When I first moved here I thought everybody must work for studio prop departments the homes were so lavishly and creatively decked out, and it’s just gotten better over the years.  This is Trick or Treating the way it was meant to be – safe, easy, silly and fun – even the pets get in on the action!

With no gifts to be purchased, no grand dinners to be prepared, Halloween allows the kid in all of us to emerge for one crazy night.  If you need proof, just show up at the Annual Costume Party hosted by The Village Inn.  Whether costumed or not, you can enjoy great music by The Rick Sherman Duo.  Who needs a theme park when you’ve got the real thing right here, right now – it’s all on Island time.

You’ll find the contrast between this “Quiet Side of the Bay” and the active yachting harbor stunning and exhilarating.  Nature takes over in the Back Bay, winding inland for 3 miles, and offering a tapestry of sights hard to duplicate anywhere else.  In addition to the various paved and dirt biking and walking trails, the best way to explore the Upper Newport Bay is to be in it!  Kayak rentals are available from the Newport Aquatic Center (NAC) www.newportaquaticcenter.com.

Not sure of your kayaking skills?  Sign up for one of the weekend narrated kayak tours led year-round by trained naturalists.  Tours are scheduled every Saturday morning at 10:00 am from the Newport Dunes, and Sundays at 10:00 am from the Newport Aquatic Center at the foot of Dover Shores.  Perfect for first-timers, no skills required – the bonus is coming away actually knowing something about this amazing ecological wonderland.  Reserve your spot for one of these popular tours by calling the Interpretive Center:  949-923-2269.

To fully comprehend the importance of this magnificent estuary in a heavily populated urban environment, take yourself and the family to visit the amazing hands-on Interpretive Center at the North end of Back Bay.  Located at the intersection of Irvine Blvd. and University Drive, just south of the airport, this is the best kept secret not only in Newport, but probably most of the OC.   You won’t see the building from the street, all you’ll see is the earth-colored triangular concrete sign indicating this is the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve.  Park the car, or tie up the bike and walk the dirt trails that lead down to the water.  Built from recycled materials (including melted-down handguns confiscated by local law enforcement), this uniquely-designed “earth shelter” is built right into the bluffs with natural vegetation as its roof.   Viewing the 7-min. film Life in the Salt Marsh contributes immensely to your understanding of the importance of these coastal wetlands.    Open free to the public, 10:00 am-4:00 pm,  every day of the week except Mondays, this unique and creative center even has a special kids’ room so young explorers can get close up and personal with all kinds of creepy, crawly things.  www.newportbay.org

Winter brings hundreds of exotic species of birds as they rest on their long journeys between the Arctic Poles, but all year long visitors can usually count on seeing Great Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, Ospreys, Peregrine Falcons, Terns and Skimmers.  Bobcats, Coyotes, Burrowing Owls and Raccoons make their homes in the hilly bluffs overlooking the bay.  If the world is too much with you, this is the place to drop in, drop out and decompress!

Bayside Restaurant
900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach
(949) 721-1222
www.baysiderestaurant.com

Cafe R&D
555 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach
(949) 219-0555
www.hillstone.com

il FARRO
111 21st Place, Newport Beach
(949) 723-5711
www.ilfarro.com

Mayur Cuisine of India
2931 E Coast Hwy, Corona del Mar
(949) 675-6622

For the complete list, please visit:
Top 10 Romantic Restaurants in Orange County at
Examiner.com

First, my best friend took me to Balboa Island. It was a sunny and breezy day, perfect for strolling, window shopping, and checking out the Dobermans. We stopped in the Barkery, where I got to pick out a new toy! I couldn’t decide between two, so my best friend let me get both—the squeaky cow and the Sniffany & Co. box.

Next, we headed to Three Dog Bakery for some “drool-worthy, all-natural, oven-baked doggie delicacies.” Since I’m on a diet, my friend bought me the oven-baked chicken reduced calorie baked food, with chicken, cranberries, and blueberries. Yum! I am such a lucky dog!

