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Allie Mac KayAllie Mac Kay's Los Angeles
Los Angeles native Allie Mac Kay helps Angelenos start their day right on the KTLA Morning News. Here are Allie's picks for entertainment, cheap eats... and even a death-themed tour.
Amoeba Music
Ameoba Music on Sunset is a music lovers dream. It's impossible to leave here without some gem that you were either searching for, or just realized you can't believe you lived without for so long! But the reason I love this place are the live shows. Where else could you catch The Mighty Boosh, The Swell Season and KRS-One. The shows are as diverse as our city.
This might sound odd, but I'm a HUGE Harold and Maude fan and this would have been right up Harold's alley. Make a whole day celebrating death! (Stay with me...) Start at the Museum of Death. Check out artwork done by serial killers, move on to coffin collections and end with some pet taxidermy. (Still with me?) Next hop on a guided tour... Wait for it... The Dearly Departed Tragical History Tour. Yep, find out where and how some of our favorite celebs have passed. Last stop (stay with me, I'm almost done), you can finish up at Skeletons in the Closet, located on the second floor of the L.A. County Coroner's Office building. Clothing with the coroners seal, coffin purses and other finds to help you always remember your day of death!
Pacific Park
The Santa Monica Pier is a place I grew up going to. Some of my favorite high school memories are playing the carnival games and riding the ferris wheel. But the real gem? Below and just south of the pier is the original Hot Dog On A Stick. From the outfits, to the food, to watching the workers make the lemonade… it's impossible to not be happy when you're there!
The Magic Castle
The Magic Castle is a must do if you're lucky enough. Although you must be a member or get a guest pass from a member to get in, start networking. Chances are somebody knows somebody. Once you're in, you can see some of the best close up magic in a small room or participate in a Houdini seance. The castle is so beautiful, and there seems to be a story around every corner. If you can get in... do not pass up the opportunity!
Meltdown Comics
Not only is it an amazing go-to shop for all things comic books and collectibles, but you need to check the schedule for the "Nerdist Theatre" that's in the back. Amazing live shows from comics like Doug Benson, a weekly "town meeting" with Dan Harmon, the creator of Community, or some of the funniest comics doing their podcasts.
Ricky's Fish Tacos
OK, this one I almost don't want to tell you about... I fear it will get too crowded, and I will have to wait for some of the best food in all of L.A. Sure, we have great restaurants and our food truck scene is borderline obscene... but the best fish, lobster and shrimp tacos you will ever have in your life will come from a stand. A magical stand. Ricky's Fish Tacos is a bit hard to find -- but once you do, you will never forget where it is. Follow his Twitter to know what he's serving!
Live shows in L.A. are a dime a dozen, but some of the most fun I've ever had was going to see "The Groundlings". There are different shows every night, but you never know who will pop in. Their list of alumni is staggering, from Phil Hartman to Will Ferrell, and Kathy Griffin to Kristin Wiig. The current company is hilarious. You can't go wrong any night of the week.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
When I first heard about movies played at a cemetery, I was a bit skeptical. But I got over it quick. Grab your friends, some food and drink, a blanket and prepare to have a blast. Some of the countries best DJ's spinning before you settle in to watch The Big Lebowski or The Jerk under the stars. But my favorite time there is for the Dia De Los Muertos celebration. Amazing art and culture that makes me proud to live in such a diverse community.
Allie Mac Kay is a feature reporter on the KTLA Morning News. She calls her segments, "The fluff in between car chases and murder"… and she would have it no other way.
After working all over the country from Sacramento to Salt Lake City and New York City, she's thrilled to be back home in Los Angeles. She gets asked the same two questions every day: What time to you wake up, and what time do you go to bed. The answers are 2:30 am and never before 10 pm. She's keeping the Los Angeles coffee business thriving.
For more on Allie, follow @alliemackay on Twitter or "like" Allie's Facebook page.
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