Category: Family Fun Event

Local Events March 2023

Posted on | by Kovacs

If you find yourself in Orange County this March, there’s no shortage of amazing experiences to be had! Spend your weekend attending the Festival of Whales, which is celebrating its 50th year. Check out the breathtaking views while whale watching; then, at the end of March, don’t miss out on the Swallows Festival celebrating St. Joseph’s Day. If arts and crafts are more your style, make sure to carve out time for the Huntington Beach Arts and Crafts Show. There’s so much to do in Orange County during March—make sure you don’t miss out!

San Juan Capistrano – Farmakis Farms Craft Market 
Saturday, March 11, 2023

Family-owned Christmas tree farm and certified farmers’ market located in San Juan Capistrano is now offering a monthly craft market!

Crafts, arts, handmade goods, and one-of-a-kind items! FREE to attend. It will be held on the 2nd Saturday of every month.

LOCATION:
29932 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

INFORMATION:
(949) 364-1270

San Juan Capistrano – El Presidente Ball 
Saturday, March 11, 2023
6 -10 pm

Journey back to the late 1800s of early California and let the Fiesta Association show you how “the West was fun” at this western-style dinner dance.

Enjoy some great food and old-fashioned fun while dancing under the stars (weather permitting) to live country-western-style music.

LOCATION:
El Adobe de Capistrano
31891 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano

INFORMATION:
949-615-1920

San Juan Capistrano Saint Joseph’s Day at the Mission
March 19, 2023

Live mariachi music, community presentations, Special Guest “Swallows Speakers”, Mission Basilica School performances, ringing of the historic bells and History of St. Joseph’s Day and Swallows Legend

Location:
Mission San Juan Capistran
Ortega Hwy

INFORMATION:
949-234-1300

San Juan Capistrano – Swallows Day Fiesta Grande  
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
6-9 pm

This night of Old West entertainment consists of four contests rolled into one! Best Dressed Old West Man, Best Dressed Old West Woman, Best Belt Buckle, and the Hairiest Man (best mustache and/or beard). So don your finest Old West outfit, belt buckle, or facial hair! and enter one or more of the contests. There is a $5 entry fee (pay when you arrive) per category for each contestant entered.

For the timider, spectators are always welcome at the hilarious Fiesta Grandé.

LOCATION:
Swallow’s Inn
31786 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano

INFORMATION
949-615-1920

San Juan Capistrano – Swallows Day Parade & Mercado 
March 25, 2023

The Parade takes place in downtown San Juan Capistrano. This is the nation’s largest non-motorized parade. It is totally organized and presented by the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association. Arrive early; most street closures are by 10.00 a.m. The parade begins promptly at 11 am.

The Mercado is a Street Fair and Market Place where you can eat, drink, and shop at over 100 booths. It is THE place to be after the parade! Listen and dance to the music of The Working Cowboy Band, a traditional country music band.

LOCATION:
Downtown San Juan Capistrano

INFORMATION
949-615-1920

Buena Park – Knott’s Boysenberry Festival 

The Knott’s Boysenberry Festival is our annual food and wine festival that celebrates the park’s historic roots by highlighting the little berry that started it all, the boysenberry. Indulge in a tantalizing lineup of dishes ranging from savory foods with a boysenberry twist to one-of-a-kind specialty desserts and drinks, including a variety of wines and craft beers that you can only find at Knott’s Berry Farm during this limited-time food-inspired event.

In addition to the numerous food and drink offerings, the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival offers a wide selection of local crafters, live music, musical stage shows, and fun activities for guests of all ages to enjoy. This year’s event will introduce entirely new food offerings featuring a selection of more than two dozen food and drink items.

LOCATION:
Knott’s Berry Farm
8039 Beach Boulevard
Buena Park

Huntington Beach – Arts & Crafts Show March 12th & 26th, 2023

Come out and shop from 10-4 pm and see over 50 unique, hand picked artisans and crafters as they showcase their latest designs, collections, products, and one-of-a-kinds! Successful crafters Justin & Ryan Clayton-Palmer @TheBottleArtCompany have created a new take on an old tradition.

FREE Admission & Parking. Presented by RC Palmer & Co.

LOCATION:
Old World Village
7561 Center Ave.
Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach – Irish Fest @ Old World Village
March 17th -19th, 2023

Come down to the Biergarten in Old World Huntington Beach for great food, drinks, and live music! During Irish Fest, Corned Beef & Cabbage and Irish Stew will be served at the Biergarten!

