a visit to old-town Orange

My husband and I had a chance to get away for a few hours on Saturday to have lunch in Old-Town Orange. Every time I visit this area near the Orange Circle, it's like I’m transported back in time.

It feels like Main Street America, with dozens of fun restaurants and a handful of amazing antique shops and stores. 

The day was beautiful, and the patio at The Filling Station looked so inviting. We decided to try it for lunch, and it turned out to be the perfect choice. We even tried a few of their interesting appetizer choices, the deep fried avocado slices and the bacon-wrapped brussel sprouts!  

As you can kind of tell from this photo, The Filling Station is a vintage gas station that has been converted into the perfect alfresco brunch place.

Next, we were drawn to Cupcakery & Co. due to the fact that they won an episode of cupcake wars on The Food Network. So after our delicious lunch, we split a chocolate peanut butter cupcake. Yum!

Here’s a vintage postcard that show the Orange Circle aka The Plaza, back during its most idyllic days. 

And here it is today.

After walking around downtown a bit, we headed over to The Potting Shed, a cute eclectic garden store that features lots of plants, books and interesting vintage garden décor. 

This chair planted with succulents 

makes such a statement here in the garden.

I love all the cute vignettes inside The Potting Shed, but my favorite area is outside where the circular path wanders through the garden and leads to lots of unique plants intermingled with vintage wrought iron garden furniture and trellises.      

Inside, there are lots of one of a kind finds as well.

Nearby, on Chapman Avenue, stands the gorgeous shop called The Duchess on Cambridge. Housed in a 1923 mansion, every room and outdoor space is elegantly styled and you’ll feel “ready to move in”, it’s that inviting!  

We were only able to pop in for a quick look, but I plan on going again this week for a complete and proper visit! 

This area of old-town Orange really reminds me a lot of Geneva, Illinois, one of my favorite places. Just walking around both cities is so nostalgic and amazing!  

ciao! fabiana

I love history and vintage things, and I just ordered this book to get a more in depth view of the city of Orange and its beautiful park circle at its center.