Lynwood as a tourist destination? That's what a local developer was aiming for as an existing mall in one of the county's poorest cities has been transformed into the newly dubbed Plaza Mexico.

It’s no secret I like to visit Mexico whether it is a border town, Baja, or Central Mexico. This week I found a place that felt like a trip to Mexico without even crossing the border!

Many times driving home from one of my other adventures I would pass a huge sign that said “Plaza Mexico” along the 105 Freeway. With the upcoming Dia De Los Muertos I decided to investigate this place.

Plaza Mexico, located in Lynwood, California, encompasses the quadrant bounded by Imperial Highway, Long Beach Boulevard, State Street and the105 freeway.   Plaza Mexico’s design follows the basic principles of the ancient city of Monte Alban, which is located approximately 300 miles south of Mexico City. The ancient city now an archeological site was designed with a north-south access; with platform structures similar to the pyramids of the sun and the moon placed at each end. The spatial composition of Monte Alban’s two platforms includes a series of ceremonial spaces, plazas, and courtyards defined by massive facades. This organization is also evident within the many small towns (known as "pueblos") in Mexico.

Typically, the pueblo’s main plaza is a quadrant surrounded by a church, government buildings, markets, and museums. Within the landscaped plaza there are fountains and a "kiosco", which is a raised platform used as a stage. The purpose of the plaza design is to accommodate social gatherings.

 Plaza Mexico when planned reproduced the ambiance and rich culture of the true Mexican pueblos like San Miguel de Allende, Dolores Hidalgo, Oaxaca and Taxco. The colonial architecture found in prominent urban centers such as Guadalajara and Mexico City will also be incorporated into the design of the plazas, entrances, buildings and kiosks.

Aztec Calendar at Plaza Mexico

My favorite part and centerpiece to Plaza Mexico was the “Parque Central” so reminiscent of my trips to Mexico and throughout Latin America. In the center was a Gazebo where musical and dance performances take place surrounded by numerous benches to sit and relax while drinking an aqua fresca. The façade into the Central Market was wonderful architecturally and reminded me of so many of the Spanish colonial buildings in towns throughout Mexico.

Entrance to the Market Place

Upon entering the Central Market I found the equivalent of an indoor swap meet selling good from bags and purses, to nail salons, and stores selling religious articles and supplies for quinceaneras. Beyond this “swap meet” was my favorite part which was the food section. There was a panderia (bakery), carniceria (meat shop), dulceria (sweet shop) and several produce markets all selling authentic Mexican goods.

On the second floor was a “food court” but this did not contain the usual McDonalds, Taco Bell, and Starbucks. There were locally owned little fast food joints selling liquados, agua frescas, ceviche, tacos, carnitas, and other Mexican food including my favorite Chilequilles! If street fare and fast food isn’t your thing, there are a few upscale Mexican Restaurants to choose from as well.

It was a delightful experience which I’m sure I will go back. I would love to return at night when the “outdoor mall” is lit up with all of the lights and fountains. The area surround Plaza Mexico may seem a bit sketchy or edgy from people who do not venture into these area, but I found the grounds of Plaza Mexico to be very safe and clean.

So if you can’t afford a trip to Mexico or you don’t want to deal with the endless lines of crossing the border, hop over to Plaza Mexico for a day of authentic Mexico in our own city limits!