SoLongOC

This seems to be all I hear these days and frankly I think it’s a cop-out.

WRITING & PHOTOGRAPHY BY

GRACY WILKINS

We live in one of the most sought out locations in the world and we should appreciate it! I have lived in Mission Viejo, Orange County my entire life. I see myself as one of the lucky ones who have only known one home address and am walking distance from my kindergarten classroom. This fall, I am about to leave the nest for the first time and move up north to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. As excited as I am, the inevitable feelings of homesickness are beginning to plague my mind. While painstakingly trying to avoid the cliché, it is true that you fail to realize what you have until it is gone; in my case, I haven’t even left yet and I am already showing signs of withdrawal.

Being the seasoned resident that I am, not only am I qualified, but glad, to share my top 10 local treasures with you before I embark on a new adventure of my own. The following is a list of some of the more unique things that I will not only miss dearly but encourage you to enjoy if you are still residing in Southern OC and find yourself with “nothing to do”.

GREAT PARK BALLOON (Irvine) Have you ever been driving on the 405 or 5 freeways in Irvine and seen a large orange orb looming in the distance? To my surprise, many people are unaware of one of Orange County’s most blatant attractions: the Great Park Balloon! Located at the former El Toro Marine Base, the 75’ diameter Balloon (filled with helium, not hot air) offers visitors the chance to soar up to 500 feet in the sky and enjoy a spectacular view…for free! (My favorite price!) Night flights available too!

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SABATINO ITALIAN RESTAURANT (Mission Viejo) A local favorite that has the honor and privilege of regularly making the cut for my family’s “Cheap and Cheerful” dinners. Before the entrees even arrive, the garlic bread rolls served with hot marinara are reason enough to stay!

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TREASURE ISLAND BEACH (Laguna Beach)This part-park, part-beach is tucked away off PCH near the Montage Resort and makes you feel as though you are a paying guest on vacation! Up above you will find a beautifully landscaped park with impressive views, and down below, underground parking with a staircase leading down to the sandy shores. If you look close enough, you can spot a cliffside that looks exactly like the profile of Lemony Snicket, no joke!

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THE FERRIS WHEEL AT THE IRVINE SPECTRUM I am quite aware of the fact that SLO will not have a conveniently located Ferris Wheel at my disposal. For only a couple bucks you can pretend to be at the Orange County Fair all year long!

DOWNTOWN FARMERS’ MARKET (San Juan Capistrano) Every Wednesday, residents and visitors can purchase locally grown produce, fresh flowers, and other specialty food items. The vendor-lined street provides an intimate setting while shopping on a budget. I recommend stopping by the hummus stand for tasty samples and picking up some gerberas for mom.

“TOP OF THE WORLD PARK” aka Alta Laguna Park (Laguna Beach) Located high above Laguna at the crest of the hill, this is a perfect place to enjoy a picnic and a gorgeous 360 degree view. Disclaimer: Do not, and I repeat DO NOT park your car in the lot after dusk or you will be chained in. (Thanks for letting me out Officer!)

THE TEA HOUSE ON LOS RIOS (San Juan Capistrano)This cozy restaurant is located in the heart of San Juan’s Los Rios Historic District. Finger sandwiches, tea, scones, and fresh fruit doused in cream and brown sugar… Pinkies up!

OSO CREEK TRAIL (Mission Viejo)One side of the trail provides the modern conveniences of a paved road lined by beautiful mosaic pillars, while the other side (if you are feeling a little more rugged) offers a very true to nature experience, not to mention a miniature maze that adds comic relief as you watch your loved ones struggle through.

LAKE MISSION VIEJO While I spent most of my childhood days diving for buried toys, coming face to face with unusually large catfish, and attempting to swim to the dock without the assistance from my floaties, as an adult I spend my time kayaking. For me personally, it cruelly validates the fact that as a soccer player, I have little, if any, upper body strength. However, this only fuels my motivation to conquer the lake. Great exercise with a view!

ROYAL DONUTS AND BURGERS (Mission Viejo)I know what you may be thinking… a burger from a donut store? I consider myself to be quite the burger connoisseur and let me assuage your fears, a Junior Special with cheese which includes a beverage (cherry coke for me), out of this world fries, and a donut, naturally, is to die for. Trust me on this one; if you are looking for a ‘Mom and Pop,’ non-franchise taste, this is it. And yes, I am not ashamed to admit their number is on my speed dial.

So here it is, my list of treasures geared to a college student’s budget. I’ll leave you to watch over and patronize them until my return...