Oscar Nominee Hometowns to Visit Right Now

by Lisa Iannucci
Last updated: 11:42 AM ET, Fri February 10, 2017

The 89^th Academy Awards ceremony takes place on February 26 and it's the night where we'll see the best of the best come together to honor their talents and the movies that landed them here. If you're a fan of some of these nominees, consider taking a tour of their hometowns and where it all started.

Ryan Gosling: He's up for his second Academy Award, this time as best actor for his role in the musical that took audiences by storm this year, La La Land. Born in London, Ontario, which is about an hour and a half south of Ottawa, it's one of a few towns that Gosling grew up in. Gosling had his breakout role when he portrayed Noah in the Nicholas Sparks' book adaptation of The Notebook. If you adore this multitalented actor and want to tour his hometown of London, be sure to take a step back in time at Fanshawe Pioneer Village, take in a show at the beautiful Grand Theatre, take a romantic walk at Victoria Park, or a walking tour of the Heart of London which includes Museum London, Thomas Talbot, The Battle of the Atlantic, Middlesex County Building, Labatt Park, and so many more spots.

Emma Stone: Gosling's co-star in La La Land was born in Scottsdale, Arizona, which is home to the 150-acre Pinnacle Peak Park, which offers trails as well as rock climbing opportunities. Tom's Thumb Trail is another hike with the beautiful scenic view once you get to the top. An interesting tidbit about Stone is that she lived on the grounds of the luxurious Camelback Inn resort from the age of 12 to 15, so be sure to visit while you tour the area. If you have a need for speed, check out the Penske Racing Museum, located in nearby Phoenix. It's a collection of cars, trophies and racing memorabilia from 400 major race wins highlighted by 16 Indianapolis 500-mile race victories. Then, head downtown to enjoy the art galleries, casual and upscale restaurants, and happening nightlife.

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Meryl Streep: One of Hollywood's elite, Streep is nominated this year for her role as the not-so-talented Florence Foster Jenkins. Her life started in the small town of Summit, New Jersey, part of Union County, which is home to 36 parks that encompass nearly 6,200 acres. Although the city has changed a lot since the 1950s when Streep was a young child, there are still great things to see, including the Reeves-Reed Arboretum, where you can learn about the environment, walk over its 5 acres of formal gardens and tour the 19th-century estate.

Mel Gibson: Born in Peekskill, New York, Gibson, who is up for best director for Hacksaw Ridge, moved with his parents to Sydney, Australia when he was only a teen. Sydney is one of Australia's largest cities, known for Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Garden and Sydney Tower's outdoor platform, the Skywalk, which offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

Octavia Spencer: Is there anyone hotter in Hollywood right now than Octavia Spencer? After winning an Academy Award for her role in The Help in 2011, she's now up for her supporting actress role in Hidden Figures. Spencer was born in Montgomery, Alabama, a city known for its civil rights history. You absolutely have to visit such sites as the Rosa Parks Library and Museum and the Dexter Parsonage Museum which is the Dr. Martin Luther King home. Also tour the Civil Rights Memorial Center.