Much of the pilot episode of “Hart of Dixie” was filmed in the lovely Wilmington, North Carolina, which you may have recognized from CW staples “Dawson’s Creek” and “One Tree Hill”. But since then, they’ve brought filming back to Los Angeles and have recreated the fictional town of Bluebell, Alabama on the Warner Brothers lot.

The Rammer Jammer from "Hart of Dixie" is the same exterior as Merlotte's from "True Blood", and can be found at Warner Brothers Studio in Burbank, CA. Screen cap credit: capturedgracemusic.net.

In episode 102, “Parades and Pariahs”, the mayor takes Bilson’s character Zoe Hart to a restaurant called Rammer Jammer. If you’re a fan of the HBO series “True Blood”, you probably recognized the exterior of Rammer Jammer as the same that stands in for Merlotte’s. That’s because this exterior is on the Warner Brothers backlot, which both shows use for filming (”True Blood” occasionally, “Hart of Dixie” primarily). This is what the all-purpose restaurant looks like when not dressed up for either show:

Right nearby, in the “jungle” area of the WB backlot, is a little shack that it appears they’re using as Wade’s cabin. It was used as a cafe in Million Dollar Baby and has been seen on “Pretty Little Liars” and “The Mentalist” as well.

Here it is as photographed it on the WB tour:

Wade's cabin from "Hart of Dixie". Photo credit: Christina LeBlanc for LiveTheMovies.com.

And here it is, after it’s dressed and decorated for the show:

Wade's cabin, dressed for the show. Screen cap credit: capturedgracemusic.net.

Of course, if you’re a fan of “Pretty Little Liars” or “Gilmore Girls”, you probably recognized the town square setting from the parade scenes (episode 102) in “Hart of Dixie” — that’s because it’s all the same town square! That’s right: Stars Hollow, Rosewood, and Bluebell are all the same! (Just with some different set dressings.)

The church was seen on "Pretty Little Liars", and the gazebo was used on "Gilmore Girls". Now both are also part of Bluebell, Alabama on "Hart of Dixie". Screen cap credit: capturedgracemusic.net.

And again, these can both be seen on the WB Studio Tour in Burbank, CA (which I very highly recommend):

Photo credit: Christina LeBlanc for LiveTheMovies.com.

More to come on the sights from “Hart of Dixie” as the season unfolds!

- Story and photos by Christina LeBlanc, Executive Editor

The Biggest Loser gym. Photo Credit: LiveTheMovies.

A bird's-eye view of the grounds, from LAMountains.com.

At King Gillette Ranch (26800 West Mulholland Highway, Calabasas), you’ll find the “Biggest Loser” gym, the dormitories where the cast lives, and the lush green grounds where they train and reflect. You pay a small parking fee (about $7 for the whole day), and can go directly to the main building for maps and information. (LAMountains.com also provides a free map here.)

It’s a beautiful spot to walk around, take a few photos, and enjoy nature. But, TV junkies, you’ll also spot the gym, dorms, and buildings from the show:

When I visited, they’d just started filming the 10th season. My friend and I were lucky enough to spot some of the new contestants chatting and going for a walk:

We tried not to disturb them in case they were filming, but the above guys were really nice and said hi to us. All in all, a nice little spot for a TV-stalking stop!

- Story and photos by Christina LeBlanc, Executive Editor

If you take the Warner Brothers VIP Studio Tour, you’ll see (the generally undressed) exterior of Merlotte’s as you cruise through the studio’s forest/jungle area. It’s nestled in the trees near a shack that’s recently been used on “Chuck” and “The Mentalist”. It remains undressed (as above) until the crew comes in to film scenes, at which point it is dressed up as the Merlotte’s you recognize from the show:

The interior of Merlotte’s is constructed and filmed on a sound stage at another studio. (Having been inside “Merlotte’s” as seen above, I can confirm there’s really nothing inside.) However, tucked away behind Merlotte’s is Sam’s trailer:

When I last visited the Warner Brothers lot, they’d just finished filming some scenes with Sam and his car was still on the lot, parked out by Merlotte’s. As with Merlotte’s, the interior of Sam’s trailer is pretty bare — the interior set is built on a sound stage at a different studio.

Still, it was cool that the tour guide for the Warner Brothers Deluxe Tour (which I took for the first time this month) let us wander in and around both locations — especially knowing that Sam Trammell had been there just a day earlier!

For more info on the Warner Brothers tour, check out our story & review here.

- Story and photos by Christina LeBlanc, Executive Editor

(Psst… if you’re an “Arrested Development” fan, check out our “AD” filming location guide!)

CHRISTINA LEBLANC: Thank you very much for taking the time to talk to me! I really appreciate it.

TONY HALE: Oh, sure, it’s my pleasure.

CL: I’m writing kind of a series of articles about my favorite TV characters and Buster Bluth is my favorite of all time.

