By: Peggy Tanous

Living in the beautiful Newport Beach area, it’s easy not to be motivated to venture outside our "bubble,", but in my experience, it's always a fun adventure when you expand your horizons. Born and raised in Orange County and living here most of my life, I’ve always been one to visit new areas and explored what else is out there. I look forward to sharing with you some of my favorite places to visit each month. Some destinations are nearby and within California, while others will be beyond our Stateline, but all will be worth the drive!

I hope you enjoy my suggestions and discover some new places to explore. If you have any special places you would like to share for consideration in a future article, you can DM me on IG @ocpeggytanous.

Intimate Weekend Getaway
Domaine Chardonnay Vineyard Estate and Luxury Bed and Breakfast\

My husband and I love Temecula Valley Wine Country, and it's only a little over one hour from Newport Beach, but you feel like you have been transported to another region. It's a real hidden gem. We recently had the pleasure of staying at our friend's Vineyard Estate and B&B. Domaine Chardonnay is a working vineyard that sits on 5 acres just off Rancho California Road in the heart of wine country. It is one of the oldest Chardonnay vineyards in the valley. Michael and Laura Wieters purchased the property from the original owners in 2016. The beautiful estate was inspired by a small village in the Loire Valley of France, complete with its own Medieval Chapel that is one of the guest rooms. It has three guest suites in total, all absolutely stunning, each with its own patio to enjoy the vineyard views and the hot air balloons flying over the property. The home and guest rooms were completed and opened to the public in May 2019. Each guest suite has its own private entrance making it very private. We were fortunate to stay in the chapel suite, which is the largest and equipped with a wet bar kitchenette, a huge marble walk-in shower, and a large soaking tub. The glamourous decor of all the suites is an eclectic blend of rustic winery meets New York loft chic, with breathtaking views. If you are looking for a great night's sleep, look no further. We slept like babies; it is so quiet you can hear a pin drop. We enjoyed waking up to an incredible complimentary gourmet breakfast delivered right to our front door. Domaine Chardonnay also has its own delicious hand-crafted, limited edition wines made right on the property and an exclusive members-only wine club by invitation. Each room has an informative guide you can browse to learn about all the wineries in the area, tour options, and other activities in the valley. We had a romantic stay and can't wait to return.

For more information on Domaine Chardonnay, please visit www.domainechardonnay.com, or you can find them on Instagram @domainechardonnay

Date Night Out
Orange Hill Restaurant

Look no further if you’re looking for a new date night spot. Just about 30 minutes up the 55 freeway is this hilltop hideaway. Orange Hill Restaurant and Event Center is situated at the very top of Chapman Avenue in Orange and has the most incredible views in all of Orange County. On a clear day, you can see Catalina Island, Downtown Los Angeles, Disneyland's magical firework show, Angels Stadium, and our beautiful coastline. Upon arrival, you will pass by the cascading waterfalls, koi ponds, and a grand fireplace. Upon entry into the restaurant, you will see the chic bar called the O Bar and both inside and outside dining areas. Outside there are several fire pits and heat lamps for colder evenings. Orange Hill also has several private areas for events accommodating anywhere from 6 to 250 guests.

On the weekends, enjoy an a la carte brunch from 10am to 2pm. This is the place for you if you are a carnivore like my husband and me. This restaurant is known for prime-aged steaks. And if you are tired of restaurants that offer just “meat on a plate,” you will not be disappointed here. Each dish comes with delicious sides and stunning presentations. We started our evening with their Monkey Gin Jasmine tea drink, which was reminiscent of Aladdin. It was served on a beautiful gold tray with a smoking tea kettle. It had a fairy tale feel. We followed that with cornbread drizzled with honey and served with delicious butter. Next, we ordered the Wagyu carpaccio, black truffle butter, and smoky chimichurri that we cooked tableside over a salt block. The flavors were unbelievable. I ordered a delicious miso-marinated Chilean sea bass that was one of the best I've had. Next time I look forward to trying the steak progressive, which is four cuts of premium steak plated with Himalayan pink salt, roasted cippolini onion, red wine shallot, and crushed pink pepper. This is definitely a plate you can share. And for some extra greens, I ordered the Thai chili glazed Brussels sprouts. We left fulfilled with incredible views, sparkling lights below, and food fit for a king. Orange Hill is definitely a place to put on your list.

For more information, visit www.orangehillrestaurant.com or visit them on IG @orangehilleats

Family Getaway
Shore House at Hotel Del Coronado

My family and I took a trip recently to Coronado Island in San Diego. We stayed at the beautiful Shore House that just opened in September of 2022. It is located at the southernmost point of the legendary Hotel del Coronado and is oceanfront, offering 1,2, and 3-bedroom residences. Each one offers a full kitchen, laundry facility, fireplace, and balcony. Perfect for a week-long stay or weekend away. There is a private valet and entrance just for Shore House guests. The oceanfront pool is heated year-round and offers private cabanas and an incredible poolside restaurant and bar. Enjoy The Bistro's communal table and gorgeous ocean views for breakfast. This place has a very East Coast vibe and reminded me of our local hot spot here, Lido House. What I really loved about Shore House is its intimacy and newness, but also the convenient two-minute walk across the lawn to the original Hotel del Coronado, where we could enjoy all of their amenities as well.

For more information, visit www.hoteldel.com or on IG @shorehouseatthedel

Rustic Luxury Getaway for Families, Couples, or Friends
Alisal Ranch

NBL profiled Alisal Ranch in 2022, but just in case you're not familiar with the luxury boutique resort property; it is located within the rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley—just 36 miles outside Santa Barbara. Set across the backdrop of the mountains, this family-owned destination has offered visitors a taste of the West for more than 70 years. The resort has been updated to provide a luxury experience particularly suited for today's traveler: an opportunity to immerse in nature; stargaze free of light pollution; learn the secrets of barbecue from top chefs; fly fish, canoe, or kayak on a 110-acre, spring-fed lake; learn the art of archery and air rifle; tell stories with family around a crackling campfire; or dip into the 6,500-square-foot spa after a long day on horseback (the ranch cares for over 100 horses, all trained to ride with experts as well as beginners). Alisal Ranch is intimate and expansive, with just 73 guest cottages, two 18-hole championship golf courses, six tennis courts, pickleball courts, and more.

For stays February 12-15, 2023, Alisal Ranch offers a 'Romance at the Ranch' package, featuring a three-night stay, meals, and several activities such as golfing and horseback riding with your sweetheart. The package also includes a unique opportunity to participate in a Valentine's Equus Workshop, where couples can build new skills, explore relational patterns, and practice clear communication and boundary setting. Lastly, couples may choose from various cooking, cocktail-making, and dancing classes as part of their stay.

For more information, visit: www.alisalranch.com

If you visit any of the above, send me a message on IG letting me know about your experience!