Cross the bridge to Balboa Island and you immediately notice one thing; there are no retail chain stores! In fact there are so many unique boutiques, it’s downright exhilarating.

As you stroll down Marine Avenue you will discover an array of individually-run shops each with its own charm. Often compared to Cape Code, Balboa Island has a West Coast vibe all its own. During the summer the streets are lined with sundress and trunk clad visitors, awestruck by the movie set-like perfection of the island. Although Balboa Island offers a variety of activities for visitors, one of the favorite pastimes by tourists and locals alike is shopping.

Shoppers will delight in finding a variety of unique and one-of-a kind goods ranging from casual beach to elegant with everything in between. Whether you’re shopping for a new pair of flip flops (a local staple), designer children’s clothing, candles, olive oil or upscale home furnishings, the one thing everyone can agree on is Balboa Island is a wonderful destination.

At Even Sisters you will discover fun beach apparel, jewelry and a whimsical life-size cow in front of the store that serves as its official ambassador. “I always smile when I walk past the colorful cow in front of Even Sisters,” Helen Bonn said a long-time Newport Beach resident. Keep walking and you’ll soon discover Art for the Soul, this amazing shop has endless one-of-a-kind art guaranteed to put a smile on your face and have your reaching for your wallet in record time. Finally, The Persimmon Tree has been a local favorite for decades. Here you can purchase gorgeous designer swim and resort wear, including bikinis, one piece swimsuits and separates.

The list of shops on Balboa Island is truly endless. There are 80-100 retailers on Marine Avenue at any given time ready to serve men, women, children and dogs alike. If shopping is not your sport of choice, take a walk around the entire island. You can stroll along the waterfront boardwalk and discover quaint cottages and beautiful local flowers or sit on a bench and watch as the boats drift by effortlessly.

After a long day of shopping and walking it’s always fun to head over to Dad’s Donuts or Sugar N’ Spice for a tasty Balboa Bar or frozen banana. If you’re new to the island, a Balboa Bar is a creamy rectangle of ice cream place on a stick and then dipped in rich milk chocolate and rolled in toppings. You can choose from chocolate or rainbow sprinkles, nuts, toffee bits, and coconut or chocolate shavings. Some locals like to combine two or more toppings to create their own unique confection. “My favorite topping hands down is to combine the toffee bits and chocolate shavings,” Doug Keigh said. The local man has been coming to the island his entire life and now brings his grandchildren.

As the sun begins to set, the island takes on a quite charm. Many of the shops are still open and serving customers. The evening air is crisp and filled with the fresh scent of the ocean. There are some definite advantages to visiting the island later in the day including thinning crowds and better parking. Although as any local will warn, parking is a challenge during the summer no matter what time of day you visit the island so be prepared!

When you’re visiting Southern California, Balboa Island is a “do not miss” destination. It’s charming, fun and the weather is perfect. There is something for everyone on Balboa Island.

For over 85 years, the Balboa Yacht Club has served to encourage yacht racing and cruising, promote the science of seamanship and navigation, and provide a beautiful clubhouse and marina for the educational, recreational and social use of its members, families and guests.

But some of the Club’s most popular sailing programs and events are centered on its children.   Families can be found on the sands mingling, playing, picnicking together or just showing their support for each other and fellow teammates.

Kristina A. of Costa Mesa gave the Balboa Yacht Club 4 stars on yelp and wrote:
I have grown up at the Balboa Yacht Club. Through my many years at the club, I have seen it grow as well. From the exquisite dining views to the beautiful facilities, the Balboa Yacht Club cannot be beat. Some other yacht clubs offer fancier decor or more massive yachts, but BYC makes everyone feel comfortable no matter what their price range. The staff really gets to know the members and customers. It’s such a nice touch to be greeted by name every time I visit. I love taking my friends to BYC and showing it off. The regulars are predictable and new faces are always more than welcome. BYC caters to every age group from a fine dining room and classy bar to the kid’s junior room. Kids will have fun running around the boat racks and playing downstairs as I did as a kid. The dining room and bar both have bay views where you can watch the sunset without any obstruction. BYC is classy, laid back, and one of my favorite places in Orange County.

The Balboa Yacht Club provides many opportunities for youth to become involved in sailing. They offer summer sailing programs open to both members and the public, a strong high school sailing program, a year round Naples Sabot racing program, and a CFJ and C420 racing circuit.

