Orange County Blog

 

Have you jumped on the Food Truck Frenzy yet?  No? Well, here is your chance.

Every Wednesday, from 5:30 – 9:00 at the OC Fair & Event Center enjoy sampling from a variety of food from gourmet food trucks.  The trucks change weekly so there is always the opportunity for something new.  While admission and parking are free, prices for the food vary from truck to truck. 

Or if lunch is more your thing, the Food trucks also roll into the OC Fair & Event Center every Thursday from 11:00 – 2:00.

To see each week’s offering, visit http://www.ocfair.com and click on Food Truck Fare.

Was your New Year Resolution to spend more time with your family?  How about to get more exercise? Maybe you want to get out of the house and see more of Orange County?  Here are 5 easy hikes to accomplish all 3 goals:

San Juan Capistrano: El Cariso Nature Trail, a self guided loop trail, is a 1.5 miles with an elevation gain of only 100 feet.  It begins at the Forest Service Station at El Cariso off the Ortega Highway.
“From the parking lot, head up the stairs and begin your climb on the self-guided nature trail. Interpretive signs will describe the plant and tree life you are seeing, which include Manzanitas, Coulter pines and more. As you climb, you get nice, wide-ranging views of the Los Pinos complex to the north, Decker Canyon to the south and the southern Santa Anas into San Diego County in the east. Over your shoulder, you can see San Gorgoino Mountain on clear days.” http://nobodyhikesinla.com/tag/el-cariso-nature-trail/

Lake Forest: Borrego Canyon to Red Rock Canyon, a four mile hike with an elevation gain of 500 feet.  It begins at the Borrego Canyon trailhead (Whiting Ranch) off Portola Parkway in Foothill Ranch.
“Borrego Canyon Trail is a dirt path lined on both sides by housing tracts on top of steep canyon walls. Despite the nearby homes, the trail feels quite secluded, and is very popular with hikers and mountain bikers (mountain bikers may only ride the trail one-way, into the park). The trail roughly follows a small creek and is dotted with shrub and chaparral, which is broken up by occasional shady groves of like oaks.” http://www.greeneadventures.com/2011/01/30/hiking-whiting-ranch-wilderness-park-borrego-canyon-to-red-rock-canyon/

Trabuco Canyon: Holy Jim Falls Trail is a 2.8 mile roundtrip with a 625 foot elevation gain.  It requires a drive back into Holy Jim Canyon to access it.
“Heavy winter rains are essential to a pleasant journey. Along the way, you will see many small cascades and cross the stream several times before you reach the split where the main trail ascends to the Main Divide Road to the left and the trail to the waterfall shoots off to the right. Watch for poison oak as you scramble over the last quarter of a mile to the twenty foot falls.” http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/HolyJimFalls_4472.asp

Orange: Peters Canyon Lake Loop, a 2.5 easy loop trail with an elevation gain of 250 feet.  It is part of Peters Canyon Regional Park.
“This trail circles the 55-acre Upper Peters Canyon Reservoir, which provides valuable habitat to migrating waterfowl. The rolling terrain takes you from marsh edge to open hillsides looking east over the lake toward the crest of the northern Santa Ana Mountains.” http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=XFA020-011

Newport Beach: North Shore Trail Upper Newport Bay, is a 3.12 mile round trip with an elevation gain of only 50 feet. There is a parking area on University Drive near the interpretive center.
“Pickleweed and eel grass fill the low flats. Willows, sycamores, and invasive Brazillian Pepper (do not touch!) cover the ground between the dry coastal sage habitat (distinguished by its grasses, buckwheat, and, in some places, cholla cactus) and the salt marsh. Bring binoculars or spotting scopes for a good look at the rare California least tern, skimmers, Great Blue Herons, white pelicans, snowy egrets, and savannah sparrows.” http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/IrvineCoast_4472.asp

And for other great family outings be sure to check out the Beaches and Parks Link on the home page of this Orange County Resource Guide.

 

 

 

 

San Clemente, known as the Spanish village by the sea, has a beautiful collection of beaches catering to water sports enthusiasts.  But this quaint community has more activities to offer to its residents and visitors --

The Village Art Fair is held on the FIRST SUNDAY of every month at 9AM and is put on by The Downtown Business Association. Stroll and shop Ave Del Mar where more than 60 vendors will have arts, crafts and other fabulous items.  The Village Art Fair represents an interesting spectrum of arts and crafts - jewelry, ceramic, wood, metals, photography, fine art, hand blown & fused glass, handmade children’s clothing, home and garden items, and more! Discover this wonderful San Clemente tradition! http://www.villagesanclemente.org/artfair.htm

August 14th - San Clemente Street Festival features fun and activities for the whole family, including: Food and game booths sponsored by local nonprofit organizations, three stages with continuous live music throughout the day, contests, a Salsa Challenge, arts & crafts show, business exposition, kiddy rides, a classic car & motorcycle show, exhibits, clowns, jugglers, face painters and much more. No admission charge. For more information, call the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce at (949) 492-1131 or visit www.scchamber.com.

Thursday, August 18th at 6:00 pm - The 12th Annual Beach Concert Series is “Bringing the Bands to the Sand!” Join the community to celebrate live music on the beach with the sunset as your backdrop and free seating in the sand http://bit.ly/AuKFN

Saturday & Sunday, August 20-21, 2011 - Arts and Crafts Fair - In partnership with the City of San Clemente, the San Clemente Art Association presents this annual event with over 100 exhibit booths of fine art paintings and hand crafts. Free to the public. For more information, call (949) 369-8343 or visit www.scartgallery.com.

