Birch Street in downtown Brea is an upbeat place to hang out. Stroll down its clean sidewalks and your senses will be bombarded be the sheer amount of all it has to offer. Let your eyes be overwhelmed by the spinning electrical sign that reads “Downtown Brea Welcomes You,” the lush palm tress that line the street, and the bright, colorful windows of the chic clothing stores.
Rising above the shops to one side of the street are penthouse-like buildings that evoke a big-city feel as they stare down the flamboyantly lit movie theaters across from them. Your ears will ring with the sound of water flowing from one of the multiple fountains and of people passing by. Your nose will take in the combined aroma of the many delicious restaurants scattered down the sidewalk.
Downtown Brea, an already engaging place to stroll through, gets even better during the weekends. Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 3, the Jazz Festival and Arts and Crafts Show will add their own sights and sounds to the mix. Brea Downtown is offering a double dose of entertainment by hosting both events at the same time.
The Arts and Crafts show features original works of art by talented artists and craftsmen. You can stroll the booths as you look for that one-of-a-kind piece to complete your dorm room décor. In the middle of the street, a stage is set up for the featured musicians to get your toes tapping. On Friday, Norway-native Terje Lie will be regaling audiences with his lively saxophone performance. Then on Saturday, be prepared to be astounded by the talented “Jazz on the Latin Side All-Stars,” a fifteen-piece jazz ensemble. The festival begins Fridays at four and Saturdays at noon and will be offered next weekend as well.
Parking at Birch Street is always free, as is admission to both the festival and the show.
If you really want to make a full day experience out if it, the city of Brea also offers free rides around town on the Brea Trolley. These bright red and green cars have quaint wooden and brass seating but also the modern conveniences of air-conditioning and radio. There is something both touristy and nostalgic about trolley rides and the Brea Trolleys stop at most of the major sites in the city. You can even take it to the Brea Mall and back. The Trolleys run from 11a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and a complete trip around the city takes only about twenty minutes.
