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Head to Soak City!

September 17th, 2016

 

It might be nearly autumn, but the Southern California heat sticks around! Cool off at Knott’s Soak City Water Park where you can rent a semi-private cabin complete with food and drink service, rent any gear you need, and make your adrenaline spike with some of the zaniest water park rides in the world! It’s ideal for families and “big kids” of all ages who are looking for a fresh new adventure.

There are rides and experiences for all ages and degrees of adrenaline junkies. Banzai Falls features six multi-lane slides where you fall over 41-feet headfirst into the turquoise waters below. Try out the Laguna Storm Water Tower, a tube slide monstrosity that’s 43-feet high. At Gremmie Lagoon, the littlest swimmers get a water playground with an interactive octopus and impressive submarine.

Wild Rides

Malibu Run offers four inner tube slides with open flumes, dark flumes, and a drop-off height peaking at 36-feet. Old Man Falls is the biggest of all, 63-feet tall, and it’s where you can really let ‘er rip-feet first or head first! However, Pacific Spin is a real contender—though it’s not a slide! A multi-person thrill ride spins you along a six-story funnel with swirling water.

These rides can really rev up your appetite, and there are many choices on deck. Try Longboard’s Grill for classic American fare from burgers to dogs, or go to Portside Pizza for wedge slices and refreshing salads. At Surf Daddy’s Food Hut, you have icees, pretzels, churros and more treats. Ready to dive in?

 

OC Brew Ha Ha Craft Brew Festival

September 15th, 2016

 

Beer lovers unite in Orange County for the seventh annual craft beer festival on Saturday, September 24 at Oak Canyon in nearby Silverado, California. You get unlimited tastings (seriously!) of over 200 craft and import beers compliments of more than 90 top-ranked breweries. Your commemorative festival glass goes perfectly with those craft beer seminars hosted by industry experts.

Live entertainment is peppered around the festival, or you can slip away to the Gray Cloud Cigar Lounge where beers are paired with cigars by the pros. Games, exhibitions and more are yours for the taking. Just make sure to set up transportation in advance, and your front desk agent can help with that.

Beer + Food

Some regular attendees come just as much for the food as the beer! Indulge in a variety of vendors and food trucks as you take in the view of Irvine Lake. Admission is $45 to attend from 1-4p.m., or you can upgrade to VIP admission and get in at noon for $60. For designated drivers, tickets are just $20.

Please keep kids and pets home, and remember to drink responsibly. Taking a cab or ride sharing/pickup service is highly recommended. This rain-or-shine event is guaranteed to be one of the liveliest festivals in early autumn, so get your tickets now!

Best Mex in Anaheim

September 4th, 2016

 

You can’t travel to southern California without trying some of the best Mexican cuisine in the country. Whether you’re craving authentic fare or upscale fusion, Anaheim has it all. Mi Casa Mexicana is known for their generous portions along with authentic street-style tacos. Tortas and quesadillas are very popular here, and the family meal deals offer a fantastic array of combinations with fajitas, enchiladas, taquitos, tacos and more.

La Casa Garcia is a family-owned restaurant where you’ll find classics. Don’t let the strip mall location fool you, because this is one establishment renowned by locals for the full flavors. Available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you can start off your morning with Machaca and eggs, a shrimp and avocado omelet, or get the Nopalitos with chorizo and eggs.

Service Up!

Urbana Mexican Gastronomy and Bar is a unique experience bringing together local and Mexican flavors. Known for “innovative Mexican food” and craft cocktails along with locally handcrafted beers, you’ll always find something new on the menu from their experimental chefs. It’s the perfect date spot or family outing.

Head to Casa Gamino for traditional fare and an epic weekend lunch buffet! An all-you-can-eat taco bar, flautas, pancakes, enchiladas, rice and beans, omelets made to order, pancakes, potatoes with chorizo, chili rellenos, Mexican hot chocolate, soups, salads, fruits and desserts is the must-have indulgence of an Anaheim weekend.

