Category: Family Activiites

Fun Things to Do in the OC This Holiday Season

Orange County is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike who are interested in a variety of activities during the holiday season. The area is filled with fun and exciting things to do for people of all ages.

The Science of Gingerbread | Santa Ana | Nov. 23 – Jan. 6

One of the more popular events that runs through the holiday season until early January is the Science of Gingerbread at the Orange County Discovery Cube. It includes hands-on activities and cookie decorating for both children and adults. There are also a number of beautiful and impressive gingerbread houses on display.

A Christmas Carol | Costa Mesa | Nov. 24 – Dec. 24

Orange County is also home to a presentation of A Christmas Carol at the South Coast Repertory. This play is a Christmas classic that should be a big hit for the whole family. If you’re looking for another play, check out the Camino Real Playhouse on the weekends through the holiday season to see A Charlie Brown Christmas. The popular TV special comes to the stage on a double bill.

A Charlie Brown Christmas | San Juan Capistrano | Nov. 23 – Dec. 22

Charles Schulz’s beloved holiday television special comes to the stage on a double bill with “Archie Andrews Radio Preview before the show. Let your kids join Charlie Brown, Lucy, Snoopy, Linus  and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they save a tree and uncover the true meaning of Christmas.

Click here to learn how to sell your home this holiday season!

Snow Days with the Critters | Santa Ana | Dec. 15 – Dec. 16

This celebration features stations focusing on winter and snow. Your kids will enjoy watching animals receive icy treats, listening to festive tunes, looking at the winter decor, creating cool crafts and playing educational games and hearing delightful winter stories.

Winter Fest OC | Costa Mesa | Dec. 20 – Jan. 6

Families can also choose to go to the Winter Fest OC to take part in ice skating, tubing, playing in the snow, and cap off the night with a spectacular firework show. You can take your family to see Christmas lights and the tree lighting ceremony that takes place each night.

44th Annual Boat Parade of Lights | Dana Point | Dec. 7 – Dec. 15

Boat owners come out on the water to compete for a number of prizes and try to upstage each other with creative and entertaining Christmas decorations. The boats out on the water make for a spectacular photo opportunity and the entire evening is sure to be remembered.

Sherman Library and Gardens | Newport Beach | Dec. 14 – Dec. 22

Families looking for something more relaxing can head to the Sherman Library and Gardens for the Christmas light walk. Enjoy the colorful displays in the area, alongside some festive and creative Christmas decorations. The stroll is a peaceful way to take in some beautiful lights and makes for a good ending to a busy day.

Keep these in mind this holiday season if you are looking for some of the most popular and fun Christmas events in the Orange County area. With everything that is going on, there is something for anyone and everyone to enjoy.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home in the Orange County area this holiday season? Click here to contact Stacy and Nicole today!

Courtesy of Cuselleration

Christmas Events in Orange County!

Orange County is bursting with Christmas events this year! Here are a few of our favorites:

 The Newport Boat Parade

The Newport Boat Parade is just around the corner! Be sure to get your tickets to take in the lights, festivities and this year’s unique holiday boats. If you haven’t been yet, this will be sure to be one of those events that you plan to make it to each and every year. ?

Meeting Santa

Have you seen Santa this year? Well, you can meet him daily in the city of Irvine and enjoy a moon bounce, snacks, carnival games, ride the Christmas Train, and much more! BUt hurry, the train sells out early every year!

Gingerbread, YUM!

If your kids like crafts, head over to the Discovery Cube Presents: Science of Gingerbread event where they can make gingerbread houses and much more until January 1st. The Discovery Cube has tons of other science exhibits for them to explore too while you’re there!

Want More?

These are just a few, but there are so many more events to choose from! Email us at stacyandnicole@stacyandnicole.com, or call us at 714-333-7327 to find out how to buy a home in Orange County and become part of the fun each year!

Courtesy of Cuselleration

Photo Credit: Shutterstock/arsija

5 Secrets About Living in Orange County You Have to Hear

From the magic of Disneyland to the chill vibes of Huntington Beach, Orange County is home to a lot of popular tourist destinations. But what people who are new to the area wouldn’t know is that Orange County is also full of a lot of other hidden gems. Check out these five secrets about living in Orange County that only locals would know!

