Sunday, February 17, 2013

TMZ - Los Angeles, CA


TRAVEL BY NIC…….The Perpetual Tourist!

 

TMZ Tour – LA, CA

Ok, those of you that know me know I love the Hollywood Vibe!  With it being Award season I’m in my Hey Day!  TMZ has a website, TV show and tours that you can pick up in Hollwood. TMZ stands for “Thirty Mile Zone”.  They cover the Hollywood news within 30 miles of the original guild location which is now the Beverly Center.

We pre-purchased our $49per person tickets and our tour lasted 1 ½ hours.  We picked up our voucher at a stand located in the Chinese Theatre area.  From there they directed us up to the next floor to wait for our ride in a candy store located in the Dolby Theatre (Formally the Kodak Theatre).  Just gotta give a shout out to “Sweet” it was a fun store!  Make your own candy bar, Wonka chocolate, all kinds of fun treats!

The shuttles that we rode on were comfortable.  Two seats on either side, I’m guessing it seated around 24.  You have a roof over your head; however there are no sides to the shuttle, so it’s kinda cool to have that inside/outside feel.  The driver & the guide are 2 different people so you do don’t have to worry about the driver being distracted.  Our guide’s name was Nazarene, she did an awesome job.  The guides also work over at TMZ and often you’ll see them on the tv program.  Nazarene encouraged us to be on the lookout for celebrities and if we find any they have a handy cam ready so that they can put it on their program. 

Besides the guides being very knowledgeable, we also have video clips that will explain some of the places we are seeing.  This tour mainly covers the restaurants, jails, clubs, and stores celebrities frequent.  If you are expecting to see homes, this is not the tour for you. 

Sad to say…..we didn’t see any stars!  We zoomed in on who we THOUGHT was Joe Jonas at "The Ivy," but no, it wasn't him! Oh well….it was still fun!  Do plan on tipping your guide at the end of the tour.

So are you interested in my restaurant suggestions?!  Well we like several places in LA/Hollywood area, but since it was our friends’ birthday we went to one of his favorites….El Coyote! (12 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles) Located just down from CBS Studios.  Prices are very reasonable and the atmosphere is very fun and family oriented.  The March family opened the restaurant back in 1931.  The waitresses where bright colored, hand embroidered skirts and blouses.  They can seat over 300 people, and that does include an outdoor patio.  I love any restaurant strings “Christmas” lights”.  El Coyote’s ceiling is covered with the multi colored lights!  Again, fun & festive.  Here is a sad but interesting fact….those of you that are old enough to remember the Manson murders?  Sharon Tate’s last meal was at the El Coyote, we were told she dined at a booth that you pass as your walking to the bathrooms. 






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