|
Orange, California
Elevation: 187' Information: (714) 538-3581
While
many long to drive through endless, stretching groves of
oranges when visiting in Orange, that sweet fruit so
suited to Southern California's Orange County city,
mostly grows in backyard trees these days. What you'll
see when visiting Orange is houses, hospitals, business
centers, freeways and shopping malls. This modern Orange
is a tourist attraction in its own right, but not so
much for its oranges, but for its businesses and
commerce.
Although the City of
Orange was incorporated in 1888, it actually dates back to 1869 when Alfred Chapman and Andrew Glassell, both lawyers, accepted 1,385 acres of land from the Rancho Santiago
de Santa Ana as legal fees. Soon thereafter, the men laid out a one square
mile town with ten-acre farm lots surrounding a forty acre central town
site. The center of the town site became known as the Plaza, now
the community symbol.
Today, the Plaza and the original one square mile town
site contain many homes and buildings dating to the early days of
the City. The site is registered on the National Historic Register.
A walking tour, shopping for antiques
around the Plaza and dining at a sidewalk cafe make for a perfect a day
for those who love the small town feel here. Parking meters say, "Feed me," so
you would be wise to bring some change (quarters are best), and put at least an
hour's worth of time into your chosen parking spot and its assigned meter. An
hour will buy you a stroll through several antiques and collectibles shops, and
a soda at the historic Watson's diner with a real soda fountain from the old
days. A flash from the past is retro-fun, but when you're young, The Block
is cool The block has all the usual stuff, but the stores are geared
mostly to a young crowd, except for the
touristy Hilo Hattie, with its tropical
themed gifts and Hawaiian print shirts and
dresses. Entertainment at The Block includes
the huge Van's indoor/outdoor skate park,
and a rockin' bowling alley that's a dark
lounge atmosphere, complete with martinis
and cocktails served to you while you bowl.
There are a variety of food options at The
Block, which is fashioned after places such
as City Walk at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Large billboards perched up in the sky along
this outdoor mall's plazas somehow seem to
appeal to a young audience constantly
bombarded with advertising and eating it up
(or tuning it out). When visiting Orange,
there are several great hotels walking
distance to The Block.
Hawthorn Suites offered a Continental
breakfast, last time we checked.
Doubletree Hotel is just a block or two
from the mall and though zoned as Anaheim, it's as close
as you get to staying at The Block.
For an extensive list of hotels, check out
Orange Hotel options.
One of Orange's great treats is its hills
(small mountains, actually). Dine at the Orange Mining Company Restaurant, perched
way up in the Orange Hills overlooking the city. On a clear day, all you can say
is, Wow! On a hazy day, it's still a special
place to go.
Orange County Zoo, Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park
Road (714) 633-2022
Irvine Regional Park is nestled among a grove of heritage Oak and Sycamore trees. The rolling foothills surrounding the park are filled with a variety of wildlife. Trees, shaded turf areas provide a serene setting for leisure activities. Santiago Creek bisects the park and a pond with stone-work waterfall and foot bridge is located in the center of the park. The variety of landscape greatly enhances the park's beauty.
Irvine Regional Park
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869
(714)973-6835 or (714)973-6838
River Trail Stables, 1940 N. Main St., Orange, (714) 637-2624
Riding is restricted to one of three large arenas for youngsters and adults.
One hour rides in the ring cost $25. Horses here are known for calm dispositions
and there is handicap access. Daily 9 am to 6 pm. Reservations required.
Lake Fishing and Boating at Irvine Lake, 4501 Santiago Canyon Road, Orange
(714) 649-9111 |
