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    Fork in the Road

    4.6 (58 reviews)

    Fork in the Road Photos

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    Kenny L.

    Greeting those to usually drive by towards the inner city of Pasadena is a fun, cheery idea brought to life in a form of a literal giant fork in the road located at an actual fork in the road. It's definitely not everyday you see something but worth stopping to admire. It is walkable but you have to be wary of the limited parking that surrounds this block as well as the various plant life that inhabits its surroundings. I suggest parking near one of the residential streets and giving it a minute walk just to get to this majestic piece. Once you get up close though, it'll just feel surreal especially if you get a side-by-side shot!

    Thanksgiving Day! 11.24.2022
    Jessica P.

    Thanksgiving weekend in LA! Our tummies were full from our turkey buffet. Stores were closed, so we hit up a few landmarks to burn off some calories. First stop: Fork in the Road. Because, "Why the fork not?" Public art in Pasadena. The funny thing is, it was built and installed illegally in 2009 in honor of artist Ken Marshall's friend, Bob Stane, for his 75th birthday. Wow! What a gift eh?! It was eventually permitted and reinstalled in 2011. Standing 18ft tall, it is made out of solid wood and painted to look like metal. Now, the World's Largest Fork can be found in Springfield, Missouri at a whopping 35ft tall. I guess these artists really wanted something tangible to represent the metaphor! Location: South St. John and South Pasadena Avenue. Plenty of parking along the curb.

    Emilee T.

    Cute photo opportunity but that's literally all it is. Park. Walk up. Snap pic. Walk back to car. Easy peasy!

    When life puts a fork in the road... stop and take a picture with it.
    Kim K.

    IT IS WHAT IT SAYS! Literally a fork in the road. Located on a small triangle piece of land stands this 18ft tall, wooden fork. Plenty of free street parking so that you can jump out of the car and take a few corny photos at this quirky off beat attraction. Being that it's winter, the landscape was pretty dull. I imagine there might be some bulbs that bloom in spring. It's an odd piece of land so I'm sure the city doesn't want to develop too much. But hey, it's fun. And when one sees a fork in the road, you gotta stop. Right?! What would be a great addition (hint hint) is a perfectly placed ledge to rest your camera on in the exact right spot for the perfect picture ;) Until, bring a friend.

    What to do?
    Renee N.

    I just had to find this Pasadena landmark when I was in town. Using GPS, very easy to find but just not as big as the pictures make it appear, but for me worth a quick stop. It is exactly what the title says - A Fork in the Road. The fork sits right in the middle on a piece of land and used to have a meatball attached but someone apparently ate the meatball as it was no where to be found. The structure appears to be made of wood and has lights attached which means it must light up at night. Remember when you reach a fork in the road in life, always go with your gut. It will never steer you wrong.

    Fork
    Travis P.

    I can confirm this is still here and still awesome as ever. Street parking is plentiful and you can pretty much take pictures at your own leisure. No one was there when I went. Remember to bring a selfie stick or stand and be prepared for all the passing drivers to look and stare! Lol

    Connie G.

    Another great hidden gem a fork in the road lol. Started as a prank and lasted as a permanent visual gag now. Clever indeed and sits on a triangle shape with roads leading to different parts of town. Which fork in the road will you take?

    Artist Ken Marshall carved & built the fork & installed it there as a bday prank for his friend, Bob Stane, celebrating his 75th birthday.
    Kim T.

