Archive for January, 2011

Just across the channel from Balboa Island lies the famous and historic Balboa Inn. Nestled in the heart of the Fun Zone/Balboa Pier area on the Balboa Peninsula this historic landmark has a rich and interesting history. Established in 1929, in its early days it was one of the most popular resort destinations along the West Coast. Although the Inn has undergone many changes and renovations over its long history, the beautiful Spanish influenced architecture holds its character even today.

In the 1980s the Balboa Inn was owned by famous basketball players and at one point in its early history it was used as a school then later renovated into an inn again. In fact, the most famous suit remains the room of Kareen Abdul-Jabbar because of its nine foot tall entryway door.

The Balboa Theater, once operated by the infamous Madam La Rue used to be next to the Inn in its early days which cemented this location as a hot spot for Hollywood starlets, Olympic athletes and travelers alike. Even famous actor Tarzan star Johnny Weismueller has stayed here several times.

In the early days, the Balboa Inn served as a hostel along the Orange County Coast for vacationers and explorers. It remains a favorite spot for travelers who want to be walking distance to everything Balboa Island and the Balboa Peninsula has to offer including the Newport Beach Pier, the Balboa Fun Zone, many famous bars and restaurants and some of Southern California’s most beautiful beaches.

Looking for a truly unique locale for your latest getaway? Consider Balboa Island, a small peninsula extending from Newport Beach, California. Balboa Island is a charming community that combines the vibrancy of Southern California spirit and the breeziness of a surf town. Residents gather around a small downtown boulevard to enjoy the local luxury boutiques, gourmet markets, and trendy nail salons. During your stay, panoramic ocean views and sandy beaches are within a walking distance. Balboa Island enjoys year round gorgeous weather: expect a crisp winter breeze filtered by golden sunlight.

Families, retirees, professionals and college students alike live on the island year round. Longtime Balboa Island natives are friendly and cheerful, usually greeting visitors with a smile or wave. You get the sense of a close-kn

it community amongst the stunning beach homes and cottages. The Balboa Fun Zone, an arcade and amusement park, is a short ferry ride across a small ocean channel on the Newport Beach peninsula. Try a famous Balboa bar at one of the ice

cream shops or sample the fine dining choices. There are dozens of restaurants and eateries to choose from downtown.

Ready to head over to the Balboa coast today? Bring your family to one of our Balboa Island rentals. Our selection of rentals can accommodate a large family or group, with elegant furniture, a fully-stocked kitchen, and a flat-screen television. Each of our homes is fully furnished, including cooking supplies and linens, bringing the comfort of home to your Orange County getaway. Browse our Balboa Island rental listings for more information on seasonal renting. Rentals are available from Saturday to Saturday during the summer and rates vary.

What are you doing the week of January 21^st-27^th 2011? Enjoying a culinary celebration from Balboa Island’s finest restaurants during Newport Beach Restaurant Week- of course! This citywide food festival lets you sample specially created prix-fix menus at bargain prices. Enjoy exceptional dishes prepared by the island’s hottest gourmet chefs! Prix-Fix gourmet menus will be featured at unbelievable prices for this 5 day event only. For lunch, meals will range from $15- $20; dinners will be $25, $35, or $45. And early reservations are highly recommended.

The City of Newport Beach and Balboa Island in particular is undoubtedly one of Southern California’s premier dining destinations. This weeklong event themed “Savor the Flavor” is kicking off Friday, January 21st – Thursday, January 27th, 2011. Close to 100 of Newport Beach’s finest eateries will participate for a full week in this citywide culinary celebration, serving up special prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus at rock bottom prices.

Participating Balboa Island eateries to check out include:

Amelia’s Restaurant

949-673-6580 | Dinner $25

Barolo By The Sea

949-675-6193 | Lunch $15 Dinner $35

Ciao Italian Restaurant

949-675-4070 | Dinner $25

Pas Tu Restaurant

949-566-9525 | Dinner $35

The Village Inn

949-675-8300 | Lunch $15 Dinner $25

Wilma’s Patio

949-675-5542 | Lunch $15 Dinner $25

Most restaurants will offer a minimum of three offerings per course giving the dining community an incredible opportunity to enjoy exceptional prix-fixe meals prepared by the most innovative Balboa Island chefs.

This special OC culinary celebration produced by the Restaurant Association is a foodie’s dream come true! Nothing is more exciting than the opportunity to savor a cross section of Balboa’s most popular dining establishments at super low prices.

Download the entire list of participating restaurants HERE!

Bon Appetite Balboa Islanders!