Two of a Kind

By and large, one thing you won’t find in Old Town are chain stores. Some would argue that’s the main reason the word “sleepy” sometimes pops up in descriptions of the area. On the other hand, it’s also what makes Old Town unique to Tustin and even Irvine. In keeping with that spirit, there are two local businesses in particular that exemplify the independent spirit of our downtown and make it such a special place to go.

When I was a kid, you couldn’t keep me out of the hobby store. Toy rockets, model airplanes, electric trains…oh boy! Now with my oldest just turning five, I have every excuse to indulge my hobbies again, guilt free. 

Kelly’s Hobby Shop (330 El Camino Real, 832-0038) is a “real” hobby store. Stepping through the door is like stepping  back  in time. WWII tanks on the shelves, sleek ships on the walls, bags of miniature rocket parts hanging on hooks. Finished models, all meticulously painted, are on display everywhere. 

Best of all, proprietor Greg Kelly is always there building something himself. Can’t figure out step 45 in the directions? No problem. Greg has built just about everything ever made and can help you out. I don’t think he even uses directions himself anymore. Trust me, it’s the real deal. 

From one Dad to all the others out there - the hobby shop is steps away from the Cigar store. And across the street is the bar with the big screen TV and the free WiFi internet access. Sort of brings new meaning to the phrase, “Honey, I’m running out to do some errands.”

Another business with roots based in tradition is the family photographer. Living in the day of mega-store, assembly-line, 5 second pose insta-pics snapped by a 20 year old art major intern with your kid perched on top of some shag carpeted pedestal in front of the Big Bird  backdrop, it’s easy to forget you don’t have to be rich to get real family pictures matted in real wood frames, in a real studio from a real photographer.

When you walk into Ana Brandt Photography (365 El Camino Real, www.anabrandt.com) it’s not so much stepping back in time as it is stepping into another world. Ana (disclaimer: I happen to be Mr. Ana Brandt) specializes in capturing the special moments of expecting mothers, newborns, children and families. No wedding shots here.

As you can imagine, the walls are completely adorned with photographs. But the studio is also a full boutique that carries everything from pregnancy and newborn gifts to beautiful children’s clothes, fluffy teddy bears, handbags imprinted with pictures of your children and different lines of jewelry such as lockets ready to hold your favorite photos.

However, the real draw for Ana’s clients is the loving care taken with the picture taking process itself. Photo shoots last until she thinks she’s “got the shot”, not some preset time limit or number of film rolls. And the same holds true when you return to pick out your favorites. Customer’s are encouraged to take as long as they wish, which is fine because the kids can hang out in their own area with toys, crayons and videos while you pour over your proofs.

You just can’t get the kind of service from a chain store that you get from these two businesses. That’s what Old Town is all about. 

Until then, see you on Main Street.

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