Old Town Monrovia report: No town vibes like Old Town

By Shawn Spencer

Looks like Old Town has another successful Wine Walk in the books! Mother Nature cooperated, offering us perfect weather. Our local merchants came out in full force to participate. It was so nice to see so many people out and about; laughing and having so much fun.

We had three great musicians stationed in various locations around Old Town. Mark Houston Associates, Inc, sponsored “The Houston Trio.” They entertained us with their silky-smooth sounds down by White Oak Alley. You can find them playing once a month at The Saltner, The Pour House or maybe one of their infamous lawn concerts on North Ivy.

Dan Wahl and Lone Star Percussion sponsored “Community Service Sounds,” with Abraham Martinez on Drums. Stationed in Drum Shop Alley behind Moo Moo Mia, they were quite the cool cats, playing some groovy jazz standards. Jazz was definitely the sound du jour, as our third and final band was The Truluck Jazz Group. Located down by Pinkberry, they also played a lot of jazz standards and their soft, warm sound added just the right ambience.

All in all, it was a great night. The vibe was very cool and people were bebopping up and down Myrtle. I hope that everyone who attended found a new gem that they hadn’t seen before; met a new business owner that they didn’t know or found that perfect purchase that you couldn’t resist.

A huge thank you to the city, specifically Community Services, the merchants, the sponsors and all who attended. Sipping, shopping and supporting Old Town has never been more fun!

Speaking of shopping, I had the pleasure of meeting Tyler, the adorable owner of Lover Boys, located at 412 S. Myrtle Ave. What a great guy! He is a pleasure to talk to and his shop is super cool. Do not confuse this store with others; is definitely not a thrift store. It’s full of vintage treasures that were previously loved and need a new forever home.  Their merch is high quality and their selection is vast. I couldn’t leave without buying a purse and I’m certain I could and would have bought more, had my daughters not dragged me out.

Lover Boys is a really cool addition to Old Town and I am so happy they chose here to call home. Cheers, to you, Tyler. I wish you nothing but success! Welcome to Old Town. Be sure to follow them on the IG to see their latest and greatest.

I sure love the direction Old Town is taking. Our once empty spots are becoming few and far between. If I could make a small request, I would like to ask that someone open a Chinese restaurant. I think that’s just about the only thing this town is missing. 

I’m not even picky; it can be a fast-food restaurant or sit down. Until then, I am looking forward to a few new merchants that will (hopefully) be opening soon: Tito’s Market, The State, Dance Around the Clock and Klash Beauty. Now, if we could only find the perfect business to take over the old Coffee Bean location, our Old Town would be complete!

A heartfelt congratulations to our very own George Khoury of Stix Ride Shop. He just opened his third location! Our favorite is in Old Town Monrovia, but that doesn’t mean we don’t love the one in Claremont, located at 456 W. 1st St. and his latest and just-as-great new location in South Pasadena, located at 1011 Mission St. 

I am just so happy for you, Georgie! Happy and proud. Wishing you success at ALL of your locations. I hope you are embraced by your new community, although nothing can beat your M-town love!

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