The restored sign showed up more than 130 miles away from its original home as part of the roast beef chain’s pop-up at the festival at the Empire Polo Club, where it became one of the event’s go-to photo spots.
“As you can see, everyone’s loving it. Everyone’s getting a photo op standing in front of it,” Arby’s franchisee Roger Amaya said.
Over the three days, people moseyed by the pop-up near Diplo’s Honky Tonk, sometimes lining up to wait their turn to take a photo in front of the sign. Some climbed on the surrounding hay bales for a better pose, asking others in line to snap their photo in front of the cowboy hat emblazoned with the words “Arby’s roast beef sandwich is delicious.”
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A number of people we talked to taking photos weren’t from L.A. and didn’t know the lore of the Hollywood Arby’s sign — they just liked the visual.
The family that owned the location said at the time that rising food costs, the post-pandemic changes in the neighborhood and a law that raised minimum wage contributed to the closure.
Amaya said that Amir Siddiqi, head of a group of Arby’s franchises, was able to get the sign from the Hollywood location and have it restored.
“We were able to bring it back to life here and bring it to all the fans of Arby’s out there,” Amaya said.
Now that Stagecoach is over, where will the sign go next?
“That’s the big question, so you gotta stay tuned,” Amaya said.
ON August 12, a total solar eclipse will sweep across northern Spain and the Balearics – the first to cross mainland Europe since 1999, and the first visible in Spain since 1905.
For UK holidaymakers, it’s a rare chance to pair a week in the sun with a once-in-a-lifetime moment – totality arriving with the sun just degrees above the horizon, creating what astronomers are calling a “sunset eclipse”.
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On August 12, a total solar eclipse will sweep across northern Spain and the Balearics – the first to cross mainland Europe since 1999Credit: Getty
Astro-tourism is tipped to be big for this year off the back of this — but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
TravelSupermarket has done some digging to discover the perfect holidays to pair fun in the sun with a chance to view the eclipse.
Head of Holidays Chris Webber says: “What makes August 12 special is the timing.
“Because the eclipse arrives just before sunset, anyone on the Balearics will see totality with the sun sitting just above the horizon.
“Our advice is simple — if you want to be there, book now.
“The eclipse falls in the peak of the school holidays, and west-facing hotels on Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca are already getting snapped up.”
Here, LISA MINOT, Head of Travel, shines a light on six great places to see the phenomenon.
NOJA, CANTABRIA
Noja is a proper Atlantic surf town and an under-the-radar shout for eclipse watchersCredit: Qarlos Qastilla
TUCKED on Cantabria’s north coast, Noja is a proper Atlantic surf town and an under-the-radar shout for eclipse watchers.
Playa de Ris faces north-west, picking up clean swell off the Bay of Biscay and giving a clear, unbroken sightline as the sun drops — so you could even be out catching waves when it happens.
It’s not a polished resort town, more of a wild, local and friendly vibe.
Stay at La Casona de Noja, a small, intimate bolthole a short walk from both the town centre and the beach — plain but comfortable, with an on-site restaurant and bar.
GO: Seven nights’ room-only at the 2* La Casona de Noja is from £779pp including flights from Gatwick on August 6.
Madrid is a brilliant base for combining a city break with the main eventCredit: Alexander Spatari
MADRID sits just outside the path of totality, but it makes a brilliant base for combining a city break with the main event.
From the capital, it’s a straightforward run north into Castilla y León, with Burgos and Valladolid both in the path of totality.
Zaragoza is another well-connected option. On the day, the priority is an open view of the low western sky.
For your city stay, the 4* NH Madrid Balboa is a great choice in the upscale Salamanca district, minutes from the Retiro Park and the city’s designer shopping streets, with light, wood-floored rooms and a daily breakfast buffet.
GO: Three nights’ room-only at the NH Madrid Balboa is from £354pp including flights from Stansted on August 11, hand luggage only.
Salou lets you combine seeing the eclipse with a classic Med beach holidayCredit: Getty
FOR families who want the eclipse built into a classic Med beach holiday, Salou is the pick.
The Costa Dorada sits in the path of totality, and Salou’s long, west-facing promenade means you can watch the eclipse without leaving your hotel terrace.
PortAventura is half an hour up the road if you want to build the week around theme parks too.
The Cala Font hotel is perched above its own cove just outside Salou, with pools, a spa and half-board dining — solid, sociable and built for a family week.
GO: Seven nights’ half-board at the 4* Cala Font hotel is from £868pp including flights from Stansted on August 6.
Majorca will give you a true sunset eclipseCredit: Getty
MAJORCA is arguably the most exciting spot of the lot.
The eclipse will reach the island with the sun only a couple of degrees above the horizon — a true sunset eclipse.
The west coast is the place to be for the clearest sightline, and Peguera, on the south-west, ticks the box — a laid-back resort with wide, west-facing beaches at Platja de Palmira and Playas de Paguera.
For your perfect stay, the 4* Hotel Vibra Beverly Playa sits right on the coast in Peguera, with two outdoor pools, a kids’ club and buffet dining for a great family break.
GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the Hotel Vibra Beverly Playa is from £841pp including flights from Luton on August 11.
