This pic was taken at Donavon Frankenreiters free concert last year (2011) at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point. Dana Point has a rather busy weekend this Sept 8 and 9. We have been blogging about the Doheny Days Music Festival happening that weekend, but there's also the Tall Ships Festival with lots of family activities around the Ocean Institute. And to top it all: how about a surf competition with a free concert ( in case you can't make it to Doheny Days) with Donavon Frankenreiter on beautiful Salt Creek Beach Park?

For the music and surf lovers, I can't think of anything better than relaxing, maybe grab a glass of wine at the Ritz and then head for an afternoon of music on a grassy hill, watching the sunset and listening Donavon Frankenreiter after a day of surfing!

The Billabong Cosmic Creek Surf Contest is coming up on Sept. 8 and 9 for a weekend of…

3161 Views, 0 Comments

dana_point_championship_bbq_2012The city of Dana Point is ready to host the 2nd Annual Dana Point BBQ Championship which will bring world class barbeque chefs from all over the country, and as part of the event, the public can sample various BBQ meats prepared by the competitors in the People's Choice Tasting. Prize money is generated from team entries and represents a 100% payout of all fees received. This year there will be a $15000 prize, and the judging process will be done by KCBS (Kansas City Barbeque Society), a non profit organization dedicated to enjoying and promoting barbeque, and that has over 15,000 members worldwide.

Tasting tickets are $2 each, which gives a taste of chicken, pork, ribs or brisket with each ticket. In addition to all the great BBQ, the city is…

1908 Views, 0 Comments

orange_county_farmers_marketsWith so many concerns about the food we eat, many of us are trying to go the 'organic' way, and what a good way of doing this by also buying locally. Farmer Markets are a great idea with the convenience of also having some fun, as many of them often have live music or some kind of entertainment - or , like San Clemente or Laguna Beach, the locations where they are held at, are top notch - a little walk and you'll end on the beach.

Farmers markets occur at different days in the different cities of Orange County, so if you can't attend to one on a weekend, there's some options for the weekdays. Full of fresh vegeatables and fruits, farmers markets in Orange County are not only that! You can usually find baked goods, homemade foods, cheeses, hummus,…

1733 Views, 0 Comments

Because a picture is worth a thousand words, here it is. This was taken two weeks ago, at 'Playa del Norte' during one of those heat weekends - and before enjoying one of the many summer concerts at the Lake.

lake_mission_viejo_july_2012


Residents of Mission Viejo enjoy as part of the many amenities of the city, exclusive access to Lake Mission Viejo and it's beaches. Located on the northend of the city, the man made Lake Mission Viejo include approximately 124 surface acres of water and 50 acres of land, including Playa del Norte (North Beach) and marina, Playa del Este (East Beach), parking facilities, Market on the Lake dock and the dam.Recreational facilities available for Lake Association members include the Lake, two large beaches and picnic areas, a boat launching…

8862 Views, 0 Comments

californiacruisinglogo_178As part of the many events that one can enjoy in the city of Dana Point, there's the many events hosted by the Ocean Institute - come for a night of fun, food and music!

The Sand Dollar Guild - is an organization dedicated to furthering the educational goals of the Ocean Institute through fundraising and community awareness.

The Ocean Institute is a non-profit community-based marine education facility exploring new and creative ways of teaching and learning about the ocean. Nationally recognized science and maritime history programs host over 100,000 students per year from throughout Southern California and surrounding states.

On Sunday, August 26th, the Sand Dollar Guild invites you to join us for an evening filled with lively surf music, a sampling…

1876 Views, 0 Comments

doheny_days_event_festival_2012_september_dana_pointWhile many music festivals get landlocked at some remote inland location, the city of Dana Point makes the exception every time with many musical events through out the year. Get ready for a weekend of live music on the picturesque coastline of Doheny Beach in Dana Point. Omega Events is bringing back the Doheny Days Music Festival, the same weekend that the city is hosting the Tall Ships Festival: September 8th and 9th of 2012. The event will be held at Doheny Beach  - and will include many top musicians and bands on three different stages, eco exhibits, works from local artists with a huge vendor village, and many booths with food and beverages for purchase.

Headlining the 2012 festival on Saturday, September 8, will be legendary alt-rock group,…

11941 Views, 0 Comments

emergency_preparedness_expo_dana_pointInterested in learning how to protect yourself and your family in case of a major emergency? This event was made to teach our community here in Dana Point about the resources available by the city to help the community.

This is the city's 6th annual instance of the event, where dozens of vehicles and emergency response equipment will be displayed and available for picture taking. Exhibits include the Orange County Sheriff's Department SWAT team and bomb squad, the Orange County Fire Authority, Doctor's Ambulance and the United States Coast Guard.

Interested in Dana Point Homes for Sale? Check out hundreds of listings at Dana Point Real Estate.

Examples of the exhibits are a demostration for kids on how to be safe while getting out of a smoke-filled…

1949 Views, 0 Comments

when_do_school_start_orange_county_ca_2012Here's a list we recopilated about the dates school start in the different districts of Orange County, California:

Capistrano Unified School District: September 5th 2012

Saddleback Valley Unified School District: Thursday September 6th 2012

Irvine Unified School District: September 5th 2012

Tustin Unified School District: September 5th 2012

To enroll in Kindergarten, a child must be five on or before November 1st of the year he/she enrolls. (This is a state law, and there is no way around it.)

 For information about the homes in the different neighborhoods in the specific area, look for the school information under the property. The elementary, middle and highschool that the home belongs to should be listed. If for some reason it's not ,…

4867 Views, 0 Comments

This is a great and very unique event returning to Doheny State Beach in Dana Point. The Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle is a California classic event,  where the main focus is the stand-up paddle (SUP), with races  and demonstrations of the sport, for all ages and skill levels. From begginners of all ages, family reladoheny_state_beach_gerry_lopez_battle_of_the_paddle_2012_dana_pointys or group relays, and elite competitions, the event sure will have something for everyone! SUP is the fastest growing water sport in the world! 

Expecting over 1,000 entries coming from around the globe for this year’s battle. They will be fighting for over $25,000 in cash & prizes – the largest on offer in the sport of SUP. Fortunately, Doheny State Beach, as part of the California State Park System, offers the ideal…

3738 Views, 0 Comments

dana_point_tall_ships_festival_september_2012One of the most popular events in the city of Dana Point, and one of the many things that makes many buyers want to get a home in this gorgeous area ( check out our Dana Point Real Estate page), is coming up pretty soon. Time to head to the Harbor - to the Ocean Institute and Baby Beach area, where the Ocean Institute will be celebrating its 28th year hosting the Toshiba Tall Ships Festival! ( or as many kids know it for - the Pirates Event! )

Come and explore the majesty and wonder of tall ships through the smells, sounds and sights of real working tall ships. Interactive living-history encampments including blacksmiths, scrimshaw artists, and the infamous Port Royal Privateers are sure to entertain and amaze guests of all ages and are not to be…

4873 Views, 0 Comments