I'm a Westside Los Angeleno and am thinking of a quick excursion to Pasadena. Probably the Norton Simeon and then walking to Old Pasadena for shopping and an early dinner. I assume this is possible by walking, right? Any other sites I should not miss or restaurant suggestions? (I plan to save the Huntington for another time).

Thanks

We LOVE the Gamble House - an Arts & Crafts home designed by Greene & Greene. It's about 1/2 mile from Norton Simon Museum.
http://www.gamblehouse.org/index.html

There are a number of other Arts & Crafts houses in that neighborhood (private property). I believe the Gamble House bookshop sells a neighborhood walking map complete with directions & descriptions.

Hmmm, very cool!

I second the Gamble house as a must see!

Any Old Pasadena dining recommendations?

Buses go up and down Colorado St..main St. of Pasadena..stops right out front of Simon Museum.I know this may sound really "lame" but we had a great lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. Pasadena is a great city to walk in, Lots of restoration of the buildings like their original architecture.

FYI I wimped out a bit and just went to LACMA and the Grove/Farmer's Market. Definitely bookmarking these suggestions for the future!

Maybe the better choice this week. It was 103 in Pasadena yesterday and 97 today.