Tag: California

Can’t Miss Summer Events in Orange County

When you are fortunate enough to live in a beach town with an endless summer, actually going to the beach is not the high point of the season. At least not for me. Since we can go to the beach any time of the year, even daily, there are other things we most look forward to during the summer months. Summer in Orange County means longer days, fun in the sun and special annual events that make living here extra special. I personally look forward to the following every year: the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach, Hotel Irvine’s Backyard Movie Nights, the OC Fair and the VANS U.S. Open of Surfing.

In this blog post, I want to give you the scoop on the first two events I mentioned.

FESTIVAL OF ARTS

The Laguna Beach Festival of Arts runs from July 5 to September 1. This year is the festival’s 86th anniversary. The juried fine arts show showcases original art original artworks from 140 of Orange County’s finest artists and offers interactive art workshops, demos, special events, live music, wine and chocolate pairings, guided art tours, and more. The highlight of the annual festival is the Pageant of the Masters, a world-famous theatrical celebration of art recreated in tableaux vivants –“living pictures”– it never fails to awe audiences nightly with spectacular stage illusions choreographed to original, live orchestra performance and engaging narration. I caught this year’s show and it was amazing but that’s a blog post for another day!

By the way, the Pageant tickets are different from the Festival tickets. See ticket information below and visit foapom.com Festival of Arts is located at 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Festival of Arts Fine Art Show

July 5 – September 1, 2018

Open weekdays: 12noon – 11:30pm

Open weekends: 10am – 11:30pm

Early closing August 25 at 1:30pm

Pageant of the Masters Dates and Times:

July 7 – September 1, 2018

Performances Nightly at 8:30pm

TICKETS:

Festival of Arts Fine Art Show:

Purchase tickets online at www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org
General Admission: Weekdays $10, Weekends $15

Students & Seniors: Weekdays $7, Weekends $11

Children 6 – 12: Daily $5

Free Admission for Children 5 and under, Military, and Laguna Beach Residents.

Pageant of the Masters Ticket Information:

Purchase tickets at http://www.pageanttickets.com/

Tickets start at $15 per person

Pageant of the Masters ticket grants access to the Fine Arts Show

BACKYARD MOVIE NIGHTS

There’s only one movie left in the Backyard Series at Hotel Irvine, but if you want a chill and fun way to end the summer of 2018, I recommend you grab your lawn chairs and blankets, grab a friend or the whole family and get ready to visit “Wakanda!” I caught the first movie in this year’s series. “The Greatest Showman,” and let me tell you it was a blast to be outside under the stars, dining on Hotel Irvine’s delicious grub among friends, all while watching Hugh Jackman and company sing and dance across the screen.

On August 31, one can enjoy an alfresco evening viewing of “Black Panther” and the Chef’s Backyard BBQ, which includes delicious burgers, sandwiches, salads and of course, movie snacks like popcorn, cookies, and candy! A pre-film DJ will be there, and all night happy hour at Red Bar and Lounge is offered to moviegoers. There’s also a special Movie Night Retreat package available for guests who want to extend their fun and pampering by staying overnight at Hotel Irvine

Those who want to step it up a notch can opt-in for the VIP experience for two, which includes:

Two tickets to the movie of choice
Reserved front-row seating
Unlimited access to chef’s backyard BBQ
A bottle of rosé or prosecco
Complimentary valet parking

Schedule:

Friday, August 31st – Black Panther

General admission is $10 per person. Doors open at 6 p.m. with movies starting at dusk. Open seating. Guests bring blankets, low chairs, pillows or cushions. VIP experience is $55 for two guests. Ten VIP packages available per movie night. Advanced purchase recommended and based on availability. A wristband is needed for all night happy hour after the movie in Red Bar and Lounge. Blankets will be available for purchase. For a complete schedule, tickets, menus, and FAQ, visithotelirvine.com/happenings/movienights.

