Shops and Shopping, Los Angeles

If you are craving a little German culture, head south on the 110 freeway, past the 405, until you see Alpine Village on the West side...I think it is the Torrance Exit.

Anyway, it has German shops, a German deli and bakery, a small grocery area with German-style products...and it holds a pretty good Oktoberfest...for California.

It gets very sloppy as the night goes on, as patrons buy LOTS of beer. There is a German (really from Germany) om-pah band, sausages and pretzels, funny drinking games, the chicken dance, and lots of fun.

It costs about $5 to get in, and more info is at the website. It starts in mid-September through October.

When you come here, you must order the Godmother with the works, spicy. It's hands down one of the best sammiches I've ever had. The parking here is insane and you will probably not find a place to sit if you come here at a regular time. That's just because everyone likes it here so much. I would recommend placing your order online ahead of time to avoid taking a numbered ticket and waiting 30 minutes to place your order when you get there. Remember, Godmother with the works, spicy.

This busy street in the heart of the Fashion District downtown is like a third-world open air market, and unlike anything you'll see anyplace else in America. Go on a Saturday, and it will be packed with so many people there won't be room to walk. Great deals on cheap, wholesale clothes. Also bootleg CD/DVD central. Filthy, dirty, hectic, awesome!

A word of advice...rather than drive to this area, it makes more sense to take public transit (shocking!). Take the Metro Red Line subway to the 7th Street/Metro Center station downtown, then hop on the appropriate DASH bus.

A second word of advice...the smells of the enticing hot dogs wrapped in bacon are tempting, but those without a strong stomach might find themselves sick the next day. Be forewarned.

WOW! Anything you could want can be found here. Take a walk through St. Vincent's. It sort of like a mall but the only thing you will find is jewelry or jewelry components.

I could have spent the entire afternoon here but there was more to do.

St. Vincent's is located at:

640 S. Hill
Los Angeles, CA 90014

The jewelry district has a website at http://www.lajd.net/

Stamp Palace
24201 W Valencia Blvd

661 253 1111
If you're a stamp nut like my best friend, you'll LOVE this store. It's huge and usually has a sale on. They also have a lot of scrapbook supplies.

Melrose Avenue, between La Brea and Fairfax, is always full of interesting stuff. It's fun just to stroll down and observe. Make sure to go into the funky shops though!

On Sundays, there is a great flea market at Fairfax High (where the red Hot Chili Peppers went to school:)

Always a great place to find a treasure or two.

Rodeo Drive, There are the bland shops and beautiful houses for rich persons. I went through quickly :..

Groove Riders
14566 Ventura Blvd
818 981 3366
Shop for all your skater-style funky clothing right here.