Orange County

Secluded in the forests of the Santa Lucia Mountains, Carmel Valley Ranch offers a sophisticated retreat rooted in nature. Mere moments after driving onto the property, we were greeted with the sights of three wandering deer. My family and I ooh’ed and ahh’ed like city folk getting out of the concrete jungle. We meandered a bit farther and spotted the…

“I can’t remember the last time I slept in past 6 a.m., dove into a pool with careless regard for my locks or had a glass of wine while leisurely chit-chatting with a wine steward – as if I had all the time in the world. But I did, and I enjoyed every second of it during my weekend away…

The season began September 13 and goes through October 31. Do you plan on attending? Along with all the seasonal food and treats including pumpkin beignets and pumpkin fritters, new this year is special Halloween décor at Mad T Party in Disney California Adventure park. There is also the seasonal Halloween attractions (such as Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain…

It’s an OC venue unlike any other in the area, and a stylish way to celebrate all different occasions. The oceanfront Bungalows at Pacific Edge Hotel are the place to party for Labor Day, a birthday, a company getaway, swank baby shower, anniversary ... you name it. We celebrated my birthday at the Fox Bungalow and it was completely sea-sublime.…

Have you been to Knott’s Soak City? We actually haven’t ever, so the kids are beyond excited to soak up the scene, particularly with the toasty temps lately. If you’re interested in going, I have the scoop on what’s ahead. Of all the things to do with kids in Southern California, water parks top the list with kids (and without…

Last month, our family visited Universal Studios Hollywood and we really had such a fantastic time. The kids had never been; they’d only longingly admired the park from afar, in commercials. With Spring Breaks ahead and the weather warming up, it’s a prime time to make plans to head north and play. The biggest tip I can share with you…

The How to Train Your Dragon Live Spectacular is a never-before-seen production that opened Thursday and only runs for seven shows through Sunday at The Honda Center. We went, we saw, the kids were slayed (so to speak). Here’s a look from the night. In a nutshell: Poetic music. Cinematic visuals. Strong story. And the dragons were massive. This shot…

Are you going? Yahoo Travel named it the #2 holiday lights event in the country (just behind NYC), and The New York Times has deemed the Newport Beach Boat Parade “one of the top holiday happenings in the nation.”  The Christmas Boat Parade, is on Dec 19-23 and celebrates its 104th year in Newport Beach. This year’s theme is “Surf,…

No plans for NYE yet? Knott’s Berry Farm promises something for the whole family this New Year’s Eve with a mix of dance music, magician fun, plus Knott’s rides, attractions and a Midnight Mayhem Fireworks Show in Calico Square. We’ve never been before for New Year’s, so we’re planning to go this year, as we’ve had so much fun during…

Is Disneyland on your list for the holidays? It’s better than ever with the addition of Cars Land in the mix. We checked out the park during Family Media Day, and the kids were buzzing around the Resort like three little elves on a mission to see and do all in a day. Between Disneyland and California Adventure, you can…