Known as the \u201cBirthplace of Los Angeles,\u201d Olvera Street<\/a> is a historic Mexican marketplace that recreates the charm of early Los Angeles. The block-long, tree-lined pedestrian street features brick walkways, historic buildings, colorful vendor stalls, outdoor cafes, restaurants and gift shops.<\/p>\n \u00a0Established in 1930, Olvera Street was created to preserve and showcase the customs, culture and trades of early California.<\/p>\n Los Angeles was founded in 1781 by Spanish settlers, known as pobladores, on a site near today\u2019s Olvera Street along the Los Angeles River. The original settlement consisted of 11 families accompanied by a small group of Spanish soldiers and was named El Pueblo de Nuestra Se\u00f1ora la Reina de los Angeles.<\/p>\n Today, many of the merchants on Olvera Street are descendants of the marketplace\u2019s original vendors. Visitors from around the world stroll through the bustling marketplace, enjoying the aromas of fresh tacos and taquitos, listening to strolling mariachi musicians and watching performances by Aztec and Mexican folkl\u00f3rico dancers.\u00a0<\/p>\n The marketplace\u2019s puestos, or vendor stalls, offer handcrafted pottery, leather goods, belts, wallets, purses and traditional Mexican folk art.<\/p>\n One of the best parts of visiting Olvera Street is that admission is completely free.<\/p>\n Beyond the marketplace itself, several historic attractions are within walking distance.<\/p>\n One of the most notable is the Plaza Firehouse, the first building in Los Angeles specifically designed to house firefighters and their equipment.\u00a0<\/p>\n A volunteer fire department was established in 1871, and when the firehouse opened in 1884, it became home to Engine Company No. 1, also known as the Volunteer 38s. Today, the restored firehouse serves as a museum showcasing firefighting equipment from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.<\/p>\n Just steps away is the Chinese American Museum<\/a>, the first museum in Southern California dedicated to preserving and sharing the history and experiences of Chinese Americans in California.<\/p>\n One of the museum\u2019s signature permanent exhibits is Origins: The Birth and Rise of Chinese American Communities in Los Angeles, which explores the growth of Chinese American neighborhoods from downtown Los Angeles to the San Gabriel Valley.<\/p>\n Another popular exhibit is the recreation of the historic Sun Wing Wo General Store and Herb Shop. Originally located in the Garnier Building, the store opened in 1891 and remained there until 1948. The exhibit illustrates how Chinese immigrants built self-sustaining businesses and community services despite facing widespread racism and discrimination.<\/p>\n Visitors can explore displays featuring merchandise once sold in the store, including food, clothing, furniture, dishes and firecrackers, alongside Western products such as cigars and perfumed soaps. The store also offered banking, postal and letter-writing services. The recreated herb shop highlights traditional Chinese medicine, featuring displays on herbal remedies and acupuncture services that once served the local community.<\/p>\n Back on Olvera Street, visitors can also enjoy free walking tours, live entertainment and special community events throughout the year.\u00a0<\/p>\n Free walking tours begin at the Plaza Firehouse every Thursday through Saturday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon. Live community entertainment takes place at the Plaza Kiosko Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.<\/p>\n Upcoming events include \u201cHoly Shiitake! A Wok Star Is Born,\u201d presented by the Chinese American Museum on Thursday, July 16, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pico House. The one-woman performance stars chef, cookbook author, playwright and Wokstar Catering owner Katie Chin. Through humor, storytelling and culinary experiences, Chin shares her journey growing up as a Chinese American in Minneapolis.<\/p>\n Later in the month, the Plaza Kiosko will host the Peruvian Expo on Sunday, July 26, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., featuring food, music and cultural celebrations.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re interested in history, food, shopping or live entertainment, Olvera Street offers a unique and affordable day trip for Santa Clarita Valley families.<\/p>\n To view last week\u2019s Extremely Quirky Destinations feature on Combat Paintball Park, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \nSponsored Articles\n<\/p>\n Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, or send an email to news@hometownstation.com.\u00a0<\/strong>Don\u2019t miss a thing. 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