May 2022 by dnaleciz
Drove to Arcadia, California with the intention of hiking the Hermit Falls Trail and the Sturtevant Falls Trail located in the mountains surrounding the city of Arcadia. Unfortunately, both trails are closed due to damage as the result of the Bobcat wildfire that ravaged the area a several months ago. With no hiking available, decided to check out Arcadia for things to do. Located the Westfield Sana Anita Mall and paid it a visit. The Westfield Santa Anita Mall is a major shopping center in the city, adjacent to the Santa Anita Racetrack. The mall originally opened as the Santa Anita Fashion Park on October 14, 1974, with several top named stores. Over the years these original anchors have ceased to exist or been incorporated into different establishments. Over the following decades, the mall has undergone several renovations and expansions. Today the 2 story Westfield Mall covers 1,300,000 square feet of space with 214 stories and services. This mall features a food court, numerous retailers, and various full-service eateries in an area known as Restaurant Square. Nordstrom, Old Navy, Coach and Talbots are the four major anchors at this mall as well as the AMC Santa Anita 16 Theater. Asian, Mediterranean, Latin American, Vegetarian, Seafood, European, American Steakhouse and Fast Food are amount the different cuisines available at the many eateries available at this mall. After spending several hours wandering around stopped in at Din Tai Fung for lunch. This Chinese dumpling house has an extensive menu that includes Juicy Pork. Soup. Red Bean, Crab, Shrimp and Pork Dumplings. Other favorite items listed on the menu consists of Beef Noodle, Spicy and Sour Soup; Pork Chop or Shrimp Fried Rice; Spicy Wontons and Rice cakes. All meal items are reasonably priced and excellent in taste. Ordered an assortment of different dumplings. Outstanding! If you desire to get away from the home front for a few hours, drive over to Arcadia and spend a few hours wandering around the Westfield Santa Anita Mall. You might be able to find something that you like. If your shopping trip turns out to be a bust, stop off at any of the great food eateries and partake in a great meal. Recommend a visit to Westfield Santa Anita Shopping Center and Din Tai Fung for a great Chinese meal and experience. Well worth your time.