Orange Street Fair

September 1st, 2016

 

Spend Labor Day weekend at the Orange International Street Fair, where 15 streets are packed with a variety of cultural activities, food and drink booths, arts and crafts centers, and so much more. Each street is “themed” with a region/country from around the world with local sponsors, vendors and non-profits coming together to celebrate inclusiveness and diversity. Open September 2-4 until 10 p.m. nightly, this family-friendly affair is the perfect place to explore, indulge and bond.

Do keep in mind that parking can be tough around the Plaza Square area, so be ready to walk a few blocks to get to the excitement. Although vendors are still signing up, a few of the participants include Arty Brush and Goals on Children’s Street and Pence Animal Sculpture, Ron’s Wood Design and Soaps by Miss Kitty Girl on Arts and Crafts Street.

A Trip Around the World

Where in the world will you travel first? There’s All-American Street, Asian Street, Australian Street, Danish Street, Dutch Street, English Street, German Street, Ginza Street, Greek Street, Irish Street, Italian Street, Mexican Street, Polynesian Street and Swiss Street to discover. Down each road, you’ll find an eclectic mix of representation.

This popular fair has been taking place annually since 1973, growing every year. With 42 food and alcohol booths this year and eight stages offering live entertainment, it’ll take the whole weekend to see it all!

Mummies of the World at the Bower Museum

August 12th, 2016

 

It’s the last month to see the Mummies of the World exhibit at Bowers Museum where you can get nose to nose with preserved remains from Ancient Egypt, Europe and South America. Some of the displays are 4,500+ years old, and the exhibit closes September 5. Bowers Museum is in nearby Santa Ana with hours from 10am-4pm. Museum admission includes the Mummies exhibit, but planning to spend an entire day at the museum is a smart move—there’s so much to see!

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NBC has called the exhibit fascinating, intriguing and inspiring, while NPR dubbed it a must-see. It’s the perfect outing for families, or for anyone who wants a closer glimpse at some of the best preserved mummies in the world. You can buy tickets online here or schedule a special group outing with your very own docent.

Oh, Mummy!

Mummification is the blocking of decay and a relatively common practice (especially for royalty) thousands of years ago in many cultures and regions. However, sometimes mummification was accidental, resulting in a diverse collection only available at Bowers Museum. Some cultures, like the Egyptians, had an expert artificial mummification strategy that included organ removal for preservation.

Mummies can teach us a lot about our past, our history, and where we came from. Buy your tickets now, and make this an event you don’t miss!

 

GardenWalk

August 7th, 2016

 

Anaheim GardenWalk is a destination that demands at least one full day to explore, where dining, shopping and entertainment come together. Located in the OC with 460,000 square feet of outdoor options, it’s right in the middle of the Anaheim Resort District and walkable to Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Convention Center. Here, you’ll find unique and upscale options like a bowling lounge and thriving nightlife.

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New restaurants are popping up all the time, and constant renovations ensure you get only the best in entertainment and dining. It’s still up and coming, so you get to experience the GardenWalk at its finest and be amongst the first to discover world-class wow factors.

A “Walk” to Remember

Dubbed the “OC’s new hot spot,” shopping at Factory Xtreme, Geeky Mamas, LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, and Kensington Luggage is the perfect start to your trip. Don’t forget to swing into Madison & Co. Fine Jewelers and Los Angeles Harley-Davidson of Anaheim for summer specials.

Bowlmor Lanes takes bowling to another level, while Encounters: U.F.O. Experience is a must-see exhibit. Slip into Heat Ultra Lounge after hours or Houdini’s Hideaway for a real slice of magic. Dining options include Johnny Rockets, McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon, and Roy’s Restaurant. Find out the latest openings during your Anaheim getaway.

 

Greek Fare in Anaheim

August 7th, 2016

 

The Greek scene in Anaheim is going strong, and no trip to the golden coast is complete without visiting Willy’s Eatery. The Willy’s eggs benedict, with their famous “those potatoes,” gives you a Greek spin on a classic, while the Greek omelet with feta, tomato and basil is the perfect way to start the morning. Head in for lunch, where the Greek chicken wrap, gyro sandwich with Greek salad, or their house Mediterranean hummus with sprouts are whipped up fresh.

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Kentro Greek Kitchen has starters like zucchini chips with tzatziki sauce, calamari served with garlic and feta, and house spanakopita in a house-made phyllo pie. Try the brizola, and 8 oz. ribeye with briami and house sauce, or a side of kentro fries with kefalotiri butter. For dessert, nothing beats their baklava.

