EVERYTHING YOU NEED AT MELROSE TRADING POST

 
In my book, it's a huge bonus to find an outdoor flea market to explore while traveling. During my recent trip to LA, I found the best one thus far. Melrose Trading Post consumes the parking lot of Fairfax High School in West Hollywood. You can carve out the entire day at this shopping extravaganza, and not come close to unearthing what the numerous vendors have to offer. 

If you can't find what you're looking for here, it simply doesn't exist. I spent hours browsing furniture, collectibles, clothing, jewelry, books, one of a kind wares, and so much more. If you need to get caffeinated or nourished while shopping, they gotcha covered. The market provides a food court (indoor malls are so yesterday), where I wolfed down a Nutella pastry and latte while being serenaded by the gifted Katie Ferrera. 
  

I chatted with one of the founders, Pierson Blaetz, who wanted me to share an important aspect of the market is that it raises a lot of money for public school arts education. The modest $3.00 entrance fee helps fund programs for students who attend Fairfax High School, so it's a win-win for all.

This remarkable bazaar takes place every Sunday from 9am-5pm, rain or shine, at the corner of Melrose Avenue and Fairfax Avenue. ATM machines are available if you discover your wallet is empty. Mark your calendars, because you are now well-informed as to why you should be here every Sunday. http://melrosetradingpost.org/

Adorable father/daughter dance

Mother Fool's is More Than Just Coffee!

Since moving back to Madison, I have become enamored with Mother Fool's Coffeehouse for many reasons. It all started when I discovered their street art wall. I'm like a little kid peeking around the corner to see if it has changed every time I'm in the neighborhood now.

Not to mention, the interior is inviting, funky, and the kind of space where you can curl up with a good book and forget that you aren't at home. The music is at the perfect setting for conversation or to hear yourself think. Delicious vegan soups and mouthwatering baked goods provide sustenance, along with a plethora of beverages. Mother Fool's features temporary art exhibits and live music on the weekends. Can your coffeehouse do all this? Didn't think so....

I sat down to chat with co-owner Jon Hain to get the lowdown:
 

Mother Fool's is so much more than a coffee shop. Why are the arts so important to you?
I have always appreciated the arts and am a musician and artist myself (photographer).

How did the street art wall get started? Who should artists contact if they are interested in painting the wall?
I have always been fascinated with street art and heard about permission walls many years ago. I contacted my alder and around that same time an artist expressed an interest in painting the wall. The three of us had a meeting and the first piece was done on 9/11/01.

Interested artists can sign up by contacting Rob at 608-212-9103. 
 

Do you have any plans in the future for a more extensive food menu?

We don't have a kitchen so we rely on outside vendors to create the products we sell. We are often approached by people with new vegan foods for us to try and are open to bringing on new things.

Where do you see Mother Fool's in five years?

Right here! I just want to keep doing what we are doing. Our staff and customers keep us moving in the right direction, and we cater to our customers' needs while having a good time.

I think it's great that you exhibit artists' work and offer live music. How can artists and musicians contact you to perform or have their work shown here?

They can contact us by visiting our booking page at http://www.motherfools.com

Now you see why I wanted to share this hidden gem - to be sure everyone makes their way to 1101 Williamson Street (better known as Willy St.)
http://www.motherfools.com/