Garden Grove Things to Do

If you've ever plopped on your couch on Sunday morning with clicker in hand, you've probably happened upon the 'Hour of Power' -- the televised version of a church service, starring famed pastor and author Robert Schuller. Schuller started the Garden Grove non-denominational church nearly five decades ago, and today it has expanded into a mega-complex including the much-televised Crystal Cathedral, a gift shop, fountains galor, a plethora of life-size statues depicting famous Biblical events (and a larger-than-life bronze of Schuller himself inside the Cathedral), etc. The grounds, in spite of one's own spiritual beliefs, are impressive. You can wander about on your own soaking up the atmosphere or take a free guided twenty-minute tour which commence approximately every thirty minutes year round. Bring your camera! Be photographed with Jesus! (Interesting side note: I attended high school with one of Schuller's children. She was/is kind, funny, and generous. It convinced me that Schuller was the genuine article. In other words, he practices what he preaches.)
Like the Vatican, this spot is one of a kind. If your travel plans bring you to the Garden Grove/Anaheim (Disneyland) area near the Easter or Christmas season, you may want to splurge and purchase a ticket ($20-$35) to view the grand pageants performed annually at the Crystal Cathedral. 'The Glory of Easter' and 'The Glory of Christmas' are shows performed twice nightly (approx 6-ish and 8-ish) during these Christian holiday periods. Both dramatic shows feature actors, dancers, singers, and live animals (camels, sheep, and tigers to name a few), scores performed by a full orchestra (taped), and most notably, live actresses personifying angels flying over the audience. Over-the-top spectacle or moving performance? Decide for yourself. Either way, you'll be entertained. There are also many restaurants, bars, and night spots featuring everything from fresh donuts and gourmet coffee (Krispy Kreme/Starbuck's), cocktails in a loud and festive atmosphere (T.G.I. Friday's) and live entertainment (Cafe Tu Tu Tango) to Mexican fare (El Torito and Left At Albuquerque). All are located nearby at 'The Block', an outdoor entertainment and shopping complex. There is also a mega movie theater, Van's skateboard arena, and three huge stores devoted to all things Hawaiian (Hilo Hattie's), surfing paraphenalia (Ron and John's), and a reader's paradise (Borders) among many other themed stores -- all great for your pre- or post-show cravings. WARNING: On Friday and Saturday evenings The Block becomes packed with herds of teenagers and early 20-somethings hanging out, seeing, and being seen. Parking becomes challenging. Ample real and rental cops abound to keep The Block's atmosphere friendly and incident free. Most of these adolescents avoid or cannot get into the bars (the California drinking age is 21), so you'll be amongst adults inside any one of the restaurants/bars.