Random Raves: Laguna Beach Edition

and Much, Much More!

While we’re planning a trip to California for early June, Annie from the beautiful blog Lovely Things will be planning her move back to the Northeast.  Needless to say, we can’t wait to have her in our neck of the woods though we know she will miss Laguna Beach.  And given her submission for our “Random Raves” series, we can see why…  Welcome, Annie, to The Buzz and to Connecticut (and don’t worry, we’ll help you find the perfect cappuccino and home decor store!)

Chips and a Sunset

Best View – Las Brisas in Laguna Beach.  This was taken last month on another stunning evening.  We planned our day around  making it to Las Brisas for the sunset.  As you sit at one of their outdoor tables or bars, you look left (south) and you see Main Beach catching the warm glow.   To the north toward Newport you can watch the sun setting over Catalina.  The guacamole is something to rave about, too!

Coffee Break

Best Cappuccino – Zinc Cafe and Market in Laguna Beach has the most wonderful cappuccino.  The cafe has a very relaxed feel.  They have two doors, one for take out, sweets and coffee and then the other side they have a full menu with lots of delicious sandwiches, pizza,  salads, soup and of course a burrito of some sort.  It is Southern California after all. 

Fantastic Finds

Best Flea Market – The Groves Antique Market at the Great Park in Irvine, CA just off the 5 Freeway on the first Sunday of the month. 

Sensational Shop

Juxtaposition is the home interior store I visit most often.  They are always changing their vignettes, adding to their well edited selection of books, one of a kind pieces, fabrics and clothing items… it’s always worth a visit even if just for a little inspiration.

Surf's Up!

Hobie Surf Shop – Way more than boards… you could outfit your entire family at this one surf shop for the perfect Southern California look.  They have everything from swim suits, clothing, bags, hats, shoes, jewelry… it’s almost like a “Surf” department store.  Hobie (Hobie Alter) has a surf board as part of the permanent collection at MoMA and we recently saw one at LACMA as part of their California Design, 1930-1965:  “Living in a Modern Way” exhibit through June 3rd.

Gardening Greatness

People always rave about Rogers Gardens in Newport Beach.   It’s way more than a nursery… especially at the holidays, but anytime of year it is a wonderful way to spend a few minutes taking a walk around their gardens or through their shops.