Spring has sprung! What is your favorite thing about Spring?
Peters Canyon Hike: The Best View in Tustin
April 7, 2016 by
If getting a great workout while also checking out a truly stunning view of Tustin sounds like a perfect afternoon to you, you’ll love exploring the Peters Canyon Hike. This popular hiking area contains a few different trails ranging in difficulty from beginning hikers to very experienced, and although they can get a bit crowded during peak hours, each one offers a relaxing and scenic time spent in nature.
Peters Canyon Hike is dog-friendly and inviting to both you and your four-legged friend, and you’ll even find the occasional mountain biker or horseback rider along the trail. Local wildlife and undisturbed trees, plants and flowers surround you as you hike, and there are frequent rest areas along particularly difficult parts of each trail. There is ample parking surrounding each entrance, which conveniently leads right to the start of the trails. For outdoorsy Tustin residents, the Peters Canyon Hike is a must-try.
Peters Canyon Hike
8548 E. Canyon View Avenue
Orange, CA 92869
(714) 973-6611
www.ocparks.com/parks/peters
www.yelp.com/biz/peters-canyon-regional-park-orange
Try Tacos from a Truck at Los Reyes Del Elote
March 24, 2016 by
Love tacos? You’ll love them even more when you try the flavorful, authentic versions served at Los Reyes Del Elote, a popular food truck in Santa Ana. It’s easy to spot this colorful mobile eatery at its location on the corner of Main and Chestnut, and there’s lots of street parking in the area to make it even more convenient.
Regulars rave about Los Reyes Del Elote’s signature elote, a type of Mexican street corn served either on the cob or in a cup. The corn is topped with zesty spices and cheeses for maximum flavor. In addition to the elote, Los Reyes Del Elote offers tacos served on homemade tortillas with your choice of meats or seafood, torta sandwiches, and wet burritos smothered in delicious sauces.
Everything is available at ow prices that make this a great, portable lunch option when you’re on the go.
Los Reyes Del Elote
Corner of Main and Chestnut
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(949) 610-4226
www.yelp.com/biz/los-reyes-del-elote-santa-ana
6 Things You Might Not Know About Led Zeppelin
March 17, 2016 by
From their almost unbelievable guitar licks to their groovy blues background, Led Zeppelin forged their own path through the rock and roll world of the 1970s. Here are some of the most interesting highlights from the iconic band’s explosive history.
- Guitarist Jimmy Page achieved success with his first band, The Yardbirds, throughout the 1960s. When the band broke up in 1968, they still had a number of tour dates to complete, so Page enlisted John Paul Jones, Robert Plant, and John Bonham to fill in for the estranged members. They completed the tour obligations under the name the New Yardbirds before switching to the name Led Zeppelin in 1969.
- Led Zeppelin recorded their first album in under 30 hours. It entered the Billboard Top 10 in just two months.
- Throughout the band’s history, every one of their albums of new material has gone platinum.
- When Led Zeppelin released their fourth album, they refused to give it a title or even print any words at all on the sleeve. The band members were angry at the media for continually referring to their music as a hype, so they wanted to create confusion and disorder.
- Led Zeppelin might have never become as popular as they did if it wasn’t for English pop singer Dusty Springfield. Page and Jones played on some of her albums, and she recommended the band to their first record label, Atlantic Records.
- In 1975, Led Zeppelin became the first band ever to have six albums on the Billboard charts at the same time.
Are you a Zeppelin fan? Which of the band's songs is your favorite?
Led Zeppelin [Rolling Stone]
The 10 Wildest Led Zeppelin Legends [Rolling Stone]
Led Zeppelin [Artist Facts]
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
March 17, 2016 by
May your day be touched with a little bit of the luck of the Irish!
Cappuccino, Latte or Cortado? Find Your Go-To Drink at Hopper & Burr
March 10, 2016 by
If you’re looking for a great go-to coffee shop in Santa Ana, Hopper & Burr is just that place. This modern cafe is run by a team of fellow coffee lovers just like yourself, and it offers a pared-down menu of espresso classics perfect without all the bells and whistles. The result is a perfect cup of joe with every visit, whether you prefer a light, frothy cappuccino or a strong espresso to start the day of right. The skilled baristas deliver the perfect pour every time, and they also make a great avocado toast to go along with it!
The space itself is fresh and stylish, with French-style cafe tables lining the light-filled room and a vintage-inspired espresso bar with green plants surrounding it. Bring your laptop, a good book, or a longtime friend and spend a few hours some of the best coffee in town.
Hopper & Burr
300 N Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 265-7640
www.hopperandburr.com
A Whale of a Tale: Where Books Come to Life
March 3, 2016 by
A Whale of a Tale caters to kids of all ages with books and collectibles that thrill the imagination. The staff brings books to life here; they know them best, and they imbue all they do with the warmth, passion and good humor that comes with great literature.
A Whale of a Tale is more than just a business, it’s a calling; the shop is based on traditions of integrity, service, respect, love of books and community. It was honored with the prestigious Lucille Pannell Award, given annually to one American bookstore that does the most to inspire kids’ love of reading.
The shop is known for megastar book signings: J.K. Rowling, Brian Jacques and Julie Andrews have appeared here. Check the website for hours and more information.
A Whale of a Tale
4199 Campus Dr.
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 854-8288
http://www.yelp.com/biz/a-whale-of-a-tale-irvine
Smoqued California Barbeque: Best Barbecue in Town
February 25, 2016 by
With a name like Smoqued California Barbeque you’d expect a place with a bit of a sense of humor. But the cooks take barbecue seriously. Be sure to bring your appetite when sampling one of Smoqued California’s feasts; the 420 Mac comes in a bucket filled with mac ‘n cheese, chili, cornbread, pork and bacon, along with a smattering of veggies and cheese. You can’t beat brunch at Smoqued California Barbeque. Mimosas, Bloody Marys, and selected craft beer are offered at reduced prices. Unlike most brunch menus Smoqued California offers some substantial fare to go along with your drink of choice. Biscuits in country gravy come with your choice of sausage or bacon, while the eggs Benedict features smoked ham on an English muffin. Smoqued California even offers delicious desserts, including pecan pie and the hot apple skillet.
Smoqued California Barbeque
128 North Glassell Street
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 633-7427
http://www.yelp.com/biz/smoqued-california-bbq-orange
Public Domain/Public Domain
Three Fast Facts About Benjamin Franklin
February 18, 2016 by
Upon mention of Benjamin Franklin, you probably think of that famous kite-flying incident and Franklin's ties with Philadelphia. However, there's more to the life of this renowned inventor. Here are three facts to help you learn more about Ben Franklin:
1) Franklin's name is synonymous with the City of Brotherly Love, but Franklin was actually born in Boston in 1706. (At the time, Boston was a British colony.) Franklin was one of ten children.
2) Despite having little formal education, Franklin was an avid reader and captivating writer. He penned newspaper articles under pseudonym, Silence Dogood, and eventually established his own print shop in Philadelphia, which also housed a general store operated by his wife, Deborah. In 1729, Franklin took ownership of Pennsylvania Gazette, a popular newspaper for which he also provided content.
3) Franklin possessed a lifelong interest in science. His inventions include the library chair, bifocals, Franklin Stove, lightning rod, swim fins, and many more.
The Electric Ben Franklin [US History]
Benjamin Franklin [History]
Benjamin Franklin FAQ [The Franklin Institute]
Happy Presidents’ Day
February 15, 2016 by
On this day we honor all of the Presidents of our great country. If it weren’t for them, our country would not be what it is today!
Equal Housing Opportunity