Orange County Blog

The Quintessential Wine Experience
April 20-21, 2012 Dana Point, California
Wine, food, music, sea and sun. These elements create a unique wine tasting experience at every California Wine Festival. A sunny seaside setting with hundreds of California's best red and white wines from 58 wineries along with 5 brewing companies for discriminating beer drinkers make Dana Point the place to be April 20-21st. The dozens of top chefs and specialty food purveyors will be complemented perfected by the live music performed by the band Upstream. Upstream is known for their energetic eclectic style of Reggae and Soca. Experience one of California’s most popular wine festivals.

http://californiawinefestival.com/

For many the holiday season begins with Black Friday. Others prefer armchair shopping during Cyber Monday. But all agree that the holidays can be a hectic and often stress filled time.  So how about this: Take a break from the shopping and check out a holiday-related event or activity with your family. It will clear your mind and remind you how the holidays are supposed to make you feel in the first place!

Dana Point
Dec. 9-10, 16-17: 37th Annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights
Hundreds of decorated boats compete for the coveted Best in Show award. You can view the parade free from anywhere in the Harbor, or make reservations at one of the many restaurants to view it from a cozy and
warm spot. Come on down and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season Dana Point Harbor (949)923-2255 www.danapointharbor.com

Huntington Beach
Dec. 10-23: 49th Annual Huntington Harbor Cruise of Lights
Narrated boat tours of holiday decorated homes, boats, decks, and docks. Experience the beauty of thousands of lights and animated displays. Huntington Harbour. For more information and how to purchase tickets call (714) 840-7542 or visit www.cruiseoflights.org

Newport Beach
Dec. 14-18: 103rd Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes set sail around the harbor to the sounds of festive music. If this is your first time to see the parade, a great place to view the parade is at the Fun Zone. Admission is FREE and there is plenty of nearby parking. Newport Harbor. (949) 729-4400.
www.christmasboatparade.com

Sand Dollar Guild’s California Cruising Event Benefits Ocean Institute

Dana Point – On Sunday, August 28, 2011, The Sand Dollar Guild is having their annual California Cruising event. Event goers will experience an evening of lively surf music, a sampling of delicious food from local restaurants, a classic Woodie Car display, and casino –themed fun. Guests can try their luck at casino games, enter opportunity drawing and bid for some great silent auction items.

The proceeds of this event benefit the Ocean Institute, nationally known for its hands-on marine science, environmental and ocean education, and maritime history programs. More than 110,000 k-12 students and 8,000 teachers annually participate in the Institute’s 61 award winning programs.

Since 1988 the Sand Dollar Guild has been dedicated to furthering the education goals of the Ocean Institute by fundraising activities and events. To date the Sand Dollar guild has raised over 1.3 million dollars helping with the capital campaign for the new building, purchasing items over the years to enhance the education programs, ocean in motion van, sails for the pilgrim, squid lights, just to name a few. The new goal is to raise funds for the seaside learning center.

California Cruising
Sunday, August 28, 2011
4:00 to 8:00 pm
Location: Ocean Institute, Samueli Lecture Hall and Conference Center

For more information how to purchase tickets to the event contact
Natasha Berenzden
nberenzden@ocean-institute.org
(949) 496-2274, ext. 412

To learn more about the Sand Dollar Guild go to: www.sanddollarguild.org

Dana Point Turkey Trot Celebrates National Running Day with Opening of 2011 Registration and Call for Sponsors

In honor of National Running Day on June 1, registration for the 34th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot will open to let runners and future runners everywhere celebrate by committing to participate in the nation’s sixth largest turkey trot and “one of America’s best Thanksgiving Day runs,” according to Fitness Magazine. Known for its scenic routes, beautiful Southern California weather, and family-friendly activities, the Dana Point Turkey Trot has become an Orange County tradition, attracting more than 16,000 participants, including friends and family, to its 5K, 10K, Kids’ Gobble Wobble, and two-day health and fitness expo and finish line festival.

“The Dana Point Turkey Trot offers something for everyone,” said Laura Ouimet, Executive Director, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. “Whether working toward your fitness goals, encouraging your kids to get active, checking out the latest advancements in health and fitness at our two-day expo, giving back to the less fortunate, or bonding with thousands of like-minded runners, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is a can’t-miss event this year. We pride ourselves on listening to our participants’ feedback and continuously making enhancements to make this year’s race the biggest and the best to date.”

