Next Stop, Anaheim!
2012-09-01, Feature, By Amy Kapp
Before Walt Disney made Anaheim a family destination, the
city received attention in an unexpected way by comedian Jack Benny. In a
January 7, 1945, KFI radio sketch, as Benny and his entourage await passage to
New York, a L.A. Union Station conductor (played by Mel Blanc) announces, “Train
leaving on track five for Anaheim, Azusa, and Cuc–amonga!” Intended as a
throwaway line, this bit became so popular with listeners that Benny continued
to use it, and Anaheim became a household name.
Founded in the 1850s by German immigrants, Anaheim has a
rich history, from its early wine making days to its booming citrus industry.
Home to 343,000 residents and receiving approximately 20 million visitors each
year, the 50-squaremile city is an entertainment mecca, with several major
sports teams, the largest convention center on the West Coast, 47 parks, and
cultural attractions for all ages.
Food and Attractions
Anaheim Resort District
Theme-park
aficionados will find no lack of fun at the Disneyland Resort, host to
Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Both are accessible via Downtown Disney,
which boasts an assortment of souvenir shops, boutiques, and eateries. For
affordable southern fare, try the House of Blues Anaheim—a popular restaurant/bar
and concert venue. Foodies may opt for Uva Bar across the street, where
Spanish tapas are served al fresco.
Near the Anaheim Convention Center, restaurants pepper the
streets, many with familiar names. Diners who wish to save a dime may try McCormick
& Schmick’s, which offers a happy hour daily from 3 to 6 p.m. Eastward
is Angel Stadium (tours available), Honda Center (host to the Anaheim
Ducks), and the Flightdeck Air Combat Center—where you can channel your
inner “Top Gun” in a simulation. Like currywurst? Just further north, The
Phoenix Club offers German food and beer in the Loreley Restaurant and
smaller Bierstube (pub).
Anaheim and Adjacent
For history and culture, head to the Anaheim Colony
district. You’ll discover Founders’ Park, which has two historic homes
(note—homes/facilities are open only the first Saturday morning of each month;
grounds are open daily), and Pearson Park, with its 85-year-old
amphitheater. Nearby is Muzeo, a unique museum exploring culture,
history, and the natural world. If the sights make you hungry, head to the Anaheim
White House, which serves traditional French-American food in a restored
landmark. The chef has been nationally recognized for providing free meals each
night to motel children; to date he has fed more than 420,000 kids.
For a little culture and shopping, Old Towne Orange is
a one-square mile area south of Chapman University. In addition to being the
largest nationally registered historic district in California, it contains an
eclectic mix of antique shops, galleries, and restaurants. Pit stops include Gabbi’s
Mexican Kitchen (careful, there’s no sign), Haven Gastropub, and The
Bruery (one can pair beer or wine flights with cheese tastings).
For burger lovers, In-N-Out Burger (there’s one
northwest of the resort area) has a cult following. If you like Mediterranean food
, head to “Little Arabia,” where Kareem’s, an unassuming order-at-the counter
establishment, makes fine falafel. Or, try Olive Tree, recognized by
O.C. Weekly as the Best Middle Eastern Restaurant of 2011.
Further Afield
If you can’t stay away from theme parks, Knott’s Berry
Farm resides ten miles north of Disneyland in Buena Park, California. This
western-themed attraction, known for making the boysenberry a commercial
success, boasts the famous Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant.
And, if you love beaches, you’ll love Anaheim’s proximity to
42 miles of coastline. Get in some whale watching at Newport Beach via Balboa
Island, experience the surfer culture of Huntington, or enjoy the artistic vibe
of Laguna.
Many sites are accessible via the Anaheim Resort
Transportation (ART) system. An adult, all-day pass costs $4. Reservations are
highly recommended for most restaurants.
Parks Build Community Dedication Ceremony
El Sereno Recreation Area and Children’s Nature Play Garden
Thursday, October 18, 2:00 p.m.