TH: [Laughs] Sweet!

CL: What was the best part about playing Buster? He’s such an original and awesome character; what were your favorite parts about playing him?

TH: Um, what were my favorite parts about playing Buster… you know, I remember having a discussion with Mitch, who’s the creator, and we discussed that the only thing in life that Buster ever wanted was safety. And anything that threatened that safety was… he would just, you know, lose his mind. And it was fun to constantly be that hypersensitive. To be constantly that on-edge, all the time. Somebody could give him the wrong pencil and he’d, you know, lose his mind. It was just kind of funny to always react to everything. And also, just, I think my favorite part was the surprises that were thrown at me. You know, constantly… that was what was so great about the show was that every week, it was just a surprise. We had no idea what was coming at us and, you know, sometimes in shows you kind of get into a typical formula or a typical routine, but we just had no clue what was coming at us and that was a blast to do.

CL: Yeah! How did you react when they told you a seal was going to bite your hand off? Because, I mean, that’s kind of out of the ordinary.

TH: Oh, I know! I was super excited, because again it was something I never thought was coming at me, and initially I had a “hmm, I like to use my hands when I act”. But then it was just, the multiple comic possibilities with it was really fun. And I love that he never really stuck to one prosthetic, whether a real hand or a hook or whatever. He had his choice daily, whatever he was in the mood for.

CL: So funny. Kind of along those lines, do you have any favorite episodes or favorite Buster moments that happened?

TH: I have so many scenes with Jessica Walter, who played my mom.

CL: I loved you guys together.

TH: Yeah, we had this co-dependent, disastrous relationship and that was really fun to play off of. Along those same lines, I had Liza Minnelli as my girlfriend. And I had such a blast doing the character… I haven’t seen the actual episodes in a long time but if I do watch something on the DVD, I like to watch the gag reel. I just had so much fun laughing at everybody else. I mean, Will Arnett, who played Gob, just made me cry, and David Cross, just like Jeffrey Tambor and Jessica… it was just constant, you know, eye candy. It was so fun.

CL: You can’t lose with that group! There’s always someone to make you laugh.

TH: Oh, I know.

CL: The fans, obviously, are extremely intense about loving the show. What do you think it is about the show that people are so attached to?

TH: It’s interesting. I have some friends of mine that live in Virginia and they were saying that, actually, they watch it a lot and they said that it’s comforting to them. I was thinking, that’s so interesting. And I wonder if it’s that the height of dysfunction is just, um, it’s kind of an escape because it’s so crazy and so heightened that I think people can just laugh and forget, just laugh at the absolute destruction of the family.

CL: It’s definitely fun to watch. I’ve watched them all a thousand times, so I get that. Now we have a question from a fan, which is are there any aspects of your character or experience on the show that you carry with you into other roles or other aspects of your life?

TH: Not now… I will say, I probably – when I was doing the show – my wife will probably tell you that I was a little more hypersensitive than I need to be. Like, I would always come home a little bit on-edge. When you’re in that character so much, every now and then you bring it home. But carried over? [Laughs] Hopefully nothing, he was such a colorful guy. But doing it, it was interesting, cause you are just this emasculated man-child constantly, so… it’s an interesting place to be.

CL: [Laughs] And in terms of the movie – I’m sure you get bugged with movie questions – but is there anything you’d love to see happen? Like in terms of plot, or anything you want Buster to get into?

TH: You know, I kind of go back to the surprise aspect, because I remember I was telling someone – I had an interview a while back – and they were kind of asking me kind of the same question and I said, I remember giving Mitch the idea of “what if Buster is on American Idol or something?” and he was like, “yeah… I’m gonna have a seal bite off your hand”. And I kind of gave up on having ideas. Now I just love the surprise aspect. Because, you know, if we were to do the movie it would be, timeline-wise, five or six (or however many years it takes if we ever do the movie) after that and I just want to be completely surprised as to what happens to Buster. I mean, I can’t imagine what that guy is getting into. So I’m just really excited about the surprise aspect.

CL: Definitely. I imagine that would be fun.

TH: I know. I just have no clue, and that’s what’s fun about it.

CL: I also loved you as Emmett on “Chuck”.

TH: Oh, thanks!

CL: You’ve also done some guest-starring roles on a couple of more dramatic shows as well [like “Justified”, “Law & Order”, and “Numbers”]. A fan wanted to know, when you take a role that’s not like the comedy we’re used to seeing on “Arrested Development” or some of your other projects and do a more dramatic role, how do you get in the zone? Is it a challenge or do you enjoy doing something different?

TH: It’s definitely a challenge. Like I’m doing a movie right now in Waco, TX and it’s a dramatic role, and I did a “Law and Order” and I played a dad whose daughter gets kidnapped to Brazil by my ex-wife and to get to that zone, you kind of have to imagine – cause I have a 4-year-old daughter – if somebody were to take my daughter. It’s a total challenge. It was based on a true story, and you kind of feel like you’re representing somebody out there who has been through that. And it was fun… well, I don’t know if fun is the right word because it wasn’t necessarily fun to be in that zone. It was a challenge.

