Central Library, Grand Central Market & Gentle Monster
I finally decided I would share a mini guide to downtown Los Angeles top things to do with everyone. Downtown is an exciting and busy area with the high rise buildings, restaurants, shopping districts and museums.
I want to share the recent places I visited for any readers who plan on visiting Los Angeles this summer. I choose places to visit that were within walking distance of each other to maximize my time and day. I used the LA Metro website mobile application to navigate the streets of downtown. Helpful tip: On the LA Metro app type in the name of each location and the address will automatically populate, next click on the walking figure and you will be given walking directions.
Central Library
The writer in me would be remiss if I didn’t mention Los Angles Central Library. The Library is filled with graphic novels, comic books, children’s literature and an extensive foreign language level. However the interior and exterior of the building in and of itself are worth the visit.
Interior:
Hollywood Movie Posters:
Exterior:
The library is located at 630. W. 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071. If you would like to find out more information, hours of operation and architecture design check out their website at Los Angeles Central Library.
After my trip to the library, I wanted to grab a bite to eat. I decided to go to Grand Central Market since it was nearby and a great place to people watch.
Grand Central Market
As I waited in line I read several reviews of a food stall called Tacos Tumbras A Tomas. I was glad that I decided to go early (11:30 a.m.) because there was a small line waiting to order food.
I ordered two street tacos, one carnitas (pork) and one chicken with a coca-cola. I paid $9 dollars total for my meal.
Helpful tip: Inside of the market it’s a little bit smokey because of the BBQ stalls.
My opinion of the food: Although there’s a lot of meat in each taco, I thought the street tacos were just okay. Next time I will try the sticky rice stall right next to the taco stall because their food looked amazing.
Grand Central Market is located at 317 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013. If you would like more information about the market checkout their website at http://www.grandcentralmarket.com
Bonus Tip: Right across the street from Grand Central Market is Angels Flight Railway. The railway travels up one mile to Bunker Hill and only costs one dollar to ride.
The Lower entrance is located at 351 South Hill Street, Los Angeles 90013. The railway has been in existence for 117 years and is open seven days a week. For more information about the history of the railway click here.
Next, I walked towards Gentle Monster the Korean eyewear brand store. I have seen this store in so many blogs about South Korea I decided I would finally go take a look at their Los Angeles location.
Pershing Square Park
On my way to Gentle Monster, I passed by Pershing Square Park. The park holds concerts in the summer as well as a Farmer’s Market every Wednesday. Definitely, worth checking out if you have extra time.
If you would like more information about the park’s hours of operation and summer event schedule check out their website at Pershing Square Park
Gentle Monster
The store has been in business for eleven years and has stores in China, New York, Seoul, Daegu and Hong Kong. The high-end eyewear is surrounded by a rice harvest-themed background.
Twisting scarecrows greet you as you enter the store.
A friendly and gracious store clerk explained the artist handmade designs representing the different stages of harvesting rice.
To find out more about the artist Misu A Barbe who created the knitted rice paddies and beautifully knit caps check out her website at http://misuabarbeshop.com
The next phase of harvesting is represented by Jung Uk Yang’s artwork.
If you would like to find out about Jung Uk Yang artworks, biography and gallery showcases check out his website at https://www.artsy.net/artist/jung-uk-yang
Lunch alternative tip: After you shop at Gentle Monster if you walk one block North on 8th Street you can eat at Shake Shack’s burger restaurant.
If you would like to find out more about Gentle Monster eyewear collection check out their website Gentle Monster – Sunglasses.
Are there any shopping districts that you would love to visit either in South Korea or Los Angeles? Would love to read your message in the comments down below!
If you like this story you might also like
- Visiting the Los Angeles County Museum of Art
- Korean Cultural Center in Los Angeles, California Experience
- 24 Hours in L.A.’s Koreatown
- Kpop Artist Hangouts In L.A.
- Skirball Cultural Center Experience
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