Showing posts with label Orange County. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Orange County. Show all posts

Friday, August 12, 2011

Hidden hot spots in San Juan Capistrano

In the middle of August, I went to visit the oldest building in California "Mission San Juan Capistrano".
It is a very nice one hour drive from LAX to San Juan Capistrano in Orange County.


The mission's history began in 1775.


Time trips back to 230 years ago.


26801  Ortega Hwy
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949)234-1300

In the afternoon, the sky became clear and added a shine to the mission.

Orange butterflies enjoy their colorful garden.







The contrast of blue sky and white church gives you the feeling that this is a blessed place.


It is a very peaceful place and I recommend a visit to everyone.




The mission is surrounded by a cute old town and there are many restaurants, gift store and cafes.
Their is a Metro station in middle of the town so you can come here from LA downtown by Metro.
There is also oldest neighborhood in California "Los Rios Historic District".

31831 Los Rios St
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675


I had so many place I want to visit next time, such as a moody restaurant, a cozy cafe and a beautiful tea house.

San Juan Capistrano is a charming historical town. I was amazed to see everything.






Friday, June 24, 2011

Hidden hot spots in Fullerton

I love exploring Los Angeles's heritage...
In Northern Orange County, there is a free fabulous botanical garden and Heritage House, "Fullerton Arboretum".
In the middle of June, it was the season for ripe Oranges.  I saw many gorgeous flowers, a variety of herbs and a rare fruit grove in this historical orchard.








"Fullerton Arboretum"
1900 Associated Rd
Fullerton CA 92831
(657)278-3407










My most favorite tree was in the center of the garden.

It was a bunch of fluffy pink flowers on a big tree and all the flowers are in full bloom now in June. It was a fantastic view however somehow I felt something different around the tree...
The day I visited here was a Tuesday morning so not many people were around. I was alone and taking a little break under the tree. I saw an old lady walking by the tree. She was wearing a pink mini dress and pink shoes and was extremely pale. I felt I had to take her picture with the pink flowers...so I did.
After I came back home I researched about local legends and I found out about a "Pink Lady" ghost storyhttp://www.landofgraciousliving.com/have-you-seen-the-pink-lady-of-yorba-linda/ From this article she shows up every June 15th, I was there at almost the same time.  Could this be coincidence?? Maybe.






Right next to the tree is a gazebo covered in peas .

One of the coolest places in Orange County for the  summer!



All the peas are ripe and smell good.
This garden is inside the campus of CSUF and has its own free parking. It is easy access to be in the right spot.







Downtown Fullerton has so much to see. Around Harbor Blvd, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, museums, historical houses and parks. There is also an abundance of public art. This is one of the most charming downtowns in Orange County.















My favorite coffehouse is on Harbor Blvd.





817 North Harbor Blvd
Fullerton CA 92832
(714)525-6282

I love this cafe because it has so many sofas. They have art shows by local artists all the time.  Also there is live music most weekend evenings.




Fullerton has many unique side. They are also famous for classic car shows besides OC hardcore punk music scene!

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Hidden hot spots in Disneyland Resort

I've been addicted to Disneyland and have been an annual pass holder for 2 years. I go there about two times a month.

The day I visited (June 3, 2011) was the opening day for the new "The Little Mermaid" ride. 
Disneyland seems to have a lots of new rides opening throughout this summer, I was very excited to hear the Little Mermaid was already open! 






You can get a cotton candy to have yourself some fun while you are on the line.  There is a variety of colors and tastes! 
After the little mermaid ride, if you want to see Princess Ariel... this is the restaurant, "Ariel's Grotto". This is character dining and you can meet all of the princesses during a 3 meal course. They serve appetizers before you order so it is perfect with your little hungry people. Their desert was big and yummy. If you can't finish it they have to go boxes for you.

at Disney California Adventure Park
Paradise Pier
(714)781-3463















If you are hungry for a real burger, "Taste Pilots Grill" is the place next by Soarin' Over California. They have a vegetable bar so you can make your own burger as you like it.

at Disney California Adventure Park
Golden State






My favorite hidden attraction in Adventure Park is the "Sorcerer's Workshop".

You can learn how to draw the Disney characters here. On this day I learned Pluto but they change the character every time.






In the evening at Adventure Park there is a huge Rave Party "Electronica" with techno DJdancers and outside bar!

I enjoyed watching the starting dance show of "TRON: Legacy".
This is a really amazing thing where you can experience exciting sounds and dance in Disneyland.



I love the night time in Disneyland. It is even better than daytime in summer.
Adventure Park has a wonderful beer garden and you can even buy a big Margarita! The Disneyland Park side doesn't serve alcohol.
Also you can get Teriyaki Beef or Thai Curry Chicken nearby the beer garden. This is the only Asian food in the entire Park.
at Disney California Adventure Park
Golden State







If you want to continue the Disney dream... Stay in the "Disneyland Hotel".
The room was hysterically cute because of everything so Mickey!
1150 Magic Way
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714)778-6600




There are 3 official Disney Hotels in the resort. This is the most classic of Disney's hotels and has more characters than any other.


Looking down on all of Disneyland resort from the room was a fantastic experience.




Downtown Disney also has many interesting stores and restaurants. Among  those that I love is one that serves New Orleans Cuisine "Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen".







They have a live Jazz band every night and at Sunday brunch. Time will be well spent here because there is nothing but great music and food.

at Downtown Disney District
(714)781-3463






From downtown Disney, if you already have a pass or ticket, you can ride the monorail to the inside of Disneyland Park.
This goes pretty fast through the middle of Disney Resort, it is fun to try.


I will introduce a little about Disneyland Park side too.



The most popular princess might still be Cinderella.

















The most hidden princess is Tiana from the "Princess and the Frog". You might see her at New Orleans Square in Disneyland Park. She actually sings some songs with a jazz band.  The other princesses can be found near the castle or at the princess theater.






My lunch spot in Disneyland Park is "Plaza Inn".
Their fried chicken is yummy and the sides are tasty! 
at Disneyland Park
Main Street
(714)781-3463





When I want to eat good Mexican food, I go to "Rancho del Zocalo".
This is a casual fast food type of restaurant but their seating is very spacious and the atomosphere is elegant. It is a comfortable place to take a break.
at Disneyland Park
Frontierland



Disneyland is becoming one of my power spots, because every time after I visit here I get more energy. Walking long distances and waiting in lines are not such bad things. It's actually a perfect work out for me!

Finding a special gift from the Disneyland store is a most exciting thing. I especially adore their accesories, they are so cute!