go

Fullerton has suffered a bit of a bad rap lately: The revitalization of the city’s downtown area and the addition of SOCO (the pedestrian-friendly area south of Commonwealth Avenue that’s become a hotbed of night life and entertainment) ushered in a spate of glittery new bars, restaurants and even patrons from beyond Orange County, but also opened the door to drunken revelers and alcohol-related aggression. So here are some other activities that don’t involve a bouncer or a bar tab -- or the headaches that may follow.

Morning

FLOWERS AND FLOURS

Take a stroll through the Fullerton Arboretum, above, a 26-acre botanical garden on Cal State Fullerton’s campus (1900 Associated Road, [714] 278-3407). In addition to its many tours (the next bird-watching outing is April 12), the arboretum is home to the Rare Fruit Grove and Orchard -- one of the most comprehensive citrus collections in the Southland. Fight scurvy by complementing this visit with an orange smoothie at Rutabegorz (211 N. Pomona Ave., [714] 738-9339), a 38-year-old hippie coffee joint that has since expanded its menu to serve salads and pastas, in addition to the bagels and desserts. Or for a quick bite, visit Judy Lynn Bakery (113 E. Commonwealth Ave., [714] 525-5259), a 56-year-old staple offering a wide selection of Danishes and other baked goods.

YOU’RE OUT OF TOUCH, I’M OUT OF TIME

Shopping options abound. If your jones is for modern vintage furniture from the 1940s to the ‘70s, then Out of Vogue (109 E. Commonwealth Ave., [714] 879-6647) is your bag. Proprietors Mike and Pam Atta keep their store stocked with clothes, housewares, art and furniture from that period, from Hellerware to Hans Wegner. On the other hand, The Clock Man (205 W. Commonwealth Ave., [714] 578-0089), a.k.a. Matthew Fitch, has more than 700 timepieces, ranging from a $20 alarm clock to $22,000 limited-edition granddaddies. He also fixes clocks, attracting folks from all over SoCal with his expertise. Or take a page from Lorson’s Books (141 W. Wilshire Ave., Suite D, [714] 526-2523), which offers rare first editions alongside children’s favorites. For newer items, check out BTNC (203A N. Harbor Blvd., [714] 441-3434), a streetwear and shoe boutique that offers limited-release Nikes and hip, harder-to-find lines such as Japan’s Bape (that’s a Bathing Ape).

Afternoon

BRITISH INVASION

For a taste of things from across the pond, visit the atrium at the historic Villa Del Sol building on the corner of Harbor and Wilshire. Anglophiles have traveled from as far as Oregon to expat Jacky Wyld’s The British Grocer (305 N. Harbor Blvd., [714] 738-0229) to purchase biscuits, tea and Crunchie bars. If all the Marmite leaves you hungry for a proper English meal, sail on up to The Olde Ship (709 N. Harbor Blvd., [714] 871-7447) run by Wyld’s son Simon Collier, where you can tuck into authentic fare such as fish and chips or bubble and squeak, and wash it down with one of 20 imported drafts.

ROCK THIS WAY

Starting today, the Fullerton Market begins its 17th year. Every Thursday through October, from 4 to 8:30 p.m., the downtown plaza (on Wilshire Avenue between Harbor Boulevard and Pomona Avenue, [714] 738-6545) bustles with live entertainment, kids’ activities, and a wine and beer garden in addition to produce and craft sales. Next door, guitar hero and hometown favorite Leo Fender is honored at the recently opened “Solid Design: Leo Fender’s Telecaster” at the Fullerton Museum Center (301 N. Pomona Ave., [714] 738-6545). It showcases the history of the famed ax, featuring memorabilia from Keith Richards and Bruce Springsteen. While there, check out the museum’s “Delta Blues Project,” which captures the Mississippi musical tradition.

Evening

HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD

For a dinner with a theme, try Angelo and Vinci’s Ristorante (550 N. Harbor Blvd., [714] 879-4022), where you can visually feast on an almost aggressive array of Italian curios along with your meal. Afterward, head over to the Fox Theatre, at left (500 N. Harbor Blvd., [714] 870-0069), a 1925 vaudeville theater and the first OC building built for movies and stage. The theater itself is being restored (projected completion date: 2010), but still shows films in its parking lot. Up next: Elvis Presley’s “Blue Hawaii” on April 17.

--

theguide@latimes.com