Cities nearby Pasadena:     South Pasadena        Monrovia        Montrose        Arcadia         San Marino        Sierra Madre

The jacaranda trees lining Honolulu St. make it a pleasure to dine al fresco, then stroll and shop in the boutiques and stores.

Shopping on Honolulu Street in Montrose is a tale of two experiences. 

Weekdays this quiet street is lined with stores and restaurants that seem to go back in time to the 1950s and '60s.  You will find children's toys, pets, books, formals, casual clothes, nightgowns, quilt supplies, eyeglasses, travel agents, chiropractors, day spas, a college extension, lots of banks -- and you can pick up a tube of toothpaste and a local newspaper, too.  And all the shops and restaurants, except one, are independently owned.  This is definitely not your basic Mall shopping!

Then, on Sunday mornings the street bursts into life with the Montrose Harvest Market -- a combination farmers market and collectibles faire with a big helping of children's activities thrown in for good measure.  And live music with a Dixieland beat.

(And just to be clear about it, Montrose is not a neighborhood in Pasadena.  It is located within the city limits of Glendale about 10 minutes west on the 210 freeway.  Take the Ocean View exit and go south-- downhill -- to Honolulu.)

And it is worth taking two drives to this neighborhood--one weekday, one Sunday--to enjoy the two experiences.

Generational and ethnic changes are going on in Montrose as evidenced by the growing number of Asian and international restaurants.

Whites is a fine art gallery that has occupied the same location for decades.  It is definitely worth a visit.

Foodie Alert!
Visit the I Like to Eat and Drink blog before you order any more dim sum.