DAY TRIP Old Town Pasadena

Pasadena is known for its ability to keep up with the times. From Cal Tech to fashion to dining, it consistently remains on the front end of industries, but Old Town Pasadena still remains as one of the more prominent attractions in an engaging town.

Old Town Pasadena celebrates its history with timeless architecture and mixes it with youthful markets. From the Apple store to the Laemmle Cinemas, the area has attractions for various persons and cultures. Dreams of Tibet sells items revolving around Tibet as well as imports from Thailand, Nepal and India. El Pueblo sells unique international folk art items and gifts. Magestical Roof is a boutique featuring work from local artisans.

Old Town Pasadena is perfect for friends, families, couples or anyone who wants to spend a day exploring art and culture, fine dining, shopping and the various other events.

GETTING THERE

Take the I-405 freeway north for more than 10 miles. Exit onto the I-605 north for another 10 miles. Exit onto the I-5 north, the Santa Ana freeway, toward Los Angeles. Take the CA-110 north toward Pasadena. Turn left at East Del Mar Boulevard and then right at South Fair Oaks Avenue to reach Colorado Boulevard.

HOURS

Shops, dining and attraction vary in their hours, but most stay open till 9 or 10 p.m. The movie theater has late showings, and other restaurants and bars are open late.

PRICE

Price of dining in the area can vary from expensive to very affordable. The Laemmle prices are in range with regular movie theaters, but it shows independent films rather than mainstream gusto.

35er

The oldest cocktail lounge in Pasadena, 35er has been voted “Best Dive Bar” by Pasadena Weekly readers for 13 years running. It has been family owned and operated since 1962, it may serve some food, but the owners advertise it as a place to “have a drink and hang out.” It features a couple pool tables, 11 televisions, a pinball machine and foosball. The bar also offers Wi-Fi for its guests.

RED, WHITE AND BLUEZZ

A blues and jazz restaurant, this establishment offers the best of fine dining and music Old Town Pasadena has to offer. The wine bar and grill, open daily at 5 p.m. and Sunday for brunch, has a complete menu of specialty foods cooked up by the restaurants professional chef. Live jazz is played every night, while Thursday through Saturday, featured performers play at “Back in the Jazz Club” or “Bluezz Wing” which is down the alley from the restaurant. Reservations are recommended.

ARMORY CENTER FOR THE ARTS

This nonprofit organization provides an outlet for community artwork. They have an accessible gallery exhibition space for contemporary works, while the organization also offers art classes for children. It is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., Friday open till 8 p.m.

— Daniel Tedford