One of the nicest places to take a stroll is Long Beach’s “Retro Row”—a section of 4th Street situated between Cherry and Temple with stores featuring vintage & contemporary clothing, furniture and accessories, art, antiques & collectibles, books, roller skates and skate boards as well as a locally owned restaurants, coffee shops and wine bars. Adding to the retro vibe of the street is the restored 1920’s Art Theatre, featuring new films such as Lily Tomlin’s Grandma” as well as their classic Saturday night showing/audience participation event featuring “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”.
Coming up this weekend is a Happy Hour event called “Four on 4th”. The ticketed event will take place Saturday, September 26 from 2-6pm and is open to the public. The event, whose name stands for “Four Specials, Four Hours on 4th Street” will feature food, wine, beer and live music. Every ticket purchased includes a wristband and sampling glass to enjoy complimentary tastings of beer and wine from many boutique wineries and craft breweries. Many of the participating shops will have tasting areas set up. Participating restaurants will also be offering $2-6 food specials to complement the beer and wine.
Participating businesses include eateries Restauration, Portfolio Coffeehouse, MVPs, Kafe Neo, Lola’s Mexican Cuisine and many more. Retailers include newcomer to the street Far Outfit and favorites such as Meow, all the way to West River Cycles and Seventh Wave Surf Shop. Additional retailers and restaurants are listed on the event’s Facebook Page. Some of the sponsoring vendors to be showcased include Uinta Brewing, Drake’s Brewing, Knee Deep Brewing, various cider brands, Winebow, Garber Wines, Long Beach Jerky Co. and Farmlot 59.
One of the most popular of the newer businesses on 4th Street is Restauration, featuring fresh, updated comfort foods, with many items like herbs grown on their own patio. Dana Robertson, the owner of Restauration, talked about 4th Street and what it has become, saying, “We wanted to celebrate the end of summer and the independent vibe that represents 4th Street with a community party involving Retro Row businesses. “This is such a unique part of the city, and one we’re all proud to have opened our businesses”.
Dana, when asked if she was pleased with the way 4th Street has evolved, said “YES! We love seeing new locally owned businesses that are one of a a kind on the street. This street is so special as it really cares about the surrounding community and embraces what being a local business is all about”. When asked about her garden and if any of it’s produce will make an appearance at “Four on 4th”, she said Yes! All our current herbs (parsley, thyme, mint) and peppers (frescos) and mustard greens will be used. All the restaurants on the street will also be featuring herbs donated by Farmlot59! We will be donating portion of the sales from the happy hour specials to Farmlot59 as well to help fund school field trips to the farm”.
Tickets to FOUR on 4th are on pre-sale for $25 general admission and $35 for VIP admission that includes a street bag filled with over $50 in gift certificates to popular 4th Street businesses. Tickets are available for purchase through www.eventbrite.com or the event tab on www.facebook.com/4thStreetLB or Instagram @4thStreetLB. Proceeds from FOUR on 4th will go towards the purchase and placement of new solar-powered recycling and trash receptacles along Retro Row, in an effort to keep the popular neighborhood clean.
I love that neighborhood!