The motto "Meet Me at Third & Fairfax" still rings true today, as The Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles receives over a million visitors a year. A popular destination for those shopping for fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, spices, baked goods, ice cream, candy and nuts. The open-air market also has a multitude of restaurants offering a variety of global cuisines, as well as specialty gift shops. Established in 1934 when a few farmers gained permission from the Gilmore Oil family to sell their fresh produce on an open field, restaurants soon followed after Blanche Magee sold sandwiches to the hungry farmers. (Magee's Kitchen still exists today.)
Best and worst time to go to The Original Farmers Market
Bus tours, as well as family and friend get-togethers make The Original Farmers Market and its nearly 100 shops and restaurants extremely busy on the weekends. The best times to visit are weekday mornings before lunchtime.
Must See/Do at The Original Farmers Market
Seek out mainstays like Bob's Coffee and Doughnuts (a must), Du-Par's Restaurant, and Littlejohn's English Toffee House, or high-end fare from Nancy Silverton's Short Cakes (coffee/baked goods) and Short Order (meals), Loteria Grill, Fritzi Dog, and Ludwig's Biergarten. Also visit Taschen Books for museum quality books located in the famed Farmer's Market clock tower.
Visiting The Original Farmers Market
The Original Farmers Market is located at 6333 West Third Street at the corner of Fairfax. The market's hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. On Saturday the hours are 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Parking and Public Transportation at The Original Farmers Market
There are paid parking lots surrounding The Original Farmers Market with entrances on Third Street and Fairfax. Remember to get validation from any of The Farmers Market merchants. (Note: validation from stores at the adjacent The Grove LA shopping center does not count; nor does Farmers Market validation count towards the parking structure at The Grove.) For public transportation, Metro Bus lines 217, 16 and Metro Rapid 780 all stop at Fairfax and Third Streets.
Insider tips for visitors to The Original Farmers Market
Be sure to check out the historic photos and signage throughout the market that tell the story of The Original Farmers Market from its transitions from a dairy farm, oil field, race car track and baseball stadium. Saturday nights enjoy live music on the West Patio. During Christmas Holidays, carolers stroll the market.
Author's bio: Lori Huck works in television development as well as writes on entertainment and the arts. She's a fan of the vibrant arts scene in Los Angeles and is a member of various film, TV, and arts organizations.