I consider myself an OC native, and Jesse and I lived there together for many years, so we love any chance we can get away for the weekend and head back for a weekend getaway. Typically I would say a daytime duffy boat excursion is necessary but this day was a little more chilly and we were feeling food and shopping.
We started off by stopping for breakfast at my favorite Bagel shop in Huntington Beach, Bagel Mania. When I was in high school, my friends and I would come get bagels here before class and it was a regular tradition for us. Trust me when I say it is a must if you are a bagel lover. There is a drive-thru so you will immediately see a line wrapped through the parking lot when you arrive, but locals know the trick is to park and order inside for quicker service. We get the Hawaiian bagel with tofutti, a strawberry banana smoothie, and iced lattes with soy milk.
Of course, the shopping in the Newport Beach area is next level, and you can definitely make a day of shopping here. You have two amazing malls a stone’s throw away from the beach and lots of great boutiques. I’ve been dying to check out Twila True Fine Jewelry, a fine jewelry store with another location in Las Vegas. I know I’ve mentioned it before, but I find there is such a value in investing in real gold or silver jewelry that will last you a lifetime. I almost exclusively invest in real gold pieces right now that I can wear for years to come.
You may have seen that we are expecting our first baby, so a “push present” is definitely on the mind. I had so much fun getting to try on all of the gorgeous, glittery pieces at Twila True. Whatever you personal style is — you will find it here. I found no shortage of dainty gold pieces, some timeless, some a bit more unique, but if silver is your thing and you like something a bit more bold, they have you covered. While I was shopping for myself, I also found a lot of pieces where I was inspired for a gift for someone else.
In addition to a variety of styles, there is a wide range in variety of price-point, so there is likely to be something for every budget. Of course, any fine jewelry is an investment, but I appreciated that there was a range to choose from!
The store is located right on PCH in the heart of the best part of Newport Beach, right before you get to the Newport Peninsula where you can rent duffy boats, enjoy a coffee or lunch at Lido Village, or have a glass of wine and dinner at one of the gorgeous waterfront restaurants. It’s an easy stop to try on some pretty jewels before a day of adventuring, or a cozy night out.
Of course I think the store is an experience, and a must if you’re in the area, but they do also have an online store as well if you see anything that catches your eye!
After spending more time than I could imagine trying on the various gold and diamond pieces of my dreams, we were hungry for lunch. We met up with some friends at the iconic Hosum Bistro, a spot we would frequent when we lived there. The MUST on the menu is the “Combo Salad” and I know you’re thinking — how good could a salad be? But believe me, it’s a must. We even got one to take home, that’s how good it is. It can be made vegan with no chicken.
Have you been to Newport Beach? What is your must-go or do in the charming but luxurious beach town?
