<p>Here are some ideas:
First, make sure you wander the Circle (Old Town Orange). Pop in at the soda fountain at the historic drug store. Go to the waffle place, too–<em>Bruxie’s</em> or some such, the name escapes me now. </p>
<p>Dodge has frequent events, screenings, etc., so check out their schedule on the Dodge College blog or FB page. Do the Dodge Tour, of course, if you haven’t already. And you can sit in on classes: call and arrange it or look into Panther For A Day. Our son sat in on classes two weeks ago, hung out with current students, and really enjoyed it. </p>
<p>If you want to see some local color and can drive (or cab) a few miles: visit the arty Gypsy Den! The Gypsy Den has open poetry mic nights, etc. It’s a great place in Santa Ana’s little Artists’ Village. You can wander the Artist’s Village and check out the galleries, Spanish language bookstores, etc.
Here is the website for the Gypsy Den:[E?Den[/url</a>]</p>
<p>You can also take a spin to Laguna Beach, or drive PCH south to Huntington Beach (depending on time). You can mosey down the bluff to put toes in the surf. Maybe pop into the Museum: [url=<a href=“Laguna Art Museum – The Museum of California Art, located in Laguna Beach”>Laguna Art Museum – The Museum of California Art, located in Laguna Beach]Laguna</a> Art Museum – Laguna Beach, CA](<a href=“http://www.gypsyden.com/]E?Den[/url”>http://www.gypsyden.com/)</p>
<p>Another nice outing is the Mission at San Juan Capistrano. Even better than the Mission is tiny, historic Los Rios Street (a hidden jewel, around the corner from the mission). This dates to the 1700’s and is the oldest neighborhood in California. You can take the train there if you have no car. The train ride is very short, but to see the Mission and wander Los Rios takes a couple of hours, so this might be better for future explorations.
[San</a> Juan Capistrano](<a href=“http://www.sjc.net/los_rios/index.html]San”>http://www.sjc.net/los_rios/index.html)</p>
<p>And there’s whale watching!
<<the o.c.=“” is=“” perfectly=“” positioned=“” to=“” watch=“” whale=“” migrations.=“” december=“” through=“” april=“” prime=“” time=“” for=“” gray=“” (or=“” baleen)=“” whales=“” pass=“” from=“” feeding=“” breeding=“” grounds.=“” may=“” november=“” brings=“” out=“” the=“” massive,=“” 80-foot=“” blue=“” whales,=“” who=“” prefer=“” warmer=“” waters.=“” and=“” while=“” you’re=“” at=“” it,=“” you=“” just=“” might=“” see=“” finback=“” pods=“” of=“” dolphin,=“” seals,=“” killer=“” sharks.=“”>></the></p>
<p>I didn’t mention Disneyland, but of course that’s close by, too.
Enjoy!</p>