We decided to catch the sunset and go for a walk at Newport Beach. It was so romantic, and I met a handsome husky. My best friend said it was only puppy love, but I know it was the real deal. I can’t wait to see him again. It really is a dog’s life.

2. What are the rates for cottage rentals?
The average rate per Individual Cottage, based on four(4) guests, is $180 per night. There is an additional charge of $33 per person per night for additional guests up to the maximum occupancy allowed per cottage. Dorm~Style Cottage Rooms base rate average is approximately $58. Additional guests are charged $23 per person per night up to the maximum occupancy. For rates and occupancy details, see www.CrystalCoveBeachCottages.org.

3. Am I able to cook during my stay at Crystal Cove Beach Cottages?
All cottages have a microwave and refrigerator, and ADA Disabled units have a small electric cook top, as well. Disposable plates & utensils are supplied. Note: Its suggested that you bring any favorite utensils such as knives, can openers, containers, bowls, etc. & coffee mugs; however, coffee & coffee carafes are available in the Reception Office all day.

4. Will I be able to barbecue at the cottages if I am an overnight guest at Crystal Cove Beach Cottages?
In general, open flames are not allowed in the Crystal Cove Historic District. This includes charcoal and wood burning barbeques, tiki torches, smoking, and other open flames. Self contained gas canister type barbeques are permitted on the beach and at designated locations at each cottage.

5. Are pets allowed at the Crystal Cove Historic District.?
Dogs on leashes, are only allowed on the common roads and trails. No pets are allowed in the cottages or on the beach with the exception of certified/companion canines.

6. What are Dorm~Style cottages?
Cottages #29, #38, and #39 have been designated as Dorm~Style Cottages. These lodgings include individually secured bedrooms that share a common living area, kitchen, patio areas and bathrooms. Like the Individual Cottages, the Dorm~Style Cottages have been decorated with period appropriate colors and furnishings to preserve Crystal Cove’s unique historical ambiance.
For Dorm~Style Rooms, linens and towels will be furnished on bed tops upon arrival. It will be the guests’ responsibility to make their own beds. Towels are not replaced during your stay.
Common area Kitchens feature a microwave, refrigerator, disposable plates and utensils. In addition, ADA Disabled cottages include a small electric cooktop. Alcohol possession is prohibited in all Dorm~Style Cottages/Rooms.

7. How many nights can I stay at the Cottages? Is there a limit?
You can reserve up to seven(7) nights per ‘rolling calendar year.’ These can be reserved in one 7-night block or split between multiple stays.

8. What amenities are provided at Crystal Cove Beach Cottages?
Every Individual and Dorm~Style Cottage has been renovated to match its 1935 to 1955 condition. Every cottage has been carefully restored with modern electricity, plumbing, and safety features, while at the same time preserving every original detail possible. The historic cottages are fully furnished with vintage furniture.
Housekeeping service is limited. For Individual Cottages, beds will be made with towels and soap placed in bathrooms. No daily service will be provided except for trash removal. After 4 days, towels will be replaced upon request. For Dorm~Style Rooms, linens and towels will be furnished on bed tops upon arrival. It will be the guests’ responsibility to make their own beds. Towels are not replaced during your stay.
There are no laundry facilities on the premises. No beach towels will be furnished, but they along with chairs and umbrellas, will be available during the season on the beach for a fee. There are no televisions in the cottages. All cottages have kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchens feature a microwave, refrigerator and disposable plates and utensils, and ADA Disabled cottages include a small cook top. Cottages do not have working kitchen stoves. Complimentary coffee and tea will be available at the reception office each morning. Smoking is prohibited in and around all cottages, and alcohol possession is prohibited in all Dorm~Style Cottages. For full information about Crystal Cove Beach Cottages’ accommodations & amenities, please review our Guest Information section at www.CrystalCoveBeachCottages.org.

