.jpg)
Well, we’re not going through the woods and we certainly ain’t going to grandma’s. But we are going over the river, the LA river to be exact. From Boyle Heights just past the LA river is another world, a world unique to Downtown LA. I’m talking about the alleys.
Now, for those unfamiliar with LA, going to the alleys doesn’t sound too charming. Don’t get me wrong, some alleys in downtown shouldn’t be traversed by anyone who doesn’t live there. In fact, just a few blocks over, you’ll find these alleys, infamously known as Skid Row.
I’m talking about the alleys between Santee Street and Maple Avenue. These alleys have been re-imagined as the Fashion District, but they’ll always be the alleys to the locals like me. Here, you’ll find finger-licking-good food, small pets, bootleg DVDs, and knock-off’s of all kinds, from Louis Vuitton wallets, ipods, Gucci watches and who knows what else.
I was there recently, and man oh man, has it ever changed! What used to be a narrow alley has blossomed into mini-malls and store fronts down every parallel and perpendicular street. But what’s really changed is the prices. Back in the day, if you wanted a deal, the alleys is where you’d find it. But now, the prices are so high, you might as well go to the mall. At least at a mall you’ll have a parking lot or garage. And that’s another part of the adventure that is a trip to the alleys. Good luck finding parking.
When I first had this idea to write a blog about the alleys, it seemed a lot more fun and exciting. But this is all I was able to muster. So there it is. The alleys. Just one of the many interesting communities that surround the great Boyle Heights.
PS: Here’s a surprising fact I found: Fashion District retail sales exceeded $495 million in 2005—topping sales at The Grove. Take that you yuppie assholes!
Now, for those unfamiliar with LA, going to the alleys doesn’t sound too charming. Don’t get me wrong, some alleys in downtown shouldn’t be traversed by anyone who doesn’t live there. In fact, just a few blocks over, you’ll find these alleys, infamously known as Skid Row.
I’m talking about the alleys between Santee Street and Maple Avenue. These alleys have been re-imagined as the Fashion District, but they’ll always be the alleys to the locals like me. Here, you’ll find finger-licking-good food, small pets, bootleg DVDs, and knock-off’s of all kinds, from Louis Vuitton wallets, ipods, Gucci watches and who knows what else.
I was there recently, and man oh man, has it ever changed! What used to be a narrow alley has blossomed into mini-malls and store fronts down every parallel and perpendicular street. But what’s really changed is the prices. Back in the day, if you wanted a deal, the alleys is where you’d find it. But now, the prices are so high, you might as well go to the mall. At least at a mall you’ll have a parking lot or garage. And that’s another part of the adventure that is a trip to the alleys. Good luck finding parking.
When I first had this idea to write a blog about the alleys, it seemed a lot more fun and exciting. But this is all I was able to muster. So there it is. The alleys. Just one of the many interesting communities that surround the great Boyle Heights.
PS: Here’s a surprising fact I found: Fashion District retail sales exceeded $495 million in 2005—topping sales at The Grove. Take that you yuppie assholes!
