Candy Everyday

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Boo! It is almost Halloween, and we are ready to inhale as much candy as possible. Chocolate, pixie sticks and gummy worms are plentiful on this spooky holiday. We are glad we have these classic treats, but Los Angeles has many unique candy shops that we are also excited to try on this “cheat day” every year. Head out with some friends from Palazzo Westwood and try this unique candy on Halloween this year. 

Sweet!

Sweet! in Hollywood is a giant store with a sweet theme. This candy store boasts different boutiques and regions of candy that will defiantly let you explore new flavors. This 30,000 square food store has over 300 types of chocolate bars, 860 chocolate products, 200 types of gummies, 140 flavors of gum, 250 lollipops and more. Make sure to save some time for the “Wonka Inventing Room”. You can try every single Wonka Candy creation that has ever been created. If you want to make your own chocolate bar, head to the “Chocolate Lab” to put your candy flavor skills to work. These are just a few of the features to this unique and giant candy space. 

Dylan’s Candy Bar

This coast to cost candy phenomenon is located in the Los Angeles Grove outdoor shopping mall. This store may be a child’s dream, but it also has many things for adults too. You can look at more than 5,000 types of candy which is stacked from the floor to the ceiling. Whether you are choosing your own selection or purchasing a pre-packaged option, you will have plenty to satisfy your sweet tooth on Halloween. They also have many themed candies in stock from Hello Kitty to Wizard of Oz. 

Sugar Factory

The Sugar Factory is located next to the famous TCL Chinese Theater. This three story candy filled shop has a wide variety of sweets for you to choose from. If lollipops are your thing, you can get various themed pops throughout their store. This variety includes everything from Marilyn Monroe to Hello Kitty lolipops. You can also sample their variety of milk shakes and ice cream sundaes. If you are brave enough, make sure to try their King Kong, which includes 16 scoops of ice cream plus sprinkles and more. 

Happy Halloween in Los Angeles

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Are you excited for Halloween? Whether you are dressing up as a devil, a witch or a celebrity, Los Angeles has some amazing events for you to celebrate the night of the living dead. Palazzo Westwood is in a great location to be able to get to all of these local events. Check them out and have a great Halloween in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

This is not the kid-friendly hayride that you remember. There will be no pumpkins or silly scarecrows making you laugh. This Haunted Hayride brings together every fear you have as you ride throughout Griffith Park. This long hayride takes you on a journey themed around "Boogeyman". These nightmarish characters can surprise you from anywhere throughout your ride. It also many scare zones and a pitch black maze for you to add to your adventure. 

Halloween Horror Nights

This is not just your typical haunted attraction. This is Halloween Horror nights at Universal Studios. There is a Crimson Peak: Maze of Madness based on the new Guillermo del Toro film. Visitors will explore the decaying remains of a Victorian labyrinth. You can also experience the classic Halloween attractions such as Insidious, Halloween and The Walking Dead. Do not forget to make time for the Terror Tram through the backlot. That is an attraction you will never forget.

West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval

Do not forget about the largest Halloween street party in the world. This is one of the best places to be on October 31st. Over a half million people gather in their favorite costumes to celebrate this spooky night once a year. There is dancing, drinking and parade costume contests. Make sure to see the crowing of the "Queen of the Carnival". Also, don't be surprised if their are special guests. In 2011, MTV surprised the crowd with a pop-up Robyn concert. 

These are just a few of the great events throughout Los Angeles. This city really knows how to celebrate this spooky night once a year. Do you have an event that you are attending? Share the details on the Palazzo Westwood Facebook Page. 

Day Trips From Los Angeles

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Do you need to escape for a day? We have all wanted to just take a weekend and get away from the busyness of life. Lucky for you, Los Angeles and Palazzo Westwood are a short distance from many great California day trips. Pile in the car for a mini adventure on this gorgeous California weekend. We think this will give you a little boost of energy to start the work week on Monday.