CL: Satisfying, maybe?

TH: Yeah. It was very, very, very, very, very satisfying. But it wasn’t like… I have a lot of friends in New York and we shot for two weeks in New York, but I wasn’t, like, going out with my friends at night because the next day I’d have to bawl my eyes out in the courtroom about my daughter being gone.

CL: Right, right.

TH: You know? [Laughs] But it was definitely very, very challenging and very satisfying but I don’t know if “fun” is the right word.

CL: Is there any role you haven’t been able to do yet that you kind of dream of playing?

TH: Um… god, I don’t know. That’s a good question. I’m trying to think… I’ve had the opportunity to do a wide range of stuff, a lot of different characters and they’ve all had their own kind of thing. I don’t know if there’s one crazy thing I haven’t done. [Laughs] Buster’s about as extreme as it gets. So… I don’t know what the dramatic version of Buster is… some hypersensitive psycho killer or something. But, that’s a good question. I just like to keep working. If the gigs can keep coming, then I’m satisfied.

CL: Well, yeah, as you said you’ve already gotten to play a lot of different characters, so that’s pretty cool.

TH: It is. It’s fun. It’s really, really, really fun. I’m very thankful.

CL: Another fan wanted to know about “Awkward Situations for Men”. Is there anything you can tell us about that? And how was it working with Danny Wallace?

TH: He. Is. The. Best. He is the coolest guy. Before the show, I didn’t really know his work and so, from getting the show, I’ve kind of become his internet stalker – reading all of his stuff and watching all of his videos. Not only is he so funny, but he’s just an incredibly kind man and we had such a blast working on the pilot. The whole story of the show is – he has a book coming out in June called Awkward Situations for Men – and the pilot is based on his experience as a Brit coming to the states and dealing with the American culture. And I play his American best friend who gets into trouble a lot of the time. It was just so much fun. And Laura Prepon was on the show as well, and Matt Letscher, and we had a great, great time and we’re still waiting to hear what happens with it. But it was just such a blast to do and I’m really thankful for that gig.

CL: That sounds really exciting so I hope we get to see it!

TH: I know, me too! [Laughs]

CL: Any other upcoming projects you want to tell us about? Where can we see you in the future? I know you said you’re in Texas right now working on a movie.

TH: Yeah, I’m in Waco, TX. [Laughs] I know, which is exciting. I went to a Wal-Mart in Waco the other day.

CL: Wow!

TH: I know, it was awesome. The film I’m doing now is called Sironia, and it’s directed by a guy named Brandon Dickerson. And it’s just a really great story about this guy who was in LA trying to make it as a musician and kept on hitting walls and decided to move back with his wife to Sironia, Texas. There’s music throughout; people kind of compare it to Once.

CL: Oh, yeah.

TH: I mean, it’s different, but there’s a lot of music involved in the movie. I play his Southern brother-in-law. And it’s just a really, really sweet, powerful story. And then in August, there’s a movie called Happythankyoumoreplease that I did.

CL: Oh, is that Josh Radnor’s movie?

TH: Yeah. And that’s coming out in August. I was able to see it at Sundance and Josh has done such a fantastic job. It’s just this story of six New Yorkers and of their lives and I play kind of loveable – or, I don’t know if I’m loveable – but this kind of awkward office worker who’s in love with Malin Ackerman. It’s just a really sweet, good movie, and it’s coming out in August, and then we’ll see what happens after that! It’s always a surprise! This business is always an adventure.

CL: Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me, I really appreciate it.

TH: Oh, thanks!

CL: And best of luck with everything, I look forward to seeing your upcoming projects!

TH: Thanks so much Christina, I really appreciate you taking the time.

Much of the on-location action took place at Fisherman’s Village in Marina del Rey. (Unfortunately the above sign has since been moved/removed.) They called it Oceanside Wharf on the show, but everything else is practically the same. Oh yeah, except there’s not really a banana stand there. But the lighthouse you see behind the banana stand on the show is really there, and you can get a burger or hot dog for lunch there. The round blue tables that George Michael and gang routinely sat at are there. You can close your eyes and imagine the banana stand is there, right?

Just across the walkway is Sapori’s, the side of which stood in for a candy apple stand – remember when Gob chipped his tooth and started whistling when he spoke? (”You’d better let me do the talking.”)

Sapori's doubled as a candy apple stand.

And, finally, docked at Fisherman’s Village is the Marina Hornblower — also known as the boat George Sr. was arrested on. It’s usually there, and easy to snap a photo with.