Greek Options

Daphne’s California Greek offers fresh-carved gyros, kebabs, spanakopita and falafel on their mix-and-match menu. Try the Greek salad and rice or garlic-herb salmon with fire-roasted vegetables. Desserts include a classic Greek yogurt parfait with chopped baklava and a house pomegranate drizzle.

Sahara Falafel is where you’ll find a generous falafel plate with homemade pita bread, the mixed kebab platter with lamb and chicken, and the combo shawarma sandwich with beef, chicken and special garlic sauce. Try them all, and choose your favorite!

Fiesta Del Charro

August 1st, 2016

 

Don’t miss this annual festival on Sunday, August 7 at Action Sports Arena in nearby Costa Mesa! It’s where you’ll be treated to the stunning talents of the charro, a Mexican cowboy fantastically dressed and ready to show off years of skill-building in a special event where untamed animals and man go head-to-head. Know that this isn’t an event for everyone, so please use discretion when purchasing tickets to the 7pm show.

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Held as part of the OC Fair, bull riding, a demolition derby and MMA fighting, along with motorcycle stunts, are all part of this adrenaline-packed adventure. For those with reserved seats, you’ll also enjoy complimentary fair admission to check out the rest of the festivities. Otherwise, come early, and stay late, to get the best open seats in the house!

Mexican-Style Showmanship

General admission seating is very limited, so it’s best to go the reserved route for comfort. The fair is open Wednesday-Sunday until midnight, so there’s plenty of time to explore the carnival rides, pie eating contests, and of course delectable “fair fare”.

Tickets are available on Ticketmaster and the OC Fair Box Office located at the Pacific Amphitheater. Hurry, tickets went on sale in March, and there are just a few left. You won’t want to miss this show like no other!

Shore Thing!

July 19th, 2016

A free shore-fishing class is offered Saturday, July 2 in Playa del Rey. The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors has fishing poles and bait available at no cost during this special summer event. The most popular fish this time of year include corbina, leopard shark, surfperch, halibut and croaker. There’s no age limit on this event, but anyone under 12 must have adult accompaniment.

Fishing Background

For those over 16, you must have a valid California fishing license. They are easily found at numerous outlets including West Marine and Marina del Rey Sportfishing, both within minutes of the class. Pre-registration is required as classes are limited to 10 attendees. Call 310-726-4128 for more information or to register.

Bait and Hook

The classes take place at the Dockweiler Youth Center at 12505 Vista del Mar, which is just a short drive from your Anaheim hotel. Other options for fishing include a number of fishing tours for all ages and abilities, whether you prefer deep sea fishing in the Pacific or freshwater fishing in one of California’s lakes or rivers.

Adding a fishing expedition to your trip is a fantastic way to get away from the bustle of the city, relax, and learn some new skills.

 

 

Hiking Adventures in Anaheim

July 9th, 2016

Discover the real beauty of the Anaheim area by tackling one of the many local trails. There are various lengths and ratings, so everyone from newbie family hikers to experienced trail runners can find their stride. Try Sturtevant Falls in Pasadena, an easy 3.7 mile hike that takes less than three hours and whisks you through the San Gabriel Mountains to a 50-foot waterfall. A popular hike since the turn of the century, it’s simple, but know that the last half-mile on the return is all uphill.

Happy hiker with bottle and backpack in forest

El Dorado Park is a two-mile nature trail in Long Beach that takes less than one hour to complete. Hidden right in the heart of the city, many people don’t know about this amazing trail. You’ll feel tucked into the woods even with a freeway half a mile away! Check out the wildlife, and bring the kids for a fun-filled afternoon stroll.

Hidden Gems

Bommer Meadow in Irvine is a moderate hike nearly six miles long, but takes under three hours to complete. It’s a roundtrip hike nestled into the San Joaquin Hills and can be accessed by Shady Canyon Drive via Bonita Canyon. There aren’t many parking spots, so you may need to hike to the trailhead—or arrive early for a sunrise treat!

Southern California is rich with trail options. Which will you take on first?

 

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