1. It’s not always how it looks on tv

Orange County is known as the infamous backdrop to popular shows like Laguna Beach, The Hills, and The O.C. These shows often depict beautiful stars having the time of their lives as they cruise along the traffic-free coast in their Mercedes or frolic down the empty beaches in Newport. While these portrayals may have some truth behind them, others are pure exaggerations for the sake of entertainment. In reality, some of these shows weren’t even filmed in Orange County. So no, locals don’t actually call Orange County “The O.C.” and not everyone drives a Mercedes, but there are so many reasons why the reality of Orange County is even better than how it appears on television. Good food? Check. Awesome people? You bet. Fun adventures? Of course. Orange County really does have it all and television shows just don’t do this extraordinary place justice.

2. Traffic is no joke

…but there are ways to get around it! If you’ve ever been to Orange County, you’ve probably heard people referring to the 5, the 22, the 55, and the 405. These seemingly random numbers are actually names of freeways and talking about the best way to navigate the roads is like another language to Orange County residents. Orange County natives have mastered the art of the sometimes hectic freeways and you can too by following these tips. First, avoid rush hour. Although it varies depending on the freeway and your direction of travel, the weekday morning commute is generally from 7:30am to 9am, while the after-work commute typically lasts from 4pm to 6:30pm. Fridays, however, are a whole different story with the after-work commute starting as early as 1pm. If you’re traveling on the weekend, it’s best to start early or after dinner to avoid the potential traffic from people heading off to their next adventure. Another helpful tip is to download Google Maps or Waze. Unlike some other GPS systems, these apps offer alternative routes and route changes to help you get to your destination as quickly as possible. Since Orange County has so many exciting things to do and something for everyone in each city, the freeways can get a bit crazy, but the priceless memories you’ll make from your day trip to the beach or the many laughs you’ll have during your amusement park adventure will make the commute more than worth it!

3. The best day to go to the beach is Wednesday

…or any weekday really. It’s no secret that Orange County is home to some of the best beaches along the West Coast. There’s the infamous Newport Beach, tourist favorite Laguna Beach, and the holy grail of surfing, Huntington Beach, just to name a few! But with the wildly popular beaches comes the huge crowds and parking nightmare. So when’s the best time to go to your favorite beach without all the hassle? Well, from our experience living in Orange County, we found that the middle of the week is the best time to escape the crowds that tend to populate every Saturday and Sunday. If you are going on a weekend, however, try to beat the rush and head to the beach in the early morning. Nothing sounds better than a peaceful morning relaxing on the beach followed by a delicious brunch along the water. Another beach tip is to avoid the peak of summer if possible. Autumn is an ideal time to visit the beach and it’s Southern California so the weather is always perfect regardless of the time of year!

4. Orange County is home to a lot of foodies

From the octopus ceviche at Javier’s in Newport Beach to the soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung in Costa Mesa, Orange County hosts a wide variety of cuisine. Every city has their specialties, so almost every type of food is accessible as long as you know where to go. Want to find the best food without taking all the time and effort to do the research? Check out some of our past blogs to find the best dessert spots , top brunch destinations, and more!

5. Orange County really is the best place to live!

Orange County has more than just gorgeous beaches and yummy grub. The fantastic sights, relaxing vibes, and plethora of things to do are giving locals so much to love about their hometowns. Comprised of 34 cities with over three million residents, Orange County is much more diverse than television may lead people to believe. Looking for a quiet place where you can walk around the farmer’s’ market or browse antique stores? Old towne Orange is the perfect place for you. Maybe you want something with a bit more nightlife? Check out Fullerton and everything the city has to offer. In Orange County, there truly is something for everyone!

Interested in moving to Orange County? Let us know and we’d be more than happy to help!

