It’s the city of oomph.
Here, even the fire hydrants are given special treatment, painted silver instead of yellow.
This is the hometown of the latest trends, where everyone looks like a celebrity. Open-top cars cruise along wide streets. Tall palm trees sway, silhouetted against a bright blue California sky.
And spelt out in white, far above the masses, the Hollywood sign presides.
But this year, the biggest star in Hollywood is the city itself — Beverly Hills. The most glamorous zip code in the world turned 100 years old in January this year.
Although it’s completely surrounded by Los Angeles, I was surprised to find that this home to the rich and famous is considered a completely separate city. It has its own police station, fire department and city hall. With a population of just 35,000, the small, exclusive address has only 5,000 more residents than trees.
My visit to Beverly Hills earlier this summer was a quintessential tourist trip ... and no less fabulous because of it. In fact, tourism is significant for Beverly Hills, which markets itself as the entertainment capital of the United States.
A record 42.2 million people visited Los Angeles last year according to the LA Tourism and Convention Board, and the number is only growing every year.
This entire year, Beverly Hills has been celebrating its centennial with quirky tributes to the things that make it unique.
We too took a trip through history and tried putting this star-studded town in perspective for you:
RODEO DRIVE
Many know Rodeo Drive as the ideal location for shopping, but only a few realise it is lined with architecturally significant buildings, including Anderton Court, designed by legendary American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the popular Two Rodeo Drive shopping complex and a host of designer shops and boutiques that are visually artistic and compelling. Walking along this glamorous strip, you are likely to spot bronze plaques, each with a quote and signature. These pay tribute to the internationally prominent leaders of the fashion industry who have received the prestigious Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Award over the years.
THE BEVERLY HILTON
A classic example of mid-century modern architecture, this iconic hotel opened its doors in 1955 to rave reviews. Built by Conrad Hilton, the hotel was the first to have high-speed elevators and featured one of the largest swimming pools in Beverly Hills. The Beverly Hilton has served as the site of The Golden Globe Awards for more than 40 years and continues to host many other award shows and gala events too.
THE PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA
Since its opening in Beverly Hills in 1996, The Paley Center for Media has been the best resource for unforgettable radio and television programmes. With a push of a button, guests have access to more than 150,000 archived programmes including former US president Franklin D. Roosevelt’s first fireside radio chat and astronaut Neil Armstrong’s (and man’s) first ever walk on the moon in 1969. Today, the centre’s resources encompass new-age technologies such as the internet, mobile video and podcasting. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the motion picture counterpart to The Paley Center and home to the Oscars, is not too far away and offers a number of rotating film-related exhibits along with screenings of classic movies. Both venues are open to the public.
THE BEVERLY WILSHIRE
Beverly Hills has long been a backdrop for major feature films and home to celebrities since the motion picture industry burst onto the scene in the early 1900s. This particular hotel is probably the most recognised, and I often heard tourists point at it, exclaiming: “It’s the Pretty Woman hotel!” Opened in 1928, the Beverly Hills landmark was once a residence for notable celebrities such as Elvis Presley and Warren Beatty. It continues to attract celebrities and visitors who love its storied past.
BEVERLY HILLS FARMERS’ MARKET
Every Sunday from 9am to 1pm, the Farmer’s Market is a feast for the senses. It features farm-fresh produce, artisanal packaged foods, and flowers, alongside live music and activities for children.
QUIRKY STOPS
• Sprinkles Cupcakes has a lot of droolworthy fares, but it’s worth visiting the bakery just because it has the world’s first 24-hour cupcake ATM.
• The Beverly Hills sign in Beverly Gardens Park is one of the most photographed locations in the city. Fancy a selfie?
• Walk just north of Beverly Gardens Park onto a quiet residential neighbourhood and receive a major surprise as you stumble upon a real life Witch’s House. This whimsical cottage was built on a film studio and was then relocated to its present location, where it is used as a private residence.
• Ever seen a Swarovski crystal encrusted street sign? It does exist — you can see one at the base of Two Rodeo’s cobblestone street.
