1. We Can Guarantee That You’ll Never Get Scurvy Here
The city of Orange is aptly named because it used to be filled with orange groves.
Although, fun fact: Oranges were not grown here when the city was founded it was named after the birthplace of one of town's founders, Orange County, Virginia. It wasn't until much later, after a blight wiped out the raisin grape crops that the groves coincidentally came along.
Orange trees still line many of the neighborhood streets. Many locals in the city of Orange will step outside in the morning, grab a few oranges and make freshly squeezed orange juice.
2. Get Your Buzz On At O’Hara’s Pub
O’Hara’s is one of Orange’s hidden gems that attracts both the yuppie crowd and the college crowd. O’Hara’s is definitely a dive bar, and you’ll sense that the second you step into this Irish pub.
There is a nifty jukebox that plays popular tunes as well as a photo booth. If those two things don’t entertain you, the cheap drinks and pool tables definitely will.
You’ll usually find this place decked out on Angels game day, as people love to sit around and yell at the many television screens.
Oh, and did we mention that beers are only $3.75 domestic? You’re welcome.
3. You Can Hang Out With Animals All Day Long
Nestled in the heart of Irvine Regional Park is the Orange County Zoo. This small, 8-acre zoo is home to Southwestern animals such as black bears, mountain lions and bald eagles.
The Orange County Zoo offers free audio tours via your cell phone, so even if you go during an off time, you’ll still be able to get plenty of information about your furry friends.
Every Halloween, the Orange County Zoo hosts the Halloween Zoo-tacular event, during which kids are encouraged to dress up and participate in a scavenger hunt, trick-or-treat and make animal-themed crafts.
4. You’ve Seen It On The Silver Screen
Have you ever seen “That Thing You Do” starring Tom Hanks? How about “Accepted” starring Justin Long? If you have, you’ve seen the city of Orange.
Orange is an ideal environment for filming due to the proximity to Los Angeles and the temperate weather conditions. If you spend some time outside, you just might find yourself stumbling onto a movie shoot!
5. Die Happy Eating Barbecue at Johnny Rebs’
This is California we’re talking about, so you might not expect us to have good barbecue. Leave that to Texas, right? Wrong.
When you step foot into Johnny Rebs’, you’ll feel like you’re in Texas, because the food here is really that good. Johnny Rebs’ is your go-to place in Orange for quality Southern barbecue.
Any drink you order is served in a Mason jar, so you have the Instagram-worthy factor there. The beef brisket, cornbread and sweet potato fries are an all-time fan favorite combo.
6. Stuff Your Face At The Orange International Street Fair
Every year during Labor Day Weekend, the city of Orange hosts the Orange International Street Fair The city shuts down several streets in the city and dedicates each block to a different culture.
The main attraction of this event is the food, as every culture has 12 to 12 vendors selling food. You can stop by to grab some greasy empanadas and then eat some sizzling gyros just a few blocks away.
7. College Students Love It Here
The city of Orange is home to Chapman University, which specializes in Law, Business, Film, Arts, Science, and more. They have a world-class reputation and are among one of the best private universities in the Nation.
Students can often be seen walking around the city of Orange between classes as they meet up with friends for lunch or frozen yogurt. One thing you’ll notice about Chapman’s population is that everyone looks like they stepped straight out of a Southern California catalog: everyone is bronzed, buff and beautiful.
Chapman is located in the middle of a suburban community, but don’t let that fool you. Chapman actually has a very active nightlife, with many of the under-21 students attending several house parties on the weekends.
The students who are over 21 frequent Paul’s and The District, two bars in the Orange Plaza that are notorious for their cheap well drinks and beer pitchers.
8. Old Town Orange Is The Cutest Place You’ve Ever Seen
The “downtown” area of Orange is called “Old Town Orange” and it’s adorable. Old Town Orange is made up of old shops and restaurants and is completely pedestrian-friendly.
You can spend your day drinking an old-fashioned malt at an refurbished soda fountain called Watson’s or you can walk up and down the streets admiring the many antique shops that have been in existence for over 100 years.
Most of the stores still have their original architecture, so you can admire the cute “Main Street USA” style that this area takes after. People love Old Town Orange so much that the area even has its own dedicated blog (iheartoldtownorange.com) that features restaurant openings, events and more.
9. Spin Your Partner Round And Round At Phill’s Ballroom Dance Studio
If you want to learn how to woo your partner, Phill’s Ballroom Dance Studio is the place to go.
This dance studio will offer you anything you need to know. You can choose between private lessons, group lessons, and private group lessons. One of the most popular classes offered is a three-month “special” wedding dance option.