Nearby in Marina del Rey is the Shell Station (4770 Lincoln Boulevard) where Michael and Maeby stop in “Afternoon Delight”…

…as well as Panini Coffee & Cafe, where Michael and Oscar met in “Whistler’s Mother”:

The cafe is located at 4325 Glencoe Avenue in Marina del Rey. Interiors were used in the episode.

On Venice Boulevard in Mar Vista, you’ll find a few more locations.

At 12320 is Robinson’s Beautilities, a costume shop that Tobias walks by in the first-season finale.

A few feet down the street at 12310 is Sam Johnson’s Book Shop, where Tobias notices his book The Man Inside Me, and later does a book reading.

Around the corner at the Vineyard Christian Fellowship Coffee House (3838 S Centinela) is where Kitty met with the Bluth boys to try to take control of the Bluth Company.

(The interiors were used for the filming of the episode.)

In Los Angeles, University High School at 11800 Texas Avenue was used for George Michael and Maeby’s high school.

A bit further north in Culver City is where a lot of the show was filmed, mainly because its home was Culver Studios. Alandale’s, where Marta buys Michael a suit, is at 9715 Washington Boulevard:

Culver City Hall at 9770 Culver Boulevard is where all of the exterior scenes at court took place.

The Culver Hotel at 9400 Culver Boulevard stood in for Deliberations, the bar where Michael picked up Maggie Lizer. Inside the hotel is Munchkin’s, the hotel restaurant where Kitty once claimed Michael was threatening her.

(The Culver Hotel actually has a rich history; it’s where many of the Wizard of Oz bit players stayed while filming the movie at the nearby studio.)

Though the show wasn’t actually filmed in Orange County, it was set there and inspired by creator Mitch Hurwitz’s Orange County upbringing (he went to high school in Costa Mesa).

You might see a similar shot on the show.

In fact, Hurwitz has mentioned that the Bluth banana stand was inspired by two dueling banana shacks on Balboa Island: Dad’s Donut and Bakery Shop at 318 Marine Ave in Newport Beach and Sugar & Spice Original Frozen Banana just a few shops down the street. Though these eateries weren’t featured on the show, they definitely inspired it and the treats they offer are definitely delicious.

For more on “Arrested Development”, check out Christina’s interview with Buster himself, Tony Hale!

- Story and photos by Christina LeBlanc, Executive Editor

Where is it? The Warner Brothers studio is at 3400 Riverside Drive in Burbank, CA.

What time is the tour? Tours depart at regular intervals all day from 8:20am – 4:00pm. (The ticket office opens by 7:30am.)

How much do tickets cost? The VIP Tour costs $48.00 per person. (You can get a discount if you’re a AAA member!) In a peak season (spring or summer) I’d advise buying tickets in advance online here. Otherwise, you can buy them at the ticket office on a first-come first-served basis. You also get a coupon for $1 off gelato at the gelateria in the gift shop, in case you need to kill time with a snack while you wait.

Where do I park? The studio offers tour parking for $7, right across the street from the tour office. If you don’t want to spend that much, you might be able to find street parking nearby — but make sure you account for a short walk to the studio and make sure you’ll be okay to park for about three hours. Personally I’d say just bite the bullet and park in the convenient and safe studio lot.

How long is the tour? The tour lasts approximately two and  half hours. Don’t worry — you won’t have to hoof it. For the majority of the tour you’ll be driven around the lot on a comfortable tram.

What should I bring? Bring your camera — while videotaping is a no-no, you can take still photographs during most parts of the tour. The guides are great about helping you get the shots you want. You can bring a bottle of water or soda along, since the tour lasts over two hours; just make sure it closes. No cans or open cups! You can also have your cell phone with you, as long as you silence it during the tour.

What’s the tour like? The tour begins with a short video to fill you in on some of Warner Brother’s past and current productions. It lasts maybe 10 minutes and is fun to watch. Next, you meet your tour guide and get on the tram for your tour. If you bring a purse, they’ll lock it up for the tour but don’t worry — you’ll be able to grab your camera when picture-taking is okayed! The tour brings you past the soundstages, some of which have hosted famous sets (do “Friends”, “ER”, or “The West Wing” ring a bell?) and some of which are currently home to hit shows such as “Two and a Half Men”, “The Big Bang Theory”, and “Lopez Tonight”. Your tour guide will take you through commonly used backlots, including an oft-used jungle and pond, as well as the town square. But it’s not all just looking — on most tours you’ll also visit the WB museum, including a whole floor dedicated solely to the Harry Potter movies; a collection of famously filmed cars; the prop house; and often times a walk through an active film or TV set. (On my first tour, we walked through the offices of “The Mentalist” and on my second tour through the Buy More back room and apartment complex from “Chuck.”)

What will I see? The Warner Brothers lot has been home to many famous productions, and there are sure to be sights on the tour to excite every tour-goer. Here’s a sampling of what you might see:

The alley from the famous Spiderman upside-down kiss.

