Preview Orange County Real Estate Blog - December, 2014

What Can You Expect in Downtown Huntington Beach

Downtown Huntington Beach is the place to go for shopping, dining, nightlife and more. It’s a busy area with over 250 exciting businesses and so many unique, one-of-a-kind experiences for residents and visitors, as well.

They have plenty of places to stay, special activities and events, and many services you might need. They have 8 miles of paved boardwalk with 12 miles of sand and surf to enjoy. Here is a look at what you can enjoy while spending time in downtown Huntington Beach.

About Downtown Huntington Beach

The Huntington Beach Downtown Business Improvement District came about in 2006 as a way to improve the experience downtown. You’ll find a number of businesses for your shopping needs, dining options, services and special events…

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Attraction Spotlight: The Pilgrim

The Pilgrim is a full size replica of Richard Henry Dana, Jr.’s hide brig from the American seafaring classic novel “Two Years Before the Mast.” The original was built in 1825 for $50,000 and it was around 90 feet long. It was going to take a voyage in 1834 to participate in the California cattle hide trade for Boston owners, Bryant and Sturgis.

The Pilgrim would take manufactured goods, foodstuffs and ironware from New England’s Boston and head to Alta California coast where they’d be supplied with procured hides from the missions and rancheros to take back to Boston. Here is a look at the rest of the story with the Pilgrim and what you’ll see at its home at the Ocean Institute of Dana Point.

About the Pilgrim

The Pilgrim is a full size of…

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Where Are the Top Winter Art Events Found Outside in the OC?

The OC is one of those places that can be enjoyed all year round and the area is alive and active in the winter. You’ll find cultural and art events taking place during the winter season that get you outside and enjoy the weather that most of the rest of the country cannot.

Enjoy artistic showcases while enjoying beautiful weather around Orange County at these top choices for art, culture food and entertainment during the winter season.

First Thursdays Art Walk – 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach

Check out the upscale art walk in Laguna Beach, Orange County. You’ll find some of the most sought-after pieces of art in three designated gallery areas. The north galleries, central galleries and south galleries are all included in the art walk. Check…

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Where Is the Best Burger in Orange County Found?

Orange County is full of burger joints. No matter where you go, you are bound to find a burger listed on the menu. For those interested in the best, gourmet, one-of-a-kind burgers, try one of these top choices around Orange County.

Mesa – 725 Baker Street, Costa Mesa

You have to try the Mesa House Burger at Mesa in Costa Mesa. Their house burger is layered with Havarti cheese, bacon, arugula, black garlic aioli and onion. They have amazing rosemary French fires and the whole meal was created by Chef Niki Weyler. Niki wanted to bring seasonality to the menu. They also offer a Veggie Burger made with garbanzo beans, parsley, onion, carrots, avocado and chipotle aioli.

25 Degrees Restaurant – 412 Walnut Avenue, Huntington Beach

Check out the…

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Festival of Trees Event

The Aaronson Group recently took part in the 1st annual Festival of Trees. Put on by Fleur de Lys Events and held at the Fairmont in Newport Beach, this holiday cocktail reception featured live entertainment, wine, small bites, and a live tree auction to raise funds and awareness in benefit of South County Outreach. Founded in 1989 as a non-profit, non-sectarian organization, Saddleback Community Outreach provides emergency assistance to South Orange County residents. The organization has developed numerous programs to address the needs of the less fortunate, including a transitional housing program, a computer learning lab for the unemployed and underemployed, the Upscale Resale Thrift Store, food drives, a food pantry, and rental and utility…

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Attraction Spotlight: Catalina Express

Catalina Island is the place to go to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are tons of activities to enjoy year round thanks to the beautiful climate and amenities available. Over one million travelers make their way to Catalina Island every year.

Just take the Catalina Express any day of the week to experience the island in just an hour trip. You can take off from three mainland ports and they offer 30 daily departures. The boats depart from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point. Here is a look at how to use the Catalina Express and what you can enjoy.

What to Expect

The Catalina Express will take you to the island in just an hour any day of the year all year round. The boat will depart from Dana Point, San Pedro and Long…

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Which New Orange County Cocktail Bars Are the Best for 2014?

Orange County is a place of fun and entertainment so there is no shortage of bars and a great nightlife. While you may have experienced many of the great options around the OC before, you might be ready for a new spot to hang out with your friends over a drink.

Orange County has seen some new cocktail bars join the scene that you might be itching to try. Check out a new 80s bar and a speakeasy in the OC for something new. Here is a look at all the new options in town for cocktail bars in the OC.

Casa – 820 West 19th Street, Costa Mesa

One of the new cocktail bars in the OC is Casa, a speakeasy in Costa Mesa. They have expert mixologists with creative cocktails. They do something unique in that you have to make your reservation via email and…

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Attraction Spotlight: Sherman Library & Gardens

Sherman Library & Gardens is a retreat in Corona del Mar spanning 2.2 acres. You can enjoy this horticultural retreat containing a museum of living plants, beds blooming with seasonal flowers, patios and conservatories linked with brick walkways and bubbling tile fountains.

You can enjoy their gardens, café Jardin for a bite to eat, use the attraction for private events or attend special events hosted by Sherman. They even have classes, a garden shop and library. Here is a look at everything you’ll enjoy while visiting Sherman Library & Gardens.

Gardens

You’ll find plant life containing collections from all over the globe. You’ll see exotic vegetation from tropical climates and plant life from desert regions. Their museum of living plants…

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Traditional Home in Lake Forest Opened Escrow

On behalf of the buyer, The Aaronson Group has opened escrow on 24732 Glenwood Drive, Lake Forest, Orange County, California. (MLS® #OC14152149)

Tranquil and charming, this 2,355 sq. ft. home resides in the beautiful woods of Lake Forest. The oversized living room boasts a high 20+ ft. ceiling with fireplace while the family room features its own fireplace and a sliding door that overlooks the serene tree line outside. The separate dining room also includes a sliding door that opens to the patio and refreshing outdoors. The property offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a spacious loft, and a large office that could be used as a 5th bedroom. For those seeking relaxed mountain type living, walking trails are available right outside the home. For the…

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Which Orange County Organizations Are Best for Holiday Donations?

During Christmastime, many people feel the urge to give back and help the less fortunate. While you are out shopping for loved ones and decorating your home, you may feel like you want to help those that aren’t so blessed.

Giving and doing loving acts during this time of year is a great way to help others have a great holiday experience. For those that want to donate their time or resources, where do they go in town to do so? Here is a look at the best Orange County Organizations that need holiday donations.

Shares OurSelves – Adopt A Family Program – 1550 Superior Avenue, Costa Mesa

Have you heard of the “Adopt a Family Program” that SOS does every year? You can share food, holiday gifts and even your time by volunteering, donating and…

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