Nice variety of vendors. Well organized and overall a great experience. Great selection of arts,…read morecrafts and food items to choose from also. Worth the visit

1st time at Pasadena Walk Art. This was their 11th year located off East Colorado Blvd & El Molina…read moreAve. Eclectic mix of interesting local artists (throughout Southern CA stretching from Torrance, San Pedro, Redlands, Monterey Park, Venice, Culver City to San Diego) and creative talented jewelry designers. We really had a fun time and all the artists were so friendly!

Enjoyed the Bungalow Heaven Home Tour a couple of times now and will definitely be back in future…read moreyears to see more beautiful historic homes from the early 1900s... 5 stars!!!!! If you live in an older home and/or you are a fan of historic homes, the Bungalow Heaven Home Tour in late April every year is an event not to be missed. Be ready to be amazed with the exterior as well as the interior of 6 to 7 featured homes in Pasadena. Most of the owners of these homes have meticulously restored their home's historic glory, and their commitment and dedication to their homes will definitely make you think twice about today's cookie cutter modern homes. Thank you so much to the Bungalow Heaven Home Tour committee for organizing such a wonderful event for the home showcase volunteers for letting strangers see their beautiful homes! Buy tickets online ahead of time to get a discount. A map of all featured homes will be given to you at Check In at MacDonald Park, and this park is the perfect check in area since it's pretty much in the middle of Bungalow Heaven. You set the pace and the route since the tour is completely self-guided. Bring a lot of water and snacks, and make sure to wear comfortable shoes. Yes, you can also drive yourself from home to home, but part of the charm is walking through the beautiful streets of Bungalow Heaven. Walk and enjoy the views of this historic neighborhood if you are able. Several food trucks are at McDonald Park for a lunch break, and there are also different opportunities to enjoy live music performances along the route. In the 2023 tour, the first one to take place after the pandemic, the tour also featured craftsmen who live in the area along the route, from quilt makers to painters to furniture makers.

From reading the other reviews, it seems that the tour continues to grow each year. Dear Hubby saw…read morean announcement about it in the L.A. Times. As he loves the Craftsman style, we decided to go today for the annual event; our first time. The opportunity to go through up to 8 of the Arts and Crafts period gems inside and out is the draw of the tour. Adding flavor and value, the organizers have included live music being performed at some of the houses. There was also a section of one street blocked off, with food trucks offering food for sale, with seating available in the shade. Meanwhile, several residents set up refreshment / mercantile booths in multiple locations. They offered free cookies, lemonade, and water. Or for a dollar you could purchase cold bottled water to go. T-shirts, mugs, aprons, and more were also for sale with the tour logo. Everyone was friendly, and patient. Some chill was required, as most of the homes had a wait to go inside. They would stage a group of up to 15 guests or so to go through the homes. A docent would check in tickets on the front porch and give an intro to the house, offering its general history. From there, once inside, another volunteer would intro the living / dining areas. On through bedrooms, dens, kitchens, and baths. Each home showcased various levels of details in built-in benches with storage, fireplaces, crown molding, hutches, and other cabinetry. Some of the pocket doors were works of art in their design. Today was quite warm, and several of the dwellings became stifling inside with so many guests and no air conditioning. Only a few had fans going. It became oppressive by 3:30 in the afternoon, so we skipped the last two places. While walking between the homes, various displays were offered around the neighborhood. One was on stained glass. Another was an amazing collection of quilts. The organizers packed value in for the $30 same day admission fee. We could have saved $5 each by pre-purchasing online. A trolley ride was also an option for another $10 apiece, but they sold out before noon. Put this on your list for next year if you enjoy historic houses, especially Craftsman ones. Most homeowners also follow through with the theme with their furniture and accessories, so it's like a journey back in time. Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes!

Love Old Town Pasadena, been visiting since the late 90s (think I just aged myself, haha)…read more Definitely seen a lot of changes in the past few decades as many shops and restaurants have come and gone. Even so, there's still something for everyone regardless of age. There use to be a couple of parking structures with limited free parking, but now they're still reasonable at a few couple of dollars. Street meters are still available up and down the street. Some of my top favorites include Waunderlust Creamery and The Pie Hole. There are also mainstream popular brand stores such as JCrew, Madewell, Urban Outfitters, and a few others. A few thrift/consignment stores are also along Colorado Blvd. Traffic can get tricky around the area, please bring your patience. See you next time, Old Town Pasadena! #46/2025

