Best Western Orange County Airport

I'd take them to the Lab, AKA...

by ssatinss

I'd take them to the Lab, AKA Anti-Mall, which is a few blocks west of the infamous, humoungous and overpriced South Coast Plaza Mall. Riding my banana-seat bicycle through the hot summer days with my friends. Playing made-up games in my front yard. Climbing the trees. Swinging really high.

Culture? HA HA HA! In Irvine?...

by SHOlover

Culture? HA HA HA! In Irvine? AHHHH HA HA HA!!! You mean aside from the pseudo bourgeois post-modern pop culture? ummmm...I'll get back to you on that one.

Well, at least there's the South Coast Repertory Theatre, ohh and there's always Starbuck's!

Eat Tasty and Healthy!

by marinarena about The Veggie Grill

If you like enjoy the feel of eating meat but hate what it does to your health, well, you may find a solution at the Veggie Grill. Wheat meat sandwiches resembling the hamburger, as well as fake-but-hearty chicken sandwiches, salads, guilt-free sides like fries and desserts - are featured on the menu at the newly conceived Veggie Grill. Located at the (UCI) University center, the Veggie Grill is a cozy, little café that is a neighborhood fave. Indeed, this is a vegetarian and vegan friendly hang-out but even a meat-lover can be turned on to healthier and tasty offerings here. Service is relatively fast, smooth and very friendly. Staff is very informative about the unique Veggie Grill menu. See website for details. Expect a casual and unassuming atmosphere (which is not so, so common to say of So Cal vegetarian places) sweet potato fries (not fried!)- this is a fun way to eat veggies!

See the O.C Mecca for yuppies...and yes visitors!!

by marinarena

"Vast Irvine"

A thriving part of O.C. is Irvine, the gateway to the southern part of the county. This city, along with Orange, Santa Ana and Anaheim could be labeled the capital of O.C.. The main reason why Irvine is important is due to business. It is the corporate seat of the county and it offers the most jobs overall. Alas, I've become an admin queen here!

For visitors, you can go to concerts and theatric performances at the Verizon Amphitheater and Barclay Theater at the University of Irvine. Also, there is entertainment especially on the weekends at the Irvine Spectrum (pictured here) where you can see a movie in grand style (at Edwards, including the IMAX theater), party at a night club, play at the arcade (Dave and Busters), shop at a large variety of stores, and dine along with the locals. The Spectrum in south Irvine is the grand meeting place of the city and perhaps the county, outside of the Block at Orange in the city of Orange. There is also the off the beaten path spot, University Center offers a more intimate atmosphere than the Spectrum, an arthouse movie theater and more unique, exquisite dining options.

For nature lovers, there are a number of lovely trails for walking , bird-rabbit-squirrel watching and cycling. (Also, for some get alone time to ponder about the meaning of life and stuff like that)

*yuppie/yuppy- a young, ambitious, and well-educated city-dweller who has a professional career and an affluent lifestyle. (dictionary.com :-)

"She's expensive..."

What irks me about Irvine is its terribly high rents and its restrictive, ultra-suburban attitude and community in many parts, but this is just a complaint of a local. It's quite lovely to visit here and take part in her entertainment.

Another Water fountain!

"but pretty though!"

As much as Irvine is building up, she does preserve herself quite well with much effort paid to natural land conservation. Just look at this scene just outside of the UCI campus. More pics to come!

Fun Things to do in Irvine

by lauriejeanne

Folks, this is NOT a complete page on Irvine. But I did spend a wild evening there and would love to point you in that direction should you be considering Irvine as a destination for your next trip...