Greer's OC

Travel

LAGUNA RIVIERA ROCKS!

06.14.10

by Sheryll Alexander

One of my favorite places in the entire world is South Laguna Beach. Why South Laguna? Because you can ditch the car and walk to some of OC’s best restaurants, boutiques, nightclubs, markets, surf outfitters, beaches, coves, art galleries, casual eateries and bars.

And, Laguna Riviera Hotel is one of my favorite places to stay in South Laguna. This homey family-run hotel features cozy, yet modern rooms and suites, some of which feature full kitchens, free wireless, dining rooms, fireplaces, balconies and even old-fashioned glassed-in porches.

Each room is different and the hotel is built on several levels to take advantage of the cliff and the stunning Laguna Beach coastline views. If you choose a corner room, you’ll revel in spectacular beach and hillside views.

You can easily reach the beautiful beach below by walking down the hotel’s steep steps that are filled with colorful flowers and lots of greenery. For more water therapy, Laguna Riviera features a rather famous indoor saline pool and hot whirlpool, which helps rejuvenate the skin (and the soul) after a day at the beach.

Start the morning with a walk across the street to Café Heidelberg for an authentic European coffee and pastry. Or, dine at K’ya Bistro at nearby Casa del Camino. At breakfast, K’ya always features morning cocktails, gourmet bagels, breakfast sandwiches, fluffy pancakes, healthy oatmeal and lots of egg dishes.

After a day on the beach, walk with sandy bare feet to OC’s iconic Wahoo’s Fish Tacos for inexpensive beer and tasty fish tacos. If a picnic sounds good, a trip to totally gourmet Sapphire Panty fills the basket with deli items, wines and desserts. Come sundown, enjoy drinks and appetizers at Casa del Camino’s Rooftop Lounge, or the Surf & Sand’s 1550 Bar while watching a gold, pink, purple and orange Laguna sunset.

Some of OC’s top restaurants are located in South Laguna such as Sapphire Laguna, French 75, hush, Tabu Grill and Surf & Sand’s Splashes. For late night dining and live music, hit Mozambique’s lively “shebeen” lounge. Hip nightclub Mosun is where the wanna-be-seen gather for late night drinks and small plates.

Remember, Laguna Riviera is located smack dab in a charming South Laguna neighborhood with grocery markets, liquor stores and cozy cafes. And if you need directions or are seeking recommendations, ask someone. “Lagunatics” (Laguna Beach residents) are usually willing to help with a warm smile and some cool insider information.

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa. Follow me! @sheryllalexande

EXTRAORDINARY QUEBEC

06.09.10

by Sheryll Alexander

Need to really get away, but don’t have the time and money to travel all the way to Europe? Quebec City in Canada’s Quebec province is one of the most European cities in North America.

Yes, the Quebecois (Quebec citizens) speak both French and English. Yes, the architecture in Quebec City reminds you of France or England. Yes, the views of the St. Lawrence River, the city lights and the pastoral countryside are spectacular. Yes, the food here is deliciously organic and artisan. Yes, there’s cultural activities galore in Quebec too, especially during the warm summer months.

And even though it’s been several years since I’ve visited Quebec, I can’t get Auberge Saint-Antoine out of my mind and heart.

Located in the city’s charming and walkable Old Port area, Auberge Saint-Antoine was built right over one of Quebec City’s most significant historical sites, Îlot Hunt. While building the hotel, the Price family (one of Canada’s richest families) decided to create a museum within the hotel itself rather than shipping off the thousands of found artifacts to a museum.

Although the property consists of four structures dating from 1700 to the present day, the décor at Auberge Saint-Antoine is thoroughly modern and highly comfortable. Solid 300-year-old wooden beams hang overhead while slate floors and porcelain objects are offset by minimalist furnishings and bright colors.

The 83 rooms and 12 suites all feel down home and luxe at the same time. The pillowy-soft beds feature goose down duvets and pillows. There’s large work desks, throw-open windows, dramatic silk floor-to-ceiling drapes and turquoise-tiled bathrooms with surprisingly deep tubs.

The hotel’s gorgeous signature restaurant, Panache, is overseen by Chef François Blais. His fine French Canadian cuisine has inventive modern twists and uses mostly local, seasonal produce, sustainable seafoods and naturally-raised meats.

Part of the renowned Relais & Chateau brand, Auberge Saint-Antoine sits right across from the majestic St. Lawrence River and is just steps away from Quebec City’s fortifications, museums, boutiques and lively Petit-Champlain Street.

If you are visiting Quebec in the summer months, make sure to enjoy one of the city’s many festivals as these interactive cultural festivities are just steps outside your door when you stay at one of Canada’s best hotels, Auberge Saint-Antoine. For a list of festivals and lots of detailed travel information, visit Bonjour Quebec.

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, Calif. Follow her! @sheryllalexande

‹ First < 92 93 94 95 96 > Last ›

More Travel

Follow Greer on Pinterest

Advertise Here