    Literally, it's a (giant) Fork in the Road (Art Installation)! Funny, this art installation was up the street from my Doctors' offices and I never knew, lol! Well, I do now! Then again, I rarely exit on this side of Bellafontaine Street. Location: In a middle island aka "Fork Plaza" on the corner of Pasadena Avenue and St. Johns Avenue in Pasadena. One street over on Pasadena Avenue is Rose Tea Cottage. Admission and Parking: Free and plentiful street parking all around (watch for signs). I was going through a "Landmark and Local Flavors," review kicks, and I remembered Yelper Nadine C., wrote about this and kept a mental note to check this out at some point. Fast forward a couple years later, I finally got to check it out. It's a fun and unique art installation, appealing to art lovers, especially, those who are foodies as well. Can't beat the funny pun that comes with it, lol! Quick Background: It's an 18-foot wooden fork (painted silver to look like metal) placed where Pasadena Avenue and St. Johns Avenue splits, literally emphasizing the "fork in the road." Artist Ken Marshall carved and built the fork and installed it there as a birthday prank for his friend, Bob Stane, who had celebrated his 75th birthday on 10/29/2009. On October 2009, Marshall (along with his buddy) illegally placed the art installation there. One night, they both came, dressed in Caltrans uniforms, dug a hole, poured concrete and even waved at the police while installing the fork. However, the fork was shortly removed on June 10, 2010 because the City of Pasadena cited safety issues and that Caltrans owned the median. Luckily, with the proper permits obtained, the fork returned back to its Fork Plaza Island on October 21, 2011. Since then, the Fork has been there for the last 10 years (and counting!). It's a fun art installation to check out. Every once in a while, you'll see a giant meatball installation with the fork, lol! Also, if you're able to get close to the fork, you'll see Marshall's writing on it of "Peace, Love and Harmony," - noted from Yelper Kym S.'s photo. I didn't get too close to it since there was new mulch on the ground and didn't want to dirty my feet and sandals, heheh! Definitely worth checking out if you got time in Pasadena!

    Mel C was here
    Terri C.

    What the fork? This is a place that has an actual fork in the road. My husband loves taking pictures of forks whenever he visits a restaurant. It's his signature Yelp photo, so of course we had to visit this place that's he's already been to featuring his favorite piece of cutlery. We parked in the neighborhood, walked over to the big 18-foot fork, took some forking photos, and left. It's a fun piece of public art at Pasadena Avenue and St Johns Avenue that began as a birthday prank back in 2009, was removed briefly, and then permanently installed with the proper city permits obtained in 2011. It's kitschy and it will make you smile. Have a good tine, er, time!

    My wonderful girlfriend posing with the fork
    Gustavo E.

    Quite literally a massive fork in the middle of a road. Absolutely free to go see and you can park your car and walk up to it and take a picture. Does not disappoint :)

    Fork in the road!
    Joyce T.

    Quirky triangle of a "fork in the road"! Found it between the gardens and the hospital. It was quite a surprise and a laugh! Traffic goes fast around here. Grounds looked like it needed a refresher or replant. Perhaps just the season. Made me mega smile!

    Alana M.

    When you encounter a fork... take it! There's this guerilla piece of public art called "Fork in the Road" in the median (named "Fork Plaza" according to Google) where the road splits, a fork in the road. In this case, you can't make a choice as to which direction to go at the fork... it is split for northbound (S. Pasadena Ave) and southbound (S. St. John Ave) directions of the traffic. The road separates at the cross street of Bellefontaine. Bob Stane had joked that the fork in the road needed a fork. He was the founder of a comedy club. I was surprised to read that this fork was actually a surprise birthday gift, or prank, for the resident in 2009. One night, Bob's friend, Ken Marshall, along with other friends dressed up in fake Caltrans uniforms with helmets & lights, put the fork into place. They waved at police as they drove by. Not long after that, Bob Stane saw the giant fork that was at the fork in the road for the first time. The fork is a silvery color. It stands at about 18 ft tall. The fork was first installed in 2009 on this little parcel of land is owned by Caltrans The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) made the so-called "The Fork in the Road Gang" remove it due to safety concerns. After about 2 years of pleading through the proper channels, they were allowed to permanently display it in the same area. This fork has 2 permits and is reinforced properly. Believe it or not, it is also insured for liability as part of the stipulation of keeping this fork here! This was saved because it was a popular piece of art. Marshall hopes his children and grandchildren will think of him as they pass by. When this happens, he says, they'll call it "fork-lore." I've been by to check in on the fork quite a few times. I've seen it with the fork seemingly stabbing the huge (deflated) meatball! That was appropo and cool! This is Dec 2018, and I'm wondering if the fork will don a holiday decoration this year?? It's free to see 24/7. There are no lights directly on the fork at night, so pictures in the dark won't be very great with the average camera. If you're in the area, be sure to stop and park your car. Your best bet is to walk over to the fork to take a nice picture!