9. What are the Check-In and Check-Out times?
Check-In is after 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm, and Check-Out is anytime prior to 11:00 am.
Late Check-Outs are not allowed and strictly monitored.

10. What is the cancellation policy at Crystal Cove Beach Cottages?
To cancel a reservation, call ReserveAmerica’s Customer Service: 800.695.2269 or, if your reservation was made online, visit their website at www.ReserveAmerica.com
The cancellation policy at ReserveAmerica is as follows:
• Your original $7.50 reservation fee is nonrefundable.
• If you cancel a confirmed reservation or must leave the park early, a cancellation fee of $7.00 per reserved cottage will be deducted from any refund you may be due.
• If you cancel a confirmed reservation and make a new reservation during the same call, a transfer fee of $7.50 will be charged.
• If you cancel your reservation after 5:00 pm the day before your arrival date, the first night’s fee is forfeited.
• A reservation will be held for you until 12:00 pm the day after your arrival date. If you do not contact the Registration Office before that time, you will be considered a ‘no-show,’ and your reservation will be cancelled. You will be refunded the amount paid for the cottage, less the nonrefundable $7.50 reservation fee, the $7.00 cancellation fee, and one night’s rental fee.
• If you miss your first day but plan to arrive later, you must contact the Registration Office each day to hold the remainder of your reservation.
• If you must leave one or more days early (‘early-out’) you must Check-Out before 11 am (there are no exchanges). Retain your confirmation letter until you have received your refund or your credit card has been credited, if applicable. Allow at least 30 days to receive your refund.
Note: Once registered, the in-house cancellation policy is 24 hours prior to the next days’ 11am Check-Out time.
• If an emergency or disaster forces closure, we will try to notify you as soon as possible. All fees, including the reservation fee, will be refunded.
• In cases of inclement weather when the cottages remain open but you choose to leave, refunds will be based on the ‘early-out/cancellation’ policy.
• If you are unable to honor your reservation due to a medical emergency or death in the family, a cancellation fee of $7.00 per reservation will be deducted from any refund you may be due by ReserveAmerica
For more information, please visit www.crystalcovebeachcottages.com

Catalina was originally developed by the Wrigley Family of Chicago as a spring training camp for the Cubs, and their beautiful Georgian Colonial built in 1921 is now the Inn at Mt. Ada - great place for lunch with a stellar view overlooking the harbor (advance reservations required).  Another historic home converted to a hotel is the western author Zane Grey’s.  Then there’s the 1st Tuna Angling Club almost next door to the Casino which hosted such notables as Theodor Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Cecile B. DeMille, while promoting sportsmanship for big game fishermen.

Visit www.visitcatalina.com; www.catalinaconservancy.org; www.InnOnMtAda.com for more information.

We ordered the shrimp bucket for $17.95 per person. If that is too expensive for your wallet, then try the shrimp bowls with rice and beans for about $5 less. Buckets can be ordered with all types of combinations including shrimp, snow crabs, grilled chicken,
carne asada, BBQ ribs, lobster tails and Alaskan king crab legs.

The atmosphere is as close to a true Mexican Cantina as you are going to find in Newport Beach. It also has a small patio for outdoor dining. We will indeed be back for more of  Newport’s finest delicacies – SEAFOOD!!!

The hardest part is deciding how to spend your time once you arrive as the choices are many, so I am going to be doing a 4 part series blog about the different tours you can partake on the Island.  So, in addition to swimming, snorkeling, hiking, biking, kayaking, or enjoying one of the Island Conservancy’s fabulous Jeep tours, some exciting new tours kick off this summer that promise to make visits even more of an adventure:  One of the is a new GPS Walking Tour enables you to discover Island landmarks on your own, and the one I can’t wait to experience: the Catalina Seatrek Eco Tour where we get to view underwater gardens and a sea wrecked vessel wearing a wetsuit and helmet that looks like something out a Jules Verne novel.  

Visit www.visitcatalina.com; www.catalinaconservancy.org; www.InnOnMtAda.com for more information.