Exploring Los Angeles: A Day at the Farmers Market

Originally posted on June 27, 2024, from my previous blog. This was one of those days where I needed to shake off the cabin fever—a spontaneous adventure through LA’s iconic Farmers Market, filled with nostalgia, great coffee, and small joys that helped lift me out of a rut.

In an effort to prevent myself from slipping into another day of endless rumination, I decided to take a day off and explore the city. My goal was to stay out of the house and immerse myself in the vibrant life of Los Angeles. Little did I know, this would turn into quite the adventure.

The plan was simple: visit a couple of places I don’t normally frequent on a regular weekday. I know, I know, it sounds like a tourist trap. But sometimes, these popular spots hold a special charm, especially when you can navigate them like a local. So, I set my alarm for the ungodly hour of 7 AM and headed to the iconic Farmers Market.

Driving through LA at that hour, you’d think I’d have the roads to myself. Ha! I was quickly reminded that while I was off from work, everyone else was on their way to it. Traffic was a mess, and my usual 30-minute drive turned into a 1.5-hour marathon of brake lights and honking horns. Note to self: never underestimate LA’s rush hour.

When I finally arrived at the Farmers Market, I was greeted by the sight of ample parking spaces. A rare miracle on weekends, but here I was, one of the first to arrive. The market, for those who haven’t been, is not your typical farmers market with temporary booths set up for the morning. No, this place is a historic landmark, sitting comfortably next to the famous outdoor mall, The Grove.

The market is a blend of old and new, with green chairs and round tables shaded by green umbrellas. It’s a place where decades-old stores rub shoulders with modern stalls. I strolled past Bennett’s Ice Cream, now modernized to accept card payments, a far cry from its cash-only days. Just a couple of doors down, I found Pizza D’Amore’s, a stall with roots in New York and a history that includes being owned by none other than Frank Sinatra himself. Imagine that – ol’ blue eyes might have made your pizza once upon a time.

I couldn’t resist stopping by some of the market staples. The Brazilian restaurant where you pay by the weight of your food, Magee’s peanut butter that’s been around forever – all these places give the market its unique flavor. Of course, I had to get my caffeine fix at a new coffee shop. The barista there was a gem, explaining the nuances of their Mexican roasted coffee beans. It had a rich, chocolatey sweetness that was miles apart from my usual Starbucks brew. It wasn’t as smooth as the Lavazza I use at home, but boy, did it keep me buzzing all day.

And let’s not forget the fruits. Ah, the joy of buying fresh produce for less than what you’d pay at a chain grocery store. There’s a certain thrill in finding navel oranges at 99 cents a pound. I guess you know you’re pushing 40 when fruit prices excite you more than a Friday night out.

This was just the start of my day, and the Farmers Market was the perfect place to kick it off. Stay tuned for part two, where I’ll take you along on my visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Until then, keep exploring!