Hotel Irvine

17900 Jamboree Rd.

Irvine, CA 92614

888-230- 4452

www.hotelirvine.com

July 12, 2018
#TravelTuesday: Weekend at Hyatt Regency Monterey

It’s not about the destination but the journey getting there. But when driving out to Monterey for the weekend, then the destination is everything. The last time we drove up the Central Coast to Carmel by the Sea, we took the scenic winding road up the Pacific Coast Highway. It was going very well until the kids started feeling queasy. So this time, we decided that we could try to get to Monterey from Huntington Beach under 6 hours, by driving up the 5 to the 101. It took slightly longer than 6 hours through not very scenic rural views. An exception was the drive through the pretty vineyards of Paso Robles.

Coming from our own beach town of Huntington Beach, the pine tree-filled landscape was a welcome change. The vista was so awe-inspiring that my son remarked it looked like we were driving into a computer screensaver!

Weekend at the Hyatt Monterey

We checked into the Hyatt Monterey and felt right at home. The hotel has a country club feel minus the snobbery. Maybe because it feels like a country club because it is located on Old Golf Course Road? (Right by the Del Monte Gold Course.) Or maybe because the staff makes you feel like you “belong.”

The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel is set among 22 acres of Monterey Pines and is made up several buildings with 550 guestrooms including 32 suites, villas, and standard rooms. We had adjoining rooms, giving the kids their privacy, which they loved! (As you can imagine, so did we.) Between the rooms, there was a family room with a TV, sofa and coffee table. So it definitely felt like home. The understated décor was also tastefully done and very relaxing.

I met with Steve McNally, General Manager of the hotel and David Lambert, Director of Sales for drinks at the Fireplace Lounge before grabbing dinner with the family at the onsite TusCA Ristorante. Dinner was delicious and the service impeccable.

After dinner, we watched the live jazz band at the Fireplace Lounge. It was totally chill. I was told that the drummer was a local doctor, who gathered musicians to jam.

And now for some #jazz… #livemusic weekends @hyattmonterey Too cool! #music #athyattregency

A video posted by Marcie Taylor (@marcietaylor) on Nov 20, 2015 at 8:27pm PST

Later, the kids enjoyed making s’mores by the fire pit at the hotel’s gazebo.

The next day, we met up with the Hyatt’s Sales Manager David Lambert for a “secret hike.” He shared that it was something he liked to show hotel guests from time to time. We got up rather early for people on vacation and headed out to nearby Carmel. Let me tell you, this was a perfect way to start one’s day in Monterey Peninsula.

We drove just a few minutes from the hotel. Then, we parked our cars on the side of Hwy 1 and hiked up the Soberanes Trail, part of Garrapata State Park

It was breathtaking.

Amazing hike this morning at #SoberanesPoint in Carmel. Thank you so much to David Lambert of @hyattmonterey for sharing your secret trail with us. #Monterey #CarmelHighlands #nature #hike #beauty @seemonterey #california

A photo posted by Marcie Taylor (@marcietaylor) on Nov 21, 2015 at 4:49pm PST

Back at the hotel, I visited the Marilyn Monroe Spa, where I experienced Marilyn’s Signature Massage. The facilities were clean and relaxing as one would expect from a hotel spa. But the splashes of red in the décor made the place playfully chic, as well. Some of the neat spa features included: walk-in rain showers, saunas, and a couples room too. The Marilyn Monroe Spa also offers salon services including hair, makeup, pedicures and manicures. You don’t have to be a guest of the hotel to avail of the spa’s services.

What’s a trip to Monterey without a visit to the Monterey Aquarium? This public aquarium located on the site of a former sardine cannery on historic Cannery Row is a destination on its own. Founded in 1984, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has permanent exhibits that represent more than 600 species including the Giant Pacific Octopus, Sea Otters, Kelp Forest. There are a lot of interactive exhibits for both young ones and the young at heart. We truly enjoyed the historic aspect of it all and of course, the up close and personal look at Life on the Bay.

