Santa Ana Zoo: “Home of the 50 Monkeys”

For an attractive admission price, the Santa Ana Zoo opens up the worlds of Africa and India through their variety of resident animals. The Santa Ana Zoo is known as home to 50 monkeys, at the request of their founder in 1952. Now spanning 20 acres in a spot not too far away from Coventry Court Apartments, the zoo is also home to exotic creatures housed in plush recreations of their natural climates. Favorite exhibits include Tierra de las Pampas, featuring native South American animals in their natural grassland environment, and Amazon’s Edge, a waterfall habitat for howler monkeys and various birds. Exhibits stress education in addition to conservation, with a number of endangered monkeys calling the Santa Ana Zoo home. The zoo also offers a number of additional educational programs for visitors and school groups. Adults and families can get up-close education by traveling on a Wild Safari through the zoo.

Santa Ana Zoo
1801 E. Chestnut Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 835-7484

The Outlets at Orange: Something for Everyone

Thrifty shoppers know that outlet stores are the best places to find amazing deals. The Outlets at Orange are stocked full with quality pieces at reduced prices. High end fashion chains supply The Outlets with overstocked merchandise, which is then sold to you for an unbelievable price. High end stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue have outlets here, as do H&M and American Eagle Outfitters. The quality of stores here is pretty remarkable when comparing to your typical outlet stores. The only real difference is the price you’ll pay for these great items. New arrivals are frequent, as are daily reduced prices in the form of specials and deals. Parking is typically a breeze at The Outlets, but at busier times feel free to take advantage of the convenient valet service. The Outlets also feature a lot of great restaurants for hungry shoppers. There is even a cinema to finish off your day with a movie.

The Outlets at Orange
20 City Boulevard West
Orange, CA 92868
(714) 769-4000
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-outlets-at-orange-orange

The Road Less Traveled: Home Decor and Stationery for the Environmentalist

With its literary name and adorable selection of environmentally friendly products, The Road Less Traveled is a natural living center for bookworms and thinkers. The owners of this adorable home decor and stationery shop also host DIY workshops and the annual Patchwork Indie Arts & Crafts Festival.

All of the products at The Road Less Traveled are natural, handmade or eco-friendly, from the scented candles to the colorful tea towels. Clothing items are crafted from natural fibers, and there are even purses made of soda tabs and other salvaged items. The store itself is open and filled with natural light, and it’s decorated with colorful, whimsical displays that are sure to inspire. If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift, the shop also sells art made by local artisans that will make a long-lasting impact on your friend, sister, or special someone.

The Road Less Traveled is open noon to 7 p.m. most days and until 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Sundays. The shop is closed on Mondays.

The Road Less Traveled
125 N Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 836-8727
www.roadlesstraveledstore.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-road-less-traveled-santa-ana

The Auld Dubliner: Guinness, Sports, and Snacks in Tustin

With a name like “The Auld Dubliner,” how would you image this Irish pub to look? Dark wood? Check. Big mirrors? Check. Guinness and a bunch of other draughts? Check. Sports, events, and that ineffable Irish spirit? Check, check, check.

Tustin’s Auld Dubliner is the quintessential Irish pub, renowned for good beer, strong whiskey, and warm service direct from the Emerald Isle. The menu makes plenty of nods to California—don’t miss the burgers or Taco Tuesday—and there’s always a game on one of the many TVs. Many events are held here, too, from trivia and DJs to theme nights, and of course, the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration you ever saw.

The Auld Dubliner
2497 Park Avenue
Tustin, CA 92782
(714) 259-1562
www.tustin.thedubpubs.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/the-auld-dubliner-tustin

Shop Back Issue Comics at Comics Toons & Toys

Go on, check out Tustin’s Comics Toon & Toys. It’s full of stuff you don’t know you want. New issues, back issues, graphic novels, game cards, a Homer Simpson decal to stick on your dashboard. Regulars call it Orange County’s best comic book store and it’s bigger than it looks on the outside.

Whether you want to dive into nostalgia with Archie, check out the latest from Marvel, or start replacing the Star Wars stuff that Mom threw out, Comics Toons & Toys probably has it on the shelf. If not they can order it and you’ll likely leave with an armload of cool stuff anyway. It’s that kind of place. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Check the Facebook page for hours, specials, and live events, including music.

