Raegan Myers
It’s amazing how much social power we give to celebrities. We want to experience similar things as it makes us feel closer to the elite A-list actors, actresses, artists, and other performers. Today, we’ve compiled some interesting places that have become tourist attractions because of celebrity influence.
Everyone has heard of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, and all stars aspire to be mounted in the Walk of Fame. Beginning as the idea of E.M Stuart in 1953, he fought a long and hard battle to establish an area to promote all people in the film and music industries. As the volunteer president of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, he pushed for a brown and blue sidewalk that would include caricatures of each honoree. Things didn’t exactly go as planned, with the tiles becoming black and coral due because these colors would match better with a new building being erected, and the caricatures would be too difficult to develop. Two lawsuits halted production of the walk further, not being complete until 1961 with 1,558 stars. To get a star, you must pay $30,000, and be a prominent figure in acting, music. Anyone is allowed to attend a Walk of Fame ceremony, and tourists flock to the area. Seeing the names on the ground is a piece of history, and it reminds us of the great work each celebrity has given us.
Another area popularized by celebrities is Martha’s Vineyard. The small Island on Duke County Massachusetts has some beautiful beaches, amazing cliffs, and a wonderful small-town feel despite being such a large tourist attraction. Celebrities travel here often to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and relax. Most people travel to Martha’s Vineyard for honeymoons, or to see celebrities enjoying their time off from working.
Celebs certainly know how to live in style, just like those that check into Chateau Marmont. This hotel is a popular spot for the famous to do slightly outrageous things and become more famous. A lot of rumors swirl about in this area, about what really happens in the hotel, including tales of Britney Spears smearing food all over her face, and Lindsey Lohan racking up $46,000 in room charges! If you head down, you may get a glimpse of a celebrity checking in or checking out. Tourists typically take guided tours or eat at the famous restaurant.
Not only have celebrities popularized specifically attractions, but also restaurants. Almost every restaurant that Guy Fieri has promoted has grown in profits. His famous show, Diners, Drive in’s, and Dives, promotes restaurants with excellent food. A particular restaurant popularized by other celebrities is called the Olympia Tea Room in Westerly, Rhode Island. Already known for good food, the tea room only became more popular after famous faces including Ed Sheeran,Taylor Swift, Hailee Steinfeld, and Lena Dunham.
Celebrities definitely know the best places to be, and how to leave their mark (maybe literally sometimes) on our lives.
Kate Michael
