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

SPECTACULAR SANTA BARBARA

By Greer Wylder

July 21, 2010

By Joanne Tucker Looking to be “wowed” this summer? Hop on Highway 101 just north of LA and drive to Montecito (Oprah’s hometown) for five-star pampering at one of the few remaining resorts in Southern California that captures the true elegance and grandeur of a bygone era: Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Known as the crown jewel of Santa Barbara’s oceanfront properties, the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara is a classic Spanish colonial-style 1927 landmark, which showcases the essence of the opulent Roaring 20s. It was a time when Hollywood’s A-list stars came to The Biltmore’s…

THE RITZ PERFECTED

By Greer Wylder

July 10, 2010

by Joanne Tucker and Sheryll Alexander Situated atop a 150-foot bluff, which overlooks a dramatic crescent-shaped cove, The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel is one of the most luxurious, yet family-friendly beach vacation destinations in OC. Why does a stay at the The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel make for a fabulous beach vacation? First off, the location is just spectacular. Located atop famed Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point, The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel has an almost unbelievable view of the cliffs, the surf and the sand below. Salt Creek Beach also has a park right next to the resort with lots…

Napa Valley South? Paso Robles

By Greer Wylder

July 02, 2010

Paso Robles is experiencing a renaissance that we never could have predicted. Just 200 miles from Orange County we found the perfect weekend getaway. As the Central Coast’s destination for wine lovers, the Paso Robles wine region boasts more than 200 wineries, as well as incredible stores, restaurants, wine lounges and upscale hotels. You’d be hard-pressed not to have an incredible visit to Paso Robles. On a whirlwind trip we checked out the historic Paso Robles Inn where guests can enjoy a private hot springs mineral spa tub in deluxe spa rooms or stay in new two-room suites. The relaxing…

OJAI REVEALED

By Greer Wylder

June 27, 2010

by Joanne Tucker The picturesque Ojai Valley, which is located just 120 miles from OC, was once known as a tiny, sleepy hamlet for eccentric artists, the health conscious, cattle ranchers and spiritual devotees. But today, Ojai is an artsy, eclectic, organic community with small town traditions like no fast food drive throughs, no big box chain stores, not many traffic lights and a peaceful vibe that reverberates in all of its culture, history, shops and accommodations. With more than 8,000 residents, this thriving upscale town boasts a new generation of inns, hotels, spas, boutiques, art galleries, cafes, restaurants and…

VENTURA ADVENTURE!

By Greer Wylder

June 26, 2010

by Joanne Tucker Located only an hour north of LA along Highway 101, Ventura County boasts miles of pristine beaches, surfing hot spots, rugged islands, groves of citrus trees and avocado orchards, fields of strawberries, wineries and and quaint country towns. Sounds like the OC of days-gone-by, doesn’t it? Ventura may still represent the “real” California of decades past with its abundant local produce and fresh seafood, but it also has all the amenities of urban communities, a Historic Downtown Cultural District with a small town vibe and boundless opportunities to play in the waves, kayak with dolphins or relax…