Grab a Glass from the Bar and Get Painting at Pinot’s Palette

Part wine bar, part art studio, Pinot's Palette brings the best of two worlds together for a unique date night or evening out with friends. You don't have to bother stopping for your own bottle of vino on the way to Pinot's Palette since it boasts a full bar in-house, a real perk if you're having enough trouble just getting your entire crew to commit to a meeting time. Beer, wine, and booze-free beverages are all served at the bar, so make sure to bring some extra cash to your class.

Even if you don't imbibe, you'll still walk away from Pinot's Palette with fond memories and a masterpiece. The studio's seasoned instructors lead their guests in creating cute paintings that you can have framed right on the spot and take home to hang on the wall. No matter your current level of artistic ability, the step-by-step approach at Pinot's Palette can turn you into a master of your craft in a matter of two or three hours.

Pinot's Palette
2479 Park Avenue
Tustin, CA 92782
(714) 400-9016
www.pinotspalette.com/tustin
www.yelp.com/biz/pinots-palette-tustin

Get Eye-to-Eye with Ocean Critters on Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari

Captain Dave is a trusted expert in the field of aquatic wildlife. So trusted, in fact, that Ellen Degeneres asked him to explain to her audiences about the dangers of commercial fishing in a special segment on her talk show. He earned the honor after heroically rescuing a whale trapped in a fishing net—along with many other critters who'd gotten tangled up in its web. Captain Dave's love of the sea shines through in everything he does, including his Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari.

The safaris set sale from the Dana Point harbor in one of four watercrafts, but the one that comes particularly highly recommended is the Manute'a. Although each boat offers a safe, stable ride on the waves, the Manute'a boasts one unique feature that gets you up close and personal with any dolphins or whales you encounter on the journey: the Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pod. It's exactly what it sounds like, a glass case that juts out from the bottom of the boat into the water. Let your kids climb down inside and get up close and personal with dolphins, or take a turn yourself.

Captain Dave's Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari
24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 488-2828
www.dolphinsafari.com
www.yelp.com/biz/captain-daves-dolphin-and-whale-watching-safari-dana-point

Olis Bakery: Mexican Fare That Sates a Sweet Tooth

If your Mexican food of choice is usually tacos or burritos, you just might change your mind after visiting the family-owned Olis Bakery. This cozy bakery specializes in south-of-the-border baked goods like flan and Mexican bread, as well as savory tamales for lunch in your choice of cheese, pork, or chicken. If you stop by in the morning, you can pick up a breakfast sandwich and a freshly baked muffin, as well as hot coffee to go along with them.

Conchas and pan dulce (a customer favorite) are prepared fresh on site, but where the bakery really shines is in its gorgeous custom wedding cakes. The friendly staff will work with you to decide on the perfect theme, and the bakery's affordable prices will help keep you right on your wedding budget.

Olis Bakery
204 E. Warner Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92707
(714) 546-6962
www.olisbakery.com
www.yelp.com/biz/olis-bakery-santa-ana

The Outlets at Orange: A Colorful Shopping Experience

Savvy shoppers know that great bargains can be found at outlet malls, and The Outlets at Orange is one of the most popular outlet centers in the Santa Ana area. This sunny outdoor shopping mall features tall palm trees lining the spacious walkways, a variety of different restaurants, and all of your favorite mall stores in one area.

You’ll find great deals on shoes at the Nike outlet and the Vans store, while style mavens can spend hours browsing the great deals at Nordstrom Rack and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th. Clothing retailers like Old Navy, Banana Republic, and American Eagle offer options for shoppers of all ages, and there are even cell phone stores and drugstores if you need to run some errands. Stop by for lunch, enjoy a game of bowling, or even catch a movie at this all-encompassing shopping and entertainment plaza in Santa Ana.

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

Acai Republic: Give Your Day a Healthy Kickstart

If you’re looking for a healthy breakfast or snack, consider stopping by Acai Republic in Tustin. This popular cafe specializes in acai bowls, a trendy breakfast food that layers fresh fruit, coconut shavings, and granola atop a base of super-thick acai smoothie. While these bowls consist of mostly fruit, acai bowls are quite filling, as well as nutritious: They center around the Brazilian acai berry, considered by many to be an antioxidant-rich superfood.

