Irvine Park Railroad: A Playland Paradise

The Irvine Park Railroad is but one attraction of many in Orange’s Irvine Park. The railroad itself is a 1/3 scale old fashioned train that offers children and adults a scenic ride through the park. The train ride, lasting about 10 minutes in duration, offers whistles, tunnels, and an introduction to the park and its history. Other attractions in the park include bicycles and paddle boats for rent, a petting zoo, pony rides, and a seasonal pumpkin patch. The park has plenty of amenities like picnic areas, restrooms, and a snack bar, making it a popular place to celebrate children’s birthdays or to take the family for a fun outing. During holidays, the park hosts special events like the “Easter Eggstravaganza” or a specially decorated train ride to meet Santa at Christmastime. Visitors rave about the affordable prices and friendly park staff, but note that special events get quite crowded due to the park’s popularity.

Irvine Park Railroad
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869
(714) 997-3968

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

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

Santa Ana River Trail: Feel the Breeze

The 43-mile Santa Ana River Trail has been decades in the making, but residents and visitors in the Orange area now can include 24 miles of the trail as a local place to get their recreation. The trail will eventually be expanded to a 110-mile parkway leading from the San Bernardino Mountains to the Pacific Ocean alongside the Santa Ana River. The paved trailway provides opportunity for pedestrians, bicyclists, equestrians, and runners to enjoy the natural beauty of Orange County leading to and along the coast. The parkway includes sport fields, bird watching spots, and beachfront activities along a relatively flat stretch of the trail. Cyclists caution that the winds blowing off the ocean can be quite strong, but admit this can provide pleasant relief on hot days. Regular visitors note that the trail can be secluded in some areas and advise that visitors stay in groups for safety, or visit primarily during mid-day hours.

Santa Ana River Trail
W. Orangewood Avenue
Orange, CA 92868
(714) 555-5555

Orange Circle Antique Mall: A Treasure Seeker’s Dream

Centrally located in Olde Towne Orange, the Orange Circle Antique Mall is a browser’s paradise. The mall, which is the largest antique mall in Orange County, houses many vendors peddling goods from truly antique (think 1800s) to retro (think 80s). Open for over 40 years, Orange Circle is a veritable labyrinth of antique goods, and the sheer volume of items for sale often shocks first-time visitors to the mall. Frequent visitors rave about the bountiful selection of antique estate jewelry, vintage records, and unique old-fashioned toys. Though prices vary by vendor, bargain hunters tout Orange Circle as a great place to find a fair price on a special item. With everything from furniture to knick knacks and anything in between, the Orange Circle Antique Mall is a gold mine for those who love to browse through history’s best collectables and find something special to take home.

Orange Circle Antique Mall
118 S. Glassell Street
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 538-8160

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