Latin dancing fitness classes are also available for those who don’t mind working up a sweat and looking sexy while doing it.
10. We’re Only 10 Minutes Away From The Happiest Place On Earth
One of the best things about Orange is its proximity to the happiest place on earth… Disneyland!
Anaheim, where Disneyland is located, is the city right next door. Southern California residents can save on admission by buying an annual pass that will let you get in all year at a reduced price!
11. You Will Become A Baseball And Hockey Fan
The Honda Center and Angels Stadium, home to the Anaheim Ducks and Anaheim Angels, are located five minutes away from the city of Orange. In fact, these stadiums are so close that you can hear the crowds cheering here in town!
You can tell it’s game day because the streets will back up all the way down Katella Avenue, and you’ll see fans wearing Angels or Ducks shirts in the grocery store as they buy a few beers to throw back before the game.
Also, when you drive down the streets, you’ll find that almost every other car has an Angels logo on the windshield.
12. Hunt For Antique Treasure
For some reason, the city of Orange is home to lots and lots of antique shops. The Chapman Antique Mall, Country Roads Antiques & Gardens, the Orange Circle Antique Mall and Woody’s Antiques are all fan favorites—and located within steps from each other!
When you scour the shops, you’ll find everything from World War II memorabilia to vintage 1950s Coke glasses. Hint: If you ask for a price reduction at any of these stores, you’ll usually get it! Most of the antiques are marked up, but the owners are more than happy to sell them for less to an owner who will see intrinsic value in them.
Sometimes, you’ll end up finding a hidden treasure that you would have never been able to find before, so keep hunting!
13. This Place Has More History Than Your High School Textbook
The city of Orange still contains most of the original historic structures built directly following the city’s incorporation. This location is known as the Historic District, and is maintained by the Old Towne Preservation Association.
Orange has the second biggest concentration of historic buildings in the state of California. You’ll find that most of the places you visit today in Orange have some interesting history behind it.
For example, the Exchange Fine Arts Gallery on Glassell used to be the Sunkist Orange County Fruit Exchange Building, home of several citrus industry trade groups.
14. Challenge Your Taste Buds At The Old Town Grinder
If you’re ever wondering where to go for an incredible lunch in the city of Orange, you’ll want to visit the Old Town Grinder.
This bustling restaurant has an exquisite selection of unique bottled soft drinks to choose from. Don’t believe us? Try a sip of the bacon soda or the jalapeno pop and get back to us.
Oh yeah, and you might want to try some of the food here, too. The Old Town Grinder has the best Philly Cheese Steak sandwich in all of Orange County. You can also snack on some of their bomb chili cheese fries or any other of their delicious sub options.
P.S. A scene from “That Thing You Do” with Tom Hanks was filmed here.
15. If You Ever Wanted A Waffle Sandwich, Here’s The Place To Eat It
Orange is home to the original Bruxie restaurant. What is Bruxie, you ask?
Bruxie is a famous restaurant that is known for serving its meals on waffles: hamburgers, sandwiches, you name it. The restaurant is incredibly popular, and usually has a line winding around the corner come lunchtime and dinnertime.
Fan favorites include the Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Waffle, which is completed with cider slaw and chili honey, and the Prosciutto & Gruyere, which is melted with whole grain mustard onto a savory waffle bun.
16. Take A Hike
The city of Orange is home to lots of hiking trails that run through parts of other cities, such as Irvine and Brea. Two of the more popular trails are Peter’s Canyon Trail and the Santiago Canyon Trail.
Peter’s Canyon gives you a breathtaking view of downtown Irvine as you scale the top, and Santiago Canyon Trail winds through the Santa Ana foothills. Both trails feature running creeks nearby; additionally, you will often see wildlife such as waterfowl, birds and even snakes—so watch out!
Also, if you’re more of a runner, Chapman University sponsors a 5K Run every October as part of Homecoming Weekend. Either way, you’ll be able to get outside and start moving!
17. Help Solve Local Mysteries
The Orange Public Library is free for all residents and is home to thousands of books.
The unique part about this library is that it includes a Historic Center, which is home to archives dealing with the city’s rich history. These archives include priceless images of what the city used to look like before it turned into what the city of Orange looks like today.
The History Center also has a section of pictures on display known as “History’s Mysteries” and asks local residents to identify the people or locations in the pictures. If you’re a local history buff, you can have a fun time searching through history to make these identifications and help your city all at the same time!
18. You’ll Always Have A Helping Hand Nearby
CHOC Children's Hospital is located in the city of Orange, and has been providing excellent childcare since it was built.
