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

Southeast Asian holiday

By Greer Wylder

November 30, 2009

Forget Hawaii for Christmas. For the adventurous holiday traveler, how about Da Nang, Vietnam? One of the country’s most luxurious hotels, the oceanfront Furama Resort, is offering a special Christmas and New Year’s package. A 3-day stay from Dec. 22 to 28th is $380 for one or $460 for two guests; a 3-day trip from Dec.29 to Jan.3 is $430 for one or $560 for two. The packages include a daily complimentary buffet breakfast, a shuttle bus to the ancient port town of Hoi An and a special Christmas/New Year’s Eve dinner. Can’t-miss-attractions in Da Nang also include a visit…

Budget cosmopolitan: Buenos Aires, Argentina

By Greer Wylder

November 20, 2009

Proof that you can still travel, even during a recession: say hello to Buenos Aires, Argentina. The cosmopolitan gem of South America has long been described as Paris-meets-Barcelona, except that your dollar will definitely go farther in Argentina. Presently, the U.S. dollar is almost 4-to-1 to the Argentine peso. Watch tango dancers twirl through the cobblestoned streets of San Telmo, wander through the colorful neighborhoods of La Boca and shop for contemporary fashion in the hip and Brooklyn-esque town of Palermo Soho. And of course, sit at any parilla in Buenos Aires and treat yourself to some of the best…

L.A. for a day: Hotel Palomar

By Greer Wylder

November 10, 2009

So many cool boutique hotels to stay at in L.A., which one to choose? How about Hotel Palomar? Located a few blocks away from Westwood VIllage, UCLA and a short drive to famous attractions like The Getty Center and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, the contemporary 19-story Kimpton hotel features a heated outdoor pool with poolside drink service, spa tub and is even pet-friendly. All of the 268 rooms offer 42-inch LCD TVs, iHome docking stations, free wireless Internet access and a fully-stocked honor bar with organic options. Other amenities include bathrobes, L’Occitane toiletries, turndown service and laptop size safes.…

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,…