As a local, you know of the many advantages to living in Los Angeles. Right up there with the ability to get a burger with avocado on every corner and the possibility of Christmas tree shopping in flip-flops is the abundance and proximity of neighborhood Farmers Markets. Sure, most places have Farmers Markets these days, but not like us Angelenos. Every day there is a market happening somewhere in the city, and each market has its own flavor and cultural or ethnic twist.
Vendors at the Alhambra Farmers Market (Map 39), which caters to a predominantly Chinese population, carry vegetables and fruits you won’t see on the Westside; the Silver Lake (Map 4) market is younger and funkier, offering Guatemalan crafts and leather goods. Venice (Map 21) is about food, but also features live music and pony rides for the kids (the latter occasionally picketed by local PETA activists). Both South Pasadena (Map 34) and West Hollywood (Map 2) are laid-back and small-town. The motherlode is to be found in Hollywood (Map 3). On Sunday mornings, the intersection of Selma and Ivar explodes with orchids, the freshest veggies, and lively drum circles. Make sure to save time for the pupusas.
As the grandmama of them all, the Santa Monica Wednesday Farmers Market (Map 18), is almost as impressive, where you can buy organic Heritage tomatoes a half a block from the Pacific Ocean. Chances are you’ll also be rubbing shoulders with area chefs and celebrities. This market carries the largest selection of organic foods in the LA area and is worth the trip for the atmosphere and location alone. Check out what’s in season before you go by tuning into KCRW’s Good Food—they broadcast live reports from the market every weekend. Bon appetit.