When you hear Anaheim, chances are you think Disneyland. Well we’ve got news for you. Along with its sunny skies and palm trees, this Californian city is on the up-and-up of the hippest kinds.
From delicious eats to craft breweries, boating adventures to yes, Mickey too, Anaheim has something for everyone. We should know, as we recently enjoyed a 3-day tour of the best kind. Here are some of the highlights… —Aurea Dempsey
Stay: Easily accessed from John Wayne airport, Orange County, the moment we checked into the Anaheim Marriott,we knew this was our kind of a place. Along with its newly renovated nFuse restaurant and bar, it’s also home to a 24/7 fitness center, outdoor heated pool, and Starbucks. Our suite had all the amenities of boutique caliber, and its central location is hard to beat. A few minutes drive to Disney in one direction, a handful other to downtown Anaheim.
Eat:To say the Packing District is a foodie’s dream come true, would be an understatement. With over 20 artisanal food purveyors, stations and stalls, it’s two storeys of culinary heaven. From gourmet pizza to rice noodle bowls, to the biggest, most decadent crepes (!), it’s where Californian hipsters flock-to for casual eats and drinks of the best kind.
Speaking of which, after devouring platters of the freshest, Mexican fare (carnitas!) at Urbana, we finished with a night-cap inside The Blind Rabbit, a speakeasy with a secret entrance. Reservations are hard to come-by and no cameras please. Was that Jen and Justin in the corner? Yep, that kind of a place.
Play: Well you just knew Mickey and friends would make an appearance, but there’s more behind the curtain at Disney California Adventure Park. Along with the souvenir shops, adventure rides, music and food (Sprinkles cupcakes, yes please) there’s also fine dining at the Carthay Circle Restaurant. Modeled after the Carthay theatre where Walt premiered Snow White in 1937, we enjoyed a spread of fresh spring rolls, crispy fries and salads, before heading back out for more rides (Cars!), then a light show of magical proportions. Yes, dear friends. Disney’s totally worth a visit – and be sure to get a fast pass to jump the cues.
See: In under 30 minutes, Newport Harbour can be reached by-car. And in under 2 hours, you can enjoy a private boat cruise along its residential waters where Hollywood and tycoon elites call home. To your right, Nick Cage’s former sprawling mansion. And on your left, the Yacht Club where the O.C rolled its cameras regularly. Aboard an electric boat, with zero sound or gas pollution, our tour captain Carolyn was a delight, same for our welcome cheese platter and prosecco. Who knew, right?
Do: Inspired by the circus acts we grew-up with, we took to Anaheim’s SwingIt Trapeze Park for one unforgettable lesson. Who’s kidding who? More like, we channeled our SJP and took to the bar. Only unlike Carrie, we managed to let go and lived to tell about it. #surreal!
Eat some more: To explore more of the city’s culinary best, we ventured into the downtown core. A brunch spread at local haunt Gypsy Den was followed with more of the freshest, Cali-inspired Mexican cuisine at Pour Vida Latin Flavor. An unassuming place, it’s a foodie’s haven for its fresh, quality ingredients and chef-prepared creations. Highlights included the crisp tortillia chips, spicy guac, insane brussel sprout, pulled pork and fish-tacos, not to mention margaritas of the most creative kinds.
For our last evening, we saddled-up to The Ranch Restaurant and Saloon for a dinner of the highest dimensions. Offering a menu that’s farm to table, garden to fork, there’s not a steak or a side we wouldn’t recommend. The starter pop overs were of epic porportions too. Fluffy, butter-full. Like Yorkshire Pudding on steroids. Delicious wines, deserts and impeccable service. The Ranch is spot-on. On our next visit, find us at its saloon for some aprés cowboy cheer.
One last hurrah: Who knew there’s another Anaheim amusement park? We certainly didn’t, however after experiencing the best of Knott’s Berry Farm,we do now. Sure, it’s got the cartoon characters of old (Snoopy and friends) plus famous fried chicken on waffles, but if scary roller coasters and heart-dropping rides are your thing, this is your park. It’s also less busy and dare we say ‘hectic’ than the other. Just sayin.
With loads more to see, eat and do in Anaheim, we’re counting down the days for a happy return. Particularly as our winter gloom sets-in and we need an easy, sunny escape. It’s a small world after all.
For more, visit: www.visitAnaheim.org
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