On a typical
weekend, cars back up on Bolsa Avenue, waiting in line to park at the Asian
Garden Mall and other shops of Little Saigon a cultural region which bridges two
cities, Westminster and Garden Grove. With the influence of Saigon, Cambodia,
Thailand and Korean cultures, foods, spices and clothes plus services such as
tax preparation, catering, tailoring, wedding planning, photography and more
offer signage and service in native tongues with English also spoken. The top
floor of the Asian Garden Mall has become one of the best places to shop for
Asian jewelry designs and popular jade. Locals will tell you that it pays to
barter with vendors so don't hurry and purchase the first item you find. If you
are in the market for something different, a visit to the 2nd floor of the mall
is highly recommended. Discover some of the fine cakes and pastries shops such as Lily's on Bolsa Ave. near the Asian Gardens. The French influence can be tasted and seen in gourmet breads, rolls and cakes which are some of the best anywhere. Vietnamese, Cambodians, Koreans, Chinese and ethnic groups flock from miles around to this mecca. On a busy day, traffic is at a standstill as cars logjam their way into several malls and numerous shops. Annual festivals in Garden Grove commemorate Korean and Tet holidays.
Koreans in their festive outfits celebrate a favorite holiday in the annual Korean festival. There is a Korean Chamber of Commerce in Garden Grove where you can get information. Center photo: Look through the window of a restaurant where 30 types of soup are served with mint leaves and bean sprouts. Right photo offers a loft view of the Asian Gardens mall with its colorful food court. Asian Gardens Mall and Cultural Court are open from 10 am. to 8 p.m., it is located at 9225 Bolsa Ave., Westminster. Information: 714-891-2212
Korean Chamber of Commerce, 9636 Garden Grove Boulevard, Garden Grove, CA 714-638-1440
Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce, 9938 Bolsa Ave., Westminster, CA 714-839-2257
Westminster is also home to the Orange County West District Municipal Court (house)
Westminster Mall - Simon
Senior Center at the Civic Center
Several senior living communities
Old fashioned clocks and telephone booth in the British Westminster theme adorn the Civic Center and Courthouse area. In the summer, the greens of the center play host to free concerts with musical groups ranging from pop, jazz and blues to country western.
Westminster Links