CHOC is always hosting events to benefit its child residents, and tries to involve a good portion of the community. For example, a Glass Slipper Gala is held every year with dinner, cocktails and a silent auction.
Other popular events have included: a golf tournament, a girl’s day out shopping event, and a “CHOC Night at the Honda Center” where the hospital reaps proceeds from a Ducks game. There’s also the annual CHOC Walk In the Park fundraising walk through Disneyland.
Living in the city of Orange, you also have St. Joseph’s Hospital and the UC Irvine Medical Center right next door!
19. Take A Gastronomical Adventure
Do you love food? Well, how about strolling downtown? Usually, the two don’t go hand in hand, but they do when you’re participating in one of Orange’s Food Tours!
The Tours walk around the popular restaurants in the area and provide historical insight into the city while you enjoy food samples from local restaurants ranging anywhere from beer to pork sliders to pistachio gelato samples.
Make sure to stop in Haven Gastropub where you’ll be able to sample their truffle macaroni and cheese, complete with gruyere, fontina and parmesan.
Another must-taste is 149 where you can grab a delicious beef burger on a pretzel bun before heading off to Cafe Lucca for a delectable chocolate chip gelato sample.
20. Take Advantage of Chapman’s Offerings Regardless Of Your Age
Chapman University, has lots of events that are open to the public during the summer and school year.
For example, residents of the city of Orange are allowed to attend plays and musicals put on by the college students.
Best of all is the annual Winterfest Celebration, which is open to the public. During Winterfest, a dramatic reading of “The Night Before Christmas” is read amidst a full-fledged firework and lights show. Hot chocolate, cookies and coffee is available for free for all attendees, courtesy of Chapman’s high-class cafeteria.
21. You Can Catch A Bite To Eat While Having Some Laughs
If you’re looking to laugh and eat at the same time, you might want to head over to Merlin’s Magic and Comedy Dinner Theatre. While at the theatre, you’ll get to be entertained with magic and comedy while enjoying an appetizing three-course meal that you choose before going to the venue.
The magicians here are equipped with tons of dirty jokes and pop culture references that make this a fun but slightly inappropriate evening for all. Be careful if you’re sitting near the front, though—Merlin likes to pick on those people, especially if he senses you’re an easy target!
22. Indulge Your Beer Obsession At Hollingshead’s
Hollingshead’s Delicatessen is truly the definition of a “hole-in-the-wall” restaurant. This little eatery is tucked in a random strip mall on Main Street across from CHOC.
The little sandwich shop is also a hidden craft beer paradise, offering over 500 types of bottled beer and 22 types of beer on tap. You can drink any of the bottled beer for a mere $2 corkage fee, and the beer on tap is just the listed price.
Fan favorites are the Palate Wrecker and Pliny the Elder. The restaurant also serves incredible sandwiches, with one of the best being the “Exterminator”: liverwurst, mustard, lettuce, tomato, mayo and pickles on rye bread. Your taste buds will be singing with delight!
Warning: The sandwich section closes at 6:00 p.m.
23. Spend Some Time Laughing At Chapman’s Undie Run
Every year, on the Wednesday of finals week, Chapman students band together at Midnight. No, they’re not banding together to study—they’re banding together for Chapman’s Undie Run event.
What is Undie Run? Well, Chapman students run around the Orange Plaza donning nothing but their undies, before returning back to their studies.
Is it cold? Yes. Is it entertaining? Absolutely.
24. Dragonfly Tea Bar Will Become Your Favorite Late Night Stop
If you don’t know what boba (or bubble tea) is, you’re missing out.
This buzzing late-night tea shop is extremely popular with college students during late-night hours...and when we say late, we mean late. On weekdays, Dragonfly Tea Bar is open until 2 a.m. and on weekends, Dragonfly Tea Bar is open until 4 a.m.
During finals season, each of the tables will be completely packed as students take advantage of the shop’s free Wi-Fi to study.
Fan favorites are the mango snow, which is a mango flavoring mixed with a creamy milk-tea-ice concoction and the lavender boba milk tea,which is a light, milky tea mixture infused with lavender accents.
25. Get Ready To Sing In The Shower
When you live in the city of Orange, you’re just a quick drive away from Segerstrom Center For the Arts, which is a beautiful performing arts center located in Costa Mesa.
Segerstrom is home to hundreds of concerts, plays and musicals—you’ll have a hard time picking which event to go to! Past shows have included “Wicked,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “The Book of Mormon.”
Orange is a great place to live. There’s plenty for you to do whether you’re raising a family, in college, or retired. Not many towns can cater to as wide of a demographic as Orange does. You can help but fall for Orange’s undeniable charm!
Feature Image Source: Flickr user b r e n t
