FLOMM 4.23 is happening in STOCKTON, California next weekend.
And every town has a personality (just go digging back thru our Instagram posts to see a few places we’ve visited) – and here’s some STOCKTON stuff to check out that’s not part of The Prefabrication of America …
In meandering, numbered order:
J.C. Leyendecker on Pinterest
1. J.C. Leyendecker Gallery at The Haggin [map]
The Haggin is home to the largest collection ANYWHERE of legendary early 20th Century commercial artist J.C. Leyendecker — whose work was cut up and sold at a garage sale after his death.
Artists who count Leyendecker’s work as inspiration include Lucasfilm regular Drew Struzan and famed psychedelic artist Rick Griffin. If you are an illustrator, comic book fan, or artist, this collection of ‘The other Norman Rockwell’ is worth checking out.
See his original brushstrokes (those are brushstrokes, not marker pen) – and while there, peruse local art, AND a rather large collection of Caterpillar tractors and ephemera. The Haggin closes at 5 p.m., just as 4.23 begins.
2. Chuck’s Hamburgers [map]
Throughout the area, old ‘counter joints’ have been replaced with chains and odd tributes to Elvis.
Chuck’s is a throwback – a REAL diner with real food. The burgers are well seasoned and the kitchen fries dazzle (remember to order the fixin’s too). Big servings, and they added pizza when they moved to the Bowling Alley.
Also for foodies are Bob’s at the Marina (‘almost world famous!’), Garlic Brothers (in the delta!), and Market Tavern (farm to fork – and there are a LOT of farms out here! Next month, Alpine Blue will be open for picking).
3. Asian Farmers Market [map]
Speaking of farms, eat some early morning noodles under the freeway! Represented: Cambodian, Korean, Vietnamese, Laotian, Chinese, and MOR.
4. Taco Trucks [map]
Can’t talk about STOCKTON life without mentioning The Taco Trucks.
Real Mexican Street Food. All over STOCKTON. Because STOCKTON was once PART of Mexico (well, all of California was). Be adventurous, try the Lingua (my favorite), experience a little heat.
5. Stockmarket [map]
STOCKMARKET is STOCKTON’s übercool makers faire – filled with work from some of the best artisans in the area. Curated local art, food, vintage wares, live bands – lots of STOCK to select from.
AND
we have a FLOMMIST on the ground at STOCKMARKET: Say ‘hi’ to Mimi Winters of NevMade – she’ll have (pictured) handmade modernist household products … designed with love.
AND
THIS WEEKEND her work can also be found SATURDAY AFTERNOON at a Pop-Up shop housed in West Elm in Roseville, California.
Sasha Pivovarova by Chen Man for VOGUE China February 2016
6. Dillard’s [map]
You’ve seen Dillard’s in VOGUE. STOCKTON just happens to have the ONLY location in Northern California.
Try on something nü. Shop.
7. Annual Green Fashion Show [map]
A few days before 4.23 – on 4.21 – is a sustainable fashion show.
Some of the 4.23 participants are their participants too – and the fashion is made from natural materials such as plant matter, upcycled thrift store items, garbage, organic or local textiles and MOR.
8. Earth Day Festival [map]
The day after 4.23 is the Stockton Earth Day Festival. Victory Park, Sunday 24 April 2016, 11–4.
9. The Abbey, A Trappist Pub [map]
A pub on the Miracle Mile. Cool people and good food, whether or not you’re having beer.
10. Take 5 Jazz Club [map]
Jazz club named for Dave Brubeck’s Take Five – expect good service, good tapas, beer, wine and smooth, live jazz. Open late.
SO
NEXT WEEK, get some morning NOODLES, DINER foo, or GARLIC; then hit STOCKMARKET, enjoy the wares, eat MOR foo – then check out shopping, tacos and more tacos – drop by the Haggin before closing, then spin by 4.23 after 5.
Our goal with 4.23 is to NOT replicate what STOCKMARKET and others have to offer, but to add something different to the overall experience that is STOCKTON, California. See you next Saturday!
—steve mehallo
Flommist Steve Mehallo is a graphic designer, illustrator, font designer, educator, foodie and gadfly. He is the creator and founder of FLOMM!
List compiled with the help of DANGER Holly, Rose Ross, Gary Ross, Kristina Davis, and Kaila Munson. Image up top: The iconic Lincoln Center rotating sign, built 1951.
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