Downey Days

Even though it was over 90 degrees, we ventured out to Downey, California! It's only about 15 miles from the center of Los Angeles, a short trip at 10 am. We are friends with Sven Kirsten, Mr. Tiki, and he posted about Exotical Hawaiian Apparel on Facebook the other day. His photos and description made this shop sound very enticing, so we drove down to Downey!

The shop is fairly large with plenty of parking in back. One room has mostly men's clothes, the other side, ladies' attire. The selection is enormous. You have to go there just to see it. All of the clothes are imported directly from Hawaii.

In addition to clothing, Exotical stocks beads, Hawaiian decorations, grass skirts and everything you'd need for a luau except the pig and poi!  Needless to say, we managed to find a few items to our liking!

Columbia Memorial Space Center

Downey is famous for many things besides the oldest operating McDonald's Burgers, home of the singing Carpenters AND the Blasters. Downey's population soared during World War II with the growth of the aerospace industry. It was the home of North American Rockwell / Boeing Aircraft. This site, on Lakewood Boulevard, transitioned from aircraft to missile technology during the 1950s.  The former Boeing site is very large and it houses many newer businesses today. Also at this site is the Columbia Memorial Space Center. It's an interactive museum and exhibit space for all things related to the Apollo and Space Shuttle craft. This being the 50th Anniversary of man walking on the moon (July 20, 1969), we decided to visit. Unbeknownst to us, our L.A. Conservancy Modern Committee acquaintance, Ben Dickow, is the President and Executive Director at the Space Center!

Ben was there to greet us when we walked into the Museum! We had a great hour touring the museum and all of it's exhibits detailing the history of the Apollo mission.

Larry Likes Space Suits

We were quite famished after our busy morning, so we decided to visit an excellent example of PRESERVATION in Downey! Bob's Broiler for lunch! Originally, Harvey's then Johnie's Broiler, read about the history and preservation efforts HERE.  I do love this place. The terrazzo floor, the big neon signs, the rocky mountain stone, avocado and gold interior and more. The burgers and fries are pretty good too!

Downey is an interesting place. Visit!