Shutterstock: Photo Credit/Engel Ching

Thing to Do This Halloween in Orange County

Finding Halloween activities in Orange County isn’t hard to do, but choosing between all of them is! This year is going to be even bigger than the previous years because everyone is finally realizing just how much fun the spooky events are. Plus, there are tons more family friendly options this year than ever, so you don’t have to wait until trick or treating to get the kids involved.
Check out a few of our favorite picks this year:

Mickey’s Halloween Party

With years and years of just decorating the park during Halloween, Disney finally got in on the action and created a family friendly experience where adults and children alike get to dress up and trick or treat together!
You didn’t misread that; everyone gets their own candy, both adults, and kids. It not only gets you out as a family, but it lets parents (and non-parents) get to rekindle the feeling they had as a child when they used to go house to house getting candy.
This isn’t the only feature of Mickey’s Halloween Party that you won’t want to miss. There are themed decorations, bags, collectors pins, spooky Disney villains, the Headless Horseman who leads a special Halloween parade, and the Halloween Screams fireworks show.
All of this and more are available only to those who go to Mickey’s Halloween Party (tickets are sold separate from day time admission.)

Knott’s Scary Farm

Adolescents and brave kids can make the trip, but leave the little ones at home because this is one Halloween event that is meant to scare your socks off! Knott’s Scary Farm has been a staple of SoCal scares for several years, and they are frequently changing the chills and thrills with each passing year.
The main attraction is the many creepy themed mazes scattered throughout the park, but there are tons of other cool features to enjoy! Among the attractions are all the usual rides like Ghostrider that will be fully functioning during the festivities, numerous shows including Elvira’s Last Show (a stage show), and cast members running around the park scaring all who dare enter.
Knott’s Scary Farm is a classic destination for all of the true Halloween junkies out there!

Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch

Tanaka Farms Annual Pumpkin Patch is a blast for the whole family! It also happens to be the most affordable to make our list, with free parking and $2 entry daily. If you’d like to ride the wagon that takes you on a tour of the 30 acres, it only costs $5 for anyone over the age of 2.
This is one place that the kids will absolutely love! Not only are there thousands of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, but there is free face painting, balloons, and even a pumpkin cannon that shoots real pumpkins into the hills nearby!

Honorable Mentions

There are several other places that you can go to get your Halloween thrills, some of them year-round. There are even locations that require you to sign a waiver because they are so scary. 17th Door is one such location. These aren’t for the faint of heart, so research it before going!
Escape rooms are another awesome way to get into the Halloween spirit, and the good news is that most operate all year. They have horror themed problem-solving adventures that require you to solve the game to get out of a room within a certain time, or you fail.
Some are based on ideas like the movie Saw, and others require you to keep a pathogen inside to save the world! There are several different escape room locations throughout the OC, and each has their own unusual style!

Let’s Talk!

If you’re as excited about all the family outings in Orange County as we are, why not move here? Contact us today  to learn more!

Photo Credit: Shutterstock/Ekaterina Markelova

Summer Concerts in Orange County

The best time to have fun in the sun is during summer, and our favorite way is to go to as many summer concerts in Orange County as possible. One thing that the OC does better than other county’s festivals and concerts. We have put together a few of the best upcoming events and venues to help you get the most out of this summer!

OC Parks Concerts

The OC Park’s annual outdoor Summer Concert Series is kicking off in June at Craig Regional Park and making the rounds to Mason Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Mile Square Regional Park, and ending off in Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach in late August. They offer a pretty wide variety of music genres, and the tickets vary in price by popularity. One big name you may remember from a few years ago is Big Bad Voodoo Daddy!

For the full list of artists, dates, and to purchase tickets, you can go here.

OC Fair

Summer concerts in Orange County are a staple at the OC Fairgrounds thanks to the annual OC Fair. This year is going to be absolutely incredible, with big names like Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Isley Brothers with The Commodores, The B-52’s, Dashboard Confessionals with The All-American Rejects, and Kenny Rogers!

As usual, the OC Fair has done a fantastic job at selecting musicians from every walk of life to please everyone’s taste in music. Plus, the actual fair will be bigger and better this year than ever before!

This year’s OC Fair is going to kick off hard starting July 14th, so check the lineup out now and get your tickets (which include fair access) while they still last.

The Honda Center

You may not think of summer concerts in Orange County when you here the Honda Center, but it scouts some serious talent. Just this year I went to the Andrea Bocelli event, and it was pure magic (minus the guy singing off key the whole time right next to me!)

This summer is packed with tons of events, both musical and theatrical, to keep you entertained. As far as concerts go, you can catch Brad Paisley, John Mayer, Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey, and Kendrick Lamar.

