At the corner of Eagle Rock Boulevard and Colorado Boulevard, an enthusiastic shopper can find most anything he is looking for, be it food, music, car services or what have you. Toros Pottery is the only shop, though, that can offer custom, hand-crafted pottery. The store is home to many original designed plates, bowls, bottles and vases for purchase. There are gallery events and frequent showings where pottery, crafts and other pieces are on exhibit, and there is often live music as well. The owner also offers pottery classes to those who want to learn this ancient craft. The store is open every day of the week except Sunday, and customers are encouraged to come by to view the latest works. Pieces can also be viewed online.
Sunset Gower Studios is located on Sunset Boulevard in the heart of Hollywood. Legendary Hollywood producers Sam and Jack Warner, commonly known as the Warner Brothers, originally founded the Sunset Gower Studios in 1918. Some of Hollywood's greatest films have been shot here including Lawrence of Arabia, Raisin in the Sun and Dr. Strangelove. Popular TV productions include Barney Miller, Golden Girls and Heroes. The Sunset Gower Studios is currently the home of Lopez Tonight. Sunset Gower Studios also houses state of the art production and editing facilities that produce 2D and 3D animation and post-production services. The business offices are not open to the public, but guided tours of the studios are available.
Chinese Historical Society of Southern California is located at the edge of Chinatown in a very unassuming little house that is brimming with photos and information about the Chinese-American experience and specifically the history of immigrants to Los Angeles and Southern California in general. The intent of the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California is to "increase awareness of Chinese-American heritage through public programs, education and research." It is celebrating 30 years of contributing to Chinese-American culture and life here in Los Angeles.
Unlike most wax museums, where visitors are separated from the wax figures, the Hollywood Wax Museum actually encourages people to get up close to their favorite stars' likenesses. However, unlike the high-quality dopplegangers at hands-off museums (like nearby Madame Tussauds Hollywood), it's hard to figure out who some of the Hollywood Wax Museum's figures are supposed to be without reading the signs or recognizing the movie sets.
Best and worst time to go to the Hollywood Wax Museum
The best time to visit is during September, after most tourists have gone home. The worst time is August, since crowds may prevent you from getting close to your favorite celebrity.
Must see/do at the Hollywood Wax Museum
Visitors should be sure to bring their cameras or phones (and selfie sticks), because there are plenty of photo opportunities.
It will likely scare younger children, but the dimly lit Chamber of Horrors features some very realistic movie monsters.
Slightly less scary is the wax likeness of Hugh Hefner. Visitors can even climb into bed with him.
Admission to the Hollywood Wax Museum
Admission prices are around $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for children (ages 5-12). Children under 5 are admitted free. The Hollywood Wax Museum is open every day from 10 a.m. to midnight.
Parking and public transportation to the Hollywood Wax Museum
Validated parking is available about a block away in the parking structure at the Hollywood & Highland Center. It's also easy to get here via public transportation by taking the Metro Rail Red Line to the Hollywood & Highland station.
Food at the Hollywood Wax Museum
Food isn't served at the museum, but there are several restaurants a short walk away, including Mel's Drive-In, where prices range from around $10 to $30, and the historic, pricier Musso and Frank Grill (about $30 and up).
Insider tip for visitors to the Hollywood Wax Museum
Visitors can save a dollar on the admission prices by ordering tickets online.
Author's bio: Laura Goldman is a freelance writer and lifelong Angeleno. Follow her on Twitter and visit her blog, i Still Love Dogs.
The Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society is a museum dedicated to Los Angeles firefighters. The historic site was established in 1960 and was rebuilt in 2001 after suffering earthquake damage. The museum contains artifacts dating as far back as the 1800s, including an old fireboat No. 2, helmets, gear and water pumps. A fallen firefighter memorial is located in the courtyard in front of the museum. The museum is run by volunteers and is only open on Saturdays between 10am and 4pm.
The Los Angeles Recording School's intensive audio education is designed to take students inside the world of music and audio production. The school is in the heart of Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard. From day one, students apprentice under a professional in the business, and learn one-on-one at a music production company. The goal of the LARS program is to give each student the best education in music and music management.
Tinlark Gallery is located in the Crossroads of the World on Sunset and Las Palmas. Tinlark is a contemporary art gallery that provides art consulting services for collectors whether it's a one-time buy or expanding an existing collection. The gallery's services include creating a collecting budget, sourcing works of art at galleries, researching market price, coordinating purchases, transportation and installation of artworks. Its specialty is customizing a unique portfolio of options for every client. Parking at Crossroads of the World Lot is on Las Palmas north of Sunset.
Largo at the Coronet is an art venue and bar located in West Hollywood. The venue offers patrons a wide array of performances, including plays and musical guests. A full calendar of events is available online as are tickets. Tickets may also be purchased at the Largo box office or over the phone. The theater also features a bar where patrons can purchase drinks before any performance. For further inquiries, phone Largo at the Coronet.
Pilates & Arts owner and instructor Tannis Kobrinsky offers private, partner and group Pilates classes. Fifty-five minute classes are available for students of all fitness levels. Please visit the website for more information, including a class schedule.
Located at the crest of Olive Hill overlooking the city of Los Angeles, Barnsdall Art Park had its beginning in the early 1900s when Aline Barnsdall came West with plans to develop a theatre company. When Aline Barnsdall donated the park and its Frank Lloyd Wright-designed structures to the City of Los Angeles in 1927, she wished to provide an accessible arts center, incorporating and preserving the famous Hollyhock House as a vital component. The spirit of Barnsdall's intention was to maintain an active arts center for the community and to assure longevity.
Programs and exhibits became a part of the mission of Barnsdall Art Park, which is used by thousands of Los Angeles community members as well as visitors from throughout the world. The Community Arts Division of the Cultural Affairs Department manages the park. For more information regarding the Cultural Affairs Department, see its website at www.culturela.org. Programs include the adult and youth art classes at the Barnsdall Art Center and the Junior Arts Center, the Barnsdall Art Center and the Hollyhock House; museum education and tours programs at the Municipal Art Gallery, the Junior Arts Center Gallery and the Hollyhock House; theatre programs at the Gallery Theatre; and numerous festivals during the year that celebrate the cultural diversity of the community.
Paramount Pictures Studios is a full-service production facility that has served the movie and television industry in Hollywood for more than a century. The 65-acre lot contains 30 stages, 12 of which are more than 15,000 square feet, all with wireless networking and Internet access; 16 of the stages are more than 35 feet tall, eight are equipped with pits and 10 are audience rated. The studios also contain a number of lot locations, such as NY Street, The Alley, Blue Sky Tank and a variety of shops, architectural structures and facades. Additionally, the Paramount Pictures Studios provides office and tenant services with more than 800,000 square feet of office space, as well as post-production facilities with six screening rooms, off and on-line editing, sound mixing and more.