    Maruko X.

    Pasadena has a literal fork in the road, where South St. John and Pasadena Ave. divide, there is an 18-foot wooden fork in the median. The art was originally intended as a birthday joke over ten years ago, and the city and Caltrans, kept it temporarily and agreed on the fork in place permanently as until now.

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    1 year ago

    A must see landmark for out of town visitors. it's weird, it's Tim Burton-esque and it's a fun.

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    3 years ago

    It's a fork in the road! What more can I say? I was surprised, great story/history behind it I expected it to be bigger

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    3 years ago

    its simply a fork in the road. what more can a gal ask for?

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Fork in the Road

    Review Highlights - Fork in the Road

    A Fork in the Road is just that: a giant fork sticking out of the ground, tines planted, handle way up high.

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    Halloween Hedge Scene

    Halloween Hedge Scene

    5.0(4 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    You've fooled them, haven't you Michael? But not me. Blimey!!…read more If you're a fan of HALLOWEEN movie then you're on for a surprise. This is the place where a scene from Halloween was filmed at Montrose Avenue (hedge) in South Pasadena, CA. Micheal Myers peers out from behind this hedge as Laurie and Annie approach. I bet not too many people know this iconic scene. Now I spilled the beans. Lol. :D Maybe next time I'll play the character this year's Halloween. Trick or treat! Hahaha! Thank you street residents for indulging us fans (locals & visitors). And not calling the SPPD on us as we walk by and take photos. :D #ILoveSoPas #PasadenaRules

    I will continue my journey through the original Halloween locations that you can find in South…read morePasadena. The famous Hedge where Michael Myers lurks behind is a few blocks away from the other houses. We walked to it, about 20 minutes, but we do walk like crazy so I know most people will drive. 5 minutes drive in a residential neighborhood, plenty of street parking. The Hedge looks the same, we clowned around a bit to take some photos of my husband playing Michael Myers and no, he's not that creepy. People live in that house so be respectful of their privacy. It is great to see all these locations so well preserved after so many years since they shot the original Halloween directed by Maestro Carpenter in South Pasadena. I am glad at least this part of LA is great about preservation. I wil conclude my horror location quest in the area with the Hedge. But this is your Halloween location trilogy guide!

    Photos
    Halloween Hedge Scene - Michael Myers view

    Michael Myers view

    Halloween Hedge Scene - Halloween Hedge - scene. This is the spot where Micheal Myers peers out from behind. Lol. #SoPas #Movie

    Halloween Hedge - scene. This is the spot where Micheal Myers peers out from behind. Lol. #SoPas #Movie

    Halloween Hedge Scene - This is the HALLOWEEN spot.

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    This is the HALLOWEEN spot.

    Colorado Street Bridge

    Colorado Street Bridge

    4.5(98 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    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.

    Photos
    Colorado Street Bridge - 2025 Pasadena Bridge Party

    2025 Pasadena Bridge Party

    Colorado Street Bridge - 2025 Pasadena Bridge Party

    2025 Pasadena Bridge Party

    Colorado Street Bridge

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    Old Town Pasadena

    Old Town Pasadena

    4.1(299 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    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.

    Photos
    Old Town Pasadena - One Colorado Market Place

    One Colorado Market Place

    Old Town Pasadena - Lunar New Year wishing tree

    Lunar New Year wishing tree

    Old Town Pasadena

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    Bistro de la Gare - Amazing desserts!

