| HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA, where stars are born. You never know
what to expect when visiting Hollywood. You may see a look-alike actor or the
real thing. But one thing is for certain, on any day of the year, you can size
yourself to the famous stars by placing your hands and feet in their sidewalk
imprints, walk on their stars and enjoy standing where they have stood.
Hollywood is distinguishable by the huge letters on the hillside to the north
that spell out its name, but you can't miss Hollywood. It is an attraction that
people all over the world flock to see, to experience and document for their own
movies.
Hollywood was founded in 1888 by Harvey Henderson Wilcox
and his wife, Daeida, as part of a residential development. While some say it was Daeida
who selected the name after she met a lady on a train whose summer home was
called Hollywood, an expert on this subject has written a book about Hollywood
called, "The Father of Hollywood". Author Gaelyn Whitley Keith states:
Hollywood was named by H J Whitley in 1886.
Whitley Heights which is currently in Hollywood is on the National
Registry. H J Whitley is buried in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
At an election held November 14, 1903, the residents
of Hollywood voted to incorporate as an independent city. They changed
their minds in 1910 when the community voted to annex to the growing
city of Los Angeles in order to assure a reliable water supply.
Now known primarily for the film industry, there are many
opportunities to tour studios and sit in on tapings of programs.
Below is a list of some of those opportunities plus many more attractions
you might want to check out. |
| Capitol Records, 1750 N. Vine, at the historic intersection
of Hollywood and Vine. Landmark building is one of Hollywood's icons
and built like a stack of records.
Mann's Chinese Theatre, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., 323-464-8111.
The most famous theatre in the world was build by Sid Grauman in 1927 and features the hand and footprints of legendary movie stars.
The Original Farmers Market, 3rd and Fairfax Ave., 213-933-9211.
A Los Angeles tradition for over 60 years, features shops, produce, and
a wide variety of dining establishments.
Frederick's of Hollywood, 6608 Hollywood Blvd.,213-466-8506.
World famous lingerie shop also includes the Celebrity Lingerie Hall of
Fame, featuring lingerie from Hollywood movie stars.
Griffith Park, Vermont Ave. at Los Feliz. The largest
city park in the U.S. is home to the famous Hollywood Sign, the Griffith
Observatory 213-664-1191, Autry Museum of Western Heritage 323-667-2000,
Greek Theatre 323-480-3232, and other attractions.
Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N.
Highland Ave., 323-850-2000. This 18,000-seat internationally-renowned
natural amphitheater is the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic
Orchestra. hollywoodbowl.org/
Hollywood Entertainment Museum, 7021 Hollywood Blvd.,
323-465-7900. This long-awaited museum showcases Hollywood's entertainment
industry, and features such attractions as sets from the television
series "Star Trek" and "Cheers."
Hollywood Memorial Park Cemetery, 6000 Santa Monica
Blvd., 323-469-1181. Final resting lace of many Hollywood luminaries. Melrose Avenue, A unique collection of galleries,
fashion boutiques, restaurants and antique shops with the newest and best
of fashion, trendy design and art deco nostalgia items of the 30s, 40s,
and 50s. Paramount Pictures, 5555 Melrose Ave., 323-956-5000.
Longest continuously operating film studio in Hollywood. Considered by
many to be the most beautiful of the major studios. Two-hour walking tours
Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. $15. Start at Visitors
Center. Children must be over 10. Rock Walk/Guitar Center, 7425 Sunset Blvd., 323-874-1060.
Handprints, signatures, and memorabilia from Rock 'n Roll's greatest musical
performers and innovators are featured at this unique Hollywood attraction. Television Show Tapings. Hollywood is the place to see
the television industry in action.
Some of the best sources of tickets
include:
- Audiences Unlimited, (818)506-0043. Write: 100 Universal City
Plaza, Bldg. 153, Universal City, CA 91608 and include a return
stamped envelope. Over 40 sitcoms, game and
talk show tickets available.
- CBS, 323-852-2458. 7800 Beverly Blvd. Tickets for game and
talk shows, and sitcom tapings.
- Paramount Pictures, 213-956-5575. 860 N. Gower St.
Tickets available at Visitors Center up to five days in advance of tapings
of Paramount's sitcoms and talk shows at the studio and other production
facilities.
Universal Studios Hollywood, (818)508-9600. Located off the
Hollywood Fwy. at the Universal Center Drive and Lankershim exits. The
world's only theme park that offers guests shows, rides and the authenticity of
a working movie studio. Includes such popular attractions as "Jurassic Park: The
Ride" and City Walk. Open daily, except Thanksgiving
and Christmas. Operating hours vary.
Walk of Fame, World-famous Hollywood attraction features
more than 2,000 stars honoring celebrities in motion pictures, television,
recording, radio and theatre. The Walk is located on Hollywood Blvd. between
La Brea and Gower and on Vine Street between Yucca and Sunset Blvd. Approximately
20 new stars are added each year. For information on upcoming ceremonies,
call 323-469-8311. If you want to see the Hollywood Experience in an entertaining
way the entire family will enjoy, you really must go to Universal Studios
Hollywood.
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