Greer's OC | The latest in Orange County fashion, dining, and trends.

HALF MOON BAY FOR A PUMPKIN VACAY!

By Greer Wylder

September 12, 2011

By Sheryll Alexander Did you know Half Moon Bay is recognized as the pumpkin capital of the world and fall is the best time to travel to this rugged and scenic slice of California just 40 minutes from San Francisco? Yes, everything in this charming, yet upscale town is about the pumpkin in autumn from brilliant orange pick-your-own pumpkin farms to pumpkin beer to homemade pumpkin gnocchi to pumpkin-inspired spa experiences. Here’s a summary of this year’s pumpkin-related events, dining experiences, spa treatments, farm visits and more in Half Moon Bay. October 15-16: 41st Annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin…

FALL FOR THE BIG APPLE!

By Greer Wylder

September 08, 2011

Review by Lee Healy The full-throttle energy of New York City in fall (especially during Fashion Week) makes it the perfect time to explore the Big Apple. Head south on the island of Manhattan and discover the eclectic vibes of the fabled neighborhoods of Greenwich Village, SoHo and Gramercy. Be prepared to fall in love with the spirited hotels, world-class dining, and a cool, creative art scene that is unique to the city. WHERE TO STAY The East Village’s Cooper Square Hotel is cosmopolitan, contemporary and eminently comfortable. The 21-story tower soars with the aerodynamic lines of a sail ship while the interior emotes…

WEST HOLLYWOOD ROCKS FOR A RELAXING URBAN ESCAPE!

By Greer Wylder

August 29, 2011

Review by Sheryll Alexander Like Monaco, West Hollywood is a tiny principality of less than two miles square that is a world-class destination for history, art, culture, music, design, film, food, shopping and luxurious rooms with spectacular views. Unlike Monaco, West Hollywood is also blissfully irreverent, rebellious and a West Coast center of creativity for culture, entertainment and design. But how can this city-within-a-metropolis really be the perfect spot for a relaxing urban escape? Because a handful of truly chic, yet casual boutique hotels along The Sunset Strip make West Hollywood a relaxing getaway too. Let’s digress for several decades,…

MARINA DEL REY FOR A LUXURIOUSLY RELAXING ESCAPE!

By Greer Wylder

August 28, 2011

Review by Sheryll Alexander When we booked a two-night stay to Marina Del Rey’s recreation-friendly Jamaica Bay Inn and iconic Ritz-Carlton Marina Del Rey, we never thought it would be one of the most relaxing getaways ever. Just a quick 45-minute drive from coastal OC, Marina Del Rey has an unrivaled by-the-ocean vibe. No, this isn’t Santa Monica, Venice, The South Bay, Downtown or Hollywood. And that’s a very good thing. Why? Because Marina Del Rey is different. There’s a city gritty energy here along with that surburban casual cool OCers love so much. Yes, Marina Del Rey makes you…

ENJOY TRAINS, BALLOONS AND WINE IN NAPA!

By Greer Wylder

August 24, 2011

By Sheryll Alexander Ride the wine train and fly in a hot air balloon as part of a feature-packaged package by The Westin Verasa Napa, which sits on the banks of the Napa River across from the train station, adjacent to Oxbow Market and within walking distance of 13 wine tasting rooms in Napa’s charming downtown district. This 180-room property is a destination unto itself with on- and off-property culinary experiences, pools, spa, bocce ball, wine tasting and loads of outdoor recreation. Plus, The Westin Verasa Napa is home to Michelin-starred restaurant, La Toque. Award-winning chef Ken Frank oversees not…