Elizabeth Munoz

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.

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.

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

Arts District frequents now have another watering hole to rival Angel City Brewery and the arcade bar EightyTwo. This brewhouse features nine beers on tap, which will no doubt be expanded, and a full cocktail bar for when you want to amp things up. Oh, and there are skee-ball machines.

Love for a grilled cheese sandwich seems to be one of the few things that follows people into adulthood. La Brea Bakery totally gets it and is going all out in honor of National Grilled Cheese Month (yeah, that's a thing). Head to their Grilled Cheese Night and see what kind of gooey, cheese-stuffed, mouthwatering concoction they've come up with, some of which may or may not include sautéed mushrooms and more than 5 different cheeses. And as if it couldn't get any better, you can pair each dish with drinks from Navarro Winery, Opolo Vinyards, Tablas Creek Vinyards and Moet Chandon. Begin preparing for a cheese overload now.       

In honor of the Harvest Moon Festival, LUCKYRICE's annual Cocktial Feast is returning for a night of innovative, Asian-inspired libations (ingredients include Thai chili, Oolong tea and plum wine, among others) centered around Bombay Sapphire East. The two-hour (three-hour for VIP), late-night cocktail extravaganza will feature drinks such as the Sichuan Collins, Drogon Punch and Conjuring Secrets, which consists of Bombay gin, lime, tangerine/white sesame syrup and tarragon jasmine tea. The creation is just one of many from LA's top mixologists, who will be shaking and stirring throughout the evening.    

If you're looking for a quieter alternative to the usual Oktoberfest chaos, the second annual Burbank Beer Festival might be your jam. This celebration will canvas several blocks of downtown Burbank, transforming San Fernando Boulevard into an outdoor street festival featuring over 85 brews on tap from local and out-of-state craft breweries. Tickets include beer samples from more than 45 breweries and access into beer zones with live entertainment.     

This high-end sushi house draws inspiration not only from the usual Japanese tradition but also French cuisine. Chef Jason Park’s creative fusion dining experience is made entirely from seasonal ingredients from local farmer's markets as well as fresh fish flown in daily from Japan. Menu highlights include scallop risotto and prosciutto and walnut salad, as well as sushi by Itsuroku Kimura, but chances are this is likely to change depending on what the markets offer that weekend. Head over for lunch, happy hour or dinner to enjoy a truly fresh way of dining.       

Mix up your weekly Saturday night routine and join the Live Art Supper Club for a night of great food and stunning live art. For one night, Venice will be home to Los Angeles-based gallery Art Unified and chef Christian Navarro. Enjoy a five-course meal (alcohol included) while viewing photos by Sarah Bahbah, the artist behind the Sex and Takeout series. Original Banksy, Faile, Bast Retna and Francois Wunchell pieces will be showcased as well.  

The Australian brand brings a splash of fun to this side of the fashion world. With bold color combinations and delicate unique patterns, Zimmermann attire makes just about everyone feel like a sun goddess. Here you'll find flowing and effortless sun dresses and strappy sandals, but the showstoppers are the swimwear, delicately designed to make you want to spend all day in a one-piece suit or bikini.         

This hip spot is for fashionistas who are on the constant look out for one-of-a-kind pieces. Owner Joey Grana carefully cultivates a collection of designer and vintage clothing and accessories to give any wardrobe some serious flare. Although you'll have to shell out some serious cash here, you'll walk out with an inspired new look.     

This is the place to go to find the perfect relaxed outfit for Sunday brunch that'll give you an effortless cool-girl aura. With everything from oversized sweaters, cut-off shorts and pastel-colored dresses, you're sure to discover some serious fashion gems. 

Anine Bing, the brand's face and namesake, creates refined, chic fashion that oozes a laid back attitude and can virtually be worn anywhere. Her flagship space in the heart of LA is the place to go if you're looking for anything from white T-shirts, jackets and dresses that can instantly be transformed from a cool-girl day look to playfully fun nightwear.  

Formerly known as the supper club pop-up Kali Dining, chefs Kevin Meehan and Drew Langley turned their sporadic dining experience into a neighborhood brick and mortar in Larchmont Village, offering fresh and simple Californian cuisine in a casual setting. Made exclusively with locally sourced ingredients, the tasting menu ranges from dishes like prawn crudo and olives and nasturtium for a light appetizer, to more hearty protein plates such as beef tenderloin with onion and fingerling potatoes. (And at five courses for around $100, it's not a bad deal, either.) The seasonality extends to the à la carte options, too, both at lunch and dinner. An equally extensive beverage menu is available, with global wines, inspired cocktails, a selection of craft beer and even Meehan's house-made kombucha.  

Located at the Elysian in Echo Park is Winsome, Marc Rose and Med Abrous’s (The Spare Room) homage to the flavors of Southern California. Sit at either a communal or private table surrounded by greenery in the outdoor patio or inside with a view of the open kitchen, and enjoy executive chef Jeremy Strubel’s menu of Los Angeles-inspired fare such as Kennebeck potato chips (lime, chili kaffir) to share, or the Harissa chicken salad sandwich (celery hearts, spinach, on a Kaiser roll). Pastry chef Leslie Mialma (République) will also make breads, baked goods and desserts available to be paired with a drink from the coffee bar featuring La Colombe Coffee Roasters. If you constantly find yourself in Echo Park, this is bound to become to your go-to spot.