Recognize this? It's the exterior of Merlotte's from True Blood.

Some tours might visit the Central Perk set from Friends.

Luke's Diner from Gilmore Girls.

My thoughts: I LOVE this tour! I’ve been twice, and my most recent tour (March 2010) was even better than the first. Our tour guide, Freddy, was amazing. He was very funny and extremely knowledgeable. He had nuggets of wisdom for everyone on the tour, no matter what movies or shows they loved. He even took my friend to a location that isn’t normally on the tour because she loved a canceled show that filmed there. It’s an extremely in-depth tour, with past and present projects to see. It’s long but definitely not boring. And it’s a little expensive but, in my opinion, definitely worth it!

- Story and photos by Christina LeBlanc, Executive Editor

The 1988 coming of age story “Mystic Pizza” helped launch the career of future America’s Sweetheart Julia Roberts. Also starring Annabeth Gish, Lili Taylor and Vincent D’Onofrio, with a tiny appearance by a young Matt Damon, “Mystic Pizza” is a much-loved growing up story that was set in Mystic, CT and filmed in Mystic and its neighboring seaside towns.

 The real Mystic Pizza is located at 56 West Main Street in Mystic and, though the shop has been renovated since it burst into fame in the late eighties, it still has that small-town “Slice of Heaven” vibe. The servers still wear the “Slice of Heaven” t-shirts like the girls wore in the movie, and you can buy one for yourself. The pizza really is delicious, and you won’t have to worry about feeling like a tourist at this location. Mystic Pizza is decked out in movie memorabilia, and fans are almost always snapping photos outside. (I did when I visited!)

There are also a ton of souvenirs you can pick up, including shirts, hats, magnets, matchbooks, bumper stickers, and the ever-appropriate pizza cutter. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or just seriously hungry, Mystic Pizza is a must-visit for movie fans. The neighboring towns (including Stonington and Essex) are picturesque as well and are worth a visit – especially considering they helped inspire Amy Sherman-Palladino’s wonderful world of “Gilmore Girls.”

- Story and photos by Christina LeBlanc, Executive Editor

Or, at least, that’s what Michael Scott would have you believe. But in reality, Scranton seems more like a city where dreams go to die. Okay, maybe that’s a little harsh, but there’s really not much there – unless you’re a major fan of NBC’s wry and hilariously awkward hit show “The Office”.

Though “The Office” is not actually filmed in Scranton, PA, it is where the show’s fictional paper company Dunder Mifflin is located, and where the show is set. And if you’re a dedicated fan of “The Office”, you’ll enjoy all the town’s nods to the show. Driving through the town, you’ll notice little touches such as Dunder Mifflin signs. The city is proud to be the (fictional) home of the struggling paper company.

A Dunder Mifflin sign on the streets of Scranton. (LTM)

Your first stop in town might be the Mall at Steamtown. You’ll recall that in one episode of “The Office”, Michael took the ladies here for a Women’s Appreciation Day. At the mall, you can find several items of “Office” memorabilia – such as Dunder Mufflin signs, cardboard cutouts of the characters, as well as the Scranton Welcomes You sign that is seen in the show’s opening credits.

A Dunder Mifflin sign in the Steamtown Mall. (LTM)

Cardboard cutouts and the show's Scranton Welcomes You sign.

One of the major hangouts for the characters on the show is Poor Richard’s, a bar/pub where they go to let loose after a day of tedious office work. The real Poor Richard’s is located at 125 Beech Street in Scranton, and welcomes “Office” fans with open arms!

Poor Richard's welcomes you to Scranton. (LTM)

It can be found inside a bowling alley called South Side Bowl. The bar itself has televisions for watching sports games, dartboards, and karaoke on some nights. In the bowling alley, you can buy Poor Richard’s items such as shot glasses and t-shirts. They make great souvenirs for you or gifts for your “Office”-obsessed friends!

Poor Richard's, the ultimate Dunder Mifflin hangout. (LTM)

So it seems that the “Office” tour of Scranton is fairly short, but if you’re a bigtime fan it makes a great day trip or quirky weekend getaway! Enjoy the nonstop party of Scranton… and if you run into Meredith drunkly stumbling around in an alley, head in the opposite direction!

If you’d like to visit a place that’s both a natural wonder and a place where the “Office” cast did film on location, why not hit up Niagara Falls? This beautiful and romantic spot was a perfect place for Jim and Pam’s wedding, and if you visit you’ll definitely have flashbacks to their big day.

- Story and Photos by Christina LeBlanc, Executive Editor

While walking away from Hyde Park just days after the election, we came across this painting on the wall of an underpass. (JOY L. LEE FOR LIVETHEMOVIES.COM.)

With his inauguration as president on January 20, President Barack Obama finished his move from Chicago to Washington. Obama’s work as a young man serving as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago has been well-documented, but during a recent trip to Chicago, we tracked down some of the more recent places the president has been seen.