The Painted Canyon

Take a 2.5 hour drive to Mecca, California and explore the Painted Canyon. The walls of the canyon are mineralized, which is what makes the breathtaking colors that you see when you are hiking through the canyon. You can also take a second hike to the Ladder Canyon, which is a loop hike that takes you through a slot canyon with ladders at steep points. This adventurous hike will be both gorgeous and fun.

The Cabazon Dinosaurs

Just 98 miles from Los Angeles is Cabazon, California. This town may be small, but it has the Cabazon Dinosaurs which everyone must see at least once in their lives. These dinosaurs are from Pee-wee's Big Adventure. The collection includes a three story concrete T-Rex, a 150ft-long Apatosaurus that you can go inside and more. You can also interact with animatronic dinosaurs in the museum.

The Salton Sea

161 miles from Los Angeles is an accidental man-made lake that is a little different than what you normally expect. This old flooded town is the perfect place to work on your Instagram or photography skills while still exploring a part of history. This old tourist mecca flooded and overtook everything from houses to gas stations. There are only a few hundred people left, but it is a spooky way to spend a weekend before Halloween.

Fort Tejon

Do you want a little history in your weekend trip? Just 73 miles from Los Angeles is Fort Tejon. This fort was built in the 1850s, but it is now the home to Civil war reenactments. You also can celebrate Halloween with their candle-lit ghost tours in October. This might not be your typical getaway, but you will have fun exploring history in a new way.

Best Cookies in LA

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If you’re a fan of cookies (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), this month is for you! In celebration of National Cookie Month, we’re giving you a list of some of the best places for you to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Diddy Riese

Delicious cookies come with a price, but at Diddy Riese that price happens to be very affordable. You can get three cookies for $1.25. Some of their flavors include Peanut Butter, Oatmeal Raisin with Walnuts, Chocolate White Chocolate Chip, and more.

Platine Sweets and Savories

At Platine Sweets and Savories, you can place your order online and get it shipped right to your home at Palazzo Westwood. Not only are the cookies delicious, but you can choose your cookie package online or join the cookie of the month club!

Huckleberry

If you are looking for a healthier cookie or have special dietary needs, Huckleberry is the spot for your cookie craving. They offer whole wheat options such as Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip and Whole Wheat Shortbread. They also offer a Vegan Peanut Butter cookie and the choice of a Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroons cookie.

The Sycamore Kitchen

The Sycamore Kitchen is the spot for anyone who is looking for original cookie flavors. Sink your teeth into any of the delicious options: Rice Crispy, Oatmeal Toffee, Chocolate Chip Rye, Chocolate Hazelnut Fudge, Rosemary Sugar, Flourless Chocolate Brownie, Fluffed Butter, and Fennel Butter.

Valerie Confections

Valerie Confections is another place that will deliver right to you at Palazzo Westwood! Milk chocolate chips, roasted almonds, and cocoa nibs, and Durango hickory smoked salt gives the Durango a taste like no other. Also try their Gingersnap or Sugar cookies.

Milk Jar Cookies

At Milk Jar Cookies, they make homemade, unique, and delicious cookies. They keep the batches small, so you’re guaranteed to get a cookie that is fresh. Give the Rocky Road or Banana Split cookies a try and you won’t be sorry.

With all of the great choices for cookies, you can turn National Cookie Month into your own National Cookie Year. Give them a try and share notes with your neighbors about your favorite places and favors.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month all across the nation. There are hundreds of events designated to raise money for the research and treatment of breast cancer. There are many things you can do to help prevent breast cancer and help people see a few more birthdays each year. The Making Strides Foundation is focused on raising money for this cause.

Saturday October 17th at Microsoft Square at L.A. Live will be a walk to raise money for breast cancer research in hopes to make breast cancer eradicated in this century.  These Making Strides walks are the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation. You can sign up for a three to five mile walk and start to raise money for this cause. Your contributions will be helping those who are currently dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis, people who may face them in the future and research in hopes to find a cure.

Check in starts at 7am with the walk beginning at 8am. However, due to the number of participants please make sure your group is at the starting line by 8am. Opening ceremonies start at 7:15am and they are held to symbolize the commitment each of us makes to eradicate breast cancer.

