1. Orange Lutheran High School
City: Orange, CA
Category: Education
Telephone: (714) 998-5151
Address: 2222 North Santiago Blvd.
Description: Since opening its doors in 1973, Orange Lutheran High School has been a sizeable co-ed institution with a balanced approach to academics, athletics, and the arts. Accredited by the National Lutheran School Accreditation Organization and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), whose accreditation team visited the campus in 2007 and awarded the school the WASC’s highest possible rating in six years, Orange Lutheran High School has a stellar reputation among the county’s private institutions. There are 1,150 students enrolled with a staff that includes 163 teachers and administrators. The school averages a 97 percent college acceptance rate.
2. Children’S Hospital Of Orange County (Choc)
City: Orange, CA
Category: Health Care
Telephone: (714) 997-3000
Address: 455 South Main St.
Description: When it comes to providing acute care to the county’s youngest patients, parents and medical providers turn to the experts at CHOC. This is Orange County’s only hospital, aside from its satellite center at Mission Hospital in the southern section of the county, to exclusively care for infants, children, and adolescents. Opened in 1964, CHOC features a state-of-the-art 238-bed main hospital facility plus five community clinics throughout Orange County. CHOC also offers more than 100 additional programs and services and, at press time, was in the midst of building a new state-of-the-art patient care tower slated to open in 2013. When completed, it will feature pediatric surgical suites, private rooms, and a family-friendly lobby plus emergency, laboratory, pathology, imaging, and radiology services.
3. Uci Medical Center
City: Orange, CA
Category: Health Care
Telephone: (714) 456-7890
Address: 101 The City Drive South
Description: The University of California, Irvine, Medical Center is Orange County’s only hospital associated with a university. With access to more than 300 specialty physicians and 50 primary care doctors, UCI offers a full spectrum of acute and general-care services and is a Level I trauma center equipped to manage any type of traumatic injury round-the-clock for both adults and children. It also houses a Level III neonatal care unit and is the only comprehensive care center in all of Orange County. Named as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” by U.S. News & World Report, UCI was the first to receive the Magnet Designation for nursing excellence in Orange County. UCI was also one of the first burn facilities in the nation and the only burn center verified by the American College of Surgeons and American Burn Association found within the county. Bottom line: When it comes to life and death situations, UCI is the go-to place for critical care.
4. Irvine Regional Park
City: Orange, CA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (714) 973-6835
Address: 1 Irvine Park Rd.
Description: Tucked among a grove of mature oak and sycamore trees with sloping foothills adding to the topography, Irvine Regional Park is a sanctuary for both humans and wildlife known to burrow among the 477 acres. This park, with its year-round pony rides and railroad adventure, which includes a 10-minute train ride, is the ultimate place for families with young children. There are several picnic areas, many sheltered, as well as trails for walking and biking, a half-dozen playgrounds, four softball fields, volleyball courts, and a lagoon. A 4-mile equestrian trail fringes the central park’s perimeter with convenient parking for horse trailers. There are ponds, creeks, and footbridges, too, plus a waterfall that adds to the park’s beauty. During the holiday season Irvine Regional Park strings lights on its train and ferries children to Santa’s Village for a visit with St. Nick. The park is open November through March from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and April through October until 9 p.m.
5. Vans Skate Park
City: Orange, CA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (714) 769-3800
Address: 20 City Blvd. West
Description: Part of the Vans empire, makers of skate apparel and shoes, this is the ultimate park for skateboarders, and many local professionals drop by to get a workout as well. With a 20,000-square-foot indoor street course with challenging obstacles plus a 12-foot Combi pool replicated from nearby Upland Pipeline Skatepark, considered one of the best skating pools during the 1980s, and an area for beginners that offers a less intimidating environment, Vans Skate Park has something for all skill levels. There are mini ramps, too, plus an outdoor street course made of concrete with a series of ledges, stairs, manual pads, and more. When skaters need a break, they can head to the arcade located on the premises. Admission fee is charged.
6. Orange Fire Department
City: Orange, CA
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (714) 288-2500
Address: 176 South Grand Ave.
7. Frog’S Breath Cheese Store
City: Orange, CA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (714) 744-1773
Address: 143 North Glassell St.
Description: This aromatic fromagerie carries a large selection of gourmet cut-to-order specialty cheeses plus aged prosciutto, artisan salami, vinegars, olive oils, cheese condiments, and much more. There is also an impressive and extensive salt bar with grains from around the world, from Sel Gris to Black Lava. The store offers wine and cheese tastings and a Cheese of the Month Club.
8. Paris In A Cup
City: Orange, CA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (714) 538-9411
Address: 119 South Glassell St.
Description: Why schlep to Paris when you can shop for French items at this enchanting boutique where shelves are neatly stocked with fig jams and lemon curd. After you’ve had a chance to look around, stay for a proper tea featuring finger sandwiches, salads, and pastries.
9. The Rib Trader
City: Orange, CA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (714) 744-9288
Address: 2710 East Chapman Ave.
Description: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening, this Orange County eatery presents Merlin’s Magic and Comedy Dinner Theater, a two-hour show of illusion. In addition to a mouthwatering meal, children are treated to sleight of hand magic and trickery by Merlin himself.