The bean structure in Millennium Park. (LTM)

When you first arrive in downtown Chicago, head east to Grant Park. This park was home to the president-elect’s Election-Night rally and acceptance speech; local police reports placed 240,000 people in the park. Grant Park and the adjacent Millennium Park are must-visits on any trip to Chicago. With good views of architecture and a nice landscape, they provide a welcome respite from the busyness of the city just a few blocks away.

The Hyatt Regency Chicago (151 East Wacker Drive) stands a few blocks north of Millennium Park. Obama and his family watched election returns from this hotel before going to Grant Park for his acceptance speech. There’s not much else to see here, so we wouldn’t recommend walking to this hotel just to get a glimpse of the outside. (However, if you are able to afford a room at the Hyatt or Swissotel Chicago, which is next door, you’ll be treated to excellent views of the Magnificent Mile area or Lake Michigan.)

Walk about thirteen blocks north on the Magnificent Mile and you’ll come across Spiaggia (980 N. Michigan Avenue), a sophisticated Italian restaurant where the First Couple dined for their anniversary dinner a week after the election. News reports indicated that a crowd gathered outside the restaurant and cheered as President-elect and Mrs. Obama exited. The restaurant’s dress code requires men to wear a jacket, and be sure to check the restaurant’s menu before making required reservations — you’ll need a hefty wad of cash to check out.

However, we suggest skipping the fanfare and grabbing a meal at a place more authentically Obama: Medici on 57th (1327 57th Street). This restaurant is located in the city’s Hyde Park neighborhood. Obama lives in the community and served as a law professor in this college neighborhood before becoming a United States senator in 2004.

Pizza joint Medici is frequented by University of Chicago students and professors -- and President-elect Barack Obama. (LTM)

Travel southwest using city buses to get to Hyde Park. Once you arrive at Medici, you’ll find pizza, pasta, and burgers in a cozy restaurant. Over the years, diners have scribbled their names and messages on the wooden walls and tables — a practice that is now discouraged. The pizza comes famous Chicago deep-dish style; the smallest size is perfect for lunch, and the “Garbage Pizza” comes filled with all the ingredients you could ever want. Our waitress said she had served Obama a few times, and some staffers wore T-shirts declaring the same. After lunch, we stumbled across the nearby 57th Street Books (1301 57th Street); the store professes that Obama regularly bought books there. Shop through five or six rooms packed with books, including ample selections on Chicago and Chicago-related writers. Displays featuring books by Studs Turkel and tomes about Barack Obama were prominent during our visit.

Obama lives near the University of Chicago campus, but the area around the house is heavily secured and shouldn’t be approached by tourists. The Law School is not located on the main campus quadrangle area we visited during our trip, and we haven’t found any evidence to show that it’s worth a trip. (Indeed, most of the university’s buildings have “No Trespassing” stickers secured to every exterior door.) Instead, you can get a haircut by heading (ha!) a bit north to the Hyde Park Hair Salon at S. Blackstone and 54th. Don’t expect to see the president-elect here; following the election, his barber began traveling to him for security reasons.

The view from the Hancock Tower lounge is worth the price of a drink. (LTM)

After your day exploring Chicago, head back to the Magnificent Mile and the John Hancock Center (875 N. Michigan Avenue). We know of no Obama connection, but can’t help sharing this favorite part of our trip. Instead of paying the $15 admission fee for the observatory at the very top of the building, take the elevator to the The Signature Lounge on the 96th floor. For the price of a drink, you’ll relax at tables to next to floor-to-ceiling windows that look out at incredible views of Chicago. Our $12 Sky High Martini in particular was top-of-the-shelf. Great drinks, great company, great views, and the feeling that we had beat the system. That’s change we’ll take any day.

-Story written and reported by Bobby Guerette.

UPDATE: After our trip, The New York Times published its own story about Hyde Park. If you’re planning to visit Chicago, be sure to check The Times article for a few more tips on places to visit. The Times mentions the Museum of Science and Industry. We will caution you: This sprawling museum is perfect for kids, younger teens, and parents, but twentysomethings may want to opt for one of the city’s many other museums instead.

Check out Whitney, Lauren, Audrina, and Heidi's favorite places in our exclusive guide to the hangouts of "The Hills." (Photo courtesy MTV Publicity.)

A feature revealing locations seen on MTV’s hit reality drama, “The Hills.”
Expanded contact information for locations mentioned can be found here.

Since it hit the air in 2006, MTV’s glossy reality soap “The Hills” has taken Hollywood by storm. Don’t lie – you know you can’t get enough of this guilty pleasure half-hour drama-fest. Combining equal parts beautiful people and beautiful places, “The Hills” presents a chic, hot Hollywood that anyone would love to be a part of. Well, here’s your chance! Isn’t it about time you spent a week walking in Lauren’s Jimmy Choos?

