“Pasadena is chock full of beautiful hikes, lovely libraries, and the immense sense of community,” says Nikki High, the owner of Octavia’s Bookshelf, a bookstore named after famed Pasadenian science fiction writer Octavia Butler. “I am located a few blocks away from her former schools, home, and favorite libraries. I’m not just influenced, but wildly obsessed.” Her favorite regional holiday traditions involve “waiting for the Rose Parade and all its excitement, the out-of-towners who flock to the area, and the lighting of Christmas Tree Lane, just to name a few.”
Pia and Davide Baroncini have built a life here that seems stolen from a Nancy Meyers rom-com: American fashion girl meets Italian fashion guy. They fall in love, move into her childhood home, have a baby, and also birth Baroncini Import & Co, their own olive oil imprint, sold at Erewhon and stalwart sandwicherie Roma Market. This month, their second child is due: a boutique for Ghiaia Cashmere, Davide’s brand of knit and sportswear informed by his time at Brunello Cucinelli. “Pasadena is beautiful. It’s slow. It’s classic. It’s oddly very similar to Sicily,” he says.
“People always think it’s so far away, and listen, it’s far,” Pia adds. “But West Hollywood to the west side takes just as much time. The houses and neighborhoods are magnificent. It really feels like you’re on a little vacation. We love it here and we want you to love it here.”
And then there’s my own story. You could consider this guide a personal love letter to Pasadena after a shaky start. You see, I ended up here by fate. My husband’s high-stakes work in horseracing and the pandemic shift necessitated a longer-than-expected sojourn. At first, I was less than thrilled to be holed up in this sleepy neighborhood. But soon, I began to see what Pasadena lacks (nightlife, trendy restaurants, big-name luxury brands, flashy cars, and the corresponding paparazzi and petty crime of, say, Beverly Hills) is actually what makes it so darn lovely and livable. My partner had his hands full overhauling the historical Santa Anita racetrack, so I’ve used it as an excuse to collect statement hats and host artists I admire on race day—from Lana del Rey to Kathy Griffin, Amanda Kloots, and Kaleo frontman JJ Julius Son.