Comics Toons & Toys
13542 Newport Avenue
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 730-2117
www.facebook.com/ComicsTNT
www.yelp.com/biz/comics-toons-and-toys-tustin

Don Presley Auction: Collectible Treasures

Don Presley Auction offers the most beautiful antiques and collectibles from around the world. These are one of kind pieces you’d be hard pressed to come by at typical antiques shops. There is a constant influx of quality merchandise from Don Presley Auction. The show room is replete with beautiful treasures from far off places.

Everything from furniture, music boxes, tapestries, vases, carved decorative ivory pieces, china and silverware, even fine silks and lines have been available at one time or another. One of the best things about the showroom is Don Presley himself. On top of being a consummate professional in is profession, Don is well-regarded by regular visitors for being quite friendly!

Don Presley Auction
1319 W. Katella Avenue
Orange, CA 92867
(714) 633-2437
http://www.donpresley.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/don-presley-auction-orange

Hike, Ride and Birdwatch at Peters Canyon Regional Park

Peters Canyon Regional Park is one of Orange County’s natural wonders, comprising 340 acres of coastal sage scrub, riparian, freshwater marsh, and grassland habitats. The 55-acre reservoir draws migrating waterfowl and the reservoir landscape of sycamores, cottonwoods, and black willows create a lush, dramatic background for your picnic.

In the mood for something more active? The park offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Bring your camera for the stunning views, especially along the Ridge View and Nature Trails. Keep an eye out for bobcats, coyotes, opossums, raccoons, the occasional mountain lion, and many interesting birds, including several varieties of hawk.

Check the site for seasonal park hours, maps, and more information.

Peters Canyon Regional Park
8548 E. Canyon View Avenue
Orange, CA 92869
(714) 973-6611 / (714) 973-6612
www.ocparks.com/parks/peters
www.yelp.com/biz/peters-canyon-regional-park-orange

Santiago Oaks Regional Park: Take a Hike Today

Santiago Oaks Regional Park, tucked away in East Orange, boasts over 1700 acres of scenic parkland just minutes from downtown. The park offers scenic views along several trails of varying length and difficulty level, making it popular for families and hikers of all ages. In addition to the hiking trails, the park is home to a nature center that offers educational programs on weekends, and park rangers lead various walks and activities throughout the year. The park has many amenities, including an amphitheater, barbeques, picnic areas, a playground, and a scenic overlook. Additionally, several trails are suitable for bicycles or equestrians, and the park allows dogs on leashes. Regular visitors love the serenity and quiet of Santiago Oaks, as the park rarely feels crowded or overrun, truly allowing visitors to relax and connect to their natural surroundings. For views of the local scenery and a peaceful hike, head to Santiago Oaks Regional Park.

Santiago Oaks Regional Park
2145 Windes Drive
Orange, CA 92869
(714) 973-6620

Picture Show at Main Place: One Dollar Tuesdays

The Picture Show at Main Place might be the O.C.'s best bargain for movies. Prices here are low, both for admission and concessions. For just a dollar on Tuesday nights you can see a film, for less than it would cost to rent. You can also enjoy the concessions stand where many tasty treats are well under the expected chain theater pricing. For under five dollars one can purchase a variety of snacks and drinks at a price that would be unheard of in most theaters. Seeing a film on the big screen is a vastly different experience and the Picture Show offers customers this wonderful experience at any budget. This is a great place for a date night, or perhaps to take the kids on a Saturday afternoon.

Picture Show at Main Place
2800 N. Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 836-7469
http://www.pictureshowent.com/locations/santa-location
http://www.yelp.com/biz/picture-show-at-mainplace-santa-ana

Brushstrokes: Express Yourself

Not every small city has its own dedicated art studio, but Tustin is lucky enough to be home to Brushstrokes on W Main Street. Hobbyists and professionals alike can sign up for two-hour classes where an instructor goes over how to create a pre-selected painting stroke by stroke. More than enough allowance is made for creativity, however, and visitors are encouraged to add their own touches to their original works. The atmosphere is as casual and flexible as the instruction, with fun music playing and students encouraged to talk to the staff and each other. There are summer camps and classes for children as well as more general open sessions with the pre-selected painting available online so that those interested can choose one they like. The art supplies are student grade and the employees are on hand always to swap out brushes or paints. Bring your own snacks and beverages and be ready to get a little messy and have some fun.

 

Brushstrokes
138 W Main St
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 544-1994
http://www.yelp.com/biz/brushstrokes-tustin

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