Hollywood California Hollywood Hollywood, CA It was the abundant sunshine and varied terrain that attracted moviemakers to Los Angeles. Hollywood began as a small planned residential community. The Nestor Film Company set up shop in 1911--in an abandoned Hollywood tavern. Cecil Be DeMille shot the first Hollywood film in 1913. By the time of the 1915 premier of the controversial film, "Birth of a Nation," Hollywood was an established film location. Today, Hollywood has taken on a mistique of its own, and millions of visitors flock to the area in hopes of seeing movie stars, enjoying the movie and television studios, and visiting the area attractions. Akron Ohio Akron, OH Akron is located in Northeast Ohio, approximately 30 miles south of Clevelend. The city was aid out in 1825 by Irish laborers and others working on the Ohio Canal project. Akron flourished as a major manufacturing center and throughout the years it has experienced many changes. Today's Akron offers the excitement of a major metropolitan area and boasts a vibrant present and historic past. Events include: Akron Rib & Music Festival, numerous professional sport home games, Oktoberfest, Jazz Festival, and the Loyal Oak Cider Festival. Jacksonville Florida Downtown Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL The name Jacksonville was first used in 1822. Today this lively Northeast Florida city is home to NFL football, about 50 golf courses, festivals, outdoor opportunities, and cultural attractions. Among Jacksonville's varied points of interest are the Museum of Science and History, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Kinglsey Plantation, and the Historic Buccaneer Trail. Jacksonville is a fisherman's paradise and the annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival is considered one of the Southeast's top annual events. Toledo Ohio Toledo, OH An All-America City, Toledo is the seat of Lucas County in northwest Ohio. The city is located at the west end of Lake Erie. Ohio is one of the country's largest rail centers. The city was established the the union of two settlements in 1833. A Lake Erie Circle Tour offers a unique view of many of the city's major attractions. Events include Christmas Tree Festival, Rally by the River, Lucas County Fair, Ohio Rib-Off, National Tractor Pulls, and German-American Festival. Memphis Tennessee Memphis Memphis, TN Despite its development Memphis has retained the slow unhurried approach to life characteristic of the South. The people of the Memphis always greet with a smile and an attitude to warm the soul on a cold day. In 1977 Congress honored the musical heritage of Memphis by declaring the city home "Home of the Blues." The distinct Southern flavor and history of Memphis are embodied in the blues. At the beginning of the 20th century music legend W.C. Handy developed this American art form in Pee Wee's saloon on gaudy Beale Street. "Memphis Blues" the first blues ever published along with "St. Louis Blues" earned Handy the title of "father of the blues." You can capture the flavor of "Old Beale Street" at the W.C. Handy House Museum, A small wood frame house displaying artifacts and memorabilia which give insight into Handy's life and music. Memphis is better known as the home of "the king of rock and roll Elvis Presley." Graceland Mansion takes you back in time to see how Elvis lived in the in the home he loved so much. You can have a tour to see the cool elegance of the all white living room to the play décor of his famous jungle room. Then you see the trophy building which houses his enormous collection of gold records and awards along with an extensive display of personal momentous, stage costumes, jewelry, and photographs. The tour ends with a quiet visit to the Meditation Garden where Elvis and member of his family have been laid to rest. Besides Elvis home there are a lot of other interesting area that make Memphis a city rich in tradition. The confederate Park on Front Street at Madison Ave. preserves the ramparts use in defense against Federal gunboats in 1862. Mudd Island park contains a five-story River center that contains the Mississippi river museum that has eighteen galleries are reproduction of 1870 steamboat, diesel towboat, Hall of River Music, American Indian artifacts and models of boat, bridges, and levees. The WWII bomber Memphis Belle is located at the park. Memphis is home for another King, Martin Luther King that tragically was shot on April 4, 1968 that cast a shadow on the city that is slow to fade away. Don't forget to take a cruise on the Mississippi River on a steamboat for sightseeing or dinner. Oakland California Downtown Oakland Oakland, CA Originally inhabited by the Ohlone Indians, explored by the Spanish, colonized by Mexico, and the U.S., Oakland has maintained its rich cultural heritage. Oakland's charm exceeds its man-made wonders. The tumbling hills, vast forests, and other natural wonders provide for outdoor escapes amid the urban environment. According to a University of Wisconsin study, Oakland is the most ethnically diverse city in the U.S. Oakland events include: Cinco de Mayo, Festival of Greece, Chinatown Streetfest, Black Cowboys Parade and Heritage Festival, and Silver Star Pow Wow and Indian Market.