Near Cal State Fullerton, downtown Fullerton is an eclectic mix of boutique shops specializing in antiques, clothing, and furniture. Generally attracting a subdued crowd, the streets of downtown Fullerton are not generally crowded, making it a pleasant place to shop and dine. Shops like Otto, specializing in all things modern, and the Red Hat Society Tea Shop, make downtown Fullerton a unique shopping experience.

Nestled in the midst of the Irvine Ranch Land Reserve, is the Limestone Canyon Wilderness Area. The Irvine Ranch Land Reserve spans over 50,000 acres and is home to numerous activities such as horseback riding, hiking, bicycling, and many wilderness activities. Specifically, the Limestone Canyon Reserve is comprised of limestone geological formations that are commonly referred to as, "The Sinks". The Reserve is home to a variety of flora and fauna and is a haven for hikers and bikers.

The Limestone Canyon Reserve offers a number of guided tours and activities. Reservations are required for participation, so make sure to check with their list of scheduled activities and register in advance for any activities that you would like to engage in. The best way to determine the activities available is to visit the official website (see information below). The activities are classified in groups of easy, moderate, or strenuous to let you know the physical exertion that will be required.

Some examples of the activities offered by the Limestone Canyon Reserve include equestrian rides, animal bone identification workshops, autumn hikes to the Sinks, hiking under a full moon, animal tracking workshops, and plenty of hiking adventures. Online registration is available if you’re interested, so be sure to visit the official website.

Many of the animals commonly seen in the canyon include White Tailed Kite, Bobcats, Mule Deer, the Coast Horned Lizard, the Grey Fox, Red Tailed Hawks, Coyotes, Meadowlarks, and the Acorn Woodpecker. It is always wise to use caution when hiking or exploring the Canyon Reserve. Also, the canyon is a perfect spot for bird watching.

The Irvine Land Reserve Trust protects the Limestone Canyon Reserve. They have enabled for the reserve to become a National Natural Landmark. Artists make frequent use of the land and have depicted its beauty in many paintings.

Located in the City of Fountain Valley, Miles Square Regional Park offers over 600 acres of land for wonderful recreational activities. With three regulation size golf courses, two regulation size soccer fields, two lakes that are a fisherman’s haven, a wilderness preserve, and an archery range, Miles Square Regional Park is the perfect destination for those who appreciate the great outdoors.

In addition to the wonderful activities you may engage in, Miles Square Regional Park is also perfect for spending a sunny day outside with the family. There are numerous barbecues, hiking trails, bike trails, and a family picnic area that you may choose from. You can make reservations ahead of time for large family functions to ensure that your spot will be reserved for your occasion.

No matter what your special occasion is, you’ll find that Miles Square Regional Park has activities that will appeal to everyone. The archery range spans over one acre and will hold between 1-300 people. There are benches and restrooms near the archery. You must make reservations ahead of time, if you are planning on using the range. Golfers will love the professional golf courses that are equipped with a restaurant, pro golfing shop, a banquet room, and a coffee shop.

Getting Here

You can reach Mile Square Regional Park by taking the 405 Freeway to the Euclid off ramp. Follow Euclid, going north, until you reach the entrance to the park. You can also take the 22 Freeway to the Euclid off ramp. Follow Euclid, going south, until you reach the entrance of the park.

Looking for a "hidden jewel" in the Orange County area? Looking for a quirky place that not too many people know about, where you can enjoy great food and a good time? Well, look no further than Azteca Restaurant in Garden Grove. This is an Elvis-themed Mexican Restaurant, complete with a pinball machine and classic rock jukebox. The restaurant is lined from ceiling to floor with Elvis memorabilia. And I do mean ceiling to floor. The ceiling itself is lined with posters from just about every movie Elvis ever starred in! The restaurant plays Elvis concerts and sports on a variety of screens throughout the joint. If you are looking for an "experience" rather than just a meal, be sure to check out this restaurant. Words cannot fully describe the atmosphere and experience of dining at Azteca.

The food is delicious too. I've visited the restaurant on a few occasions, and I have yet to be disappointed. Initially, I was skeptical because I didn't believe an Elvis-themed restaurant could possibly have good Mexican food. It didn't seem like a natural fit. However, I have yet to leave the place without finishing my entire meal (portion sizes are good, but don't expect Claim Jumper sized dishes). I've especially enjoyed the burritos and chimichangas.

If you are looking for something fun and different from your normal routine, be sure to check out Azteca's adjacent bar as well, aptly named the Crooners Lounge. You can access the bar while in the restaurant by entering through western themed swinging wooden doors. The Crooner's Lounge has happy hour Monday through Thursday from 3:30pm to 7pm, and then from 10pm to closing. The place has a cool vibe, and their martinis have been raved about by the Orange County Register. The margaritas are also a local favorite. Go, and you won't regret it.