San Antonio is one of the best places in Ibiza to catch the eclipseCredit: L. Apolli / AidBC
SAN Antonio already has a reputation as the sunset capital of Ibiza — Café del Mar and the Sunset Strip exist for a reason.
That same west-facing orientation makes it one of the best spots on the island to catch totality as the sun drops into the Mediterranean.
The path of totality runs right across Ibiza, and San Antonio Bay delivers the open horizon needed to see it properly.
Stay at the THB Ocean Beach, a 4* adults-only on the seafront in San Antonio Bay, with a rooftop pool, Bali beds and direct access to O Beach Ibiza next door.
GO: Seven nights’ room-only at THB Ocean Beach is from £1,374pp including flights from Gatwick on August 10, 22kg luggage and transfers.
For travellers who want the eclipse without the crowds, Ciutadella is itCredit: Getty
IF Ibiza is the party end of the Balearic eclipse trail, Ciutadella is the quiet one.
Sitting on Menorca’s west coast, the old capital is already known for some of the island’s finest sunset spots.
Castell de Sant Nicolau is a ten-minute walk from the centre, and Pont d’en Gil and the Punta Nati lighthouse are both a short drive away, all with wide, unobstructed views west across the Mediterranean towards Mallorca.
For travellers who want the eclipse without the crowds, this is it.
The 2* Alfons Hotel is in the heart of Ciutadella, a short walk from the beaches and the town’s cobbled centre, with a small spa, sun terrace and restaurant.
GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the Alfons is from £998pp including flights from Gatwick on August 11, 22kg luggage and transfers.
OUR Spotlight On column gives you the low-down on what to see and do in some of the most popular holiday destinations – as well as some unsung areas.
This week we are doing a deep dive on Piraeus, a small but certainly not insignificant port city within Athens, Greece.
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Athens is much better to visit off seasonCredit: AlamyThe city has so much to do when there are fewer crowdsCredit: AlamyOf course The Parthenon is a mustCredit: Alamy
The Greek city is one to avoid in the summer – last year it hit 42C, a record high.
But Travel Writer Jonathon Samuels explains: “Athens is the perfect Greek city for an all-year-round mini-break, with lots to see and do.
“We began with an evening stroll around Athens’ oldest neighbourhood, Plaka.
“With narrow pedestrianised lanes, tourist shops and tavernas, it’s no surprise that the area is heaving in summer, but we had plenty of space to breathe and enjoy glimpses of The Acropolis in peace.
“For an even less crowded view, head to 360 Cocktail Bar where you can soak up not just the city’s sacred rock but views of the pastel-coloured buildings below, too.
“Look for the little funicular railway at the end of Plutarch Street which takes you through the hill to the summit.”
Here are some of our other top tips.
MUST SEE/DO
As a port city in one of the most history-rich cities in the world, Piraeus has some stories to tell.
And no place tells them better than the Hellenic Maritime Museum which delves into the maritime traditions of the region.
It only costs around £1.50 to enter and visitors can be wowed by ancient maps, flags and old school weaponry that was once used on the seas.
HIDDEN GEM
Margaro is a pokey restaurant loved by locals, but less-known by tourists.
The interior may be bland and simple (think plastic tables and basic wooden chairs), but the food is anything but.
You won’t need a menu as this third-generation family fish joint only serves a few basic dishes: fried shrimp, fresh fish such as mullet or bream and langoustines, all accompanied by a classic and hearty Greek salad.
There are no reservations, so just follow the queues of local down the back streets from the port.
You’ll be paying a fraction of the cost you would in main tourist spots, but for some of the best Greek food you’ve ever sampled.
BEST VIEW
Nest Rooftop Bar & Bistro at The Alex Hotel is the place to go, especially at sunset.
Set just a few metres back from the ocean, visitors can sip on cocktails while soaking up panoramic views of Saronic Gulf, with ferry boats and yachts on the water, and the sun-drenched terracotta roof tops of surrounding buildings.
RATED RESTAURANT
Pushing the boat out? Well this is the right place to do that – for a number of reasons.
The Michelin-starred Varoulko Seaside, in Mikrolimano marina, is a dream for seafood lovers.
Diners can tuck into traditional Greek flavours using modern culinary techniques – dishes like catch of the day come with fennel, orange and bearnaise sauce.
BEST BAR
Greek wine has soared in popularity in recent years and is now in the same league as some the finest wines in the world.
So if you’re keen to sample the best, a visit Paleo Wine Store is a must.
The cosy and sophisticated bar is housed in a former warehouse and serves excellent grape tipples.
If you’re unsure of what to order, staff are always happy to help. The setting is extremely cool, with industrial-style decor, long wooden tables and shelves stacked high with bottles.
HOTEL PICK
It’s not just its excellent rooftop (mentioned above) that makes the 4* Alex Hotel standout.
The bright and airy space has a modern Greek feel to it with stone-coloured furnishings and simplistic interiors. It’s well-located for exploring the region too, offering easy access to both the city and the sea.
The rooftop restaurant serves British favourites such as pizza, pasta and burgers, as well as more sophisticated dishes including sea drum ceviche and tuna tartare.
