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Shopping here surrounds a plaza (cnr Chapman & Glassell Sts) where you can find the best, most concentrated collection of antiques, collectibles and consignment shops in Orange County. Though it’s fun to browse, real bargains are rare and some dealers may try to pass off replicas as antiques. Sprinkled among the antique shops are the Dragonfly Shops & Gardens ( 714-289-4689; 260 N Glassell St), a white-picketed cottage selling native Californian plants and garden-minded gifts, and Frogs Breath Cheese Store ( 714-744-1773; 143 N Glassell St) where wine and cheese tastings are held Thursday through Sunday among gourmet pastas, oils, chocolates and fancy fromages.

Try breakfast at the Filling Station ( 714-289-9714; 201 N Glassell St; mains under $10; breakfast & lunch), a former gas station now serving gourmet scrambles and pancake sandwiches instead of unleaded. For a quick cup of joe and a bagel, recharge at locally owned Ugly Mugs Cafe ( 714-997-5610; 261 N Glassell St). For lunch or dinner, scope a patio table at Felix Continental Cafe ( 714-633-5842; 36 Plaza Sq; mains lunch $5-14, dinner $9.50-14; breakfast, lunch & dinner). This Orange institution serves perfectly flavored Caribbean, Cuban and Spanish mains, most accompanied by several tasty sides. Cal-American Citrus City Grille ( 714-639-9600; 122 N Glassell St; mains lunch $9-22, dinner $14-35) is pricey and noisy, but the food’s terrific.

For entertainment, try Lucky Strike Lanes ( 714-937-5263; Block at Orange, 20 City Blvd West; 11am-1am Mon-Thu, 11am-2am Fri & Sat), a stylin’ bowling alley. On weekends call to reserve a table or lane. It costs $7 per game, plus $4 shoe rental.

LITTLE SAIGON

Ready for a break from big-eared mice, generic malls and boysenberry pie? Head to Little Saigon in nearby Westminster, southwest of Anaheim near the junction of I-405 and Hwy 22. Vietnamese immigrants began arriving here after the end of the Vietnam War in the 1970s, carving out their own vibrant commercial district around the intersection of Bolsa and Brookhurst Aves. At its heart is the Asian Garden Mall ( 714-894-8018; 9200 Bolsa Ave), a behemoth of a structure packed with 400 ethnic boutiques, including herbalists and jade jewelers. Across the street, the New Saigon Mall Cultural Court marries commercialism and spirituality with its impressive display of statues and murals.

One of the best reasons to visit is the food. Newbies can start at Lee’s Sandwiches ( 714-903-8855; 9200 Bolsa Ave; www.leessandwiches.com; Asian sandwiches $2-3), a fast-growing Western chain serving budget-friendly Asian sandwiches alongside traditional American favorites. The traditional toppings on these belly-fillers provide a delish, not-too-spicy kick. Try the pork.

A great casual eatery at Asian Garden Mall is Pho 79 ( 714-893-1883) which has a variety of noodle and vegetable dishes. The pho ga (chicken noodle soup) is superb. For a real treat (involving some fun navigational requirements) visit Brodard ( 714-530-1744; 9892 Westminster Ave; mains $5.95-11.95; 8am-9pm, closed Tue), known for its nem nuong cuon – rice paper wrapped tightly around spamlike pork paste and served with a delicious special sauce. It’s oddly addictive. Here’s the route: drive to the mall at the corner of Brookhurst Ave and Westminster Ave, continue to the back of the 99 Cent Store, turn right, drive past the dumpsters and park near the red awning–covered entrance.

Cheat sheet: pho is soup, ga is chicken, tom is shrimp and bo is beef. Enjoy.

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ORANGE COUNTY BEACHES

While it’s true you’ll find gorgeous sunsets, prime surfing and just-off-the-boat seafood when traveling Orange County’s sun-kissed coast, it’s the unexpected discoveries you’ll remember long after you’ve left the 42 miles of surf and sand behind. Whether it’s watching kitesurfers skip across the waves in Seal Beach, playing Frisbee with your pooch in the surf at Huntington Dog Beach, wandering around