Orange You Glad You Walked Me: Old Towne’s Best Stories
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About the Tour
About the Tour
History percolates through every one of Orange’s street corners, storefronts, and Victorian facades.
On this walking tour, you’ll explore the charming historic district known as Old Towne Orange, centered around its iconic Plaza and fountain. The route is intentionally designed to be comfortable and enjoyable whether you’re walking on your own or with a dog by your side, with thoughtful pacing, walkable streets, and a few dog-centric details woven in along the way. As you walk, you’ll hear the stories that have shaped this unique California community for over a century, from antique treasures to Hollywood film locations.
The tour begins at the Army-Navy Surplus Store on Glassell Street, across from the Orange Circle Antique Mall — a former department store now home to vintage treasures and quirky collectibles. You’ll stroll through the heart of Old Towne along Glassell Street, passing Mr. C’s Records, a neighborhood favorite since 1977.
From there, you’ll make your way through residential streets featuring one of the largest concentrations of historic homes west of the Mississippi, and see the original Orange Plaza fountain now displayed at the Orange Public Library. The tour ends at Play Coffee, housed in the beautifully restored former Wells Fargo Bank building.
On this approximately 45-minute tour, you’ll have a chance to:
• Discover how Orange got its name from the citrus groves that once defined the landscape
• See the former Orange Theatre, which opened in 1929 and once hosted future stars like Lucille Ball and Judy Garland
• Walk past Chapman University’s stately neoclassical buildings dating back to the early 1900s, including Smith, Memorial, and Moulton Hall
• Visit the Queen Anne Victorian home used as a filming location for the comedy Big Momma’s House
• Admire the original 1887 cast-iron Plaza fountain and learn how a clever legal clause saved it from demolition
Join this relaxed stroll through time and discover why Old Towne Orange has preserved its historic character like no other city in Orange County. With its walkable layout and welcoming, dog-friendly atmosphere, it’s an ideal way to experience this unique California gem — whether you’re walking solo or with a four-legged companion.
Tour Producer
Tour Producer
Larry Levin
II’m Larry Levin, a professional dog trainer and entrepreneur based in Orange County, California, and I’m really glad you’re here. I created this tour to share one of my favorite places in the world — Historic Old Towne Orange and the Orange Plaza — in a way that feels natural, relaxed, and especially fun to experience with your dog.
I’m the founder and president of Ugly Dog Adventures, one of Orange County’s long-running pack walking and dog training companies. For years, I’ve worked hands-on with hundreds of dogs and their families, helping them build stronger relationships through structure, exploration, and shared experiences. Over that time, I’ve seen how much dogs add to our lives — not just as pets, but as companions that get us outside, moving, and more connected to the places we live. Walking with a dog slows you down in the best way — you notice more, you explore more, and you experience your surroundings differently.
Old Towne Orange has always felt like the perfect setting for that kind of experience. With its historic architecture, vintage storefronts, Chapman University nearby, and the iconic fountain at the heart of the Orange Plaza, it’s full of character and small details that are easy to miss if you’re just passing through. This GPS-guided tour brings together local stories, hidden gems, and the simple joy of walking with your dog, allowing you to stay present while the audio plays automatically along the route.
My background in media, storytelling, and building one of the country’s largest structured pack walk companies uniquely positions me to bring Old Towne Orange’s stories to life in a way that’s engaging, authentic, and dog-friendly.
Preview Location
Preview Location
Location 5
Mr C's Records
The store was founded by Everett Caldwell—better known as “Mr. C”—who first started by collecting 45s for his daughters’ jukebox befo... Read More
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How VoiceMap Works
Major Landmarks
Major Landmarks
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Orange Army Navy
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Plaza Park
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Mr C's Rare Records
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Son Light Christian Center
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Smith Hall
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Moulton Hall - Chapman University
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Memorial Hall
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Play Coffee Orange
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192 N Shaffer St
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195 N Shaffer St
Getting There
Getting There
Route Overview
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Start location131 S Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866, USA
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Total distance2km
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Final location101 E Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92866, USA
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Distance back to start location135.12m
Directions to Starting Point
The tour begins at the Army Navy Store, 131 Glassell St, Old Towne Orange. From there, you’ll look across the street to see the Orange Circle Antique Mall, our first Paw Point. This is right at the heart of the Plaza, so parking is usually available in spaces around the Circle.
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Tips
Tips
Places to stop along the way
There are plenty of great local spots to enjoy. Grab a coffee at Play Coffee inside the old Wells Fargo building, browse Mr. C’s Records for vintage vinyl, or stop by one of the Circle’s many restaurants for a bite after your tour. If you’re with your dog, several spots have outdoor seating that welcomes pups.
Best time of day
Anytime during daylight hours is ideal for this walk. The Circle is especially lively on weekends, while weekdays tend to be quieter if you prefer fewer crowds. We recommend avoiding rush-hour periods, as traffic can be heavier than usual. Evenings can also be a beautiful time to walk, just be mindful of cars and intersections, especially during busier times of day.
Precautions
Crosswalks are part of this tour. Cars are supposed to yield, but not all drivers do—so please use caution and make sure it’s safe before crossing. If you’re walking your pup, keep them close to your side and on a short leash near intersections. Comfortable walking shoes and a bottle of water are always a good idea.
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