Free in the OC: Fullerton Arboretum

Fullerton Arboretum

The Fullerton Arboretum is an oasis in the heart of Orange County.  Serving the community since 1979, the arboretum is the premier resource for ecological, horticultural and historical education.

The Fullerton Arboretum is the largest botanical garden in Orange County encompassing 26 lush acres. It has assembled a permanent collection of over 4,000 unique and unusual plant species from around the world. With its ponds, streams and wildlife, the Fullerton Arboretum offers a tranquil retreat from a fast-paced urban life.

Nature tours are offered the third Saturday of every month (except January and August), starting at 10:00 am and typically lasting about an hour. Tours are free, however donations are requested in the amount of $2/per adult and $1/child.

Check out their website for more info - Fullerton Arboretum

Famous Face from Orange County: Jon Lovitz

Jon Lovitz is an American comedian, actor and singer. He is best known as a cast member of the NBC sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live from 1985 to 1990. He was born in Los Angeles but graduated with a degree in theater in 1979 from the University of California Irvine. ZOT ZOT!

He's made appearances in Matilda, Friends, Rat Race, Just Shoot Me!, Two and a Half Men, and more although he said his in an interview for the book Live From New York: An Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live that his time in SNL was the most memorable in his career. Hanukkah Harry, one of his most memorable roles, cast him in 1989 as a Jewish contemporary of Santa Claus who lives on Mount Sinai and travels the globe with a cart flown by three donkeys to give bland gifts to Jewish boys and girls. Harry is asked to fill in when Santa falls ill on Christmas Eve.


IMDB Trivia on Lovitz:

• His "Saturday Night Live" (1975) character, Master Thespian is an imitation of a professor he had at the University of California-Irvine
• Has a twin sister
• Once worked at the New York Renaissance Faire (in Tuxedo, NY) and was almost fired for referring to himself as "the town Jew."
• Worked various jobs while pursuing an acting career. Was a waiter, worked in a clothing store, was a messenger, worked in a xerox shop, shoe store, as a hospital orderly

Orange County City of the Week: Dana Point

Dana Point

From the City of Dana Point's website:

Dana Point is situated on the beautiful Southern California coast, halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles. It prides itself with nearly seven miles of coastal bluffs and rolling hills along the Pacific Ocean with its charming beaches and wild surfs. Most noteworthy of these bluffs is a unique promontory known as the “Headlands”, which overlooks Dana Point Harbor, one of the most significant manmade alterations of the Orange County coastline. Dana Point encompasses 6.5 square miles and is home to 33,351 people and numerous businesses, all working together as one community. You can see this collaboration in action during some of the City’s annual festivals and events such as the Turkey Trot in November, Festival of Whales in March, Concours D'Elegance in June, and its 4th of July fireworks show. The City is home to the Dana Point Harbor, the newly opened Ocean Institute presenting a wide array of marine life, to several beautiful lodging facilities and restaurants to accommodate your special needs.

Dana Point

OC Nightlife: Downtown Fullerton

Downtown Fullerton

Fishbowl from Palapas Grill

It's nearing the end of the week and you've put in some major work hours the past few days. Looking to unwind and let loose a bit with some friends? Why not check out the plethora of bars and specialty restaurants in Downtown Fullerton?

You will find the majority of the bars just north of the 91 freeway on Harbor. A popular place to start the night off is the tropical-themed Palapas Grill. They have a great happy hour with $3 bottled beer, $5 appetizers, and 2-for-1 taco deals on Tuesdays. What people really come here for is their "Fishbowl" cocktails. They delicious, deceptively strong, and great for groups. Once you're done, you can head over next door to Florentines if you're in the mood for some Hip Hop and R&B, or The Continental Room for some live jazz. If you're a beer lover looking for a little more relaxed atmosphere, The Pint House has a great selection of beers on tap with live music starting at 7:30.

There's something for everyone at Downtown Fullerton and it's a great place to let loose after a long week. 

Orange County City of the Week: Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa - "City of the Arts"

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

The City of Costa Mesa— just one mile from the Pacific Coast in the heart of Orange County—is one of California’s most eclectic and vibrant cities. The city is home to South Coast Plaza, one of the nation’s largest shopping centers, and the world-class Segerstrom Center for the Arts and South Coast Repertory theater. Costa Mesa is also the capitol of the action sports industry and the headquarters for companies such as Hurley International, Volcom, RVCA and Paul Frank Industries.
The city’s diverse dining scene has earned Costa Mesa the award from Rand/McNally and USA Today as being the best small town for restaurants west of the Mississippi River. Costa Mesa’s creative bent has given rise to The Lab and The Camp, two counter-culture retail developments, and the SoCo Collection, a cutting edge, environmentally friendly shopping center.

Source: City of Costa Mesa 


Also, for those in Costa Mesa, check out the Food Truck Fair in the OC Fairground tonight or during your lunch break tomorrow!