The city of Anaheim is constantly changing. What once was just a suburban town, is now a contemporary city catering to families, groups, and business people. While you can credit the initial boom of Anaheim to Walt Disney’s choice to build Disneyland here, Anaheim has evolved even more since then.
How do you provide activities and entertainment that both locals and visitors can enjoy? Anaheim’s answer to this dilemma is the Anaheim Packing District. The district consists of the Packing House, Farmers Park, and the historic Packard Building. The Packing House is home to a vast array of restaurants such as Adya, serving Indian food, to Rolling Boil, serving fresh hot pot. The Packing House is a unique way of bringing together world flavors to one place. You no longer have to go out of your way to reach the types of restaurants previously only found in large cities. The Packing District caters to both adults and children. While the Packard Building now holds a beer brewery, Farmers Park is a two-acre play area hosting farmers markets and parades throughout the year.
Another step in the rejuvenation of Anaheim are the events downtown. Many downtown areas fall to disgrace, becoming rows of antique stores and not much else. Anaheim was not going to let this happen. Downtown Anaheim currently hosts an art crawl four times a year, featuring artists, artisan food, and crafts. Other events throughout the year include a Children’s Festival in May and a Halloween Parade in October.
Another indication of Anaheim’s recent growth is ARTIC. The Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) is Southern California’s newest public transportation hub. This expansion is a positive step in changing the perception of California’s public transportation issues. ARTIC is home to both train and bus lines which reach Los Angeles and San Diego, eliminating the problem of not having a car while on vacation. The station also hopes to house a high speed rail leading to San Francisco and Nevada in the coming years.
The Downtown Disney® District might not be the newest addition to Anaheim but it always brings new energy to the city. Downtown Disney® District brings together high fashion shopping and eclectic restaurants you are unable to find in surrounding cities. Anaheim has made it a focus to satisfy people of all ages and Downtown Disney® District fits that model. How many places hold both a Build-A-Bear Workshop™ and an upscale outdoor bar? In the winter months, there is even an ice skating rink!
We can’t mention the changing landscape of Anaheim without mentioning The Fifth at Grand Legacy At The Park. Once open, The Fifth will be Anaheim’s only rooftop bar and lounge. Whether visiting Anaheim for a weekend or just passing through, The Fifth will be the hottest spot to grab a drink or lite bite and enjoy the views of Anaheim’s skyline and the Disneyland® Resort’s nightly fireworks. There is nothing like this 5,000 square foot open air space in Orange County. Head up to the rooftop for artisan cocktails, your favorite craft beer, and delicious small plates to share. Lounge by the fire pit, soak in the views, and enjoy live music while entertaining your taste buds. Keep an eye out for more information about The Fifth, opening soon.
