting in a line that wraps around the block, you feel the pressure to purchase something, anything at all. Today, that "something" you bought is now sitting in your closet collecting dust. All you have to do is edit your closet and gather all the clothes that you haven't worn in ages—no, you should not save that top for Coachella next year—and put them in a bag. Next, open the Uber app and hit "GIVE" on Saturday from 10am to 4pm, and when your Uber driver arrives, just bring out the bags. The driver will drop them off at Goodwill. The following week, you will receive an email with your tax receipt information. Weren't you waiting for the right moment to start your spring cleaning? This just might be it. Pro-tip: you might want to skip your vintage shopping routine next week and head to Goodwill instead. After this Uber event, there might be some real finds to be found.

Calling all procrastinators! May has sneaked up on us and that means summer—and Mother's Day (hint, hint)—isn't far behind. If your weekend and wallet have any wiggle room, between this weekend's other sample sales, shop these pop-ups for unique gifts for yourself and others. 1. Mercado Sagrado: If you're an impassioned lover of the earth, peace, and nature, this two-day weekend festival in the mountains is your new home away from home. Shop artwork, artisanal foods and more earthly delights. 2. LA County Store Birthday Pop-Up: This Silver Lake shop, inspired by everything local, is celebrating their one year anniversary with a pop-up market on Saturday and Sunday. Fifteen local artisans will offer a selection of their exclusive items, never seen in the store. 3. Shop for Her Pop-Up: Look for wow-factor gifts for mom this Mother’s Day, like bold engraved pendants, floral scented candles and more at the Shop For Her pop-up. Enjoy a glass of champagne, bites from Bang Bang Brunch, cool tunes, and lovely lady vendors at this downright classy women's Sunday soiree. 4. EPCF x MOCA Store Pop-Up: Shop the last full weekend of this two-month pop-up shop, featuring works from local artists and hosted by Rachel Craven and Beatrice Valenzuela of the annual Echo Park Craft Fair (EPCF). EPCF has taken over MOCA's Downtown LA campus museum shop, now through next Saturday. 5. Sachin & Babi Pop-Up: Husband-and-wife designer duo Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia are taking their namesake contemporar

Attention, shoppers, this weekend is a big one. Whether you're looking for Mother's Day gift ideas, or just looking for a new spring wardrobe, these sample sales should definitely be on your perfect weekend to-do list. Starting on Friday, head to the one-day-only Junk Food clothing sale for cool vintage-looking tees. On Saturday, head downtown early for the very hush-hush Rodarte sale (be sure to RSVP, details in the link below!). Once you're done hunting for ready-to-wear pieces from Rodarte, head to the Arts District for ZooShoo's massive warehouse sale for crazy discounts on shoes from Steve Madden, Dolce Vita and Chinese Laundry (we're talking $5-$20)! Rachel Comey will also be around the corner, hosting the brand's first-ever West Coast sample sale. And while you're downtown, check out Amsterdam-based Scotch & Soda for perfect spring clothing and accessories for men and women. If you happen to be on the other side of town during this perfect beach weather weekend, drop by Calamigos Ranch for the Otte x Calamigos blowout sale that's on through Sunday. As always, wear easy-to-slip out of shoes and comfortable clothes as most of these sample sales won't have fitting rooms. Click the links for more detailed info, like addresses and hours. What: Junk Food Clothing Co.When: FridayWhere: Venice What: Scotch & SodaWhen: Friday and SaturdayWhere: Downtown What: Rachel ComeyWhen: Friday and SaturdayWhere: Downtown What: RodarteWhen: SaturdayWhere: Downtown What: ZooShoo When: S