The Club’s Junior Sailing Program provides a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about sailing and to improve sailing skills. The Junior Sailing Program is a year-round operation open to children ages 6-18. The emphasis of their program is fun and safety, based on proven curriculum from US Sailing. They accommodate all levels of experience, from learning to sail to advanced racing.

For more information about the Balboa Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program or to register for Fall 2011 classes, contact Katie Tinder at 949-673-3515×131 or juniors@balboayachtclub.com.

They also offer a fantastic venue for high school sailing. Their High School Sailing program invites students of all ability levels (inexperienced to advanced) from eighth grade to twelfth grade to participate.

BYC hosts practices each week during the school year for Mater Dei High School and San Clemente High School. Teams travel to regattas up and down the West Coast throughout the year as members of the Pacific Coast Interscholastic Sailing Association, the governing body of the West Coast and Hawaii for high school sailing.

For more information on how to start a sailing program or to speak to someone about joining one of Balboa Yacht Club’s existing teams, contact Balboa Yacht Club Junior Program Director and Mater Dei/San Clemente head coach Katie Tinder at 949-673-3515×131 or email at juniors@balboayachtclub.com.

One of the newest stores to hit Marine Avenue, also known as the “Balboa Strip” is Sinfulicious. Amongst the many individually-owned boutiques, restaurants and small businesses, Sinfulicious brings to the strip the presence of a chain store (this is their third store in three years) while keeping in line with the quaintness and small-town feel of the island.

What captured my attention and ultimately drew me into the store was the deliciously displayed bucket of cupcakes (which I now know were bath bombs). Little did I expect that my experience inside the store would be just as satisfying as my thoughts of biting into one of those delectable desserts.

On the day I visited, the store was filled with bright eyes, big smiles and lots of laughter from little girls overjoyed at the idea of making their own body lotion and soap. With over 200 scents to choose from, Sinfulicious offers an array of bath products to satisfy any nose that enters the store.

April, who was training on-site that day, said “I love working with the customers and helping them mix scents. Girls love making their own lotion and even older ladies like to come in. They will sit for hours mixing scents until they get it just right.” April, from the Palm Springs store, has been with the company for 2 ½ years.

Islanders and visitors alike will bask in the fun and excitement of creating their very own natural, organic and chemical free bath products. Scents range from popular colognes and perfumes, to fruity flavors, spices, florals, and one-of-a-kind‘s, like dirt. And yes, it really does smell like dirt!

Once you’ve chosen your product and scent, the next step is to pick your color. They can make almost any color, with the exception of black and red, to fit your personal taste or décor.

And did I mention the complimentary hand spa treatment guests receive upon entering the store? Before I could get both feet in, I was pleasantly welcomed and offered a free hand treatment. After being escorted to the rear of the store, I had a choice between two scents (a stronger and milder fragrance) and then the process began. As I went through the procedure of rubbing and rinsing, I skeptically thought to myself, “Here we go again, another beauty product claiming to perform miracles.” When I got to the point of massaging the lotion and oils into my hands, I was pleasantly surprised. Ahh, a sigh of relief to both my hands and my mind! My hands were as soft and smooth as a satin cloth covered in baby oil.

During the treatment process, April explained each product used and its benefit. The mixologists were extremely knowledgeable about the Sinfulicious products and seemed to be more concerned about my experience while inside the store than just selling me a bottle of lotion. This was a refreshing approach to the typical retail experience and ultimately made me want to invest in their line of products.

Rather you are visiting the island or are a resident, stop by the newest addition to the Balboa Strip and let your scent journey begin. Their mixologists are committed to assisting each and every customer with some individual “me time.” They will show you the top-selling blends in any scents and help you create your own. One of my personal favorites was eucalyptus and peppermint.

The goal of Sinfulicious is to open one store per year, with the next projected to open in LA in 2012. Stop in and let them whip you up an organic spa lotion or a mineral body scrub. Create your own personal spa at home by customizing your bath and shower products into your signature scent.

You get exactly what you want and it’s sure to be a sinfully delicious process that you will love!

For more information, visit www.sinfuliciousbodycare.com.

Who knew that you could travel the world by just strolling down Marine Ave.? Sure the charming street is lined with beach-inspired boutiques and all-American ice cream shops, but more daring travelers can be transported to all sorts of far-off places through local island shops and restaurants.