Old Town Pasadena is a fun place to visit. I have spent a lot of time in this area on my many trips…read moreto Pasadena. I love the red brick buildings, patio-front restaurants, the alleyways, the criss-cross pedestrian intersections and the art galleries. Old Town has hundreds of restaurants and shops up and down its tree-lined streets. It is a very walkable city for both locals and tourists. At night, Old Town has a fun nightlife scene and is always a good time. Old Town Pasadena has a long rich history that goes back over 150 years. It saw some decline in the mid-1900's before it was revitalized into this vibrant but charming business and entertainment district. Colorado Boulevard is the main road that runs through Old Town. I have walked up and down this street many times over the years. There are so many dining options to choose from. Back in the 90's, we used to hang out at the old Moose McGillycuddy's and go dancing. If you have some time, walk all the way to the historic Colorado Street Bridge and check out the view. You might get a glimpse of the Rose Bowl Stadium. Some of my favorite places to visit are the Pasadena Playhouse, the Norton Simon Museum, the Gamble House and City Hall. There are a number of cafés that I enjoy grabbing a bite or getting a coffee drink at. The Urth Caffé is a longtime hangout of mine. One of my favorite things about Pasadena is the architecture. I appreciate the old historic buildings here and enjoy photographing them. The annual Rose Bowl Parade on New Years Day starts in Old Town Pasadena and goes down Colorado Blvd. Traffic can be a real pain at times. Especially on the weekends. You can usually find parking on the side of the road. But in the downtown area, finding parking can be hassle. There are some garages or you can valet or uber.

This is a cool sculpture on an island among busy streets, featuring lovely trees, shrubs, and…read moregreenery. But it was hard to access, surrounded by heavy traffic on all sides this past weekend. Parking was scarce too, but we still made a quick stop to check it out after an event we attended nearby. It's basically a giant fork with a fitting name for the artwork. The creation started as a joke by artist, Ken Marshall, who gave it as a birthday gift in 2009 to Ice House comedy club founder Bob Stane. It was temporarily removed, then later reinstalled a couple years later after attaining permits, and has since, been a site for food drives/charity events as well as a tourist attraction for people like me :D

Cool public art! The fork is separating S. Pasadena Ave and S. Saint John Ave in the City of South…read morePasadena!

Had a great time today shopping with the hubby for some local goodies at Artisanal LA! So many…read moresamples and so many different kinds of food vendors that we were literally full from trying everything. The Armory for the Arts was a perfect place to have this event. We ended up buying products from All Spice Cafe, Migliore Gourmet Foods, Z Confections, Jenkins Jellies, and Orgasmo de la Boca. We already made a meal with one of the products and it was so yummy! Great event, great vendors, and a great venue ... can't really ask for more. We even got a few gifts crossed off on the holiday shopping list!

A MUST DO! A FREE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & POPS CONCERT. The Pasadena Symphony gives a Free Concert -…read more MUSIC UNDER THE STARS on July 7, 2018 @ The Historic Pasadena City Hall. Gates open @ 6 PM Concert Begins @ 8 PM. POPS Conductor Larry Blank leads the orchestra in a celebration of music from Broadway, Hollywood and the Great American Songbook, featuring soloists taken straight from Broadway, and the JPL Chorus! Arrive early for gourmet food trucks, a musical instrument petting zoo, and pre-concert family fun!. Larry Blank, conductor Maximo Marcuso, soloist Christina Saffran, soloist Lisa Vroman, soloist JPL and the Donald Brinegar Singers Check website for more details http://pasadenasymphony-pops.org/concert/muts_2018/?utm_source=Pasadena+Symphony+and+POPS+Email+List&utm_campaign=2515008d90-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_05_08&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_60187e5bad-2515008d90-180966349 It used to be, you had to have mega bucks & be really rich to have the Good Life, not anymore. The Game has changed. You've been Upgraded. Now You Can Live Like a King on a Limited Budget!

We stopped by the iconic Colorado Street Bridge while exploring Pasadena, and it's easily one of…read morethe most photogenic spots in the city. The massive arches, classic design, and sweeping views make it a must-visit whether you're walking, taking photos, or just enjoying a quiet moment outdoors. Film fans will instantly recognize it as a filming location from La La Land, which adds a fun Hollywood touch to the experience. Standing beneath the bridge and looking up really highlights its scale and craftsmanship--especially with the light and shadows shifting throughout the day. The area underneath and around the bridge is peaceful and well-kept, with plenty of spots to stop and admire the architecture from different perspectives. Near the public restroom and parking lot, there's also a clear view of what used to be the historic Vista del Arroyo Hotel, now the Richard H. Chambers United States Court of Appeals, which adds another layer of history to the visit. It's a great stop whether you're a local, visiting Pasadena for the first time, or just exploring with a camera in hand. Between the scenery, history, and movie connection, this is an easy 5-star spot to recommend.

An Iconic Pasadena Landmark with Timeless Beauty…read more The Colorado Street Bridge is a true architectural gem--elegant, historic, and absolutely stunning from every angle. Built in 1913, this Beaux-Arts style bridge gracefully spans the Arroyo Seco and remains one of Pasadena's most beloved and photogenic landmarks. Walking across the bridge is a beautiful experience, especially around sunset when the vintage streetlamps begin to glow and the San Gabriel Mountains light up in the background. The gentle curve and soaring arches give the whole structure a romantic, almost cinematic feel. It's no wonder it's been featured in films and local lore for generations. Pro tip: Head down to Desiderio Neighborhood Park, directly below the bridge, for incredible views of the full span and those magnificent arches. It's one of the best vantage points for appreciating the bridge's scale and design--and perfect for photos. From there, you can also connect to the Arroyo Seco walking paths for even more scenic exploration. There's easy pedestrian access via Defenders Park, and parking nearby isn't too difficult. While safety fencing has been added in recent years, it doesn't take away much from the overall experience. Whether you're a local or just visiting Pasadena, the Colorado Street Bridge is a must-see--romantic, historic, and absolutely unforgettable. One of those rare spots that feels magical every time you visit.

