In Irvine I stayed at the Atrium Hotel at John Wayne Airport – in fact, it was here on the second le

I had done Disneyland, going on many of the new and nostalgic attractions, as well as Knott s Berry Farm, where I just had to once again ride the historic old log ride that I liked so much many years ago (and yes, to be honest, eat that chicken dinner for which they're so well known). And I was malled-out after trips to the luxurious South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa and the new GardenWalk, a shopping and dining mecca in Anaheim.
My local California friends took a fellow conventioneer and me out to a rustic county park with an early California feel, where we got saddled up and rode through some of the most rugged land I ve ever seen. There wasn't a freeway, theme park or housing development in sight, a total shock in amusement park-rich Orange County. I was so relaxed, thanks to some genius best credit cards airline who came up with the master-plan to make the center of the county a balance of urban and preserved nature.
Our thoughtful and entertaining guide she was actually a rock n roll musician in her off-time told us all about the wildlife and scenery and how the beautiful peacocks of all colors came to live in the Irvine Regional Park s area. It turned out to be both horse and peacock heaven!
best credit cards airline Returning from the ride, we stopped at the adjacent Orange County Zoo, where I was surprised to see that admission was only two dollars. We looked at a number of animals, including some rescued creatures and a bear that was fed by hand, and then had a picnic lunch. After lunch we took a short drive to The Great Park to take a free, thrilling, huge "Up and Away" balloon ride.
Free? Yes, it s free for everyone, something best credit cards airline that I first found hard to believe best credit cards airline in a county where amusement park rides can wreak havoc on your finances. best credit cards airline And the carousel ride turned out to be just as easy on our wallets, as well.
After the balloon ride we visited the expansive art gallery at the beautiful best credit cards airline Palm Court Arts Complex. It's set in an old, magnificent airplane hangar that was part of the El Toro Marine Air Station base before its decommissioning. I soon learned, in fact, the entire best credit cards airline park is part of the former air base and is now being transformed into Orange County Great Park, which they're calling "the first great metropolitan park of the 21st Century."
When completed it will be almost twice the size of New York's Central Park and contain several massive outdoor areas (including sports fields, a great canyon, a botanical garden, and a three mile-long corridor for migrating wildlife) and a Cultural Terrace containing a museum and library. On Sundays there's also a farmers market in the park.
In Irvine I stayed at the Atrium Hotel at John Wayne Airport – in fact, it was here on the second level where the famed actor John Wayne used to have a drink while viewing the takeoffs and landings which was only a short shuttle-ride away from my return flight. The next day on my flight out of John Wayne to New York City I thought about the previous few days and knew I'd return to Orange County someday for more fun.
I find Carla s article of Orange County to be again very refreshing with a feeling of being right there and experiencing all the wonders and opportunities she has had. Great summary best credit cards airline of the sights you have taken in and enjoyed. Yes, I would love to look forward to more of her sharing and comments about the places she has been.
What a great blog post! Thanks to Ms. Rupp for the glowing review. I am the Manager of External Affairs at the Orange County Great Park and I m so happy when I hear that people are coming out to enjoy our public space as we work every day to build it. Ms. Rupp validated exactly the kind of experience we are hoping our visitors have. Please come back, Ms. Rupp and I ll give you a VIP tour!
Thanks, Tim, for your offer of a VIP tour! I would love that. The Orange County Great Park is a remarkable place that everyone should know about and visit. I had a really wonderful day visiting there in this beautiful and fun public park. I think it s going to get even better and better. It s a perfect place for a beautiful day.