Orange County Blog

Laguna Beach welcomes over 3 million visitors each year and it’s certainly not hard to understand the appeal of this coastal community.  The picturesque canyons, coastal hills, and 7 miles of scenic beaches are hard to resist.  Add in a quaint shopping district, blufftop walkways and a tram system and Laguna Beach becomes a not to miss destination!  During the summer months, an added highlight is the art shows…

Art-a-Fair Festival
 “Art is beauty in its purest form. It inspires us; it brings forth passion; it awes us. This summer, the juried art featured at Art-A-Fair promises to do just this. View fine art by 125 renowned artists and master craftspeople from around the world, across the United States and gifted local artists as well. Stroll through Art-A-Fair's lovely and peaceful garden setting, with cool ocean breezes, and enjoy a memorable day among the artists as they work on their oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, drawings, photography, digital art, mixed media, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, glass and wood. “

Sawdust Festival
 “The Sawdust will feature the fine art and craft of over 200 Laguna Beach artists and is sure to be the highlight of your summer adventures. Art enthusiasts, collectors, and novice artists have come to the Sawdust since our beginning in 1966 for our mix of fine art and craft. Media include hand-blown and fused glass, painting, jewelry, surf art, ceramics, clothing and textiles, wood and metal sculpture, scrimshaw, photography, and so much more.”

Need other ideas for summer destinations? 
Check out the Entertainment guide on Orange County Resource Guide.com

For some, summer arrives the day school is over.  For others, it becomes official based upon the calendar date of June 21st.  But for many OC residents, summer arrives with a carefree shopping trip with one goal - to fill the closet with shorts, Hawaiian shirts, and sundresses.
 
It’s time to check out the Orange County Marketplace, a far cry from the swap meets of days past. The Orange County Market Place is now one of the largest weekly events in Southern California with some two million visitors each year. With over 1100 merchants and nearly 4 miles of walking aisles, the selling area extends over 20 acres. And while it’s most assuredly a shopping Mecca, it’s so much more!

Take a look…
Shopping:  Antiques, clothing, furniture, food items, beauty supplies, shoes, toys, bikes, sunglasses, mirrors, silk plants, home accessories, pet supplies, jewelry, and the fan favorites…As Seen on TV products!  And this is just a sample of the vast array of available items!

Entertainment: held most every weekend on the ACE productions' Stage presented by KSBR Radio Located across from Carlos Cantina. There is also DJ playing music and a variety of other entertainment featured every weekend on the Golden Mike Entertainment Stage.

Special Events:  Concert Series – Check the website for the current schedule of family friendly bands and activities.
So slap on a hat, some sunscreen and your favorite pair of walking shoes and welcome in summer at the OC Marketplace!

Open Saturday and Sunday from 7 am to 4 pm
at the OC Fair & Events Center
88 Fair Drive - Orange County Fairgrounds
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
http://www.ocmarketplace.com

Like to have more options or do you want a shopping marathon?  Take a look at this list of OC Shopping Malls!http://www.orangecountyresourceguide.com/shopping-malls.html 

It arrived quietly and still isn’t widely known.  This unassuming farmers’ market features booths selling produce, sweets, treats, goat cheese, plants, and more.  One of the perks of shopping at farmers’ markets is the samples!  We taste tested apples, oranges, warm roasted peanuts, caramels, and delicious cakes (this resulted in a purchase!)   Sadly we had just made trip to the grocery store so we didn’t need much in the way of produce, but my culinary bent daughter bought a bag of fresh snow peas.  She also couldn’t live without eating a pickle on a stick! Laguna Hills Nursery had a great booth and we left with two blueberry plants along with all the necessary info to help them grow strong and healthy.  Planning ahead for our next visit, we will bring our own bags, an appetite for the tacos, and more time!
It is located in the Big Lots shopping center on Avenida De Las Flores and is open from 2 to 6 p.m. on Fridays. We found that several of the booths shutting down prior to 6:00 as it gets dark so early.  There is talk that during the spring, it will be open both on Fridays and from 10 – 2 on Saturdays.  We certainly hope this comes to fruition!
Let’s support this local venue by planning your visit now.
For a list of other farmers markets, visit: http://www.orangecountyresourceguide.com/farmers-markets.html

 

 

With more than 130 retail stores, restaurants and entertainment venues, shoppers come together to experience one of Orange County’s most energized retail experiences.

The Irvine Spectrum website outlines a plethora of options for shopping and dining, as well as entertainment options. Currently, there are two entertainment options sure to please!

The Irvine Spectrum Center Ice Rink - Open through February 21, 2011.
The outdoor Ice Rink located in Giant Wheel Court will offer fun for the whole family. The 47 ft. by 72 ft. rink is kept chilled at 18 degrees and maintained by the world’s smallest custom Zamboni.  For more information including pricing, session schedule, party/group details, please call 949.748.8280 or visit www.SkateSpectrum.com.

OC Can You Play - January 15, 2011 - February 06, 2011
Pacific Symphony and presenting sponsor Yamaha invite you to celebrate the joy of music through ‘OC Can You Play?’ a public pianos project. Irvine Spectrum Center will host one of 20 colorfully painted pianos being placed throughout Orange County for public enjoyment. Stop by, play your favorite tune, or even create your own performance or “piano mob”. From Chopsticks to Chopin, Bach to the Beatles, ‘OC Can You Play’ invites you to reconnect to your musical soul.

Irvine Spectrum Shopping: www.shopirvinespectrumcenter.com/

To find other shopping venues in and around Orange County, click the shopping malls under Quick Links.