Tickets are usually available all the way up until right before the event, but just know that you’ll be paying a premium for waiting. You can grab your tickets here.

Doheny Days

No list would be complete without mentioning the iconic beach concerts of Dana Point. This year’s 3–day music festival will be taking place on September 8th through 10th, and it will be a real treat with 20 artists! The talent coming this year includes Elvis Costello, HAIM, Social Distortion, and Fiona Apple to name a few.

Tickets are moving fast, so be sure to grab your single or 3-day pass before they’re gone!

 Call Us!

Getting to the best summer concerts in Orange County is our favorite pastime, so give us a call, and we can get you moved to the OC to take full advantage! You can contact us at 714-333-7327, reach us at 201 S. Antia #203, Orange, CA 92868, or email us at stacyandnicole@stacyandnicole.com today with any questions!

Photo Credit: Shutterstock/Werayuth Tes

Things to do this Memorial Day Weekend in Orange County

Planning to heat up those grills and take a dip in the pool this May 29th? Instead of having your average Memorial Day Weekend celebration, take advantage of the warm weather and family-friendly events happening around Orange County. Celebrate the service of our active and veteran military members this Memorial Day, while the whole family partakes in a fun-filled weekend with one of these exciting Memorial Day Weekend events.

Laguna Hills Memorial Day Run

No matter how much you work out, the Laguna Hills Memorial Day Run has a fun, active event for everyone. Whether it’s the famous half marathon, 10k, 5k, or Kid’s Run (1/2 mile), the whole family can run through the streets of Laguna Hills together to celebrate our service men and women while working off the inevitable barbecue of the afternoon.

Memorial Day Program in Anaheim

Rain or shine, those honoring the veterans of the El Toro Memorial Park, Santa Ana, and Anaheim cemeteries will gather at the Anaheim Cemetery on Memorial Day at 11 a.m. The program will include inspirational guest speakers, the beautiful presentation of wreaths, and a respectful honor guard firing salute. This is the perfect event for the whole family to attend to appreciate and honor the incredible service of our veterans this Memorial Day.

Newport Beach Wine Festival

In the weekend days prior to Memorial Day, spend the afternoon wining and dining at the 14th annual Newport Beach Wine Festival. Take in the beautiful sights of Newport Bay as you sip fine wines, taste gourmet entrees, and learn from the festival’s interactive classes! This annual event offers a winemaker dinner, afternoon wine tasting, and a refreshing Sunday morning brunch complete with sparkling wines and fresh seafood. Spoil yourself by spending date night tasting some of California’s finest wines!

Military Days at Knott’s Berry Farm

This Memorial Day Weekend, take the whole family out for an afternoon of dips, dives, thrills, and shrills at the rides of Knott’s Berry Farm. U.S. Military Personnel receive free admission for themselves, as well as discounted admission for up to 6 guests of their choosing. Enjoy a piece of boysenberry pie or a trip through Camp Snoopy, all at an excitingly discounted price.

Local Farmers’ Markets

Browse through some of the freshest produce California farmers have to offer at one of the dozens of farmers’ markets open over Memorial Day Weekend. Stop by the Orange County Market Place, the Yorba Linda Farmers’ Market, or the SOCO Farmer’s Market in Costa Mesa on Saturday for farm-fresh produce. For any Sunday-goers, the Downtown Santa Ana Farmers’ Market or the Certified Farmers’ Market offer fresh fruits and veggies that are perfect for your Memorial Day Weekend cookout.

Brunch

For brunch lovers, Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to get your brunch on. Get excited for the bottomless brunch offered at the Gypsy Den in Santa Ana. Enjoy endless mimosas, delicious entrees, and the sweet tunes of Apollo Bebop, a local, well-known experimental jazz/hip hop group. Or, for brunch with an unbeatable view, reserve your seat now at the Hornblower Cruises’ Memorial Day Weekend brunch cruise. Appreciate the scenic harbor views as you sip on champagne at your private table and enjoy the gourmet brunch buffet on the 2-hour long cruise.
So, instead of your annual Memorial Day cookout, adventure out to one of these local spots to see what Orange County has to offer this Memorial Day Weekend. From an exciting family run to a popular wine festival, there is something for the whole family to enjoy. Throughout the weekend, don’t forget to thank a veteran for their service. While the weekend marks the beginning of summer, it is most importantly a time for us to reflect and appreciate the freedom we have been given!

