Hollywood: Attractions

Hollywood is where dreams come true. At least, that’s what people say. Even if you’re not a dreamer, you can still enjoy all the larger-than-life attractions and some of the most well-known and famous Hollywood landmarks.

Museums Everything is celebrated here in Hollywood. From wax figures (Madame Tussauds), to Guinness World Record holders (Ripley’s Believe it or Not), to classic cars (Peterson Automotive Museum) and art exhibits (LACMA). Wherever your interests lie, there’s likely a museum for it. What’s really fun is that the exterior of the museums are just as interesting as what can be found on the inside. If you’re visiting LA, I’d recommend going to at least one museum during your trip. If you’re a local, spend an afternoon exploring one you haven’t been to yet.

Walk of Fame The infamous Hollywood Walk of Fame – block after block of stars and celebrity names. You’ll often find folks posing for pictures next to their favorites. And even a celeb or two have been known to pay their star a visit. In front of the Grauman’s Chinese Theater, you’ll find hand and footprints along with signatures of some of the most famous faces to grace the screen. A most stunning and grand place to catch a movie or attend a special screening. Located on Hollywood Boulevard, you can walk along the path of stars and then go and watch them on the silver screen.

Hollywood and Highland The Hollywood and Highland outdoor mall and entertainment complex is in the center of it all. Located at the corner of – you guessed it – Hollywood and Highland, it has become a must-stop for tourists and locals for all things ‘Hollywood’. The Academy Awards are hosted at the Dolby Theater, located in the complex. A plethora of events and parties are often hosted here. It’s also a great place to relax with a cup of coffee and people watch, as much as it is to shop all the cool stores and boutiques. You’ll get some great views of the Hollywood sign as well as the bustle on Hollywood Boulevard. 

Have you been to any of these Hollywood landmarks?

CA Fires

As we all know by now, several neighborhoods in both Southern and Northern California have been ravaged by fires. Over 100,000 acres burned, over 9,000 homes destroyed, over 70 lives lost, hundreds unaccounted for, and hundreds of families displaced and left homeless and hopeless. As we near the Thanksgiving holiday, let’s take a moment to remember to be kind to our neighbors and help in any way we can.

Donate If you are able to and feel inclined to do so, please consider donating to those in need. Money, food (non-perishable), water, toiletries, baby supplies, new and like-new clothing, bedding, and other basic living essentials are needed for those who have lost all of their belongings along with their homes. There are several organizations that are collecting funds and other items to disperse directly to those affected and in need. Additionally, our first responders and fire fighters are in need of water and supplies, as they tirelessly and selflessly fight the fires to save lives and property, 

B Strong  

One Love Malibu  

The Los Angeles Fire Department 

Host Again, if you have the means to, please consider opening up your home to one of the thousands of families who are in need of shelter. Airbnb has set up a disaster relief program to offer free, temporary housing to the fire victims. If you live close to the devastation and your home was not damaged, maybe you can let a neighbor stay with you until they figure out their next steps with housing. If your accommodations don’t allow you to take in another family, maybe you can invite them over for Thanksgiving dinner. So many families now have nowhere to celebrate the holidays, and will be so appreciative for a home-cooked meal with new friends.

Airbnb

Help If you or someone you know has lost their home or business in the fires, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. So many of us are happy to lend a hand in any way we can. Visit the sites listed above for relief in the form of money, food, clothing and temporary housing. If you need to find more stable housing while sorting everything out, please feel free to reach out to me or any real estate agent or broker you know for assistance in longer term leasing options. Your insurance will pay for your rent or lease during this time, so we can help get you into a home as quickly as possible. Make sure you have already contacted your insurance company to start a claim and that you have a claim or case number. Document all your expenses and keep track of all your receipts. This is a difficult time for so many, but there is a lot of help and hope being offered by our friends, neighbors and communities.

https://joanna.cbintouch.com/

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving and lots of healing for those who have lost so much. 

LA Live

Los Angeles is considered the entertainment capital of the world. For the past decade, LA Live in Downtown Los Angeles has fully encompassed that sentiment. With live entertainment, restaurants, bars, and luxury hotels and residences, it’s a one-stop-shop for all your entertainment needs.

Live Entertainment What do you get when you combine the Staples Center, LA Convention Center, and Microsoft Theater? A whole lot of venue space for live entertainment and events. Staples is home to the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers and Los Angeles Kings. It’s also stomping grounds for some of the biggest names in music, comedy and performance arts. The LACC hosts everything from trade shows and conventions to exhibitions and meetings. The Microsoft Theater is a more intimate venue for concerts, award shows and corporate events. All bases are covered when it comes to hosting live entertainment. 

Food and Fun The coolest and most convenient thing about attending a concert, sports game or any other live event at LA Live is that you don’t have to go far to find a drink, dinner or any other form of entertainment. Visit The Grammy Museum to immerse yourself in all things music, learn about the history of different genres of recorded music, and explore the many exhibits. Grab some popcorn and catch the latest movie at the Regal Cinemas. Rent some bowling shoes and try your luck at Lucky Strike. Enjoy a drink or breakfast/lunch/dinner at any one of dozens of dining options in and around LA Live. With so many options, you can’t go wrong!

Live/Stay After you’ve enjoyed your event and had a drink and some food, why go home? Stay at one four luxury hotels: The Ritz Carlton Los Angeles, JW Marriot Los Angeles LA Live, Courtyard Los Angeles LA Live, and Residence Inn Los Angeles LA Live. Want to call LA Live home? To make your stay a bit more permanent, you can live at the Ritz Carlton Residences. Here you get to enjoy (and own) a room with a view, and have all of LA Live as your backyard. Its central location also allows for quick access to freeways and the Metro, making it commuter friendly, and creating that live, play, work balance.

Have you been to LA Live?

Melrose

There are a ton of places in LA for shopping, dining and entertainment – none like Melrose. Known for its eclectic art, unique fashions, and diverse eateries, there’s something for everyone on Melrose Avenue.

Cafes Coffeehouses are ubiquitous in Melrose, but that doesn’t make them any less of-the-moment. A cup of coffee isn’t just a cup of coffee here. It’s an experience; one that sometimes comes with pretty latte art or an Instagram worthy set up. Places like Urth Cafe and Alfred’s Tea & Coffee are popular spots. If you’re looking for specialty coffee houses with unique flavor combinations and artisan coffees, Melrose has you covered.

    

Street Art On any given day, you’ll find people standing in line. Not for the latest shoe release, or even for the newest restaurant opening, but to take their pictures in front of street art. There are dozens of walls all over Melrose adorned with ornate and colorful designs and original artwork. The pink wall outside the Paul Smith Store and the black and white Made in LA wall are a couple examples of street art that make Melrose a tourist attraction as well as a hub for budding artists.

 

Shopping The Melrose Avenue Shopping District is located on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood. Blocks and blocks of retail shops sell everything from the latest trends to secondhand gems. Accessories, shoes, clothes and everything in between can be found at high end and high street stores to one-of-a-kind boutiques. Window shopping is just as fun since there’s so much to see! A stop at Fred Segal is a must, as is grabbing a bite at the café located inside.

Where’s your favorite place to shop on Melrose?