One of the “touristy” things I never did when I visited California before was visit Olvera Street. And over the weekend we finally remedied that.
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Olvera Street is considered to be the birthplace of Los Angeles, as it is home to some of its first structures. The first brick building constructed in the LA area is now home to a Mexican cafe, one of LA’s oldest restaurants in fact, Casa La Golondrina Mexican Cafe, opening in 1928, which we dined at. Avila Adobe is the oldest structure remaining the LA, built in 1818, and is now a museum to reflect the the lifestyle of those living during the early days of California. And of course there are the merchants who sell wares of California’s Spanish and Mexican heritage, including colorful blankets, embroidered blouses, tooled leather purses, and much, much more.
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Olvera Street had its heyday during the old days of California, but by the turn of the century, it was quickly becoming a slum, until 1926, when a woman named Christine Sterling walked along the streets. Horrified by what had become of LA’s historic heart, she spearheaded a campaign to restore the area, and save its historic buildings, which were endanger of being demolished. Eventually Sterling succeeded and Olvera Street became what it is today, a place for both locals and tourists a like to reflect on Los Angeles’ history, enjoy good food, and shop the unique offerings.
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I came home with a wonderful new peasant blouse and a pair of tooled (although really pressed) leather wedges, which I look forward to taking for a spin soon.
I kind of love that I get to play tourist in our new home. One of the reasons for moving was that there is simply so much to do down here that we could never fit it all into a vacation. I also love that I can return to these locations as often as I want. Do you enjoy playing tourist in your city? For those who have visited LA, have you made a visit to Olvera Street?
Outfit
Blouse: Retro Rejuvenation, Coburg, Oregon
Skirt: Rummage sale
Nude Fishnets: Oroblu, Nordstrom
Purse: Antique Alley, I think…
Charm Bracelet: Found by my dad
Ring: Expo, I think…
Brooch: Some antique mall along the coast in Lincoln City I think…
Shoes: Miss L Fire
Filed under: Clothing, Life Tagged: 1800s, 1920s, 1940s, 1950s, California, California history, life, Los Angeles, Los Angeles history, Mexican, Olvera Street, outfit post, painted Mexican circle skirt Image may be NSFW.
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