For more questions about year-round events in Orange County, contact Stacy & Nicole today!

Courtesy if Cuselleration

Photo Credit: Shutterstock/Monkey Business Images

Top Brunch Destinations for Your Easter Sunday

Easter came late this year so there’s still time to find the perfect place to brunch on that Sunday with the family! Amongst the variety of amazing restaurants in Orange County there are a few that go the extra mile on Easter! We know it can be overwhelming trying to find the perfect place, so we have laid out a few options for you to choose from! Check out these great spots for good food, gorgeous views and a great time!

The Coliseum Bar and Grill at Pelican Hill

If you are an Orange County native, you know you can never go wrong with Pelican Hill. As if the breathtaking views of the serene coastal line and enormous infinity pool weren’t enough to send you over the edge, the food at The Coliseum is divine. The outdoor seating allows couples and families to look out over the bright green golf course and Pacific Ocean, and is the perfect place for a sunny Easter Sunday. The brunch is buffet style with all the classics like waffles, eggs and sausage as well as a few extra items! You can even lounge around all day after brunch and stay for the Easter dinner they serve. This restaurant fills up quick for lunch so make sure to call soon if you’re looking to make reservations!

The Ramos House Café

Nestled in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, The Ramos House Café can be the perfect place to take the family for Easter brunch if you’re looking for something more casual. This restaurant is down-to-earth and the outdoor seating has a warm feel to it. The price of brunch is $40 per person and from there you are able to choose between drinks and an assortment of southern takes on basic brunch items. Many of the crowd favorites are the Smoked Bacon Scramble w/ Wilted Rocket & Apple Fried Potatoes, as well as the Duck Confit Wild Mushroom Mac N’ Cheese. The Apple Cinnamon Beignets also pair great with a fresh mimosa!

Sapphire Laguna

Looking for a spot that’s a little more upscale? Head to Sapphire Laguna for a beautiful and sophisticated brunch with your Easter Sunday crew. The outdoor seating has great views of the ocean, and the bright orange umbrellas protect you from getting too warm. The Easter Sunday menu is a three course set menu priced at $65 per person. The first course, which is a Swiss Muesli Parfait with bananas, goji berries, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, local honey and toasted almonds, sets the tone for the decadent food that Chef Azmin Ghahreman whips up! Your mouth will be watering just looking at the menu.

Back Bay Bistro

Talk about an assortment of food… Back Bay Bistro in Newport Beach offers a variety of “stations” at their Easter brunch so no one can leave hungry! The different options include an omelet, pancake, smoked fish, seafood, crab cake, carving and dessert station! In addition to that, the brunch also offers a variety of foods from the grill. The Back Bay Bistro is a great place to take the family on Easter Sunday because not only to they offer a wide range of kid and adult foods, but they also offer a separate price for children and adults. To brunch until you’re stuffed at the Back Bay Bistro costs $79 for adults and $38 for children. There’s a few more bonuses… the all-inclusive price for adults also includes bottomless champagne and mimosas for the whole morning! The Easter Bunny is also set to make an appearance, so while the adults are enjoying the drinks, the kids are amused too! The Back Bay Bistro is a great place to check out for the ultimate Easter Sunday brunch.

The Phoenix Club

Want to try something different for Easter? Bring everyone to the Ostermarkt Easter Bazaar hosted by The Phoenix Club! Although it’s not your typical sit-down brunch, this festival will have German food, imported desserts, a German bakery, German beer live music and crafts! The Easter Bunny is also said to make a special appearance at this fun festival! There’s no cost to attend the festival and it lasts from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. If Bratwurst, potato pancakes and split pea soup sounds good for Easter Sunday then stop by the Ostermarkt Easter Bazaar!

