Here I am, filled to the brim, on Thanksgiving night and waiting for “Elf” to begin (which I’ve only seen 32 times). Tonight, I’m nowhere near the homefires of Laguna Beach – I’m hollering in from Newberg, Oregon, where my beloved Mama and brother and sis-in-law live (yes, and staying at the same house my niece, Tenley Molzahn, took Jake as one of his “final 4 girls” in The Bachelor, so there … SUCH a privileged person I am!).
I wasn’t raised in Newberg, and I wasn’t raised in Laguna Beach, but I must say I do miss Laguna Beach’s charms when I’m away; I hope you get out and enjoy my town whilst I’m away. Here’s “Di’s Five” for the weekend of Nov. 26th – 28th, my recommended Thanksgiving activities in Laguna Beach. It’s just the beginning of a whole bunch of great holiday activity in Laguna Beach, so be sure to sign up for my “Breaking News Alerts” (right column of the blog) to receive updates directly.
Fri, Nov. 26, 9-11 a.m. – The Wobble Walk
Wobble off your Thanksgiving dinner and buffet of desserts on this easy 2-mile fitness hike at the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Reservations are required at 949-923-2235 and it’s $2/person. Parking ($3) and meeting area is on the west side of Laguna Canyon Road, about 3.5 miles in from the 405 exchange.
Fri, Nov. 26 – Sawdust Winter Fantasy Festival Art Classes
If you’re serious about your “crafts” for the giving season (none of that popsicle stick dreamcatcher action for you), sign up for either copper pendant making with Sawdust artist David Farris, or sushi plate making with Klai Brown at the festival grounds. Either class with materials is $95, and sessions run 10 a.m. – noon, and 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Fri/Sat/Sun – Best holiday décor and fast gift shopping in Laguna Beach
Stop wandering all over Laguna Beach for holiday décor and inexpensive holiday gift ideas and just go where the locals go. In North Laguna Beach, check out Madison’s next to the Cottage Restaurant. In main Laguna Beach, don’t miss The Colony on Forest, or Bubbles in the Laguna Hotel. And, of course, there are about twelve thousand and two gift ideas at the Sawdust’s Winter Fantasy art festival just a half mile up the Canyon. More recommended stores coming this week …
Sat., Nov. 27 – Murder Mystery Dinner at Villa Rockledge
Villa Rockledge is Laguna Beach’s $30 million refabbed oceanfront estate with murder going on … on Saturday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. at least … and its up to the guests to solve the mystery. And, as you solve this dire mystery, you’ll also enjoy hors d’oeuvres, signature martinis, gourmet dinner, full open bar and dancing. (Sounds like great detective work to me.) Tickets are 50% off at www.goldstar.com – trust me, you want to take advantage of the discount.
Sun, Nov. 28 – Limited time: Holiday flower bulbs at the Farmer’s Market
One of these days, I’ll get around to writing about our cool little pop-up market on Sundays in Laguna Beach’s Lumberyard parking lot (at Forest at the top of Ocean Ave.). For this short blurb, suffice to say that big, beautiful amaryillis and narcissus bulb are joining the usual great veggie, salsa, fruit, et al booths. Pick ’em up for memorable gifts or your own holiday table.
Planning ahead for next week:
Reserve Mon, Nov. 29th for a big holiday Montage celebration. And, the annual Laguna Beach Holiday Hospitality Night on Forest Ave. is coming up Friday, Dec. 3rd. Details to follow on both events!