L.A.

[KCkelley]

Hey gals!

I'm very excited to say that I am going to be spending 2 weeks in Los Angeles this summer! I am going to be at a conference that lasts for about 10 days then the 4 other days I get to spend all by myself! Does anyone have any suggestions of what to plan for while I'm there? Any must-sees? (besides those Wilson boys!) Are there any places that are known for their celeb sightings? I am TOTALLY excited about this. Let me know if you have any tips!

-Kelley

[Librarian]

Wow! You just touched on one of my favorite subjects. I travel a lot for my job and have brother that lives in L.A. - in Burbank now. For years I have been perfecting the celebrity sightings. I keep a list like a bird watcher. Bird watching is a great analogy because I have a rule of never bothering them in their natural habitat.


A friend and I have been joking about writing a guide for spotting celebrities. We have some embarassing strategies like fake reading the Atlantic Monthly at coffee shops.

Here's a quick list. You're sure to spot someone. But it all depends on where your conference is. do you know yet?

Go see a movie at ArcLight. First of all it is a wonderful moviegoing experience. The theaters have ushers, assigned seats and blackout curtains - so there's no light pollution. Keep your eyes peeled in the lobby. Ticket prices are steep, but it is so worth it. Last time I was in LA (Nov) I saw Winona Ryder and Neve Campbell in the same evening.

Right next door is Amoeba records. I've seen a few folks there.

The Grove is an old Market near the original CBS studios. They've preserved the market and have added a nice shopping area and theater.

Montana Ave and Ocean Ave in Santa Monica. A lot of people recommend 3rd St Promenade, but I'd skip it unless you have a lot of time. If you do a day in Santa Monica it'd be worth it - but it is so touristy now. There's a lot of great shops on the Promenade like Urban Outfitters if you are into shopping. Oh, I've been meaning to check out Fred Segal on Melrose or in Santa Monica.

Sunset Blvd in West Hollywood. Check out the corner of Sunset Plaza Dr and Sunset Blvd. Lot's of shopping and great places to eat - Mel's Diner and Chin Chin's are fun.

Book Soup on Sunset Blvd - same area as above.

Laemmle Sunset 5 is another great theater that shows a lot of independent films. I always see somebody at the theater. Plus Wolfgang Puck's and Virgin Megastore are in the same complex.

[KCkelley]

The conference is in right around Santa Monica (lucky me!). Thanks for all the tips! I am going to be one busy gal!

[Pollyanna]

Wow kell - lucky you that sounds like fun ;D Reading your tips Lib I wish I was going to LA myself. I would love to do a little "bird watching" I would be trying to spot that rare bird the "Texas blond Owen Eagle"

Hope you have a good time Kell and spot a few celebs!

[Librarian]

KCKelley,

Wow! ;D Your conference couldn't be in a better spot. Santa Monica is one of my favorite areas of LA. It is always 10 degrees cooler - that ocean breeze. It will be tempting to spend all your time there, but I'd recommend doing a couple of studio tours and at least go to West Hollywood (that area of Sunset I mentioned). Oh and it's always fun to do a Star Map tour of celebrity homes.

Have a blast! Summer's not too far away.

[LegallyLukes]

I would love to go to LA! I've always wondered if it's true that you can see famous people walking down the stree just like... regular people

You'll have a blast, Kelley! Here's hoping you'll be able to show a photo and a sniff-o-gram

[Looney Linn]

Hey KcKelley, jumping in kinda late, but I just wanted to let you know Borders on the Promenade is one of Owen's favorite spots...oh and so is Delux, if you like nightclubs. But make a reservation!

[KCkelley]

thank you all for your support! I'll make sure to take lots of notes and pictures (since I don't have a laptop ) *sigh* now the hard part is finding a place to stay!

[Librarian]

I have such fun news. ;D My brother is going to the Oscars. He'll even get to sit down on the floor with the celebs. He has a friend that works production on the Oscars (has for years now). My brother has been to rehearsals in the past, but this is his first year to go as a guest.

I've given him a list of celebs on which I want a full report - Johnny Depp and Sean Penn being at the top of that list. My brother thinks he might get to go to some parties - so maybe there will be a Wilson or two at one.

My brother is hoping to make it as a screenwriter (13 years now) so he is planning to do a little networking. He'll have his cell phone - anytime he needs to look engaged or busy he's going to call me. What fun!

[blondangel01]

Hey, hope you have fun!! It sounds terrific! If you get any pics of our Wilson boys, post them!! That would be sooo great!!! ;D

[LegallyLukes]

That's really exciting, Librarian!

Tell him good luck with the screenwriting, and that it's not what you know, it's who you know Network, network, network!

Hey, and if he meets Owen or Luke they can talk about writing ;D

[Pollyanna]

That's great Librarian. He's so lucky I would love to go to the Oscars!! When you get the inside scoop, make sure you pass it along!! We want details, details!!!

[Looney Linn]

I have great news everybody! It appears that Kelley won't be the only one going to L.A. this summer. I am planning a trip out there in May! I am so excited. I don't even know if I am going to have anybody to go with me, but if I don't, I am just gonna go by myself.

[Pollyanna]

Wow that's great Linn!!! This is me ;D smiling but green with envy at the same time!!! I hope you can find someone to go with - LA isn't the safest city is it? I guess if you stick to certain areas you would be ok though. Just make sure you take care

[Looney Linn]

No worries, I have an aunt that lives in L.A. ;D