Author: Chris Epting

Chris Epting is the author of 30 travel/history books, including James Dean Died Here (Santa Monica Press), Roadside Baseball (McGraw Hill), Hello It's Me, Dispatches From a Pop Culture Junkie (Santa Monica Press) and many others. He is also an award-winning travel writer and has contributed articles for such publications as the Los Angeles Times, Westways and Travel + Lesiure magazine, among other publications. In addition, Chris is a veteran music journalist and recently co-wrote Def Leppard's Phil Collen's memoir, Adrenalized, and the John Oates Memoir Change of Seasons. Originally from New York, Chris now lives in Huntington Beach, California with his wife and their two children.

The History (and Future) of the Sunset Strip’s Viper Room Image
By Chris Epting - November 13, 2023 - Arts & Culture

The History (and Future) of the Sunset Strip’s Viper Room

When actor Johnny Depp launched The Viper Room in 1993, it automatically became one of the hottest places on the Sunset Strip. But few people realize just how historic its location at 8852 Sunset really is.

Jim Morrison’s Favorite Hangouts in West Hollywood Image
By Chris Epting - March 18, 2020 - Arts & Culture

Jim Morrison’s Favorite Hangouts in West Hollywood

If Jim Morrison were alive today, there’s no doubt the Lizard King would still be hanging around West Hollywood. Some of the most memorable music moments of Morrison’s life happened in local establishments—and a few of…

Summer on Sunset: History of the Sunset Strip Image
By Chris Epting - March 11, 2020 - Arts & Culture

Summer on Sunset: History of the Sunset Strip

It may just be the sexiest mile and a half in America: a curvy, alluring ribbon of road called the Sunset Strip. Since the 1920s, the portion of Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood bordered on the…

The Sunset Strip’s Historic Rock ‘n’ Roll Billboards Image
By Chris Epting - March 10, 2020 - Arts & Culture

The Sunset Strip’s Historic Rock ‘n’ Roll Billboards

It all started back in the 1960s when Elektra, a record label under Warner Music Group, noticed how effective billboards were along the Las Vegas strip.

Gone But Not Forgotten in West Hollywood Image
By Chris Epting - February 10, 2020 - Arts & Culture

Gone But Not Forgotten in West Hollywood

Certain iconic establishments along the Strip may be gone, but their legacies still help shape the mystique and lore of the area. Without them, the Strip wouldn’t be what it is today.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

You want special offers, deals, and the inside scoop on the best activities in West Hollywood? Just opt in below. 👇