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hidden gems in oc?
Hello!
Although I've been living in the OC for about 3 years, I only recently started having the time to explore the area due to a long, tiresome commute between Anaheim Hills and Torrance on a daily basis. Just too exhausted to really go anywhere on weekends. But I've vowed to bust out of my rut and feed the senses with some good old fashioned strolling and "window" shopping around here. Would also like to start spending time doing yoga and crafty/cooking stuff to just decompress and have a little fun.
I love frou frou boutiques (not to actually buy stuff at, but to ogle) and cute shops selling really useless things. And, on the low, low, low, impact fitness tip, I did just discover Soul at Home in Tustin (yoga classes & gorgeous smelling candles) and The Healing Sanctuary (reasonable massage specials, sound nutrition guidance, acupuncture).
Any recommendations for local hidden gems (cute shops, handmade chocolates, tea salons, yoga studios, cooking classes, etc.)?
Thanks!!!
Re: hidden gems in oc?
The Laguna Culinary Arts Academy has cooking classes at their Laguna Beach and Orange locations. I have taken two series of classes there as well as some one night classes. They have a website that will have a class schedule. They put a new schedule out every quarter.
I also think Sur La Table in Newport might have some cooking classes.
downtown laguna and along PCH in corona del mar might be up your alley in terms of cute/different boutique-type stores.
OH, 2nd street in belmont shore is also one of my favs.
sniff...felix's...oh, how I miss the chicken supreme.
Felix's mmmm !
There's more in the Orange Circle than just antiques (but you have to look really hard because those antiques are everywhere!). There are lots of casual dining places:
Watson's is a great little 50's diner
The Byblos Cafe and Papa Haasan's both have really great Lebanese food
The Filling Station has good brunch and chocolate cake
Cafe Lucca has good gelato
If you like beer, food, and music, then the International Street Fair over Labor Day Weekend is fun. Go at night, it hot and miserable in the day.It also gets pretty crowded.
If you like hiking, walking/trails, you can get a good workout at Peter's Canyon in Orange Hills.
Wow, thanks so much!!! I actually live really close to the Orange Circle and am kicking myself for not exploring it sooner. I'd gone there a while back and wasn't keen on all of the antique places but a recent visit totally proved me wrong. There are some really fun shops now and it seemed much more lively. I think I lucked out on going at a good time. Love Felix's! Mmmm...fried plantains...mmm. I used to eat a lot of Cuban and Puerto Rican food in NYC so it was a real treat to have some familiar yummies. I'll definitely have to check out the other eats that were recommended too - especially, the gelato!
We did also visit 2nd St. today and really enjoyed it. The weather was so nice and it was nice to pop into such cute little stores. And, I topped it all off with a cupcake from Frosted which was delicious.
I did look into the Laguna Culinary Arts and Sur La Table classes, there are several that sound really interesting. And, I'm so excited to check out Corona del Mar! Laguna is a favorite already, it's where we always take our out of town guests and I need to remember to visit when we just need a change of scenery.
Thanks again for all of the recommendations!
A lot of the antique stores have closed and more boutique-y type places have moved in. They have a cupcake shop down there and a Cherry On Top is opening soon.