Newport Beach, California Blog

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Stand Up Paddle Boarding - straight from Hawaii

You don't have to travel across the world to enjoy some of the most beautiful coast views in the world, right in Huntington Beach. Take a weekend away with your family or loved one, and rediscover the beauty in your own backyard! Stay at one of the local resorts and enjoy the gorgeous ocean view. Walk the famed HB pier and dine for lunch or dinner at Dukes Restaurant, while overlooking professional surfers hitting the waves.
The highlight of your Huntington Beach experience will be a private paddle board lesson with professional surfer/shaper Rocky McKinnon, owner of McKinnon Shapes and Designs. Stand Up Paddle Boarding is a water sport developed and originated in Hawaii. It involves paddling a large surfboard with an extended paddle to propel forward movement. Paddle Boarding is a also a unique style of exercising, in that it tones and shapes your body while providing strength training and overall muscle endurance. The best part about Paddle Boarding is that anyone can do it, and you feel stable the moment you step onto the board.

Being a Huntington Beach native, Rocky will also take you on a guided tour of the Surf City Museum, as well as a surfboard production studio, where you can see first hand out surf and paddle boards are created from start to finish. With a photojournalist along the way in and a History of Huntington Beach book, your family will have memories to last a lifetime. Don't miss this unbelievable chance to enjoy the beauty and elegance of Huntington Beach, while creating cherished memories with your family or loved one on this weekend getaway.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

The Full Laguna Beach Experience

Whether you are from out of town or are an Orange County native, you can experience the hidden gems and local color of Laguna Beach.

Your weekend getaway begins at the recently opened Seven4One Hotel overlooking the coastline. With breath-taking sunrises and contemporary surroundings, you will love your stay here. Also, upon arrival you will be greeted by your personal Guest Experience Manager (GEM) - your main contact throughout your stay. Similar to a butler or personal assistant, your GEM, will make sure that everything is customized to your specific tastes. What a way to spend a weekend!

While in Laguna, you have to experience the local favorites. During the afternoon, take a stroll along main beach, and then spend the afternoon at Miranda Gallery, which offers outstanding original works of art on canvas and paper, as well as original graphics, monotypes and sculpture.

Then, dine at the Sapphire restaurant, which is renowned for its beautiful setting and global cuisine prepared by Chef Azmin. After dinner, head to the famed Pageant of the Masters, to enjoy the century long tradition where pictures come to life.

You don't have to go far to bring the world to you. Whether you simply want to enjoy the sunset on your private balcony or see a masterpiece come to life, Laguna Beach has so many facets to explore this spring and summer.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Laguna Beach - Signature Art Gallery

Laguna Beach is known as the art epicenter of Southern California. There are numerous amazing and unique galleries that you can check out while you are there. However, every once and a while there is a gallery that stands above the rest, either because of its unique outlook, new mediums, or warm ambiance. Our recent gem was Signature Art Gallery, which has a wonderful and tasteful mix of genres and mediums. You can enjoy simply walking through the gallery and admiring one of the foremost collections of modern art.

Located in the heart of the Laguna Beach art district, this elegant gallery has a comprehensive collection of the world’s most collectible artists – presenting great masters and the best of new and emerging artists.

Featured is the artwork of renowned American artist Charles H. Pabst, well known by collectors for his monumental vistas and breathtaking scenery. Acclaimed painter Charles Pabst art shows have been sellouts throughout the country since the early 1980’s. An award-winning favorite among art collectors, his works can be found in private, corporate, and university collections throughout the world. One of his signature pieces to the left is displayed in the gallery.

In addition, other notable international artists are represented specializing in paintings and sculptures in a wide variety of styles and subject matter, including landscape, figurative, abstract, wildlife, and still-life.

Take an afternoon to enjoy the Laguna Beach coastline and Signature Gallery. It is open Monday – Wednesday 10a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday. – Saturday 10 a.m. – 7p.m. Sunday 11 to 6pm
You can also check them out on their website at http://www.thesignaturegallerylaguna.com/ or email the gallery director Edward Bobinski at edward@thesignaturegallerylaguna.com.

Upcoming Event: Jenny Simon will be featuring her work on March 5 from 6 - 9pm. Don't miss this wonderful event and excellent chance to view an artist at work.