Lauren lived at the Park La Brea Apartments at 6220 W 3rd Street with Heidi in the first and second seasons and Audrina in the third season. 

In seasons 3 and 4 Lauren, Audrina, and Lo start their days at their brand-new home at 1627 N Orange Grove Avenue (it’s okay to cruise the street but don’t trespass on private property!).

As you can see, Lauren's former home is pretty private... which is probably why she chose it!

Lauren was enrolled at the Los Angeles Campus of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising on South Grand Avenue, where she had some classes with Spencer’s sister Stephanie. (Heidi attended FIDM briefly in the beginning of the first season before dropping out.)

The FIDM courtyard.

Lauren, Heidi and Stephanie have all attended FIDM.

Heidi and Spencer lived at La Fontaine Apartments on N Curson.

Lauren and Whitney worked hard for “Teen Vogue” during the first three seasons – Lauren fixed a candle and decorated an umbrella, among other tasks, at the Ashley Paige Store at 643 N La Cienega Blvd; Lauren and Whitney attended a tasting at the Patina Restaurant at the Disney Concert Hall, 141 S Grand Avenue:

Whit and Lauren also did a photo shoot with The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus at the Santa Monica Airport; did model castings at Smashbox Studios (8538 Warner Drive in Culver City); worked at “Teen Vogue” Young Hollywood parties at the Vibiana Church on S Main Street and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on Hollywood Boulevard. The White Tie Affair after-party in “You Always Miss a Best Friend” was held at the Roosevelt as well.

This is the inside lobby of the Roosevelt.

Heidi (sort of?) works as well, logging hours at Bolthouse Productions on Beverly Boulevard and at the club Area on N La Cienega. In the first season Audrina works at Quixote Studios on N Poinsettia Place and in the third season Audrina and Chiara spent some time with Sean Kingston at El Capitan Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard as part of their job at Epic Records in Santa Monica.

All work and no play is no fun! But there’s always time to go shopping, right? Lauren, Heidi, Jason, and Jordan went to The Grove in “Somebody Always Has to Cry.” Lauren and Lo checked out the Diane Merrick Clothing Salon on Beverly Boulevard in “What Goes Around…” and Lauren and Jordan shop for Jason’s Christmas present at XIV Karats Ltd at 314 South Beverly Drive.

Sometimes it’s nice to just relax. In “Rolling With The Enemy,” Lauren, Lo, Audrina, and Brody hang out with friends at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, a famed Hollywood location full of legends, tales of Old Hollywood movie stars, and ghost stories. For New Year’s Eve in the first season, Lauren and Heidi get their hair done at the Warren Tricomi Salon at 8327 Melrose Avenue. In “Meet The Parents,” Brody hosts a barbecue at the Polaroid Beach House on Billionaire’s Beach, Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu that Lauren, Lo, Audrina, Frankie and Justin Bobby attend.

Girls night out is supposed to be fun, and they usually are – unless you run into your sworn frenemy. Lauren and Heidi have had confrontations at the 2007 Declare Yourself event, which was held at the Beverly Hills Post Office on Santa Monica Boulevard, as well as at Les Deux at Frankie’s birthday party in “You Know What You Did.” Jen Bunney confronted Heidi about the sex tape rumors at Cheebo, 7533 West Sunset Boulevard. While out at Ketchup (8590 Sunset Boulevard) in “They Meet Again,” Lauren and Jason ran into Heidi and Spencer, which made for an awkward situation.

Lauren and Jen had an uneasy reunion in “What Goes Around…” at Lulu’s Café, 7149 Beverly Boulevard:

Feeling up for a date night? Lauren and Jason hit up the Arclight Cinema at 6360 West Sunset Boulevard, Pano e Vino at 8265 Beverly Boulevard and Café Midi at 148 S La Brea Avenue in “Lauren and Jason, Take Two.” (Lauren met Jason strictly as friends at the Chapman Coffee House on N Glassell Street in Orange after he got out of rehab in “Second Chances.”)

Audrina met up with Justin Bobby at Charcoal (6372 Sunset Boulevard) for drinks in “Truth and Time Tells All” and went out with a male model to El Coyote Spanish Café (7312 Beverly Boulevard) in “Jason’s Birthday.”

In “An Unexpected Call”, Brian takes Audrina to Gyu-Kaku, at 10925 W Pico Boulevard. Audrina and Lauren go on a double date with Jarrett and Derek to Lola’s at 945 N Fairfax Avenue in “Second Chances.” Spencer takes Audrina to Pinkberry at 868 Huntley Drive in a bid to make Heidi jealous (and Lauren and Lo go here to chat in “Big Girls Don’t Cry”). Audrina and Justin Bobby go to Toi, 7505 ½ Sunset Boulevard, in “Rolling With The Enemy” and to the Venice Café on Ocean Front Walk in Venice Beach in “What Goes Around…” For their first date, Brody takes Lauren to the Social Hollywood at 6525 Sunset Boulevard. Male model Gavin takes Lauren to Sushi Dan at 8000 West Sunset #A202.