To learn more about San Clemente, visit http://www.orangecountyresourceguide.com/san-clemente-useful-links.html

 

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 

A visit to OC is not complete without exploring the only mission in Orange County.First, take a look at an overview as taken from http://www.missionsjc.com

“Mission San Juan Capistrano, historic landmark and museum is the Birthplace of Orange County, was founded more than two hundred years ago as the 7th of 21 missions statewide, and one with a chapel still standing where Fr. Serra once celebrated Mass.

Today it is a monument to California's multi-cultural history, embracing its Native American, Spanish, Mexican and European heritage. Originally built as a self sufficient community by Spanish Padres and Native Americans, the Mission was a center for agriculture, industry, education and religion”.

Activities at the Mission are designed to be family friendly and budget conscious.  Experience history and culture with audio tours, tour booklets, exhibits, and historical re-enactments.  Museum exhibits are located in both museum rooms as well as throughout the 10-acres of gardens, fountains and beautifully preserved architecture. There are weekly activities just for the kids, summer camp programs, as well as signature events taking place during the summer. Such events include:
Music Under the Stars
Summer concert series of evening concerts beginning Saturday, June 25, 2011 continuing on alternating weekends through Saturday, September 3, 2011. Concert gates open at 5:30 p.m.; Music begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m.
Beginning June 25, 2011
Night at the Mission Camping
Adventurous family sleepover that includes touring the museum rooms and grounds at night, activities, dinner and breakfast the next morning.
July 15, 2011
Romance of the Mission Benefit Gala Concert and Dinner
The most exclusive gala benefit hosted in Orange County every year. Features a pre-show hosted reception, extravagant entertainment in the Great Stone Church and the most romantic dinner setting display. Underwriting opportunities available.
Friday, September 16, 2011

Ready to plan your visit to this “Jewel of the Missions”?  Check out the Cultural Centers Quick Link located on the home page of this Orange County Resource Guide.

 

 

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

Irvine Park Railroad Welcomes the Arrrival of the Easter Bunny

“The Easter bunny is coming to Irvine Park Railroad! Beginning Saturday, April 2nd through Saturday, April 23rd, for the cost of $10, children can meet and have their photo taken with the Easter bunny. Each additional photo is $6 dollars. Children ages 2 – 12 can also participate in daily Easter egg hunts; all eggs are filled with candy or a prize. Other Easter Eggstravaganza activities include hay rides, a moon bounce, cookie decorating, carnival games, face painting and more.”

Important details:

•  The Easter egg hunts start promptly at the times indicated.  This event at Irvine Regional Park is one of the most popular Easter events in Orange County.  Plan to arrive early.
•  The Easter egg hunts are for children ages 2 to 12.
•  Be sure to bring your own Easter basket(s) for the Easter egg hunt. Irvine Park Railroad will offer Easter baskets for sale.
•  The Easter train is for children of all ages as well as adults. 

Be sure to check the website for other family friendly activities as well activity schedules!

Irvine Park
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869
www.irvineparkrailroad.com

 

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.

‘Becky Shaw:’ Bad Date, Great Play

 A newly married couple finds their own relationship on the rocks after they set up their friends on a date from hell in Gina Gionfriddo’s wicked comedy Becky Shaw, a West Coast premiere that will run Oct. 22 through Nov. 21 at South Coast Repertory.

In Becky Shaw’s sold-out Off-Broadway debut last year, the New York Times dubbed it “a corker of a new playa tangled tale of love, sex and ethics [that] is as engrossing as it is ferociously funny.”

Angela Goethals plays Becky, a needy, down-on-her-luck college dropout whose one date with mean-spirited Max (Brian Avers) sets off shockwaves in the lives of her colleague Andrew (Graham Michael Hamilton) and his bride, Suzanna (Tessa Auberjonois). Further complicating matters is Suzanna’s say-anything mother, Susan (Barbara Tarbuck), who may be dating a con artist.

“This play really excites me in that it deals with a lot of taboos,” said director Pam MacKinnon. “It’s a play you can talk about.”

MacKinnon, who calls herself a Gionfriddo “repeat offender” because this is the fourth time she has directed one of her plays, says she saw the New York production of Becky Shaw and was struck by the way it affected the people around her: “It was wonderful to be in a room where you could really feel the audience keep switching their allegiances.”

The Becky Shaw creative team includes Daniel Ostling (set design), Sarah Ryung Clement (costume design), Lap Chi Chu (lighting design), Michael K. Hooker (original music and sound design), Chrissy Church(stage manager) and Jamie A. Tucker (assistant stage manager).

Haskell White LLP is the Corporate Honorary Producer. The Segerstrom Stage season media partner is KOCE-TV and the media partners for Becky Shaw are KCRW 89 and Coast Magazine.

TICKETS: Can be purchased online at http://www.scr.org/, by phone at (714) 708-5555 or by visiting the box office at 655 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa. Performances begin Oct. 22 and continue through Nov. 21. Ticket prices range from $20 to $66. Low-priced preview performances are available Oct. 22 - 28. Opening night is Friday, Oct. 29, and press night is Saturday, Oct. 30, at 8 p.m.

TIMES: Previews are Friday and Saturday, Oct. 22 - 23, at 8 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 24, at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 26 - 27, at 7:30 p.m., and Thursday, Oct. 28, at 8 p.m. Regular performances are Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m., and Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Discounts are available for full-time students, patrons 25 years of age and under, educators, seniors and groups of 10 or more. There will be an ASL-interpreted performance on Saturday, Nov. 20, at 2:30 p.m.

www.orangecountyresourceguide.com/arts-entertainment.html