This year’s Turkey Trot enhancements include wave starts based on anticipated race times to alleviate congestion, stroller-specific wave starts, and widening of the lane for the finish-line shoot. Through its “Miles for Meals” campaign, a portion of proceeds from the Dana Point Turkey Trot will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank, an organization working to eliminate hunger in Orange County. For every dollar donated from the Turkey Trot, Second Harvest can provide three meals to a person in need. Ouimet added, “Our work with Second Harvest makes it easy for community members to give back in a big way during the holidays. Just by registering, participants are helping to feed the hungry throughout Orange County.” Annually, the Dana Point Turkey Trot helps raise over $60,000 for Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.

In conjunction with the opening of its registration on June 1, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is calling for sponsors for this year’s event, ranging from the title sponsorship to Friends of the Turkey Trot sponsorships. Organizations will reach tens of thousands of runners, athletes and community members, and millions more through media impressions, all while making a vital impact on the local economy.

For more information about the 34th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot, visit http://www.turkeytrot.com and follow the event on Twitter at http://twitter.com/turkeytrot and Facebook at http://facebook.com/danapointturkeytrot. For more information about National Running Day on June 1, 2011, a day for runners everywhere to share their passion for a lifestyle that is one of the best, and simplest, ways to stay fit, visit http://www.runningday.org.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching kicked off its 40 year anniversary this past February! Dana Wharf is proud to be the first business operating in Dana Point Harbor when it opened in 1971. 

Whale Watching out of the landing was introduced to the schedule in 1971 and has become immensely popular in Southern California.  “We were the first because we were able to operate before the buildings were built” says Don Hansen, Dana Wharf owner and harbor icon. Sportfishing trips depart daily and are also year round.
 
Friend and harbor merchant Bob Mardian opened the Wind and Sea Restaurant after the buildings were completed in 1972.  To this day, Dana Wharf and the Wind and Sea continue to partner together on catering, happy hour cruises, appetizer specials and more!  
 
Dana Wharf will be sharing stories as well as specials for friends on Facebook and Twitter.  Special promotions will also be announced via email blasts and in store promotion. Dan Wharf will announce surprises like a 40th anniversary commemorative fishing t-shirt, a must have for all anglers! 
 
Dana Wharf will highlight something new each month.  In May, the landing will host a birthday celebration where they will roll back all their prices to the 1971 opening date price. Dana Wharf will also host a “Kids Fish Free Month”, a meet the fleet party and many other surprises are also planned.
 
Take a look at their website for all the up to date information http://www.danawharf.com/index.html

It’s Whale Watching Season!

And Dana Wharf is ready to  “delight (you) in the exciting sights and sounds of the many types of magnificent ocean creatures that live off the coast of Dana Point - a known landmark for whale sightings. Dana Wharf's tours offer rare glimpses into a huge variety of underwater wildlife that you'll never forget.”

The Whale Watching Season runs through the end of April and over 130 Gray Whales have already been spotted!

“Each winter, the Pacific Gray Whales pass by Dana Point, many believe that Dana Point is a landmark on their journey.  After spending the summer feeding in the food-rich waters of the arctic, the Grays swim south along the coast to the bays of Baja California, where they mate and nurse their young. Along the way they pass Dana Wharf, where you can witness the annual winter journey.”

A hot tip for the budget conscious family is 1/2 priced Tuesdays available from December through April, and 1/2 priced Wednesdays available in April only.

For other great entertainment options, click the Entertainment tab on the home page!

Before settling down for football, family, and feasting, start your day with an invigorating run. The beautiful city of Dana Point provides the opportunity to tour its beautiful beach, majestic cliffs and coves on Thanksgiving Day with its annual Turkey Trot - a 5K, 10K, and/or Kids’ Gobble Wobble Race. Hosted by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is considered one of America’s most scenic coastal runs, and draws as many as 10,000 participants.  From beginners to elite runners, this event is for everyone!

This year on Thanksgiving Day, you can run so others can eat by partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank. When you register to run the race, please join the Pledge Drive and ask 10 people to donate $20 each or just make a donation. The 2008 Turkey Trot raised over $40,000 for Second Harvest Food Bank and this year the need is greater than ever. Second Harvest is working to eliminate hunger in Orange County. They provide over 1 million pounds of food each month for over 220,000 people in need. The Food Bank currently serves more than 397 member charitable organizations that reach the hungry, including church pantries, shelters, senior centers, rehabilitation centers, homes for abused children and many other emergency assistance organizations. Your donation will make a difference!

The deadline for mail in registration has passed, but the online registration doesn't end until November 22, 2010.  Make your commitment today!  For more information on this fabulous, not-to-be-missed event, go to: http://bit.ly/1KKaQG and click on Dana Point Chamber of Commerce.