LOCATION:
Old World Village
7561 Center Ave.
Huntington Beach

Top 7 Valentines Day Ideas in Orange County

Posted on | by Cuselleration

Love is in the air, and what better way to celebrate the month of love than with your special someone! Orange County is the perfect place to spend a romantic getaway from dreamy gondola rides to enchanting picnics with a view. We’ve listed a few incredible events and ideas we know you and your special someone will love for Valentines Day and any day!

Valentine Hike+Picnic with a View
1000 Steps Beach
31972 Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Orange County is known for its splendid views and nature strolls. Start off your day with an easy hike to A Thousand Steps Beach, and enjoy a romantic picnic with your significant other. Scope out the beach and discover tide pools and secret caves.

Facade Fun House
The Lab Anti-Mall
2930 Bristol street
Costa mesa, CA 92627

https://www.facadefunhouse.com/
Have some fun at Facade Fun House in The Lab, Costa Mesa. You and your special someone will adore this interactive exhibition where you can take hundreds of photos and post it all over social media.

Liven up with some Cuban Flare
Habana
708 Spectrum Center Drive Irvine, CA 92618
949-419-0100

https://www.restauranthabana.com/
If you love authentic Cuban food and Cuban flare, enjoy a lively and romantic meal at the Habana. It is known for their romantic atmosphere with candle-lit ambiance and delicious culinary creations.

Escape Rooms in Orange County
4245 E La Palma Ave
Anaheim, CA 92807
714-572-1004

https://crossroadsescapegames.com/
Have a group date and be entertained rummaging your way through these escape games. Rated #1 best escape room in Orange County and Los Angeles, Cross Roads Escape Games is known for its clever and unusual themes, which your team will no doubt love.

Wine Tasting
26755 Verdugo St
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949-481-6682

http://www.ranchocapistranowinery.com/
Time to unwind and taste some delicious wine in Orange County’s largest winery. Stocked with over 50 different offerings, you and your special someone will lose track of time delighting yourselves in the abundance of wine. Feeling a little hungry after? You’re in luck! Rancho Capistrano Winery is also home to delicious creations from Chef Adrian de La Torre. It’s no wonder this winery was named “Best Overall Restaurant” in San Juan Capistrano.

Romantic Gondola Ride
3101 West Coast Hwy #110
Newport Beach, CA 92663
855-466-3652

http://www.newportbeach.gondola.com/
Relax and make a romantic gesture by taking your significant other on a gondola ride. Create memories and float swiftly through canals and watch the beautiful horizon as the sun sets.

Valentine’s Day Garden Dinner
Farmhouse at Roger’s Garden
2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd
Unit #5
Corona Del Mar, CA 92625

http://farmhouserg.com/
Indulge in this romantic getaway restaurant, nestled on over 7 acres of land in the heart of Newport Beach. You and your special someone will love the ambiance and fresh cuisine picked right out of the garden.

Orange County is not only the perfect Valentine’s Day destination, but an even better place to live! Contact The Kovacs Connection Team to learn more.

7 Ways to Get The Most out of Fall in Rancho Santa Margarita

Posted on | by Cuselleration

Now don’t be scared. Yes, the wind is howling, the door is creaking and the dog is barking, but we’ve got you covered! Our team worked our way through fall in Rancho Santa Margarita to find some fun ways to spend the scariest time of the year.

Fall in Rancho Santa Margarita Means Orange:

Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm

The color orange is the star attraction at the Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm. It’s for fall, it’s fun, and it’s free! We’re talking about Orange County’s largest premier Harvest Festival. Talk about a perfect outing for the family! Free admission and parking, barnyard animals in the Petting Zoo, pony rides at the Pony Corral, puppet shows, amusement rides, thousands of pumpkins..need we say more?!?

Spooktacular Fall Family Festival

Tuesday, October 31–2pm-5pm

What a great way to spend time with your younger children on Halloween afternoon. Spooktacular gives your kids a chance to trick-or-treat in a fun and safe environment. They can play on multiple inflatables and bounce houses. There is also a costume contest as well as a child and pet costume parade. Just think of the possibilities! Enjoy some refreshments and have your picture taken for your memory book. Or Facebook. Or Twitter. Or Snapchat. Or Instagram..you get the picture!

Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas

Speaking of pictures: talk about a great spot for Girls Night Out, Date Night Out, or Some Other Special Night Out! Cinepolis is a premiere movie theatre and restaurant experience. Wander in and find areas to relax, order dinner and watch a frightening movie in comfort and style. Just have your sweetie nearby so you can grab him when the movie takes a dark and scary turn!

