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

EXTRAORDINARY QUEBEC

By Greer Wylder

June 09, 2010

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.…

DANA POINT DAZZLES!

By Greer Wylder

June 04, 2010

by Sheryll Alexander Before now, Dana Point wasn’t exactly the best place to enjoy Orange County’s scenic coastline. But now that Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa has completely transformed into a sophisticated seaside getaway, Dana Point is definitely a destination par excellence. Located atop dazzling Dana Point Harbor on a grassy knoll, Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa sits in old world splendor with its Cape Cod exterior re-imagined in red roofs, slate blue siding and bright white windows and balconies. Before the renovation, I described this property as “where nautical went to die.” NOT anymore. After a years long remodel,…

HOORAY 4 TERRANEA!

By Greer Wylder

May 30, 2010

by Joanne Tucker For dazzling Pacific Ocean views, none can compare to the rugged Palos Verdes Peninsula, where the newly-opened and rather luxurious Terranea Resort & Spa sits on 102 acres of gorgeous coastal property (once home to Marineland). Conveniently located between OC and LA’s South Bay beach cities, this elegant Mediterranean-inspired resort is surrounded by seemingly endless blue water on three sides with Catalina Island directly across the channel. At Terranea’s aquatic paradise, we spotted a whale guiding by and watched porpoises leaping out of the water from the resort’s high-walled and unbelievably scenic cliffs. Terranea Resort & Spa…

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…