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

A Magical Stay

By Greer Wylder

November 03, 2009

It used to be that one needed to be invited by a magician to get into the ultra exclusive Magic Castle in Hollywood. Indeed, the Victorian-style mansion has been the private clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts, an organization devoted to keeping the ancient art of magic alive. For nearly five decades, the Magic Castle has enthralled captive audiences with up-close magician performances in intimate parlors throughout the mansion. While it’s true that the general public still needs an invitation from a magician to gain admittance, here’s a quick way to skip that: Stay a night at the Magic…

Exploring a classic California beach town: Ventura

By Greer Wylder

November 03, 2009

Because not all of us can jet off for a week to somewhere exotic—there’s the low-key day-cation or weekend getaway. Tucked between two rivers and situated between California ’s Coastal Range and the Pacific Ocean, Ventura might be one of California ’s best-kept secrets. The quintessential California surf town is an outdoor lover’s dream: How about a daylong Kayak adventure? Exploring sea caves? Or maybe spotting some of the 27 varieties of whales and dolphins found in the surrounding waters? Afterward, wind down the day’s activities with a stroll through Ventura’s revitalized historic downtown district packed with boutiques, coffee houses,…

Beijing or Bust

By Greer Wylder

October 24, 2009

The Forbidden City. The Great Wall. Former home of the 2008 Olympics. The capital of the world’s most populous country, Beijing has emerged as the modern jewel of China, a fast-paced metropolitan hub. If you’re headed there for a trip, consider staying at Opposite House, a sleek boutique hotel designed by Japanese master architect Kengo Kuma. The 99 rooms feature contemporary Chinese decor, natural wood floors and bathrooms with deep oak soak tubs, rainshowers and heated floors. Stay two nights receive a third night free, including breakfast for two on weekends, a guided cultural walk of Beijing, complimentary mini-bar and…

A Family Getaway

By Greer Wylder

October 20, 2009

For the family seeking more than just a trip to an amusement park or camp ground for a vacation, there’s Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona. The family-friendly resort was recently named one of the best hotels for families for Travel + Leisure’s September issue. Located near the Grand Canyon, families can book Jeep tours and hiking and plenty of outdoor adventures the resort offers, including swimming, mountain-biking, playing croquet, pitch & putt golf and tennis. The resort’s Camp Coyote program offers children the opportunity to go on nature walks, pottery sculpting, star gazing, obstacle courses, scavenger hunts and painting. The…

TROPICAL ESCAPE

By Greer Wylder

October 19, 2009

Fancy the idea of being transported to a lush Mexican resort? You won’t have to hop on a plane, because just a smidgen past Orange County lies Long Beach’s newest waterfront addition: Hotel Maya. Boasting spectacular panoramic views of downtown Long Beach and the iconic Queen Mary, the four-star hotel hails from Joie de Vivre’s sleek line of boutique hotels and embodies a mix of Latin American charm, a bit of hot Miami glamour and SoCal’s casual and modern vibe. Even better? Prices for rooms start at a reasonable $139. And Hotel Maya is offering Greer’ sOC subscribers a special:…