You Don’t Have to Sail to Enjoy the 66th Annual Lexus Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race!

Landlubbers and sailors alike can enjoy the annual Lexus Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race festivities taking place this April 21-28 in Newport Beach! While the race doesn’t officially get underway until Friday, April 26, the celebration for one and all begins with a kick-off party at the Village of Balboa on April 21 from 12-5pm. This event will have the whole family enjoying a day of live music, nautical displays, art exhibits, a La Strada dell’ Arte chalk festival, food samplings from local merchants, Lexus car displays, children’s boat building, and much, much more. The best part is that admission to the festival and to Explorocean (www.explorocean.org) is free!

Later in the week, on Thursday, April 25 from 6-11pm, locals and sailing enthusiasts are invited to join the Fiesta in the Fun Zone, which will feature live music, gourmet tacos, Stella Artois beer, and the famous Mount Gay Rum. Located at the Harborside Restaurant in the historic Balboa Pavilion, this will be an evening to remember! For more information on the Yacht Race and these fun events please visit www.newporttoensenada.com.

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Mark Your Calendars for The 14th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival – April 25 – May 2!

This one-of-a-kind festival will feature an international line-up of 400-plus films

The 14th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival rolls out the red carpet April 25 to May 2, 2013! Celebrated as one of the leading lifestyle film festivals in the United States, the Newport Beach Film Festival seeks to bring to Orange County the best of classic and contemporary film-making from around the world. This eight-day event will showcase a diverse collection of studio and independent films as well as a Family Film Series that will give filmgoers of all ages the chance to enjoy the festival. The festival provides a unique opportunity for attendees to learn more about the directors, actors, and producers behind the films. Guests also get the chance to see what may become next year’s Oscar picks and tomorrow’s classics before they’re screened anywhere else! For more information on ticket purchases, please call (949) 253-2880 or visit www.newportbeachfilmfest.com.

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It’s Not Too Late to Celebrate Easter in Newport Beach!

It’s not too late to spend a wonderful Easter with family and friends in Newport Beach! Start your holiday on Saturday with the Easter Bunny at Fashion Island on the Atrium Lawn from 11am to 6pm. Easter Bunny photo packages begin at $14. For more information, please call (949) 721-2000.
Then, continue the Easter fun at Newport Dunes, which will host a weekend of Easter-inspired festivities from March 29-31. The whole family will enjoy everything from Easter crafts and egg decorating to an Easter bike parade and delicious Easter brunch at Back Bay Bistro.

To make your brunch reservations at Newport Dunes’ Back Bay Bistro, please call (949) 729-1144. And, for a full list of weekend events, please visit www.newportdunes.com/yearRoundevents.html. Have a happy Easter!

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A Whale of a Time in Newport Beach

Are you looking for something fun to do this weekend with the whole family? Newport Beach is the perfect place to go whale watching and now through April is the best time to view grey whales off of the coast! Newport Landing has been providing trips for more than 20 years and offers some of the best whale watching experiences in Southern California. The tour has full narration and members of the crew are available for questions during your trip. The boat also offers an indoor snack bar and indoor/outdoor seating and the top observation deck offers spectacular views of the tour and Pacific Ocean. The tour is $32 per person and $26 for children 12 and under. For more information call (949) 675-0555 or visit www.newportwhales.com.

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Get a “Jump” Start on your Easter Weekend Plans in Newport Beach!

Easter is just around the corner and Newport Beach is full of festive and exciting events for the whole family to enjoy. Plan to bring the kids to Fashion Island to have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny! Our favorite rabbit will be available for photos in his spring garden on the Atrium Lawn from March 13 through March 30, from 11am to 6pm daily. Easter Bunny photo packages begin at $14. For more information, please call (949) 721-2000.

The Easter fun continues at Newport Dunes, which will host a weekend of Easter-inspired festivities from March 29-31.  The whole family will enjoy everything from Easter egg decorating to a delicious Easter brunch at Back Bay Bistro. To make your brunch reservations, please call (949) 729-1144. And, for a full list of weekend events, please visit www.newportdunes.com/yearRoundevents.html.

