Anaheim

Say the name Anaheim and most people will draw a blank, or they’ll say that is where Disneyland is.  Like most places that people think are utterly boring, Anaheim is reinventing itself. First the wonderful little museum that did something very smart – bring in a quilt exhibit.Outside in the plaza the Knotty Knitters of Fullerton had yarn bombed the surroundings.Both knit and crochet are well represented.One of the knitters had come to see the quilts and she was kind enough to let me photograph her next to her work.On the street a very innovative free lending library.Love how the city benches use the letter A.I’m a sucker for a good window box full of flowers.

Right down the street is the Anaheim Packing house.We are in the middle of Orange county – emphasis on ORANGE, a lot of citrus was grown and shipped from here. Many local towns are acting just in time to save these old packing houses and repurposing them as fun gathering places.The facade that faces the street is done was done in Mission style, back when this was built in 1919.  I have visited towns in the midwest where the old mills have been adapted in the same manner.The color orange is used extensively.This bar is called Hammer and is covered with all kinds of old time tools. These look like spools from an old textile mill.More yarn bombing.Wonderful tillandsias hanging from from the ceiling.Of course, adorable items to buy.

We had fabulous grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup from Black Sheep, I love the name as well.Not sure if this is simply decoration or if it’s part of the ice-cream shop.

I love exploring areas that most people dismiss out of hand as being boring suburbia. My advice is, go anywhere with an open mind and really look around you. These days people want their towns to be fun and welcoming, for the locals and for visitors.  We are living in the good old days.