After our visit to the Aquarium, we walked along Cannery Row. We talked about John Steinbeck, as my son, had just read some of his books for school. And we reflected on how inspiring all of Monterey is…how can you not write a novel or create art in such a place of beauty! We returned to the Hyatt and relaxed the rest of the evening. We went to Knuckles sports bar at the hotel for dinner and later listened to the jazz band again. Saturdays are busier at the hotel, because locals like to frequent the place too. Like I said, the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa makes you feel like you’re part of a club. We look forward to visiting again soon.

January 5, 2016
Staycation Destination: Carlsbad

There’s more to Carlsbad than Legoland. Don’t get me wrong, Legoland is definitely a family favorite, but for this little weekend getaway, we wanted something else. Something low key and relaxing. Only an hour away from Huntington Beach, Carlsbad is an ideal staycation destination. Though it is a beach town like our Surf City, it has a different vibe.

The Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa was an ideal place to spend the night. It has comfy accommodations and is conveniently located to many points of interest, yes, including Legoland. But as I mentioned, we didn’t even visit the amusement park.

Before checking into the Sheraton, we had lunch at a hip new restaurant in Oceanside, Boulevard Chinese Kitchen.

Then we headed to Carlsbad Lagoon for an afternoon spent kayaking. We always see the lagoon from the freeway but it was our first time there and it was splendid. The Carlsbad Lagoon is a privately owned watersports center, offering rentals for boats, wave runners, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and aqua cycles. There are decks available for picnics and parties. And they also have a wakeboard and water ski shop. Did I mention that the rates are quite affordable? Kayak rentals range from $15/hour (single) to$25/hour (double); wave runners range from $70/half an hour to $175/2 hours.

Next stop: our hotel!

The Sheraton Carlsbad Resort is located on Grand Pacific Drive off of Cannon Road in Carlsbad. Yup, it’s the same exit you’d take if you were headed to Legoland.

In our room, we were surprised to find cookies and oranges by our bedside. It’s the little things like this that make a difference in hospitality.

We had dinner at Twenty/20 Restaurant and the food was delicious. It was Happy Hour too, which they have 7 days a week!

The next day, we hit the gym as a family. This is a rare treat since back home we all have different schedules and my younger son is not allowed at the gym yet. I was told that all Starwood hotels are on a health kick. Let me tell ya, this Sheraton was at the top of its game. The equipment was state-of-the-art and there were even practical guides for exercise for travelers, vacationers, business people etc. My husband and sons then proceeded to the pool, while I went to the Ocean Pearl Spa.

The Ocean Pearl Spa was heavenly. I do not give compliments lightly. You see, I am kind of a spa junkie and I didn’t expect to experience what could be the best massage I’ve had to date at Ocean Pearl! I had the signature massage therapy, featuring a heated herbal poultice that is applied to the body. My massage therapist Mary has magic hands. It was like a relaxing massage and chiropractic adjustment in one session. I cannot wait to go back.

In the end, our weekend in Carlsbad, just an hour away from home, was exactly what we needed. We unplugged, unwound and spent time together as a family.

March 10, 2015
Life is like a Box of Chocolates

Christmas came early for this chocoholic as I attended two chocolate store launches in the span of a week! What was interesting about the two openings was that they couldn’t be more different in that the first event was a small independent artisanal shop and the second was the latest opening by a 92 year old candy manufacturing company with more than 200 retails stores across the country. And yet, they were the same because they both focused on the importance of quality and customer service. Now, what could be sweeter than that.

“Life is like a box of chocolates, you’ll never know what you’ll get.” – Forrest Gump

First – there was the opening of Michelle Haut Chocolat at The OC Mix in Costa Mesa. Their chocolates are handmade daily using all natural ingredients in Laguna Beach. I’m a fan of dark chocolate so I really enjoyed Michelle’s custom concoctions especially the truffles (yes all of them) and the petit domes with sea salt, and another one with rose petals. According to Michelle, “Our chocolate is a custom blended 73% bittersweet chocolate from Belgium. We use only the freshest and purest ingredients from around the world. There are no artificial ingredients, additives, or preservatives.”

