Q & A with Adrian Kalvinskas

Adrian Kalvinskas is a Pasadena native and the founder and co-owner of Distant Lands Travel Bookstore and Outfitters, which has operated in Old Pasadena for more than 20 years. Kalvinskas recently answered questions emailed to him from the Pasadena Sun.

Sun: The book and travel businesses have changed greatly since you opened your store. What are the most popular items you sell today?

Kalvinskas: When we opened our doors, we were strictly a travel bookstore. We didn’t even stock many maps. Now we sell not only travel guides, travel essays and all sorts of maps, we also sell gear, gadgets, luggage and clothing for travel.

Our most popular item is still the travel guide. In my opinion it is the greatest tool a traveler can have. For roughly $20 you have a portable resource that tells you the things you should see and do, great places to stay and eat, and how to get around … so you can strike confidently out on your own, rather than depending on advice from tourism brochures or the concierge — and it doesn’t need batteries!

For luggage and gear, today’s traveler is focused on weight (especially the lack of it), and using it with all the gadgets people now take with them. Airline fees have definitely forced travelers to streamline.

Q: What are some popular travel destinations today?

A: Europe is always popular — especially Italy and France — but with the strong Euro, many travelers are looking to other destinations, especially South America. Across the Atlantic, Turkey is probably the most requested country outside of Europe; there are now direct flights from L.A. to Istanbul, and it’s a more stable alternative to destinations like Egypt, Jordan and Syria at the moment. China, too, is incredibly popular, with both business and leisure travelers.

Q: What are some of your favorite travel destinations?

A: Whenever I’m asked this, I always say, “The next place I’m going.” My first overseas trip was to Morocco when I was 12, so that’s always been dear to my heart. I love Japan for its contrasts between ultra-modern and very traditional; the Greek islands for their beauty and laid-back lifestyle; and the back alleys of Melbourne for its street art scene. I believe that anywhere you go has something special and unique that makes visiting it worthwhile.

Q: If visitors were coming to Pasadena for a day or two, what itinerary would you give them?

A: I’d suggest coming in the springtime on a Thursday. Why? Because roses are in full bloom, and Tournament House (Wrigley Mansion) offers free public tours every Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m. from February through August. I’m a member of the Tournament of Roses and a docent who gives tours, and have found that many people in Pasadena have never been inside this wonderful building.

I’d start my day with breakfast at Marston’s Restaurant, a local institution. Next, head over to Distant Lands and pick up a copy of “Hometown Pasadena,” for the inside scoop on everything Crown City. Wander around Old Pasadena and check out some of the side streets, where the independent stores are located. From there, I’d walk over to Gamble House and Prospect Park for a look at Pasadena’s marquee architectural styles. Afterwards, smell the flowers at the Rose Garden at Tournament House and take a house tour. Return to Old Pasadena by walking down Colorado Boulevard, past the Norton Simon (well worth a visit). Then head over to the Playhouse District for a pick-me-up at Zona Rosa Cafe on El Molino, and peruse the shelves at nearby Vroman’s Bookstore, one of the oldest in California. For dinner, try Elements at the Pasadena Playhouse, and catch a play if there’s one on.

With a second day, I’d start with breakfast at Green Street Restaurant, another local favorite. Head down to Caltech to stroll around the campus, with its award-winning landscaping. Depending on the weather and your inclinations, either head to the Huntington Library & Gardens or over to Eaton Canyon for a hike. For dinner go to Domenico’s Restaurant on Washington Boulevard for great home-style pizza and Italian. Finish with a scoop or two of Carmela’s ice cream, just a block away.

Q: What do you love most about this city?

A: The people. The people of Pasadena have such a passion for volunteering and exploring, and really care about our city. Because of this, it’s a living city that looks to the future without neglecting the past. We have cultural institutions that rival those of much larger cities, in our museums, our music and our arts and science institutions.

Q: What, if anything, bothers you about life in Pasadena?

A: That visitors only look to Colorado Boulevard for things to do and see, while some of the greatest treasures lie off the beaten path.