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

HEAD TO HEALDSBURG

By Greer Wylder

May 29, 2010

by Sheryll Alexander The charming small town of Healdsburg is an ideal home base to explore Sonoma County’s wine country. Healdsburg sits in the center of Sonoma’s four top grape-growing valleys: Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley and Russian River Valley. And, the more than 100 world-class wineries in Sonoma County just happen to be surrounded by a rugged Northern California coastline, the meandering Russian River and old-growth redwood forests. A stay at the highly organic and super comfortable Hotel Healdsburg puts you in the middle of Sonoma wine country action. More like a boutique hotel complex, the hotel…

MONTEREY MARVELS

By Greer Wylder

May 18, 2010

by Joanne Tucker The city of Monterey highlights what’s best about a top travel destination: jaw-dropping ocean-meets-surf scenery, quaint seaside restaurants and shops, the historical landmark of Cannery Row (immortalized by John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name) and the world-class Monterey Aquarium, a must-see attraction that delights and educates millions of visitors every year. Perched on a cliff overlooking dazzling Monterey Bay, the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is the perfect place to enjoy the gentle sounds of the surf and the scent of fresh sea air while sipping a glass of California wine on your balcony. The Monterey…

Surf & Sand Paradise

By Greer Wylder

May 11, 2010

By Sheryll Alexander Did you know the OC has its very own French Riviera? Oui oui! South Laguna Beach is known for capturing that earthy, yet fun-in-the-sun coastal European attitude. The two “rivieras” have much in common: sun-drenched Mediterranean climate, spectacular ocean views, white sandy beaches, golden cliffs and tiny romantic coves. South Laguna Beach also rivals any chic coastal French town with its sophisticated art galleries, stylish boutiques, gourmet eateries and hot night life. The absolute gem of South Laguna Beach is Surf & Sand Resort. This slice of Orange Coast paradise sits so close to the water that…

Temecula Wine Bliss

By Greer Wylder

May 06, 2010

By Sheryll Alexander Only an hour’s drive from Orange County, Temecula Wine Country truly feels like you have been transported to Napa or Paso Robles. Majestic mountains ring the scenic Temescal Valley, which has a grape-growing microclimate of a 1,500 ft. elevation, well-drained decomposed granite soils, sunny-filled breezy days and cool summer nights. More than 30 wineries grow a variety of grapes here like Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Tasting rooms at such well known wineries as South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Thornton Winery and Ponte Family Estate Winery are open daily…

Vibrant Victorian Vacation

By Greer Wylder

May 02, 2010

By Joanne Tucker Whether you arrive via high-speed ferry or land in a seaplane, getting to Vancouver Island in Canada’s British Columbia province is just the beginning of a splendid adventure. Victoria Island boasts spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, the world-renowned Butchart gardens and the capital city of Victoria, which is ranked by many travel publications as one of the world’s top destinations. Located on the southern tip of the island, Victoria is the most British of cities in North America with its turn-of-the-century architecture and timeless beauty that is showcased in the Parliament building and the famous Fairmont Empress Hotel. …