Venice of America, Los Angeles
It was the sudden influx of automobiles in the country that spoiled everything. In fact, the resort was considered outdated and took up precious road space. This led to all but a few blocks being filled in, while the remainder fell into disrepair. They ended up being the subject of debate among urban renewal plans.
However, after 40 years of red tape and unsavory residents, the canals were restored to their previous quiet decadence. They became a haven for anyone who had the money to stay there. Nowadays, the Venice of America is a pleasant place to stroll among the occasionally funky architecture and gardens.
The Echo Park Time Travel Mart, L.A.
The store was opened by 826, an organization that started the Pirate Supply Company in San Francisco and the Superhero Supply Store in Brooklyn. Basically, it sells humorous artifacts from the past, present and future, including such wonders as Robot Emotions and Barbarian Repellant.
Located in the historic Echo Park neighborhood in Los Angeles the store functions as a retail space and literacy tutoring center, just like the other stores. While the windows display quaint items like robots and cavemen, the back of the store is something very different. This is where the non-profit organization tutors 20-30 students every day in creative writing.
All proceeds of goods sold by the Echo Park Time Travel Mart go towards funding the efforts of the non-profit organization. While the store sells quirky time travel items, visitors can also browse and purchase the students’ written publications. It is a win-win situation for everyone.
Garden of Oz, Los Angeles
Cottman’s gardening contractor, Manuel Rodriguez, surrounded the roses with a bed of concrete, which he found dull. This led to him decorating the concrete with beads and tiles to make it brighter. When Cottman saw his new flowerbed design, it recalled one of her favorite movies, The Wizard of Oz, where the concept is that “everyone is their own wizard.” Using that concept, she took her rose garden to a whole new level, turning it into “Munchkinland,” a garden dedicated to her much-loved Land of Oz.
While the Garden of Oz isn’t open to the public, passersby can view the beautiful garden from the sidewalk outside. Anyone who has visited the Antoni Gaudi monuments in Barcelona will find a similar, colorful theme here in Cottman’s garden.
Have fun exploring the hidden and unique side of Los Angeles, California.
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