If you are a survivor, make sure to check in at the tent to receive American Cancer Society information and a free gift plus a massage! There is also entertainment throughout the day on the main stage starting at 8am. Since the walk is not a race, the walk will be completed when the final person crosses the finish line. You do not need to finish the walk if you are unable. After the walk, come to the walk for refreshments, entertainment and snacks.

This event takes place rain or shine so make sure to check the weather and dress appropriately. There is parking available, but please arrive early so you can check in on time.

This is just one of the many events that are held to raise money for breast cancer. Get a team together with your friends at Palazzo Westwood and go support this amazing cause.

Fall in LA

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It might not feel like fall in Los Angeles, but fall is technically here. Just because we are experiencing hot temperatures this time of year, does not mean we cannot enjoy the cool weather activities that the rest of the country experiences. Oktoberfest, festivals and concerts are just a few of the ways we can celebrate the change in seasons. Invite your friends from Palazzo Westwood and see what you can find in our gorgeous city. 

Los Angeles Oktoberfest

Happening a little later in the season is the Los Angeles Oktoberfest. This event is held October 16th-18th at the Beverly Hills Country Club. For $100 dollars per person, you can acquire glass bier stein that gives you unlimited refills throughout the festival. You also can enjoy food and entertainment throughout the three day event. The best part about this event is that it raises money for local charities in the region.

Farm Pumpkin Patch

The Tapia Brothers Farm Pumpkin Patch is not just a quick way to buy a pumpkin. You can literally get lost in the famous Tapia Brothers Farm epic corn maze. This maze is so big it is in a separate lot across from the pumpkin patch. You can run through the maze with a map and a sheet full of trivia questions. As you run around the maze, you can find the answers. If you complete the maze and the answers you can submit your name to win $100. After you complete the maze, go pick out a pumpkin or five to carve for your Halloween celebrations. 

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

The famous Los Angeles Haunted Hayride is back for this Halloween season. This is not a kid-friendly ride through a pumpkin patch. This hayride includes everything from demons to monsters all throughout Griffith park. There is a pitch black maze and scare zones just waiting to help your Halloween spirit. This year’s theme is “Boogeyman”. This event happens all throughout October. You can learn more on their website. 

These are just a few of the great fall events occurring throughout Los Angeles. What is your favorite fall event?

Pumpkin Flavor in LA

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It may still be warm in Los Angeles, but everyone is already craving pumpkin flavored everything. From lattes to cheesecakes, you can find people looking for pumpkin flavor in even the most obscure foods. This is even true in a variety of restaurants throughout Los Angeles. We have found a few dishes that we are so excited to try. Do you have any pumpkin flavored recipes? Share them with your friends at Palazzo Westwood.

Messhall Kitchen on Los Feliz Blvd has a delicious menu that we love to sample and try. However, their pumpkin items are the reason we are so excited to go there this fall. We want to start with a roasted pumpkin bisque with black truffle and fresh mozzarella grilled cheese. This is just the main course. Dessert is what we have been craving all day. Make sure to try their pumpkin cheesecake, that is made with a gingersnap crust.

Stir Market is one of the newest restaurant concepts in Los Angeles. This is a modern take on the European food hall experience. It is part retail space and part dining area. We are heading their this fall to try the small red-orange pumpkin salad. This salad has a butternut squash, pumpkin seeds and pomegranate all mixed into it. This is the perfect lunch to hit all of our pumpkin cravings. You can find the Stir Market at 7475 Beverly Blvd.

Maybe a salad is not enough for your pumpkin cravings. Fig and Olive on Melrose Place will give you a slice of France in Los Angeles. They are serving a pumpkin sage ravioli that is made with free range chicken, ricotta and charmoula, topped with a pumpkin olive oil emulsion, toasted pumpkin seeds, parmesan and an aged balsamic Frantioio olive oil. Make sure to try their other fantastic dishes during your next visit.

These are just a few of the many Los Angeles restaurants that will help you satisfy your pumpkin cravings. We want to know what your favorite pumpkin item is? Comment on our Facebook Page with your favorite pumpkin drink or food item and where to get it!

Other Sources:
CBS Local