Social

If the cocktails are a vital part of the perfect Easter brunch for your party of people, then Social in Costa Mesa is the place to go! Although it’s not a traditional, classy Easter brunch, it’s delicious and signature drinks are to die for! Brunch goers can choose from a wide range of menu items. The food ranges anywhere from something as light as market fruits to a hefty plate of chicken and waffles. The food is not where most eyes wander though when there’s such a fantastic menu of cocktails to browse! A crowd favorite at brunch is the “Magic Carpet Ride” which is a mix of vodka, Sauvignon Blanc, jasmine and grapefruit. The atmosphere inside is fun and intimate which is why Social is a popular destination for friend groups on an Easter Sunday! Take a look at their sinful menu of delicious food and drinks today!
Still having a tough time choosing where you want to brunch for Easter? Here’s a short checklist you can use to narrow down your options:

  • How far will you have to drive?
  • Do you want a view?
  • Do you care if there’s outdoor seating?
  • Is there a set menu?
  • Is it family-friendly?
  • How expensive is it per person?

Hopefully now you have the tools to book the perfect Easter Sunday! If you have any questions, contact Stacy & Nicole today!

Courtesy of Cuselleration

Photo Credit: Shutterstock/Yuganov Konstantin

Fun for the Family in Anaheim

Hello Orange County and welcome back to our blog!! Today Nicole and I want to share a few of our favorite spots to visit with family. Orange County, being as wonderful as it is, is filled with things to do. Trying to list them all would cramp our fingers and put you to sleep. So instead, today, we will focus on fun for the whole family in good old  Anaheim, CA.

First on our list, and for good reason, is Disneyland and Downtown Disney. People travel from around the world to visit such a magical place and we have it sitting in our backyard. How lucky are we? Disneyland is fun for the whole family including entertainment, thrill rides, childhood favorites and amazing food. If you find yourself thinking that you don’t have enough time for the full Disney experience… No worries, stop by Disney’s Downtown area! Full of amazing places to eat (Rainforest Cafe, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen , ESPN Zone and more) we promise you wont go hungry. Downtown Disney is also home to the House of Blues, the Lego Store, live music/entertainment and a movie theater. The park and staff truly never disappoint, so join in with the rest of the world and visit Americas’ favorite mouse house!!!

Next on our list is the Edison International Field of Anaheim, or Angel Stadium for short. The beautiful home of our Anaheim Angels and America’s favorite past time!! Nothing beats a family day at the ballpark, I can’t tell you how many wonderful memories my family and I have made at the “Big A”. We want you to share the same, so if you haven’t been, its time!  Not only does this amazing place offer baseball games but also concerts,  high flying motocross and Monster Truck Madness, Harvest Crusade in August and a long list of other family oriented entertainment. We promise you and the family a wonderful time. Don’t forget Friday night fireworks and as you pass by on the 57 freeway look up and say “Light Up That Halo!”

Up next…. and directly across the street from the “Big A” is the Honda Center. Home to our Anaheim Ducks, “Quack Quack.” All I want to say is if you have not been to a hockey game then you have not lived… How can you beat big toothless bearded men and fast paced excitement. It’s a clear cut winner for a family event, go once and I promise you’ll be back. Don’t forget to check for upcoming concerts! Artist like Brad Paisley, J. Cole and John Mayer will be there this summer. Don’t miss out!

How many of you know about the Anaheim Packing District? I won’t lie, I just discovered this amazing place last year. I sure am glad I did because I feel like I was missing out. It’s a wonderful place to take the family. Set up like a mall, you walk end to end and are tempted with delicious food and desserts. Pair that with live music and adult beverages and you have fun for the whole family.

And last but certainly not least is Anaheim’s Adventure City. Many of you may have never even heard of this place, but if you have young children it’s is a hidden gem. It’s a fantastic alternative to the other high priced amusement parks in the area and a great way to get the kids to burn up some of that relentless energy. The park is equipped with a dozen or so rides, a children’s theater, petting zoo and a fun filled arcade. The park only opened in 1994 and is looking to expand soon, if you have not been we suggest packing the family up and taking a trip.

We are so blessed to have been born and raised in Orange County  and also to have the privilege of working everyday out and about… learning more and more about what makes are communities tick, keeps them cohesive and provides memories for so many of us throughout our life times…. Don’t forget, if you know someone who is dying to live in our amazing  area, please  have them reach out to us today! We promise to take great care of them and find them the home of their dreams!!
If you have any questions, contact Stacy & Nicole today!

Courtesy of Cuselleration

Photo Credit: Shutterstock/Monkey Business Images