TIP: The best nights to go (if you want to beat the crowd) are Mon. to Thurs. The restaurant can get noisy and crowded on a weekend night, as Garden Grove residents are well-aware of the fun atmosphere of the restaurant. There is extra parking in the rear of the restaurant, right across the street from the Home Depot.

If you ever find yourself in or near the city of Brea, chances are you won’t see much of a nightlife to speak of. You can always head to downtown Fullerton for some fun, but if you are inclined to stay in the area, I highly recommend that you check out Diamonds Billiard Club in Brea. Located next to the Brea Mall, Diamonds is home to many throughout the week.

The decor of Diamonds lends itself to classiness, with dim lighting (not too dim), music (jukebox), and relaxing (plenty of booths with upholstered furniture for eating or just hanging out with friends). The staff is mellow and friendly, and the food is decent as well. It’s a great place to go with friends or with a date. Tip well, and the bartenders are likely to reward you with some stiff drinks.

Be sure to bring your drivers license. The bouncer at the door doesn’t allow anyone under 21 into the establishment at night. This “diamond in the rough” is located on the third floor of a shopping structure right across from the Embassy Suites. Parking can be found underground in the parking structure below the Embassy Suites. If you want more of a laid back atmosphere, try going on a Tuesday or Wednesday. If you want a fun environment, try going on a weekend night. Whatever the choice, Diamonds is sure not to disappoint.

It’s almost that time of year again – time for the Orange County Fair. Held every summer at the Orange County Fair and Exposition Center, this event has something to offer for everyone. In 2007, the dates of operation are July 13th to August 5th. In the past several years, nearly one million people have attended the fair each year.

In addition to the petting zoos, carnival style games, and rides that you will see at just about any fair, the OC Fair also has some additional entertainment. The Fair has had motorcycle jumpers, along with other acts in the past. Although you will deal with crowds and some unfamiliar barn scents, the fair is a good place to bring the kids or a date. If you’re bored easily, you can check out the other entertainment nearby at night within easy walking distance of the fair.

About as equally impressive as the fair is the musical talent attracted to the nearby Pacific Amphitheatre. This year, "Weird Al" Yankovic is scheduled to perform in addition to She Wants Revenge, Willie Nelson, and Kenny Loggins. Of course, the venue is open year round for concerts and other events.

If you haven't been to Slide Bar in Fullerton, you should be relieved that you don't know what you're missing. If you knew, you would have to go. So please, if you want to remain blissfully ignorant, close this window now.

Still there? Okay, here's what you should know about Slide Bar. It opened for the first time in the summer of 2005 in Downtown Fullerton. It is co-owned by members of the rock group Lit. On any given night, you might see your favorite band playing there. It's a fun atmosphere.

You want to know more? Slide bar is the place to be in Fullerton. The entire joint is decorated with rock n' roll paraphernalia (No Doubt, Social Distortion, and many more) and good tunes are always blasting over the sound system. Slide bar also has an 80's style arcade, where you can revisit your love of Pac-Man and other 80s games. The patio is where most people tend to hang out though. Although crowded on most nights, the patio is where everyone goes to mingle and have a good time. It is also where the stage is located.

The owner's regularly invites friends and bands to come over. After a few drinks, they are enticed to get up on stage for an impromptu performance. The owners have a good working relationship with the House of Blues, so if you are looking to guess at who might be dropping in that night, take a look at the House of Blues lineup for the night. Celebrities also show up from time to time. Don't be surprised to see Dennis Rodman at Slide Bar.

Slide Bar doesn't only have good music and a good night scene. They are also rumored to have excellent food. They are open during the day as well, and offer free wireless internet. Make sure to try the Mac & Cheese - they're famous for it.

The best weeknight to go is Thursday. However, be prepared for long lines and a packed crowd if you go on a weekend. It's an unfortunate byproduct of being famous. If Slide Bar is not your speed, check out some of my other reviews for Downtown Fullerton. Other bars within stumbling distance include Heroes, Stadium, Revolution, Rockin' Taco Cantina, Continental, and Back Alley.

Check out their MySpace page for upcoming events and more information.

It would be nearly impossible to discuss shopping centers in Orange County without naming South Coast Plaza. This 2.8 million square foot shopping center is home to more than 280 stores, many of which fall in the luxury and ultra-luxury category. Brands such as Sak's Fifth Avenue, Tiffany's, Louis Vuitton, and Valentino have a presence at South Coast, which has over 24 million visitors annually. But don't assume this is only a fashionista's paradise. South Coast is also home to many small boutique and specialty stores as well.

You will never be at a loss for places to check out or things to see at this gigantic shopping center. In addition to plenty of shopping, South Coast has plenty of restaurants, as well as a food court. If you still have energy after a day at the mall or want to head out for a night on the town, there's always the Edwards Cinema located upstairs.

The mall will soon be finished with its current remodeling, which is rumored to cost as much as $30 million. South Coast is certainly the "jewel" of Orange County shopping. For a detailed listing of stores and a map directory, check out their website.