3 minute read
AUTHENTICALLY PASADENA
SHOP LOCAL
Gold Bug
From independent clothing boutiques and handmade jewelry to artisanal chocolates and pasta, these homegrown brands and local products reflect Pasadena’s innovative and welcoming spirit, offering visitors plenty of souvenir inspiration and creative gift ideas.
April Blooms Boutique
April Blooms is a popular local boutique with a carefully curated selection of casual outfits for women, as well as accessories and home decor. Owner April Hicks aims to cultivate a caring and supportive shopping environment here that empowers women of all ages and sizes. 14 E. Bellevue Dr. aprilblooms.com
CAR Artisan Chocolate - Manufactory & Cafe
CAR Artisan Chocolate was founded
April Blooms Boutique
by German-born and Pasadena resident Haris Car, who stumbled upon his passion for making chocolate on a trip to Peru. His shop’s selection of handmade chocolate pays homage to the farmers who play a pivotal role in producing highquality cacao. 1009 E. Colorado Blvd. carartisanchocolate.com
Elisa B.
Elisa Burley’s vision comes to life in this airy, contemporary fashion boutique–a collaboration with interior designer Susan Alweil-Beard (Susan Alweil Designs) and furniture designer Kamal Sandhu (Boyle Iron & Wood). In addition to selling modern, elegant women’s clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories, the store hosts dozens of parties, charity nights, trunk shows, and other memorable events for fashionistas. 16 E. Holly St. elisab.com
Gameology
Hands-on, offline games are plentiful here in this more than 7,000-squarefoot space of fun and games. Whether you’re into board games, cards, dice, miniatures, or roleplay, Gameology is a community store for those who love to learn and enjoy all forms of gaming. 100 W. Green St. gameologygames.com gift and sundries boutique. The bright and modern store in Old Pasadena provides prescription services, over-the-counter items, and an impressive selection of small gifts, soaps and lotions, pet items, Papyrus greeting cards, easy-to-go meals like sandwiches and salads, and a great selection of sweet and savory snacks. 155 S. De Lacey Ave., #1000 facebook.com/oldpasadenapharmacy
Semolina Artisanal Pasta
If you prefer your grains and flour in the form of fresh pasta, look no further than Semolina Artisanal Pasta. Leah Ferrazzini’s small-batch, handcrafted pastas—made with certified organic durum semolina grown in the U.S.—are served in leading restaurants in Greater Los Angeles and beyond. 1976-1978 Lincoln Ave. semolinapasta.com
Gold Bug
A retail hub for independent artists, Gold Bug is a quirky place where visitors can discover unique art pieces, inventive candles, and designer jewelry. The offbeat collective recently moved to a new location in Old Pasadena and is celebrating its 15th anniversary. 38 E. Holly St. goldbugpasadena.com
Grist & Toll
The urban flour mill Grist & Toll is dedicated to making the freshest and purest wheat and grain flour. Stop by for small-batch bags, sign up for a cooking class, and take home a thematic gift kit. 990 S. Arroyo Pkwy. gristandtoll.com
HöMAGE
At HöMAGE, you will find beautifully crafted goods and handmade jewelry curated by owner Jill Pearson. The store showcases an array of unique items by local artists and talented jewelry designers, including one-of-akind ceramics, glass, wood, wall art, and vintage pieces. 100 N. Fair Oaks Ave. homagepasadena.com
Jones Coffee Roasters
Jones Coffee Roasters’ beans are sourced globally and roasted locally. Bring a bag or two home to perk up your morning routine. 693 S. Raymond Ave. jonescoffeeroasters.com
Kimono No Kobeya’s
Shop for authentic Japanese kimonos, ranging from casual, ready-to-wear pieces to formal, traditional robes as kimono specialist Mikko Nakatomi shares her passion for preserving traditional Japanese culture. 380 S. Lake Ave., #109 kimononokobeya.com
Old Pasadena Pharmacy & Marketplace
Come to this full-service retail pharmacy that also doubles as a
Stark Spirits Craft Distillery
Cocktail connoisseurs will enjoy mixing drinks with Stark Spirits’ line of premium hand-crafted spirits. Pasadena’s first micro-distillery welcomes visitors to taste and tour by appointment. You can also find the bottles for sale at local liquor shops. 1260 Lincoln Ave., #1100 starkspirits.com
HöMAGE