For a good month, I was visiting the San Clemente area for some therapeutic massages. I would go to…read moreSugar Blossom Bake Shop to get their delightful cookies amd cupcakes. I found myself in a very quaint place with lots of little shops and restaurants. It was Del Mar Plaza. It doesn't look too big of a space from the outside, but once you walk in it, there's quite a lot of businesses inside. Free parking is available for customers only. Or you may park on the streets. Please read the signs for any parking restrictions. I just took a stroll through and looked. I didn't do any shopping besides getting my cookies and cupcakes as I was short on time. I'll have to return here the next time I'm in the area again.

I didn't know this place existed. Such a fun walk through. The surfliner Amtrak train stop is…read moreright here and this marketplace was so lively on a beautiful Saturday afternoon with lots of food options and music. Parking garages all over and it's $2.00 per hour to park. Please come and create your own adventure.

River Street Marketplace is a development and shopping area located in San Juan Capistrano. There…read moreis ample parking ($2/hour) but you can also take the train as the Metrolink station is right there. It reminds me of the SoCo plaza in Costa Mesa but it has a pretty common vibe where there are indoor shops, outdoor seating, play areas, and restaurants. This place in particular also has some old school charms like the River Street Ranch (a petting zoo) with modern boutique shops and a food hall. It's a place to hang out when it's nice outside and it's packed with people.

I was in Old Town San Clemente for one reason and one reason only. I came here to buy cookies,…read morecupcakes, and brownies from Sugar Blossom Bake Shop. I ended up hanging around and strolling through the streets that are filled with local shops and restaurants. I didn't stay too long as I was short on time. It's indeed an intriguing town with lots of history. I saw the Historic City Hall building. There was even a Twin Flame candy store which I can't wait to visit on my next visit. There are a handful of restaurants I want to try out one day. As for shopping, it's nice to stroll through on a sunny and cool day. Parking is available on the streets or in small lots. Please read the signage for any parking restrictions. I'll definitely be back to really get acquainted in Old Town San Clemente. See you again soon! I'll capture some photos next time.

This is my least favorite of all the old towns I've been to. There really isn't much here. Mostly…read morethere are places to eat. There's a small parking lot, and another across the street. I'd rather go up the street on Del Mar. Today there was a Farmers Market. I've seen other events there. There's a lot more shopping and dining options on Del Mar. Go there instead.

Located in one of San Clemente's most affluent communities. This place has Carlsbad vives, in my…read moreopinion, which I love! Hopkins Real Estate Group, is the developer and I gotta say they did a great job! With 103,000-square-foot Talega Village Center opened on the fall of 2007. Ralphs Fresh Fare is the anchor store and has 46,000-square-foot. I love their layout and happy with the products they carry and large selection on pretty much a lot of stuff we use at home. The grounds are manicured and well taken care of. I love the mature landscaping and the overall feel of the area. There is a Peet's Coffee, Panera Bread just to name a few. Cool place to shop and dine!

These are four anticipatory stars, mind you. My nose would be pressed up against the glass if any…read moreof these places had windows yet, but check out this list of deliciousness soon to be in my very own nabe. Very VERY excited. I was terrified that they were going to put in a Claim Jumper or CPK but they have wisely chosen, in my opinion. Somewhat melancholy, our little SC is growing up...sniff. Maybe some high-end sushi will take the pain away. RESTAURANTS/FOOD First Class Pizza 821 Via Suerte, Unit 104 First Class Pizza is a regional chain with eight locations throughout Orange County. Devotees of First Class give the restaurant high marks for using the freshest ingredients and loading the pizza with toppings. First Class will offer dine-in, carry-out and delivery options. Juice It Up 821 Via Suerte, Unit 103 http://www.juiceitup.com JUICE IT UP!, Orange County's most popular juice and smoothie bar, with over 60 Southern California locations, is a healthy alternative to fast food, offering smoothies blended with delicious fruits including acai, the Brazilian fruit taking California's health conscious by storm. JUICE IT UP! also serves up fresh squeezed juices, organic coffee, hot teas and such delicious snacks as soups, stuffed breadsticks and pretzels. Maggie Moo's 821 Via Suerte, Unit 102 http://www.maggiemoos.com MaggieMoo's award-winning ice cream starts with the finest ingredients to make super premium ice cream fresh in the Treatery every day. Menu features freshly made super-premium ice creams, mix-ins, smoothies, sorbets, the country's first ice cream cupcakes and custom ice cream cakes. Panera Bread 802 Avenida Talega Unit 101 http://www.panerabread.com The specialty bread/bakery-cafe wide menu of offerings including sandwiches, soups served in bread bowls, and salads. A full array of cafe, signature and hot panini sandwiches are available at lunch, dinner and throughout the day, made to order on Panera's signature loaves and priced from $5.40 to $6.25. The bakery-cafe also offers ten varieties of bagels, pastries and sweets, plus specialty coffees and espresso drinks. Peet's Coffee & Tea 801 Avenida Talega, Unit 101 http://www.peets.com Founded in Berkeley, California in 1966, PEET'S COFFEE & TEA, INC. is a specialty coffee roaster and marketer of fresh, deep-roasted whole bean coffee for home and office enjoyment. Sea Smoke 831 Via Suerte, Unit 101 http://www.bluefinbyabe.com Sea Smoke is a new sushi restaurant from one of Orange County's top chefs, Master Takashi Abe and partner Ted Lee, who also operates Bluefin in Newport Coast's Crystal Cove shopping center. Sea Smoke will offer some of the classic and creative sushi and specialty rolls diners have come to love at Bluefin and will introduce them to some new offerings only available at Sea Smoke. Sundried Tomato Caf 821 Via Suerte, Unit 101 http://www.thesundriedtomatocafe.com The first of the three new restaurants is Sundried Tomato. A local favorite since 1993, Sundried will be opening its third Orange County location at Talega Village Center. Chef/Owner Mark Jacobi and partner Rob Quest have made a name for Sundried by serving up creative California cuisine like their pork tenderloin enchilada with goat cheese and a sweet enchilada sauce and their lamb burger with gorgonzola cheese offered in a contemporary and casual atmosphere.

I didn't get a picture, but I saw Melrose has a sale for 60% off jeans for Labor Day! I gotta go…read morecheck it out. They seemed to have some great quality items on sale. Also, I saw a sign that they're hiring...for anyone interested.

I love shopping here. The offering is very on trend and usually can find my size. The sales girls…read moreare always really friendly and kind, even when my crazy kids are running around the store. The prices have gotten a little expensive, but I suspect it's because of the tariffs. This is still one of my go to stores when I'm wanting to freshen up my wardrobe.

I walked here after getting off the trolley and it's a beautiful strip mall with 2 clothing…read moreboutiques, a market, Genkai sushi, the Monarch Beach market and a few other cool spots. It's close to both the Ritz Carlton and the Waldorf Astoria resort.

The service was low key and informative. The merchandise was hands on for kids and quality! It…read moresparked memories and imagination. So glad we stopped in.