Hollywood Farmer’s Market
So on our first day in Los Angeles we went to the Hollywood Farmers’ Market. I’ve been told that farmers’ markets are part of the LA lifestyle, and this was the closest to where we were staying. I admit to being a little jealous of people who can go to to outdoor farmers’ markets throughout the year.
We parked a few blocks away on Hollywood Boulevard, which was not what I expected, not glamorous at all. It’s a bustling commercial street, a little run down, with a lot of tacky gift shops in the mix.
In the sidewalk were the stars of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I found these to be underwhelming, though we did have to take a picture of the star for Mr. Rogers.
The Hollywood Farmers’ Market, on the other hand, is most impressive, packed with vendors selling fresh local produce in late December.
The oranges really were far more delicious than what we buy at the supermarket at home.
There were some artistically arranged lettuces and other attractive vegetables. We bought some fresh artichokes for our Christmas dinner.
In addition to produce, there was a wide range of vendors selling street food for noshing. Danny and I shared a plate of Salvadoran pupusas, which are like cornmeal pancakes with various toppings. Danny is drinking watermelon lemonade.
After the Farmers’ Market we headed up to Griffith Observatory, which was not too far away. Griffith Observatory turns out to be a popular spot in LA, which means on a Saturday there are throngs of people.
The views from the observatory are fabulous, or would have been if the day had not been so hazy and foggy.
Interesting that the observatory was built in 1935 as part of Roosevelt’s New Deal. If it were proposed today I doubt it would be built. Personally I think it is unfortunate that public works in general seem to have become so controversial.
Next: Watts Towers.
gardeninacity 
That was the WPA, Works Progress Administration, that put people to work on construction projects in towns ad cities throughout the country in the 30’s, during the depression. In Elgin, where I live, they built the State Armory, where the National Guard meets, and a bridge in Tyler Creek Forest Preserve. Check around Evanston–there might be some buildings there .
Hey, I just found a website that lists WPA/PWA projects around the country:
http://www.livingnewdeal.org.
That’s a great site–I just looked it up. Unfortunately, the Elgin sites aren’t listed, which means I’m going to have to do the research required to get them listed. But thanks so much for the information–I love it!
The lettuces and fennel look great. Hope you ate enough for the rest of us!
And then some, though it wasn’t all vegetables.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much fennel in one place. It must be popular there. The watermelon lemonade sounds great!
Isn’t that the famous L.A. smog in those photos? It doesn’t look good.
I guess it must be smog. There are good and bad smog days, apparently, another time we were able to get a much clearer view.
I will have to remember to visit local farmers markets when traveling (along with gardens and yarn shops). Some of our local farmers markets are in less desirable locations, with difficult parking, but worth the effort. We also have a couple of year round ones that move indoors for the winter.
There are some indoor markets here also, but it’s not the same.
The market looks wonderful. I so agree we could use some public works projects again.
We certainly need them.
Sounds like you had a great time!
We did!
I grew up in Canada and the first time I visited CA and ate a fresh orange there I couldn’t believe the difference. It was like a completely different fruit. I realized I might actually LIKE oranges. haha. That haze is smog. That was the other thing I remember being surprised by on that first visit. I was whining to my parents: why was always so hazy every morning? They told me it was smog and I came to realize that fresh air wasn’t something enjoyed by everyone.
There were also oranges growing on a tree behind the house where we were staying. I ate one – it was good but very tart.
It’s always interesting what people not from CA envision Hollywood Blvd to be. I’m glad you went to the observatory. It’s a great spot. Despite my plan to never live in CA again, I do miss the year round just grown local produce.
I guess Hollywood would be more like Wiltshire, accept I never heard of Wiltshire until last week.
My son, who lives just south of San Francisco, keeps telling me how fabulous the fruits and vegetables are in California. He says almost everyone eats a healthy diet. We have some outdoor fruit and vegetable markets here, but nothing to compare.
I really doubt that everyone in California eats a healthy diet, but there is no shortage of really nice-looking fresh produce.
So healthy fruit and veg but unhealthy air. Swings and roundabouts.
The sword always has two edges.
I lived on Hollywood and Vine for a year and never spotted a movie star until the drive up to Portland. There was Jimmy Steward in front of the Eugene Hotel.
I got on an elevator with Cokie Roberts once. Does that count?
I too am jealous of those we can walk to a farmers market in December or better yet grow flowers and veggies effortlessly year round. Looked like a fantastic market! Have a great week Jason! And a Happy New Year to you and the fam! Nicole
Thanks, Nicole – same to you!
Oooohhh…..that local produce looks simply heavenly, I feel hungry just looking at the pics!xxx
I was amazed at the number of and breadth of the Farmer’s Markets in CA…my brother lives an hour N of LA. I have wanted to visit the Griffith Observatory so maybe one day when I get back there.