Cismontane Brewing Co.

Regulars to Cismontane love its cozy atmosphere and excellent choice of craft brews. Seating at this smaller craft brewing company is limited: the locals recommend ordering a growler. Cismontane Brewing typically has around 8 beers on tap, and many others bottled. Grab an outside table, order a meal from the Thai restaurant next door and they’ll deliver it right to you. Sounds like a plan!

Dailys Sports Grill

College and Pro Football is king this time of year, and the NBA is just getting started. Dailys Sports Grill can scratch your itch for lots of sports to watch with multiple TVs and good pub food. Excellent weekend spot to unwind and figure out what you’re going to wear to that Halloween party!

Dunbar Brewing

This is not a place for a witch’s brew, but rather a cool spot to hear music and gather with friends around a pint. Regulars say the bar will remind you of “Cheers” where everybody knows your name, but newcomers are welcomed with open arms. There are food trucks on location that can fill up your empty tanks. The beer selection is impressive and varied.

Spa Gregorie’s Day Spa & Salon

If the ghosts and ghouls are getting on your last nerve, Spa Gregorie’s might just be the antidote for your worries. It was voted Best Day Spa by American Spa Magazine, Day Spa Magazine, City Search and SpaFinder. This is a unique retreat for women and men, where guests can escape the rigors of daily stress. So unwind in this special space. Body massages and facials await, and there are couples package deals to die for!

 

So.., even if the dog is barking, the wind is howling, and the door is creaking, you can shut the door and head out to some fall fun in OC!

Best Family Biking Trails in OC

Posted on | by Cuselleration

Pump up the tires, fill your water bottles, grab your helmets and let’s hit the road! At The Kovacs Connection we know fall is the perfect time to spend with your family on two wheels. There are trails throughout OC for every athletic and skill level, but we’re concentrating on the best family biking trails! And if your wheels are in need of a tune-up, we’ve also given you some information on some of the best bike shops in OC.

Aliso and Wood Canyon Wilderness Park

This is a great trail if you’re thinking about a picnic mid-way. Aliso Creek Riding and Hiking Trail runs 18 miles from Laguna Niguel to Whiting Ranch. You and your kids are on a trail off the road, so you’re not worrying about the traffic. The massive trees provide a ton of shade, which makes it perfect for when the kids need to stop and rest. The rest areas have historical information about OC as well.

Photo Courtesy ocparks.com

Santa Ana River Trail

This is a great trail if you are biking with younger kids. The Santa Ana River Trail stretches from Huntington Beach to Weir Canyon Road, and the trail is away from traffic and pretty level. Keeps down the “Mom, when are we going to stop?” conversations. Some added benefits are the parks that you will ride to along the way, where the family can chill for a bit and the kids take advantage of the added play time and nature centers

San Clemente Beach Trail

This trail has a bit of everything for your family. First of all, it’s gorgeous, with the trails running right along the coastline. It’s not too long, and it ends at the beach, so pack a picnic and make a day of it!

Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

2301 University Drive

Newport Beach, CA 92660

(949) 923-2290

This is a great trail for the nature lovers in your group. The Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve includes a 10-mile path called the Back Bay Loop. It’s a wide trail and takes you around the back bay area of Newport Beach. There are places to stop along the way, including a nature center, the Back Bay Science Center, and several picturesque parks.

San Diego Creek Bikeway

The San Diego Creek Trail is more than 9 miles long, and bisects the city going east-to-west.  On the western end, the trail connects with the Back Bay trail in the City of Newport Beach.  On the east end, it ends near the junction of I-405 and State Highway 133. Along the trail is easy access to parks, retail centers, neighborhoods and more, providing a welcome escape from the heart of a bustling city.

Best Bike Shops in OC

The Path Bike Shop

215 W. 1st St., #102

Tustin, CA 92780

(714) 669-0784

Rock N’ Road Cyclery

5701 Santa Ana Canyon Road

Anaheim Hills, CA 92807

(714) 998-2453

Santiago Cycling

115 Prospect Ave.

Tustin, CA 92780

(714) 544-6091

Bicycle Discovery

8800 Warner Ave.

Fountain Valley, CA 92708

(714) 841-1366

Two Wheels One Planet

420 E. 17th St.

Costa Mesa, CA 92627

(949) 646-7717