Laguna Beach Art Festival

Can it possibly be the end of August, with September waiting around the corner? I always take time at the Laguna Beach Art Festival to push this reality away, if only for a day. This year's Art was as fabulous as always and the live Jazz added to the enjoyment. One of my favorite displays features children's Art (K-12) from various schools; this year I came away with some inspiring ideas for my own backyard Art Classes! This Art show is very "hands on," with opportunities to paint on ceramics and do your own printmaking. I can't wait to go back next summer, although 2012 does seem a LONG time away!

Yorba Linda Farmer's Market

Charming Redlands

Redlands boasts a small-town charm while offering many of the amenities of a much larger city. Apparently at the turn of the 20th century, Redlands was considered the "Palm Springs" of the next century, with roses and palm trees being planted along many city thoroughfares. The University of Redlands presents music, art, dance, theatre and other cultural events throughout the year. Across from the A.K. Smiley Public Library sits the Redlands Bowl, where free outdoor concerts are performed during the summer. In the residential areas, many of the homes were built in the Victorian style (a mini San Francisco!); one restored 1903 Victorian home is now a Museum, featuring Depression-era glassware, china and even items belonging to Liberace! We had brunch at McDuff's in the downtown area; the food was scrumptious and the people friendly. On my next trip to Redlands, I'd really like to see the fairytale-like French Chateau called Kimberly Crest (it was featured on PBS's American Castles series).

Idyllwild

Although Idyllwild's location is neither OC or LA, I decided it was fabulous enough to post on my blog, so here we go!  Nestled in the San Jacinto Mts., Idyllwild is the quintessential artist's town, with Art exhibits, Jazz nights, summer concerts and the Idyllwild Arts Academy. The "small town" atmosphere of Idyllwild truly has an abundance of rustic charm; the tall pines and fragrant cedars lend the perfect backdrop to this artsy village. We enjoyed dinner at Cafe Aroma, made famous by Casey Abrams of American Idol fame. I ordered the Casey Abrams Gnocchi Alfredo, while listening to the sweet sounds of  live Jazz. Our overnight stay was spent at the Creekstone Inn. Their luxurious suites have fieplaces and loads of charm and is within walking distance of shops and restaurants. I plan to visit again in December, when there will be a nip in the air and the village will be decked out for the Christmas season!

Cafes & Shops in Old Towne Fullerton

 Located in the Villa del Sol plaza, (at the corner of Wilshire & Harbor),  the Brownstone Cafe has indoor & outdoor seating with a scrumptious menu. The California Hotel was built in 1922.

 One of the unique shops in the Villa del Sol is the British Grocer where you can purchase imported English china and assorted gourmet food items.

 Nearby is Gilding the Lily a specialty shop featuring ribbons, buttons and hats.

 Across Wilshire Ave. is the popular Rialto cafe; my favorite dish is the Greek Omelette!

Irvine Spectrum Center

Super-fun location for shopping, eating and hanging out!

Muckenthaler Cultural Center

Built in 1924 by Walter & Adella Muckenthaler, the Italian-Renaissance-style mansion stands on a beautifully landscaped hill on West Malvern Ave. in Fullerton. In 1965, the Muckenthalers donated the estate to the City of fullerton to use as a cultural center for the arts. I enjoyed an opening reception for American Nostalgia, an exhibit featuring 40 contemporary artists and illustrators who reinterpreted the traditional themes of Norman Rockwell. You may remember Rockwell's artwork featured on the cover of Saturday Evening Post magazine. Adding to the delightful atmosphere of this exhibit were musical performances by Naive Thieves, Summer Twins, and Leftover Cuties (my favorite), all performing in the courtyard. Indoors, a barbershop quartet called The Gaslight Revue sang classic American Songs. I highly recommend visiting this exhibit, which continues through Sept.25th.

Old Pasadena

If you're looking for a new place to shop, have lunch, or just hang out, Old Towne Pasadena is a great choice. I'm having lunch with my wonderful & fabulous cousin Patti, at Mi Piace's. One of my favorite museums, the Norton Simon Museum, is located here on Colorado Blvd. You've probably seen it on TV when watching the Rose Parade on New Year's Day! The Norton Simon features artwork by van Gogh, Picasso, Rembrandt, Renoir, Matisse and Raphael, just to name a few. The Huntington Library is located in nearby San Marino, with beautiful gardens, artwork, and famous books like a Gutenberg Bible and Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales.