Hollywood - Sites to see in tinseltown
“Hooray for Hollywood!” Everyone is familiar with that phrase and tune. Back in the early part of the Twentieth Century, motion picture companies from New York and the East Coast started moving to California because of the consistently warm and pleasant weather. The first movie ever filmed in Hollywood was filmed nearly a century ago and was called In Old California. Many motion pictures have been made in Hollywood since then and many place of interest attract tourists from all around the world.
The fame of Hollywood came from its identity with the movies and movie stars and the word itself became known world wide as the center of the entertainment industry. There are many attractions and famous places to see while in tinsel town.
The famous Hollywood sign is located on Mount Lee, the tallest point in Los Angeles. The sign was built in 1923 as an advertisement for real estate development in Beachwood Canyon. The sign originally read “Hollywoodland.” The last four letters were removed in 1945 after Hollywood became the world’s movie capital and the sign had already become a well-known landmark. There is no easy way to reach the sign itself, which is located in an undeveloped area away from roads. The sign is fenced in and a new high-tech alarm has been installed to ward of trespassers. The best way to view the sign is to drive up Beachwood Drive, which allows you a good view of the sign most of the way up.
There are other landmarks and attractions worth checking out when in LA. The Hollywood Walk of Fame features stars with the names of the stars. These stars salute the celebrities who made Hollywood great and date back to the silent film era. Actors, television personalities, directors, singers, and other famous showbiz celebrities are honored. The celebrity with the most stars on the Walk of Fame is singing-cowboy Gene Autry, who has five, in five different categories. The selection process determining who earns a star is confusing. Some who have include Bob Barker, Big Bird, and Lassie; while surprising, Robert Redford, Mel Gibson, and Clint Eastwood still haven’t been awarded stars. Some of the celebrities scheduled to receive stars in 2006 include: Matthew Broderick, Holly Hunter, Ray Romano, Vanna White, Judge Judy, and Motley Crue. 2007 recipients include Matt Damon, Jamie Foxx, Kiefer Sutherland, Barbara Walters, Mariah Carey, The Doors, Sean “Diddy” Combs.
You may want to check out some of the stars’ favorite restaurants. Dine at Spago Beverly Hills, The Ivy, Matteo’s, Hugo’s, Patina, Jerry’s Famous Deli, and Pink’s, and you might just see someone famous!
For more information about Hollywood sites and attractions, go online and get started planning a trip today!