10 great places to be hosted by celebrities
— -- You don't have to walk the red carpet to soak up the celebrity experience this Oscar season. Pick the right travel destination and you'll find an A-list buzz in the air, says Robert Reid, U.S. Travel editor for Lonely Planet, the travel guide publisher. While celebs have long provided their names to businesses, he says some stars are particularly involved in the endeavor. He shares some favorite spots with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.
Coppola Resorts
Belize
Film director Francis Ford Coppola has used his award-winning eco-hotels to help support local villages and conservation efforts in this Central American country. "He's going beyond investing," Reid says. "He's hoping to give back to the communities." Properties include mountain-set Blancaneaux Lodge and oceanfront Turtle Inn. 800-746-3743; coppolaresorts.com
Midnight Farm
Martha's Vineyard, Mass.
Pick up a stylish blouse and a Carly Simon CD at this boutique partly owned by the pop singer. Simon lives on the island, where you also might spot famous visitors like the Obamas. But Reid says the destination remains true to its maritime roots. "There are still boatmakers there. It's a great place." 508-693-1997; midnightfarm.net
Ground Zero Blues Club
Clarksdale, Miss.
You'd think Oscar winner Morgan Freeman would offer a bit of glamor, but there's nothing flashy about his barbecue joint and nightclub. Its exterior paint is peeling and it's out by the railroad tracks. "It's a real-deal place," Reid says. "For him to go in there and do this shows a real commitment to the music. It's a real joy." 662-621-9009; groundzerobluesclub.com
Rocky Point Villa
Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos
You'll probably never get to hang out with Keith Richards, but you can rent his house. This Caribbean villa has sundecks, a pool and butler service, and is decorated with photos of the Rolling Stone and pal Paul McCartney. While it runs $6,700 a night during the winter, you can vacation like a rock star for a mere $4,500 a night off season. 877-754-0726; parrotcay.como.bz
Rudy's Can't Fail Café
Oakland, Calif.
Although named for a song by the Clash, this restaurant's celeb link is co-owner Mike Dirnt of the band Green Day. The '50s-style café next to the restored Fox Theater specializes in comfort food, like burgers, sandwiches and mac and cheese. It also represents the bassist's commitment to reviving the up-and-coming Uptown neighborhood. "He put his money into the transition of Oakland. He believed in it," Reid says. The first location opened in nearby Emeryville. 510-251-9400; iamrudy.com
Pirate Supply Store
San Francisco
In the literary world, Dave Eggers is a celebrity author, known for his novels, the McSweeney's publishing house and a not-for-profit writing center for kids in the gritty Mission District. Because of zoning laws, the storefront has to be a business, which in this case is a purveyor of pirate supplies. "It's a great shop. It's hilarious for the Mission. Everything about it is right," Reid says. 415-642-5905; 826valencia.org
Maria Maria
Austin, Texas
You'll hear guitarist Carlos Santana's music and see his art decorating the walls at this mini-chain of upscale Mexican restaurants, named for one of his hit songs. "People go out of their way to go to his restaurants." Reid says. Other locations are in San Diego; and Walnut Creek and Danville, Calif. 512- 687-6800; mariamariarestaurants.com
Third Man Records
Nashville, Tenn.
Rock guitarist and actor Jack White stays true to his old-school roots, running his own vinyl record shop, independent recording label and performance space - all under one roof. "He's very much a throwback. This is his place and he means it," Reid says. You can also pick up rock photography and concert posters. 615-891-4393; thirdmanrecords.com
Lazy Meadow
Woodstock, N.Y.
You can spend the night in your own private Love Shack at this boutique cabin court owned by Kate Pierson of the '80s rock band The B-52s. The property looks like a set from one of the band's videos. "It's very B-52s-campy. It feels like that fun party vibe from the video," Reid says. 845-688-7200; lazymeadow.com
Mission Ranch
Carmel, Calif.
Go ahead. Make your day by checking into Clint Eastwood's ranch along the California coast. The complex of 1850s buildings now operates as an inn, where rates start at $120 a night. "It's quite a good deal for Carmel. And it's a gorgeous spot," Reid says. 800-538-8221; missionranchcarmel.com