Walking Tour Of OC's Old Towne Orange
Antique shops, ample eateries and an old-timey, historic feel are just a few of the many unique features of historic Old Towne Orange. Make sure to bring a camera for plenty of photo ops in front of vintage storefronts or next to the large fountain at the tree-lined Plaza Square Park, right in the middle of the Orange Circle. A tour through Old Towne is truly a trip through history, as most of the buildings are protected as historic landmarks, capturing a glimpse of what life was like in Orange from the 1880' through the 1940s.
The Filling Station Cafe
201 N. Glassell St.
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 289-9714
www.fillingstationcafe.com
Fueling up at The Filling Station Cafe is a great way to get your motor running for a stroll around downtown Orange. Not only will you enjoy mouth-watering omelettes, pancakes and other American and Mexican specialty breakfasts, but your historic journey through Old Towne is already underway as you dine at what used to be a working gas station. Bring the dog along and enjoy a casual meal out on the patio, or enjoy oldies and vintage decor inside before continuing on your walk around Old Towne.
Laurenly
142 N Glassell St
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 538-7467
www.laurenly.com
Located in the heart of Orange, Laurenly is arguably Orange County's most stylish boutique. Created by Chapman University graduate Lauren Leigh Miller, Laurenly Boutique offers everything from tops, jeans, and shorts to skirts, dresses, jackets and sweaters. In addition, here you'll find accessories that will help to put the finishing touches to your perfect outfit.
Chapman University
1 University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 997-6815
www.chapman.edu
Located just a few blocks north of the Orange Circle, Chapman University is a visual treat and the perfect place to relax after a meal at the edge of one of its several fountains. Chapman's campus is a veritable arboretum, as it is home to a variety of evergreen, elm, gingko and other exotic trees that provide a rich, natural beauty to the campus. Chapman also features original buildings from its founding in 1861 that are still in use, as well as brand new state-of-the-art facilities currently underway such as the Musco Center for the Arts.
Copperwood Artware
148A N. Glassell St.
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 633-8374
www.copperwoodartware.com
Located just north of the Orange Circle, Copperwood Artware is a gold mine of art among the many antique shops and art boutiques sprinkled throughout Old Towne. Visitors to the gallery can find virtually any type of visual art imaginable, from glassware and ceramics to watercolor and oil paintings. Copperwood is sure to have something for any novice, connoisseur or anyone in between looking to beautify their home or office. Various local and nationally renowned artists have works of fine art on display at Copperwood, but there are also simple treasures to be found, like hand-crafted wood toys for the kids.
Watson Drugs and Soda Fountain
116 E. Chapman Ave.
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 532-6317
www.watsonsdrugs.com
One of the staple establishments of downtown Orange is Watson Drugs and Soda Fountain, Orange County's oldest drug store. Watson has been serving up delicious ice cream sundaes since 1899, and added a full menu in the early 1900s. A midday meal at Watson offers visitors a chance to enjoy traditional American fare including hot dogs, sandwiches, burgers and salads, and it has a more robust dinner menu, as well. Nothing surprising or fancy here, just good ol' fashioned comfort food and friendly service with a smile.
Orange Circle Antique Mall
118 S. Glassell St.
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 538-8160
www.orangeantiquemall.com
Situated just south of Plaza Square Park, the Orange Circle Antique Mall is the largest antique mall in Orange County. With two floors full of timeless, classic artifacts, it is definitely a must-visit venue for visitors to Old Towne with a craving for collectibles. Around 125 shops offer visitors countless vintage wares including clothes, furniture, household items, posters, records and more. A walk through the largest collection of antique shops located in the largest historic district in California makes for a day of epic proportions.
Related: Best Stores With A Cause In OC
