Olvera Street
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Olvera Street
California is known for its rich Mexican culture, and I can't think of a better place to embrace its traditions, music and food than Olvera Street in Los Angeles. This festive Mexican marketplace, located right across the street from Union Station, makes a wonderful day trip. Here, you can enjoy live Mexican music in the Olvera Street plaza, try on a sombrero, and browse the Olvera Street shops for unique Mexican products such as huaraches, ponchos and lucha libre masks. But what really makes this place worth a trip is the food. Some of my favorite Olvera Street restaurants are Celito Lindo, known for its beef taquitos drenched in avocado sauce, and La Noche Buena, where you can dig in to authentic street tacos stuffed with carne asada. For a more upscale Mexican menu, enjoy a margarita and mole poblano at La Golondrina on Olvera Street, open since 1930. This was the first true Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles. After lunch, satisfy your sweet tooth with some Mexican candy at Lupe's Candy Shop, or pop into Mr. Churro for a hand-dipped cinnamon sugar pastry. Olvera Street history dates back to Sept. 4, 1781. A wood cross commemorates the date when 11 families from Los Alamos, Mexico founded the pueblo which became the birthplace of Los Angeles. Today, Olvera Street is still home to 27 original buildings. Don't miss the free tours of Avila Adobe, built in 1818. This is the oldest standing residence in Los Angeles, furnished with period pieces from the 1840s. It was also the home of Christine Sterling, who developed the Olvera Street marketplace during the 1930s. The Sepulveda House, built in 1887, now serves as the visitors center. Here, you can view an 1890s boarding house kitchen, watch a short film, or sign up for the free 50-minute walking tours by Las Angelitas. Call (213) 628-1274. Offered three times daily Tuesdays though Saturdays, the tours are a great way to learn about this cherished local landmark. Olvera Street events include the annual blessing of the animals in April, the Cinco de Mayo celebration in May and Dia de Las Muertos in October. Olvera Street is located off Interstate 101 in downtown Los Angeles. Parking is plentiful in lots throughout downtown Los Angeles. Olvera Street hours are 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Olvera Street is free to the public. For more California travel videos and tips, visit CaliforniaTravelExpert.com.
YouTube | February 17, 2009