Mediterranean

Pas.tu Restaurant – If you want a menagerie of countries to visit, try Pas.tu. This quaint restaurant serves a menu of French, Greek, Italian and Mediterranean food. The name Pas.tu is Farsi for cozy, tiny spot hidden with treasure which is exactly what this jewel of a restaurant is. Try: The Mediterranean Platter featuring hummus, dolmado and tatsiki.

France

Basilic – This fine dining establishment only seats 24 people which means you need to make reservations now for your wedding anniversary in November. The menu changes daily and includes authentic dishes inspired by France and Switzerland. Try: Coq au Vin – Braised chicken breast, egg noodle and Burgundy wine.

Italy

These places are perfect for channeling your inner Mama Mia! and reveling in all that is Italian.

Amelia’s – A Balboa Island legend, Amelia’s has been serving up Italian fare since 1961. The founder, Amelia Seton shared her home recipes from Capri where she was born and raised. Her children now run the family business and has been an island favorite ever since.

Ciao – The most casual of all the Italian eateries on the island, Ciao has all the staples like pasta, pizza and those addicting Italian desserts. Perfect for walk-in “I’m hungry now” eating and has outside seating too for good people watching.

Barolo by the Sea – This restaurant is pure Italian. The full bodied wine that bears the restaurant’s name is one of the many Italian varietals on their extensive wine list. Mostly Northern Italian cuisine, their tiramisu is some of the best in Orange County.

A’maree’s on the Island – This smaller, yet still uber-fashionable clothing store is the little sister to A’maree’s on Coast Highway. Their high end European labels like Balenciaga are elevating the dress code in Newport from beachy casual to beachy chic.

Japan

Hakone – The eat-in or take out sushi place is small, but do not let the size full you. Their popular Sushi Boxes are taking Balboa by storm. They don’t serve sake their like most sushi places, but I’m sure you’ll get over it once you see how affordable the prices are and how generous in size the rolls are.

Mexico

Picante Martins – A local favorite, this Mexican eatery has a wide range of specialties including an exceptional Cubano sandwich. They also serve breakfast burritos. The décor is like stepping into an authentic Mexico City restaurant. Paper currency from all over the world is hung like wallpaper and they serve non-alcoholic sangria soda.

China

Shanghai Pine Garden – You don’t even have to go inside this restaurant to feel like you have stepped into China. The inside décor hasn’t changed much since the 70s and good thing, its rich red-orange interior is a fantastical tribute to the old Chinatowns of Los Angeles and San Francisco. Daily lunch specials make this a hotspot.

Napa Valley

Olive Oil & Beyond – You could be transported to Italy at OOB, but the selection of dried pastas, olive oils and balsamic are reminiscent of the tiny boutiques in Napa that sell items to compliment your bottle of wine. Plus. OOB has tastings of their olive oil here just like the wineries in Napa.

Palm Beach

Ornate at Home – This modern and vibrant home décor shop is so Palm Beach meets Palm Springs. Mid-century modern minimalist with pops of bright color can be seen in decorative pillows, lamps and chairs.

Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Bookstore – Instantly be taken away to the East Coast at this intimate bookstore which has a very laid back, yet Cape Cod sort of feel. Come in and sip on tea or wine, waiting for guests as they enter. I already feel like a Kennedy!

The Fourth of July has once again come… and gone. Americans swelled with patriotism throughout our country as we celebrated the 4th and the Island and our local communities exemplified this patriotism with passion.

As I sit at my desk writing this post, I think back on the great week the Island just experienced. It was terrific. There were countless flags waving, several red, white, and blue balloons bobbing back and forth in the breeze and the excitement of the 4^th was everywhere.

Each year the Island is home to a vibrant scene on Independence Day. As I mentioned in my Balboa Island Parade blog, the residents here really know how to show their pride for country, particularly on July 4th. And there are A LOT OF PEOPLE. I mean A LOT. It is quite the atmosphere.

Most Island residents basically “hunker down” and find our parking spaces around July 1^st and play “swap the parking spot” game with our friends and relatives until the end of the fireworks shows. Trying to get on and off Island can be a challenge over the holiday but it is balanced with great fun and enjoyment.

And let us not forget the amazing smell of the Island BBQs! Sometimes people ask me, as a realtor, about the closeness of the properties on the Island to one another. Trust me, on this day, with that many steaks, burgers, and hot dogs on the grill… it’s great to have houses in such close proximity!

