Wee-commerce

On today's walking tour of Davy's sleepy neighborhood, we explore some of the businesses of Altadena. But first, a visit to my favorite tree with the spikey bark.



I live in a town without Starbucks. I know! How is it possible to have avoided Starbucks colonization? But we have the Coffee Gallery next door to Tangles & Locks hair salon. There's some neighborhood pride in having our own little Mom and Pop coffee shop. But awful awful coffee at this place.

And a block away. The Hair Pyrates! They specialize in long hair, weaves, and hair extensions.

Now an architectural firm's office, this was once part of the Mt. Lowe train sub station. Many overly dressed tourists in the early 1900's have embarked on the steam train to the top of the hills.

Circa 1960's supermarket. Ralph's hasn't been updated much since then, so it's not so super these days. Especially compared to the new 2 story Whole Foods flagship store just 3 miles away. But it's nice to be able to walk to the store to buy a quart of milk.

The Everest burger is pretty decent. And you can get Mexican food too.

Locating the Quizno's Sub next to the Curves is a stroke of genius.

And the cutest little tiny restaurant. They have only like 5 tables. I've never been patient enough to wait for a table.

And the local pharmacy/card shop/post office/stationary/gifts and ornaments/liquor store. And they have old-timey gumball machines too.

This is what passes for our main street. There's always parking.

The old chamber of commerce building has awesome ironwork and bronze glazed tiles. There's little commerce left in Altadena, so it's an office building now.

Harvested Washington Navel oranges from the front yard today. Deelicious!

Pesto pasta is faster than going to the drive thru window at McDonalds.