old orange

Continuing the theme of soaking up everything Southern California has to offer, Hubbie and I have gone to Old Orange twice since we’ve been back. Old Orange is a little pocket of history in the sea of Orange County commercial development. Beautiful original craftsman style homes line the streets surrounding the round-about at the town center. The main street still has it’s original architecture and is in such contrast to the surrounding areas that it almost feels like a movie set. Actually parts of it were used in the filming of “That Thing You Do”.

round-about

After being in Portland I can see how much potential this area has to be a really interesting and culturally rich neighborhood. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot there already, but the numerous Antique Malls overflowing with “stuff” crowds out what’s going on in the background. The crowd is young and a bit funky, like Portland. There are a few shops that feel like Portland too, but you barely notice them through all the junk of the antique malls. I’m not saying they should get rid of all the antique shops, but they need to pair it down and make room for the new.

love the painted hand! could totally be in portland

The food is a lot like Portland, too. A mix of creative and comfort food. Bruxie is a good example of this. (I have to admit I haven’t been yet but I’m dying to go.) They have quite a buzz right now and are apparently always busy. They serve waffle sandwiches from the breakfast variety to the total comfort food meat and cheese variety… who could resist?

A favorite stop of ours is Kimmie’s Coffee Cup. The seemingly strict employment of young women on their waiter staff was a bit disturbing at first, but the food is a perfect combination of home style comfort food and reasonable prices. (That’s another side effect of Oregon… we’re trying to eat at less chains and more mom and pops. We’re soooo sick of chains!)

how would you like to go to this starbucks everyday? i would!

Sorry I don’t have more photos of the architecture… I guess I’ll just have to go back! =P On a side note, I’ve noticed that trying to make an effort to take more photos of our “normal life” has helped me see more beauty and detail that I either didn’t see before or took for granted.