Speaking of dates, why not make a date with the devil, er, Spencer and Heidi? They ate at Breadbar (8718 W Third Street) in “For Better Or Worse,” and they can always be found at Don Antonio’s Mexican eatery at 11755 W Pico Boulevard. (Actually, Spencer has taken both Heidi and Audrina there!)

It's easy to understand why Spencer loves this place... the food is delicious!

Spencer and Heidi eat at Le Pain Quotidian at 8607 Melrose Avenue in “Big Girls Don’t Cry.”

This cute cafe was also featured in Scream 3.

Also in “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” Spencer and Brody bought Heidi’s engagement ring at Ice Accessories in Brentwood Gardens at 11677 San Vicente Boulevard, and then Spencer proposed to Heidi at the Bacara Resort & Spa on Hollister Avenue in Santa Barbara. And who could forget a nervous Heidi buying a pregnancy test at Marvin’s Pharmacy at 8933 Santa Monica Boulevard in the second season premiere?

For a pre-party bite and beverage, Lauren loved the pumpkin ravioli at Bella at 1708 N Las Palmas Avenue (she, Audrina, Heidi, Jordan, Brian, and Jason went there in “Jason’s Birthday” and she met Audrina and Justin Bobby there for drinks in “Truth and Time Tells All”), but the cute restaurant has since closed.

 Lauren, Lo, and Audrina went to The Boulevard Lounge at 1114 N Crescent Heights Boulevard in “Meet the Parents,” and Lauren, Whitney, and Audrina took The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus to The Dime at 442 N Fairfax Avenue in “For Better or Worse.” The whole first season gang hit up Geisha House on Hollywood Boulevard in “New City, New Drama” and Blowfish Sushi (9229 West Sunset Boulevard) for “Jason’s Birthday.”

On Heidi’s 21^st birthday she and Kimberly eat lunch at Food Court LA, 8334 W Third Street. In “A Change of Plans,” Jordan convinces Heidi to drop out of school while they eat at Café Tartine (7385 Beverly Boulevard). Heidi gets breakfast at Doughboys Bakery (8136 W Third Street) with Lauren in “Somebody Always Has To Cry” and with Jen in “Rolling With The Enemy.” After working out at the Equinox Gym (8590 Sunset Boulevard), Lauren and Audrina hit up Elixir Tonics & Teas at 8612 Melrose Avenue in “Second Chances.” In “Boyfriends and Work Don’t Mix,” Lauren, Heidi, and Audrina go to the Sofi Greek Restaurant and Garden at 8030 ¾ W Third Street.

When the sun goes down, it’s time to hit the clubs. For the favorites of “The Hills” stars, check out the following: LAX at 1714 Las Palmas Avenue, which is where the cast hangs out a lot in the first season; Lobby (9077 Santa Monica Boulevard), where Lauren, Jason, Heidi, and Jordan went for New Year’s Eve in the first season; ONE Sunset at 8730 Sunset Boulevard, where Audrina and Justin Bobby went and hung out with The Ruse; the Viper Room, 8852 Sunset Boulevard, where Audrina and Justin Bobby saw The Ruse play. Most of the action in the second and third seasons is at Les Deux, 1638 N Las Palmas Avenue, including Jen’s infamous 21^st birthday party, after which she hooked up with Brody.

If you’re staying in Los Angeles, why not try the Magic Castle Hotel at 7025 Franklin Avenue, which is where Lauren and Whitney did a fitting with The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus in “For Better or Worse.” And of course all of the drama of “The Hills” couldn’t be contained in one city, even if it’s as big as Los Angeles! If you’re itching to travel “Hills”-style, fly in and out of LAX Airport like the cast does.

Lauren and Whitney sometimes go to New York City for work; Lauren has pulled a shift at the Marc Jacobs Design Studio at 72 Spring Street, while Whitney had a meeting at Teen Vogue Headquarters at 4 Times Square. The girls stayed at the W Hotel New York on Lexington Avenue. Perhaps the most fun destination the cast has gone is Las Vegas! When the gang hits up LV for Brody’s birthday in the third season, they stay at The Palms hotel on West Flamingo Road and party at PURE Nightclub on Las Vegas Boulevard.

Now there are plenty of places to go to live out your “Hills” fantasy, whether you’re sweet and sophisticated like Lauren, a wise working girl like Whitney, a hot hipster like Audrina or a whimsical villainess like Heidi. Grab this guide, grab a map, and get going… it’s up to you now, the rest is still unwritten.

- Story and Photos by Christina LeBlanc, Executive Editor