Michelle Pontius, Master Chocolatier

A few days later I was invited to the opening of the largest See’s Candies retail shop! Located at the Tustin Marketplace in Orange County, it is also See’s first concept store. From the retro uniforms of the people behind the counter to the black and white tiled floor, stepping into the See’s Candy store is like stepping back in time – a time when quality and tradition meant something. And of course, there was the delicious candy – and so much of it!

See’s Candies CEO Brad Kinstler and his wife

See’s Candies was founded by Charles See, his wife Florence, and his mother Mary in Los Angeles, California, in 1921.

Enjoy this little Ptch video I created from that night.

November 25, 2013
Travel Tuesday: Wellness Weekend At Shore Hotel in Santa Monica

There is so much I can say about the awesome weekend I had in Santa Monica, CA. I stayed at the LEED Certified, eco-friendly, sustainable Shore Hotel. I got a massage, ate raw, vegan, painted and even did beach yoga. But for now, I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

http://instagram.com/p/fYL56Ak5aC/

October 15, 2013
Travel Tuesday: California Dreaming

When you find yourself stuck at home with a foot of snow blocking the driveway, and a restless toddler in tow, it’s easy to find yourself California dreamin’ . There’s something about California, and it’s more than just the weather, it is an attitude, more laid-back than its East Coast counterparts. It is the people, it is — a state of mind.

Five years ago, my family decided to move from New Jersey to Southern California, and we’ve never looked back since – adapting easily to the Mediterranean climate and the chill attitude. My boys and I have been, in a word, California-fied!

Since moving to SoCal, we’ve hosted visiting family members from the East Coast and overseas. Between playing host to out-of-towners and writing about “staycations,” I sometimes feel I have become an ambassador for California tourism.

***

Last summer, I attended the Discover IE Toursim Summit at the Ontario Improv. Discover IE is the marketing campaign of the Inland Empire Tourism Council (IETC). It was a very interesting summit that provided insights on tourism not just for the Inland Empire but for California as a whole. It was also the first breakfast meeting that I had experienced that was hosted by a stand-up comedian. His name was Darren Carpenter and I tell ya, he kept us in stitches at 7:30 AM. Presentations were made by Lynn Carpenter, vice president of marketing of Visit California and Joel Greene, founder & host of Curiosity Quest & IE Explorer TV.

Steve Pontell, CEO and president of National Community Renaissance moderated a panel that included Gillian Zucker, president of the Auto Club Speedway, Rick Shoup, president and CEO of Big Bear Lake Resort Association, Kimberly Adams, president & CEO of Temecula Valley Conventions and Visitors Bureau, and Sharon Estep, Marketing Director of the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa.

The travel and tourism industry is of vital importance to the California economy.

Just take a look at these facts:

“Total direct travel spending in California = $102.3 billion in 2011 (7.6 percent increase from 2010 spending)

Travel spending in California = 893,000 jobs, with earnings of $30.4 billion.

Travel spending generated the greatest number of jobs in arts, entertainment and recreation (221,000 jobs), and accommodations and food service (523,000 jobs).

Travel spending in 2011 generated $2.3 billion in local taxes and $4.0 billion in state taxes.”

Source: California Travel Impacts by County 2011, by Dean Runyan Associates, April 2012

But the facts only back up the reality that Californians and transplants like me and Rob Lowe (!) already know. Check out this tourism video created by Visit California featuring the actor, the official “unofficial” California tour guide.

http://youtu.be/Oq-gpHLZRLc

LIKE Visit California on Facebook. Order a copy of your free visitor’s guide and watch more of Rob Lowe’s travel videos at www.visitcalifornia.com. Follow Discover IE on Facebook.

November 14, 2012