Regulars at Acai Republic recommend the Sao Paulo bowl, which boasts a smoothie base made from acai and banana and topped with granola, coconut, blueberry, strawberry, and banana. Acai Republic also has several fruit smoothies on their menu, including an avocado and milk smoothie. The restaurant staff also serves freshly squeezed juices that are made daily. A few sweet and savory Brazilian pastries are also for sale, and if you’re in the mood for something savory, meat and cheese sandwiches are also on offer.

Acai Republic
632 El Camino Real
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 617-4962
acairepublic.com
www.yelp.com/biz/acai-republic-tustin

Comics Toons N’ Toys: A Comic Collector’s Dream in Tustin

Since its opening in 1988, Comics Toons N’ Toys has been the go-to spot for comic book fans in Tustin. From graphic novels and back issues to new issues, manga, action figures, and more, Comics Toons N’ Toys promises to have it, locals say. The owner will even order back issues for you if he doesn’t have it in stock, and employees will put items on hold, as well. However, regulars insist Comics Toons N’ Toys is likely to have what you're looking for in stock.

The staff is notably friendly and knowledgeable and will help a new collector or fan find exactly what you’re looking for. The store stocks a wide diversity of comics, including many indie publishers alongside DC and Marvel. Even though the inventory is massive, customers praise the level of organization and ease with which titles can be found.

Comics Toons N’ Toys
13542 Newport Avenue
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 730-2117
www.facebook.com/ComicsTNT
www.yelp.com/biz/comics-toons-n-toys-tustin-2

Bowers Museum: A ‘Local Treasure’ in Santa Ana

“A local treasure.” That’s what locals say about Bowers Museum, which is dedicated to arts and cultures from around the world. The museum, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, hosts permanent collections of artwork from Native America and Latin America, the Pacific Islands, Asia, and Africa. The museum also features a collection of historical artifacts from around Orange County. Visiting collections come through often, as well.

The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. General adult weekday admission is $13, and weekend admission is $15. Children under 12 are admitted free. Bowers Museum is also known to host after-hours events and special educational events for all age groups regularly, so check the website’s calendar for upcoming events.

Bowers Museum
2002 N .Main Street
Santa Anna, CA 92706
714-567-3600
bowers.org
yelp.com/biz/bowers-museum-santa-ana

Cost Plus World Market: A Globally-Inspired Shopping Experience

Upon entering the Cost Plus World Market, you’ll be transported to another place, a bustling bazaar brimming with eye-catching items of every color and foods imported from across the continents. World Market got its start in the 1950s after a jet-setting businessman began bringing home his unique finds from distant lands and selling them in his shop.

At the World Market in Santa Ana, you’ll find eclectic and unique decor items to spruce up your home, as well as various European and Asian foods and beverages. A large wine and alcohol selection from around the world is also available. Regular shoppers say that the low prices are hard to beat for such interesting finds.

The Cost Plus World Market location in Santa Ana is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays.

Cost Plus World Market
1313 W. Sunflower Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92704
714-957-6553
www.worldmarket.com
www.yelp.com/biz/cost-plus-world-market-santa-ana

Sherman Library and Gardens: A Garden Oasis

Meander through Sherman Library and Gardens and take in the beauty of botanicals from all over the world. Featuring a collection of plants and sculptures that can’t be found elsewhere, this garden oasis offers an around-the-world experience that can be soaked up in one long afternoon.

After your visit, be sure to stop in to the Café Jardin to refuel with aromatic teas, fruit and chocolate scones, and tea sandwiches in flavor combinations like herb infused cream cheese and red pepper, roasted turkey and green apple curry spread, and cheese and watercress on cranberry bread.

Sherman Library and Gardens
2647 E Coast Highway
Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
(949) 673-2264
http://www.slgardens.org/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sherman-library-and-gardens-corona-del-mar

It’s a Grind: Enjoy Coffee in Anaheim

With gourmet coffee and baked foods in a comfy environment, It's a Grind is one cool coffeehouse.

The coffee is top-notch fair trade stuff, with many beans of different depths. The service is highly-regarded by regular visitors, and the baristas use their expertise well in making fine hand-crafted espresso drinks like lattes and mochas. There are also non-fat yogurt smoothies and a wide selection of iced drinks for when you want something refreshing. If you'd like to grab a bite to eat while you're here, you can pick up a pastry or bagel, too.

Fans of fine coffee will have much to celebrate at It's a Grind. Check out the website to learn more about this Anaheim coffee shop!

It's a Grind
1035 N. Tustin Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92807
(714) 632-9922
http://www.itsagrind.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/its-a-grind-anaheim

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