Los Angeles Off the Beaten Path Tips by Stasigrace

In my opinion Downtown Los Angeles' Central Library is one of the most beautiful book repositories in the world. The original library was opened in 1926, but because of several arson fires much of it was destroyed. The current library is an interesting mix of old and new.

There is a stunning atrium that goes up and down 4 stories each. Be sure to take a docent tour to learn about the fascinating history of the library, the unique art & architecture, and some of the legends surrounding the structure.

If you're not convinced yet, check out the highly entertaining "Urban Legends" section of the website (http://www.lapl.org/central/urbanleg.html), where you'll learn why the Library isn't in the Library Tower, the building blown up in Independence Day & tallest in LA. Also, the "Art & Architecture" section is really interesting (http://www.lapl.org/central/tours/central-aa.html), where you'll learn why the ceiling mural is off-center and where you can find a complete zodiac in the Library.

But definitely try to go and see all of this for yourself. it's worth the trip. If you can't, check out my travelogue!

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Website: www.lapl.org/central

(This is a duplicate of one of my transpo tips)

Enjoy a walking tour of Downtown Los Angeles. It's a part of this city (one of the only) best explored by foot.

Very interesting & educational walking tours are offered by the LA Conservancy. I believe they are $8. Red Line Tours is another good company.

There are also Self-Guided tours. One, called "Angels Walk", offers a guidebook at any of the DTLA tourist kiosks throughout the city. Once you have your book, you'll walk from place to place and come upon an Angel's Walk kiosk that will tell you all about the area you're standing in or nearby attractions. You'll notice these all over downtown. They're a fun way to get more out of your visit.

Finally, if you type "Downtown Los Angeles Walking Tour" into google, you'll get USC's Architecture school's walking guide. It's more heavy into the architecture, obviously, but it's also good.

Recently a company began offering a tour where you get a headset and, using GPS, it figures out where you are and tells you about the area. The unique thing is that it tells you about it 100 years ago! (yep, DTLA was THE place to be back then)

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Website: www.laconservancy.org; www.redlinetours.com

Little Tokyo is home to the LA Tofu Festival, one of the largest of its kind.

This year they featured Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and a sake/beer/wine tasting, as well as 40 vendors hawking intriguing Tofu dishes.

If you're going to be in town over the summer and want an unusual experience, check out the Tofu Fest!

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Website: www.tofufestla.com

The 100-year-old Grand Central Market is a cornucopia of smells, sounds & incredible food. It's a great place to visit just for the atmosphere--a bustling street market (covered), with sawdust on the floor, pigs heads for sale, chiles of all imaginable kinds, a tortilla factory--it's sensory overload!

Definitely plan to eat there. Food stalls offer mostly Mexican & Chinese but there's also Philly Cheesesteak, Pizza, Juice bar, and more. Get some carnitas tacos and leave happy!

Grand Central is located between Hill and Broadway at 3rd Street. Check out my travelogue for photos!

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When you're visiting Grand Central Market (which you'll want to do after viewing my travelogue!), be sure to go to Tacos, Tumbras e Tomas. Get the tacos carnitas, and thank me later. It's pig heaven!

Usually there's a big crowd standing there and no discernable lines. Just shove your way up (nicely) and shout your order to the friendly guys. They speak english, despite the fact that nobody else around you will.

(and p.s., you'll spend less than $5 to get full)

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Other Contact: At Grand Central Market

Visit the LA Flower Mart early on Saturday morning for a great selection of wholesale flowers. It costs $1 to enter and spend as much as you like.

It's a great secret of local florists and wedding coordinators. You can buy a carful of roses for much less than you'd think.

Even if you're only visiting, just use it to spruce up your hotel room!

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Other Contact: Near Wall/9th, Downtown