I went to Artisanal Goods for coffee with my friend Amelia G., who lives in neighborhood. The place…read morewas packed at like 10:00 on a Tuesday morning, with a line to order and every table occupied the whole time we were there. I guess this is the spot for coffee and pastries in Pasadena. It was a cute shop with a millennial-friendly aesthetic. Brick walls, exposed ceiling, and lots of hanging lights. Case full of beautiful pastries, house chocolates and merchandise for sale. The line moved quickly enough, and service was friendly and reasonably fast. A table opened up for us when we needed it, and we sat and enjoyed our coffee and pastry. I got a salted honey latte, which was delicious. I'm not a habitual coffee drinker, and this felt like a special indulgent little treat. I'm not a pastry person either, but the kougin amann was fantastic, rich and buttery and shatteringly crispy. I also got a chocolate croissant to go for my husband, who said it was really good. We sat for maybe half an hour, and when we left, someone was there to take our spot, and we had to squeeze past the line that was coming through the door. I don't like coffee and sweets enough to do all that on a regular basis, but I enjoyed my visit to Artisanal Goods and would recommend it if you want top notch pastries in Pasadena.

I was finally able to try Artisanal Goods by CAR when my friend and I decided to do a chocolate…read morecroissant taste off with another place down the block. I was able to find parking nearby luckily and that was probably the hardest part. However, it was also really hot that day so I came prepared with a big hat because I saw the line wrap around the building. I was able to catch it when I was at a lull and the line moved pretty quick. A couple of other items that looked really good that I need to try. I know there is some seasonal items that sell out really quick to keep an eye out of. The chocolate croissant was great and I'll have to wait to try some of their other items next time which I also hear is amazing. The dining area isn't the biggest popular places. It's probably not the easiest to find a spot to sit and enjoy unless you time it correctly.

I decided to have lunch at Uovo today to celebrate my sister's birthday with the hopes of being…read moregreeted by Wendy. It turns out it was her day off. I encountered a remarkable experience, it's my second time in this location and coincidentally served by an extraordinary server named Angel. From exceptional quality checks to tending to any need to make my family feel satisfied, he definitely exceeded my expectations yet again. Not only was the server attentive but the managers Philip and Miriam as well. They were not only ensuring the dishes came out at good timing but also engaging in a welcoming conversation. The pasta quality is truly unmatched but the seamless service really set them apart. Everything was phenomenal per usual, can't wait to be back !! Although we didn't catch Wendy , the experience was still fantastic, Wendy you're killing it in Pasadena !!

this has been a place i've been wanting to check out! it definitely meet my expectations :)…read more i loved this place & the experience we were seated at the bar & it felt super cozy & intimate! we were able to interact w/ the chefs & watch our meals be made. i really enjoyed the carbonara pasta, although it was a bit on the saltier side! we also got a side of mushrooms & man they also tasted super great. can't wait to come back

This restaurant is incredible. It has a relaxed, breezy, sunny feel, while being in the absolute…read moredriver's seat on excellent cooking and drinks. We started out with Bianco Negronis and the Hamachi Crudo, which was citrusy and perfect. The blistered bread and ricotta was also such an indulgent treat. For Mains, we shared the Truffle Cavatelli and the Charred Scallops Risotto. The truffle and sausage were so rich (in most definitely a good way) and paired so well with the slightly more bracing and magnificent Charred Scallops Risotto. The last dish, with the Calabrian chili and uni butter and mouth-watering scallops, is one of the best things I've eaten in years. To finish, we all shared the Pistachio Tiramisu. Not something I would have ever thought up, but so good. This place is a delight.

Made dinner reservations for Mother's Day and we were seated promptly upon arrival. Marina is my…read morefavorite restaurant if I want to dine in Pasadena. Service is always impeccable and we usually order the same dishes but this time we did venture out a bit since there was also a special menu. The Caesar salad and lamb chops is a must get every time we go. We had also added the charred broccolini this time. The Caesar salad was amazing as always and the charred broccolini was a first for me at Marina and that was also very good. However, my partner and I were extremely disappointed with the lamb chops! We order this every time we come and this time, the seasoning is different. Don't get me wrong, it was still okay but since we already know how it is supposed to taste, based on the last 10 visits, this dish was a thumbs down this time. The seasoning on the lamb chops this time is something I would taste at a Chinese skewer spot. For the main dishes, we had ordered the branzino, the pork chop, dry aged NY strip, and crab tagliatelle. The branzino was not new to us but the rest are. They were all good except we would never order the pork chop again. When the pork chops arrive, my partner looked disappointed but still ate it. He had forced me to try some as well. We discussed it afterwards and the best way to compare it to is like eating Dave's Hot Chicken without the pickles and buns and has the coleslaw looking stuff with arugula mixed in. Well, I hope the lamb chops was a one off thing. My partner said we will have to hold off on going for a while now after this experience.