Our guide, Neel, the owner of Downtown LA Walking Tours, moved us away from the Central Library, and to one of the most stunning buildings I have ever seen: The Fine Arts Building.

Built in 1927, The Fine Arts Building is an example of Romanesque Revival architecture. Its many adornments are dazzling. The interior features a courtyard that is filled with sculptures and decorations. I’m certain that Disney imagineers visited The Fine Arts Building to get inspiration for The Hollywood Tower of Terror attraction. There are so many similarities. I’m not taking an elevator ride!

We walked through the jewelry district.

Route 66 sign!

In my mid-twenties, I had a special day with my mom in downtown Los Angeles. When my mom was a toddler, her family moved from Minnesota to downtown Los Angeles, living in a two-bedroom apartment. I usually spent Tuesdays, with my mom, and one Tuesday, we just decided to skip our usually movie and lunch, and go driving. She showed me her old apartment, which she lived in during the 1940’s, and is still standing. We had lunch at Clifton’s Cafeteria, and we strolled through the theatre district. I heard stories that my mom had never shared with me and saw the locations of her childhood. This is where my maternal side put down roots in California.

Here’s a 1940’s picture of my mom and aunt at Clifton’s Cafeteria for their birthday. The older woman is my grandmother.

Our architecture tour went through the theatre district. Some of the old palace style theatre are still standing, and many are being rented for special events or concerts. These were the theaters where my mom developed her love for the cinema; double-features and weekend matinees. The area is being gentrified, with stores like Apple and Urban Outfitters coming to the neighborhood. I’m not sure how I feel about the changes, but I hope with the influx of money, they will care to preserve Los Angeles history.

Anyone who follows Hollywood gossip will remember the 2015 allegations of abuse and the subsequent divorce between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. We were able to see the outside of infamous apartment building where their fight took place. The Eastern Columbia Building, where Depp and Heard had the penthouse apartment, was built in 1930, and is an example of Art Deco design. The brilliant green building looks like something from The Wizard of Oz!

So unassuming that you’d walk right past it, this dive bar, called The Golden Gopher, has a very unique history. It was purchased by President Teddy Roosevelt in 1905! Back then it was called the Golden Sun Saloon.

Our tour ended in Pershing Square, but on the walk to the end, I spotted this beautiful mural. Los Angeles has some wonderful street art. I was supposed to talk an art tour later in the week, but it was canceled. I’ve put it to the top of my list for my next trip to Downtown Los Angeles.

And this one in Pershing Square. No matter where I move, my heart definitely belongs to the city of angels.

After the tour, I set off to explore. I found this great covered street of eateries.

But my main objective was to get lost in The Last Bookstore. I had heard of The Last Bookstore for years, but this was my first time visiting it. I can’t believe that I never went there when I lived so close to it. I missed out! It’s a gem.

The store spans two floors, and more than simply a bookstore ( not that a bookstore isn’t enough) it also contains several artisan stalls. The Last Bookstore is whimsical with art displays, and an amazing tunnel made of books. It’s a bit like falling down Alice’s rabbit hole. You never know what wonders you might find around the next corner.

Coming soon, more downtown goodness, including Angel’s Flight!