Hollywood and Vine

Hollywood and Vine Review

The mere mention of this intersection inspires images of a street corner bustling with movie stars, hopefuls, and moguls arriving on foot or in Duesenbergs and Rolls-Royces. In the old days this was the hub of the radio and movie industry: film stars like Gable and Garbo hustled in and out of their agents' office buildings at these fabled cross streets.

Now that glamour has dimmed the area only comes alive after dark as a place for theater and nightlife. An exception is the Sunday Farmer's Market (8 "AM-"1 pm), which covers several blocks and draws locals from all over the city. Stop by to lunch on some of California's most luscious produce and people-watch.

Even the Red Line Metro station here keeps up the Hollywood theme, with a Wizard of Oz-style yellow brick road and giant movie projectors as well as old film reels whimsically decorating the station.

Pantages Theatre. The Pantages Theatre brings in Broadway shows such as the Lion King, Hairspray, and a production of Wicked unique to L.A. 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90028.

Music Box Fonda Theatre. Across the street is the opulent Music Box Fonda Theatre, built in the 1920s with an open-air palazzo. Pop-music concerts and small theater productions are both put on here. 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90028. www.henryfondatheater.com.

Avalon Theater. Just north on Vine, the Avalon Theater hosts rock concerts and dance nights in the space where the 1950s TV show This Is Your Life was recorded. 1735 N. Vine St., Los Angeles, CA, 90028. www.avalonhollywood.com.