Another great activity to take part in on July 4^th is the Old Glory Boat Parade. Many boat owners decorate their vessels in red, white and blue, play music and fly their flags high in the annual harbor parade. The scene is quite impressive. Locals can also take a fireworks cruise in the harbor at night to watch the local fireworks shows. Basically, whether you’re a resident of 30 years or visiting for the very first time, there is plenty to do and a great deal to see.

The 4^th of July also seems to really represent the commencement of the beach summer season. June can bring with it a lot of visitors and sometimes warm and sunny weather, but it also brings the annual “June Gloom.” There is almost a sense that everybody is warming up for the next two months of real summer. Well, it is here now.

The next 8-10 weeks are (apart from the Christmas boat parade and Halloween night) the busiest of the year on the Island. Each weekday in summer is probably busier than any busy Saturday in the fall or spring. But the truth is, if you ask many Islanders, it is a fun two months. It’s great to see the kids in BIYC on their small boats, all the activity in the harbor, the inevitable traffic disputes on Marine and meeting new people.

The fourth kicks all that off. It came, it went. Summer has started!

One of the topics I am frequently asked about regarding properties on Balboa Island is the amount of new construction currently taking place.

At any one time, you can walk around both Islands and see several different building projects in development. I know of at least nine such projects right now with several other remodels taking place as well.

Each year we see more and more older cottages being torn down and replaced by stunning new properties.  Is there cause for concern for the future of these vintage cottages?  What if the Island becomes a Mecca for big, shiny and new properties at the expense of small, quaint and historic ones? Will the Island lose its timeless feel that it is currently privy to?

I may be biased because just two months ago my parents completed their home on Emerald, but I think the amount of new properties is simply part of a healthy cycle that will continue for years to come.

Classic homes built in the 1930’s can still be found around every Island corner and on all three bayfronts. Homes with architecture from each of the last EIGHT decades share the property spotlight. I don’t believe any one dominates the other and as cycles tend to do… they eventually cycle.

I tell people who have concerns about all the new homes that new homes will not be new forever. If 10 homes are built every year on the Island, in 20 years that’s 200 new homes out of about 1400 Island lots – or roughly 14 percent. Not a huge number over such a lengthy span of time. Yet, at the same time, as many of the homes on the Island will start to celebrate their 100th birthday in the next 10-20 years, it won’t surprise anyone if many continue to stand and shine.

Island homes are creative, unique and compelling. What is so special about this place is you might stand on a street and look at two neighboring homes side by side. One, a spectacular new structure just built, the other, a charming beach cottage built over a generation ago and yet they BOTH represent the Island equally and justifiably, giving the Island its eclectic charm.

One of the other unique aspects of new construction on the Island is the amount of diversity in design and layout given that so many of the homes are on the exact same lot size.

A standard, or “full” Balboa Island lot is 30×85 or 2,550 feet. Some lots can be larger, while others can be a bit smaller. I won’t bore you with the details, but the basic equation lends a homeowner about 2700 square feet for a new home on a full lot – give or take a little if the setbacks vary.

So how can you have diversity if most of the homes are on exactly the same size parcel of land with the exact same square footage? You would think that was a rhetorical question… nope. Our homeowners are creative, and our builders, thoughtful.

I’ve seen so many different design interpretations on this Island, so unique, so, well… cool. “Upside down” houses with living areas upstairs, wide-ranging rooftop deck layouts, kitchens in front, kitchens in back, interior courtyards, elevators, two bedrooms, three bedrooms, four bedrooms… I think you get the picture.

The bottom line is: the Island is a place where the identity of yesteryear will never be lost and, in fact, I believe that one of the many strengths of having so many new homes is the contrast between the two, which allows both generational styles to be prominently featured.

I’m sure many years from now there will continue to be a wave of new homes being built, while our current “new” Island homes transition into the homes of our future’s yesteryear. And the Island will still be as unique and “property diverse” as it is today.

The Island is truly one of the most relaxing, family-friendly vacation spots in Southern California. There is no shortage of fun activities, local shops, outstanding restaurants and ice cream hotspots. Vacation rentals are still being booked with great frequency and more and more people of all generations are choosing the Island as their summer getaway. But what does LIVING here entail?

As a real estate agent and resident of the Island, I am frequently asked by those visiting or even contemplating a move to the Island what living here would be like. Among the questions frequently asked are: “Doesn’t it get really crowded in the summer? Do people like living that close to each other? What are home values like?” All very good questions.