Congress attendees are invited to join Mayor Antonio
Villaraigosa and the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks for the
dedication of NRPA’s newest Parks Build Community project, the El Sereno
Recreation Area and Children’s Nature Play Garden. This new park, one of the
mayor’s 50 Parks initiative to bring parks and recreation to underserved communities
in Los Angeles, features a playground donated by PlayCore, a specially designed
children’s nature play garden, walking paths, and landscaping. The site has
been designated a national demonstration site for the Natural Play and Learning
Areas initiative by the National Wildlife Federation and the Natural Learning
Institute of North Carolina State University. The Trust for Public Land is a major
partner in the design and construction of this unique urban park.
The park is located in at the corner of Concord and Lowell
Streets in the El Sereno Community of Los Angeles. A limited amount of
transportation will be provided by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and
Parks.
INFORMATION
Anaheim/OC Visitor & Convention Bureau www.anaheimoc.org
Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) www.rideart.org
RESTAURANTS
Anaheim White House 887 S. Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim, CA
92805, 714.772.1381, www.anaheimwhitehouse.com (Lunch not served
Saturday/Brunch Sunday/Reservations requested)
The Bruery Provisions 143 N. Glassell St. Orange, CA
92866, 714.997.2337, www.brueryprovisions.com
Downtown Disney Dining Directory http://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/list/#/downtown-disney
Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen 141 S.
Glassell St. Orange, CA 92866, 714.633.3038, www.gabbipatrick.com/gabbis-mexican-kitchen
Haven Gastropub 190 S. Glassell St. Orange, CA 92866,
714.221.0680, www.havengastropub.com
House of Blues Anaheim 1530 S. Disneyland Dr. Anaheim,
CA 92802, 714.778.2583, www.houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/Anaheim
In-N-Out Burger 600 S. Brookhurst St. Anaheim, CA
92804, 800.786.1000, www.in-n-out.com
Kareem’s Restaurant 1208 S. Brookhurst St. Anaheim,
CA 92804, 714.778.6829, www.facebook.com/pages/Kareems-Restaurant/116558181701498
(Closed for dinner Sunday and Monday)
McCormick & Schmick’s Grille 321 W. Katella Ave. Anaheim,
CA 92802, 714.535.9000, www.mccormickandschmicks.com
Olive Tree Restaurant 512 S.
Brookhurst St. Anaheim, CA 92804, 714.535.2878, www.facebook.com/pages/Olive-Tree-Restaurant/174487493140
The Phoenix Club Loreley/ Bierstube 1340 S. Sanderson
Ave. Anaheim, CA 92806, 714.563.4166, www.thephoenixclub.com (Closed Mondays)
Uva Bar & Café 1580 Disneyland Dr. Anaheim, CA
92802, 714.774.4442, www.patinagroup.com/restaurants.php
ATTRACTIONS
Angel Stadium 2000 Gene Autry Way Anaheim, CA 92806, 714.940.2070,
http://mlb.mlb.com/ana/ballpark/information (Tours available on Tuesdays
during off-season/Call to confirm.)
Beaches and Coastlines http://anaheimoc.org/what-to-do/beaches
Disneyland/Disney California Adventure 1313 S.
Disneyland Dr. Anaheim, CA 92802, 714.781.4636, http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland,
http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneys-california-adventure, http://disneyland.disney.go.com/plan/tips
Downtown Disney http://disneyland.disney.go.com/downtown-disney
Flightdeck Air Combat Center 1650 S. Sinclair St. Anaheim,
CA 92806, 714.937.1511, www.flightdeck1.com (Closed Mondays/Reservations highly
recommended/Must be done via phone)
Founders’ Park 400 N. West St. Anaheim, CA 92801, www.anaheim.net/comm_svc/parks
Knott’s Berry Farm 8039 Beach Blvd. Buena Park, CA
90620, 714.220.5200, www.knotts.com (Hours vary depending on month/ season)
Pearson Park 400 N. Harbor Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92805, www.anaheim.net/comm_svc/parks
Muzeo 241 S. Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92805, 714.956.8936,
www.muzeo.org
Newport Landing Whale Watching 400 Main St. Newport Beach, CA 92661, 949.675.0551,
www.newportwhales.com (Runs through November/Call for information/reservations)
Old Towne Orange www.oldtowneorange.com,
http://anaheimoc.org/what-to-do/artsand-culture/unique-neighborhoods/old-towne-orange