The Original Los Angeles Farmers Market, called the 3rd Street Market
is located at 6333 West 3rd Street. At one time perhaps you could
find farm fresh fruits and veggies, but today this is mostly just a
hyped up tourist attraction with the fruits and vegetables not being any better
than what you would find in a supermarket.
If you are looking for fresh
fruits and veggies you would do much better at the Saturday morning
Hollywood & Vine Farmer's Market. During busy weekends, parking can be
very tight here. Parking surrounds the market and shops - but there is
not a parking garage. If you plan on coming, plan on buying at least
something small as you can get your parking ticket validated at one of
the vendors/shops and then you will pay a reduced parking rate. The main
part of this market is composed of many gift and specialty shops -
several bakeries, & cheap food. If you cross the street - an adjoining
3rd Street Shopping Complex has many high end shops and is a very popular shopping destination.
For more information on this "farmers market" visit their website:
www.farmersmarketla.com
Grand Central Market (GCM) is Los Angeles' oldest & largest
open-air market. The open air part of this, is somewhat of a misnomer as
the market is in a building with a roof above it - the entrances on both
sides of the market however, are open. The GCM is located at 317 S.
Broadway. There are a variety of parking lots in the area - usually
charging cheaper prices after 4-5pm. You can also park in their own
garage for free for one hour if you show the parking attendant that you
purchased at least $10 of items.
This market specializes in fresh fruits, vegetables and a variety of
meats and fish. Most of the produce isn't as fresh as directly from a
farm, but for the most part its ok. The produce vendors are somewhat
limited in number. If you are looking for a real farmer's market try the
Hollywood Farmers market held Saturdays in the morning on the corner of
Hollywood Blvd and Vine or the Santa Monica Farmer's Market held near
the 3rd Street Promenade. More information about Grand Central Market is
found here:
www.grandcentralsquare.com
The
Pasadena Farmer's Market
is held Tuesdays and Saturdays in different locations. An excellent
selection of produce is always available even in the winter months. For
times and locations visit:
www.pasadenafarmersmarket.org
A list of all of the certified farmer's markets in
the LA area can be found here:
www.farmernet.com
About
Dave's Pick