As life gets busy it's sometimes hard to get away for more than a long weekend. This is especially true since I started film school.But the irony of a busy life is that to continue to create I need breaks to recharge and reconnect with that inspiration, that drive, that mojo, and that "spark" that makes me, me.
I need to get away.
My hubby has learned that inspiration to me is so much more than a big idea at work or a beautiful photo project.
That having that permanent "light bulb" is a huge part of what keeps me happy, grounded and in love with my life; And...Centered enough to be in love with him for being "him."
Costa Mesa happens to be the place that I needed to visit to regroup before I started my fall term.
Allow me to be honest: I have family in Costa Mesa. My parents actually lived in Orange County when they got pregnant with me (so to a certain extent a little bit of me is OC).But through the years Costa Mesa has become a place that I have relegated to shopping trips haphazardly nestled between family gatherings. I didn't, we didn't, know much Costa Mesa has to offer.
So when the city invited me to spend my first school break in Costa Mesa I was prepared to relax and unwind.
Do nothing.
But what I wasn't prepared for is to be as inspired as was from finding so much art, culture, and foodie gems within a short drive of each other. Some? Within walking distance.
WHERE TO STAYI can't say enough about Avenue of the Arts Hotel who hosted our weekend stay.
This stylish resort-style boutique hotel is a dog-friendly property that prides itself in offering personalized service to cater to the adult traveler.
They not only have a pool next to the Costa Mesa (man-made) lake, but many of the rooms have private balconies with a view of the pool, lake and gardens. Speaking of which, Avenue of the Arts Hotel also has a zen garden, and is the home to Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar, and is located within a five-minute walk to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and South Coast Plaza!
WHERE TO DINEOne of our biggest worries when my hubby and I travel (or go anywhere for that matter) is the accessibility to good and quality food. We are, for all intents and purposes, picky eaters.
But for foodies like ourselves, Costa Mesa will satisfy even the most refined palates
From start to finish, every. single. meal. we enjoyed in Costa Mesa was not just amazingly well prepared with quality artisanal and imported ingredients; but it was the attention to service, coupled with the experience of dining in some of the most unique restaurants we have been to in So Cal - even in a restaurant located inside of a shopping destination - if only for that, reason enough to spend an entire weekend in Costa Mesa.
Restaurants of note include:
Marche ModerneFrench bistro cuisine, perfect for a special occasion lunch or dinner.
VacaModern Spanish cuisine and tapas. Ideal for dinner or drinks & tapas pre-theater.
Old Vine Cafe Lovely artisanal brunch, breakfast or lunch spot with plenty of outdoor seating.
THE ARTS
While initially I expected to do nothing other than lounge by the pool during my weekend away, I learned that Costa Mesa has an internationally acclaimed arts and theater district named after one of the most prolific Orange County philanthropists, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
The performing arts district has a state of the art concert venue that hosts award-winning concerts and acclaimed theater productions that travel from NY, all located within walking distance of various art installations and galleries.
While the experience of watching a musical at the Theater was bar none one of the best we have had, and completely worth the trip to Costa Mesa when you have a choice of where to see a play; I found myself discovering sculpture gardens and even finding that the local shopping district has art incorporated within their retail environment, which makes Costa Mesa a feast for the eyes and senses even if you don't visit a gallery while there.
Here's a few shows that you might consider adding to your agenda when you plan your visit to Costa Mesa:
Beautiful: the Carole King Musical starting on Tuesday, October 4, 2016Red Barn: A Farm to Fork Event on Saturday, October 1, 2016Ringo Starr and his All Star Band on Thursday, October 20, 2016
WHERE TO SHOPIf you live in So Cal you know that one of the best luxury shopping destinations is in Costa Mesa. But did you know that The Lab anchors the SoBeCa District, an acronym for "South on Bristol Entertainment, Culture and Arts?"
The Lab is a unique enclave of boutique shops, one-of-a-kind eateries and artistic happenings from art showings, poetry readings, musical offerings and seasonal festivals. It is definitely a fun place to visit for both dining and shopping.
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Thankfully Costa Mesa is not horribly far from us, but far enough to experience something different from L.A. Definately worth a weekend away for my friends that are looking to unwind but still be connected to everything So Cal has to offer.
Special events and shows are always added to the Travel Costa Mesa Calendar. Make sure to stop by to plan your next visit.