    Bistro de la Gare

    3.9(622 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$$

    Definitely a hidden gem in South Pas! The interior has a Parisian bistro vibe, so cozy and…read moreinviting. The service was friendly, the ambiance was lovely, and everything is farm-to-table, so you can really taste the freshness in every dish. I'm a huge fan of foie gras, and I absolutely loved it here. You might call me crazy, but we tried three dishes with foie gras. We started with the foie gras appetizer, it's unlike ordinary liver pâté, it was soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth. A good foie gras is like caviar or Japanese A5 wagyu, yes it's pure indulgence. We also tried foie gras in pasta and burgers, and both were flavorful. In my opinion, the best way to enjoy it is grilled. Oh so heavenly! We'll definitely be back to try more!

    Food was good and staff were nice and friendly but service was very slow and poorly planned. Our…read morekids' meal came out fast but had to wait about an hour before our main meals were served despite the fact that they were ordered at the same time. By then our son had already finished eating and was ready to go home. This was for an early dinner on a weekday. It looked like a mistake had happened because numerous tables had been seated after we had ordered but received their food much earlier. Our server was apologetic when our food finally arrived and was well aware that the food was very late but the overall vibe felt like they didn't care all that much.

    Photos
    Bistro de la Gare - Quaint little bar.

    Quaint little bar.

    Bistro de la Gare - Prosciutto de Parma

    Prosciutto de Parma

    Bistro de la Gare

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    El Sereno Greengrocer - Summer window display.

    El Sereno Greengrocer

    4.8(47 reviews)
    2.3 miEl Sereno

    The atmosphere is friendly and warm .The food is organic and locally sourced. Eclectic art and…read moreitems . The staff was warm, friendly and attentive.

    Move over Trader Joe's (and big thumbs down to all their anti-union tactics lately) and allow me to…read moreintroduce you to the El Sereno Green Grocer, an authentically social justice-oriented, community-centered, cozy, colorful, and quaint grocery store in the northeast area of LA. The Green Grocer was founded by two folx of color a year or so ago and is at the intersection of El Sereno, South Pas, and Alhambra (next to the neighborhood favorite Charles Trio). Co-owner Erika will welcome you with her big smile and vibrant spirit. As you browse their well-curated selection of breads, beverages, veggies, spices, desserts, and so much more...you start to notice the products by women of color small businesses and many hyperlocal growers (the lavender is from Bell, my hometown!) and it makes you feel good. Good to know that even though some prices might be a bit steeper than the box chain stores, you have confidence that your money actually supports a small business and in turn our community. Personally, I align with their overall ethos and feel at home every time I visit. Invest in yourself through yummy locally sourced foods (vegan options available) and stay for the good company and conversation (don't forget to check out the community cork board, too!). All the staff are very knowledgeable and super sweethearts. Stop by when you're in the neighborhood but don't forget to check their open hours beforehand. Also, there is a hidden little parking lot down a short alleyway behind the laundromat. I would recommend following them on IG for all the updates, weekly specialty foods, and weekend pop-ups where they feature a small cafe, bakery, etc. Who knows...I might just run into you there right before closing as I grab their chipotle crab ceviche and house chips to-go (my fav)!

    Photos
    El Sereno Greengrocer - Autumn window evening display for day of the dead celebrations. Halloween night decorations.

    Autumn window evening display for day of the dead celebrations. Halloween night decorations.

    El Sereno Greengrocer - Avocados @ El Sereno Greengrocer

    Avocados @ El Sereno Greengrocer

    El Sereno Greengrocer - Fall of patriarchy window dressing for Halloween and Dia de los Muertos Day of the dead celebrations.

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    Fall of patriarchy window dressing for Halloween and Dia de los Muertos Day of the dead celebrations.

    Fork in the Road - localflavor - Updated May 2026

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