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Spring Blooms Early at Roger’s Gardens in Corona del Mar

One of the official rites of spring in Newport Beach is the annual Spring Opening at world-renowned destination home and garden store located on beautiful, scenic grounds in Corona del Mar. This year, Roger’s Gardens is hosting their Fifth Annual Spring Opening March 22-24, from 9am to 5pm each day.  Attendees can plan on celebrating beginning of the season at this weekend of spectacular tabletop and floral displays by Creative Director Eric Cortina and his award-winning design team. Please visit www.rogersgardens.com for more information.

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A Very Special Bridal Event in Newport Beach – Saturday, March 2

Are you a future bride who is looking for a little bridal inspiration? Look no further, than Newport Beach! On Saturday, March 2, 2013, The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina will host an exciting Bridal Show from 11am- 3pm.  Guests will experience the latest wedding trends and offerings from top wedding professionals, as well as receive exciting door prizes, and enjoy delicious hors d’ oeuvres and a complimentary glass of champagne. The premier wedding vendors at the event will showcase flowers, wedding cakes, invitations, photography, jewelry, tuxedos, bridal gowns, custom shoes, DJs, accommodations, and artists. Admission to this one-of-a-kind event is free.  Make your reservation today by calling 949.729.3800.

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ExplorOcean Offers Fun and Exciting Activities for Families

As parents, you’re always looking for fun, different ways to spend time with your children. Join ExplorOcean in Newport Beach for Wednesday Sea Tales and Science Saturdays! On the first and third Wednesdays of every month, families can enjoy storytime, songs and play as they discover the wonders of the sea. They even have an interactive early childhood program for children ages 3 to 5 that includes crafts, touch tanks, and a gallery tour. Admission to Sea Tales is $5 for members and $7 for non-members; advance payment is required to confirm your reservation.

In addition to Sea Tales, mark your calendar for Science Saturdays! Every Saturday, ExplorOcean offers families hands-on experiences and engaging activities. Parents and children are brought together as they make predictions, ask questions, problem-solve and think like scientists.  Each month explore a new theme based on the Ocean Literacy Principles.  Science Saturdays are free and offered to children of all ages. For more information or to make your reservation for these fun, family-friendly activities, please visit www.explorocean.org.

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Experience a Chocolate Lover’s Paradise at Island Hotel Newport Beach  

Don’t miss the Cocoa Lounge at Island Hotel Newport Beach now through February 17! Back by popular demand, the Cocoa Lounge is a unique dessert buffet and wine bar offering specialty pastries and chocolate. Imagine a buffet featuring nothing but a seductive assortment of scrumptious chocolate desserts including Banana Chocolate Mousse Cake, White Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake, Triple Chocolate Cupcakes and Double Chocolate Fudge S’mores. Located in the hotel’s Palm Terrace Restaurant, the Cocoa Lounge truly is a one-of-a-kind dessert lounge and costs only $24 per person or $12 with the purchase of an entree at the Palm Terrace Restaurant. For more information please visit www.islandhotel.com.

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Feel the spirit of Venice this Valentine’s Day in Newport Beach

Are you looking for a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year? Consider surprising your sweetheart with the gift of a gondola ride through the beautiful canals of Newport Beach! Named one of the World’s Most Beautiful Canal Cities by Travel + Leisure Magazine, you will experience a romantic ride along the intricate network of canals under the moonlight while a gondolier serenades you aboard an authentic gondola. To finish the night, Newport Beach’s gondola companies offer dinner al fresco aboard the gondola, or can deliver you to one of the city’s many delicious waterfront restaurants. By combining an intimate atmosphere, gourmet food and spectacular views, you will create a memory that will last a lifetime. Whether you are looking to propose or just have a romantic Valentine’s Day, a gondola cruise makes a guaranteed romantic statement.  For more information visit one of the many wonderful gondola companies in Newport.

Gondola Adventures, Inc

Gondola Company of Newport

Gondola Cruises of Newport Beach

Gondola Romance

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