Laguna Niguel

After I got married, my husband and I stayed at the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel for our mini-moon for a few days before going back to reality. The hotel was very fancy, there were a lot of amenities (pool, beach, tennis courts, basketball court, etc.), the service was great, and we had a wonderful time. We used Marriott points to stay, and then paid to upgrade to the Club Level, which was totally worth it. On the Club Level, they have a personal concierge working, and they have a bartender, with unlimited food and drinks all day. The hotel also gave us special treats such as chocolate covered strawberries, and a really cute eclipse macaroon dessert since we stayed there during the eclipse.

We also got massages at a Thai Massage parlor for a very reasonable price. We wanted to do massages at the Ritz, but they were over $300 per person. The Thai place served us hot lemon grass tea and pineapple afterwards. It was really nice!

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is a famous beach with really nice sand beaches. I have caught a few sunsets here and they never disappoint!

Downtown Laguna Beach Shopping

I took my parents and their friends Downtown Laguna Beach to go shopping. The downtown is very walk-able and has many different shops you can walk around to. One of our favorites was this little old fashioned candy shop; just like in the old days. You can get a large bag of candy for a decently cheap price.

Splashes Restaurant – Surf & Sand Resort

Surf and Sand Resort is a really nice hotel right on the water in Laguna Beach. We went there for lunch and had a really nice meal. If I ever wanted to stay the night in Laguna Beach, I would want to stay at this hotel!

The Deck 

Another fun restaurant on the water is called the Deck. This restaurant is casual with a large bar, and they also have really good food. It is perfect for catching a sunset dinner.

Anaheim

Disneyland

It’s a small world after all. When we got to Disney, we had already had a long weekend, but decided to pursue the adventure. They had all of the classic rides that you see in the movies. By the late afternoon, my feet were killing me. Mike and I both bought and wore Minnie slippers the rest of the day, like the ones Gloria wore in Modern Family; they were actually so comfortable. People kept laughing and pointing at our slippers, but I think they were just jealous ;). We got our picture taken with Mickey, Olaf, and of course Goofy since he was my favorite growing up. I felt like a happy little kid again all day, and I loved it.

Riverside

I visited Riverside for a client, and I was surprised how cute of a city it was for being so in the middle of no where. Riverside is definitely in the desert; it was SO hot there! Luckily, the buildings definitely all have air conditioning. We ate at the famous The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa multiple nights. The hotel has had very famous visitors such as President Nixon, President Reagan, President Roosevelt, President Kennedy, President Bush, Henry Ford, Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, Houdini, and many more.

Temecula

Temecula is Southern California’s wine country and mini Napa Valley.

Airbnb

We stayed at the cutest Airbnb called Rusty Fork Ranch. The ranch was built knowing that it would be an Airbnb, and the owners designed the house themselves, and they did not miss anything in the design. It is the perfect modern farmhouse. We stayed in the Cash Suite, which is Johnny Cash themed. The couple lives on site with their two dogs, Magic and Larry; they are black and white Pomeranians.

In the evening, we sat outside with the other guests staying at the ranch, and we all chatted and watched the beautiful sunset.

In the morning, we watched the sunrise outside on their patio and watched the Hot Air Balloons travel across the beautiful wine countryside. It was so peaceful and beautiful.

Vineyards

Lorimar Vineyards and Winery

Lorimar Vineyards and Winery is an Italian castle looking Winery with many options of delicious wines to taste. Mike and I joined their wine club, so we both got to taste every wine they were offering.

Wilson Creek Winery

Wilson Creek Winery is massive, and there were multiple weddings going on both times that we visited. For those not attending the weddings, they have two tasting rooms, an outdoor bar, plenty of seating, and live music playing. They are known for their frozen rose as well as their almond champagne. I would highly recommend trying both!

Avensole Winery Restaurant

We ate at Avensole Winery Restaurant for dinner, and everything we ordered was amazing. They served us our tasting on a really unique serving spindle that reminded me of a Christmas tree; it was really a fun time.

Peltzer Family Cellers

Mike and I went on a wine tasting tour in Temecula with our friends at Peltzer Family Cellers for $30 per person (only $15 if you join their wine club). The tour is an vine to glass educational stroll through the farm & vineyards, and you try many different wines, cheeses, and breads along the way. It was a really fun experience, and it was some of our friends first time wine tasting, so I think they really enjoyed it.