Living on the Island has been a terrific experience and I feel very blessed for it. I previously lived in a home with a great deal of space in the yard, was in close proximity to my neighbors (but not six feet close) and traffic was never an issue. But the difference in lifestyle here has met expectations and then some. Am I close in proximity to several neighbors? Absolutely. But they’re great people – fun, relaxed, and I enjoy seeing them daily. On our street, we even occasionally have movie nights where everyone gathers together and watches a movie outdoors on a large canvas screen and we also have the occasional block party. It’s a classic neighborhood vibe, one where nobody would hesitate to ask another for a cup of sugar or some butter if needed.

How about the crowds? This was one of the things that surprised me most after living here for a while. I found the crowds to be not nearly as dense as one might think. The weekend days in summer are definitely crowded, but that really seems to apply on Saturdays and Sundays for eight weeks in July and August. Holidays and the Boat Parade bring great crowds as well. From September through May and even up to June however, the Island really blends a comfortable energy with moderate amounts of traffic. The difference from the summer to fall, winter and spring might be something not unlike the difference between a weekend summer day at Disneyland and a weekday in October. No Fast Passes needed for the latter. Parking really isn’t an issue – even on weekends – and the ferry line is usually not overwhelming.

Home values? I find that more and more of my clients are searching for a place where they can kick back, relax, have a barbeque and enjoy little-to-no maintenance on their properties. Though our values have been hit somewhat, we’ve been fortunate to keep values higher as a percentage than other local markets. Also, the demand for income properties by investors is still high as I’ve heard numerous clients say they feel more comfortable investing their capital in Balboa Island rental properties than the current stock market. That demand keeps inventory reasonable and prices have leveled off. Currently, there only 24 homes for sale on the Island opposed to about 45 at this time last year. As the inventory has dropped, prices and consumers themselves have seemed more bullish.

Overall, the experience of living on the Island is one I am very grateful for and one I don’t at all take for granted. It’s almost timeless. It has the feeling of a classic neighborhood in the 1950’s… bikes, ferries, classic beach cottages, frozen bananas and much more, yet is mixed with modern amenities, such as fine dining, some modern real estate, and yes… even a local Starbucks. Whether you’re young, old or anywhere in between, the Island is a fantastic place to call home. I hope to be blessed enough to live here for the rest of my life.

When you live on Balboa Island, with its unbelievable views and intrinsically charming surroundings you get a little spoiled- let’s be honest. And our art culture has evolved around the nautical lifestyles that we lead. Our hobbies, décor and cuisine are all centered on beach living, surf sports and the fabulous warm Southern California weather so of course our artistic tastes follow suit as well.

Balboa offers several galleries with a variety of interpretations of beach focused art. With everything from the bikini to the famous Balboa Pier as their muse, local artists, photographers and sculptors seem to have no lack of inspiration for their beautiful works. From water color to sketches and wooden backed signage to hand carved stone statues there is an artistic wonderment to our little island home that should make every local proud of our heritage and contributions to the art world.

After all, with so many beautiful landscapes to capture and exciting activities to document local artists are always finding ways to savor Balboa’s culture on canvas. The next time you are wondering around the Island, pop into the local galleries and craft shops to view the contributions of local artists. You may just become inspired to try your hand at it too!

Whether you’re a long time area local or a first time visitor, the Park Avenue Café at 501 Park Avenue is a destination not to be missed! Established in 1984, the restaurant was opened as “Donshirs” and was owned by John A.W. Nicks. Later that year the current owner Bill Hardesty bought the business and has turned it into the long time success it is today. They are open for breakfast, lunch or dinner so you can find a satisfying meal any time of day.

This is upscale cuisine in a casual home-style ambiance that really appeals to the Island crowd. You can sit inside or out and always count on great quality cuisine at extremely competitive prices.

Some of their fan favorites include a succulent rack of lamb served seared to perfection with mint jelly on the side, mashed potatoes or fries and a veggie. Another tried and true favorite is the Park Avenue Chicken which is prepared ina wine sauce with mushrooms, celery, tomato and a hint of lemon. And on Friday nights only, they prepare the most amazing aged prime rib of beef with au jus and yorkshire pudding! Call ahead to reserve your slice because this always runs out- it’s just THAT good! They also offer delicious seafood options, sizzling steaks and tempting desserts. And while everything on the dessert menu is fresh and delicious, their home made apple pie with ice cream is an absolute must!

Check out their menu before heading out for your next family meal- the Park Avenue Café is well worth a visit.