Travelogue: October 12-15, 2024

The Lab's 'anti-mall' descriptor is soooo spot on. Their website describes this indoor/outdoor cluster of unique shops as "a place where thoughts run free, art and culture are king. A destination full of small businesses, art and funkiness". The Lab anchors the larger South Bristol Entertainment & Cultural Arts (SoBECA) district of Costa Mesa - a growing and evolving hub for modern, trendy exploration. This district might be on the smaller side, but it is packed with urban charm, local culture, and an ever-evolving atmosphere. Live music, eco-conscious shops, unique eateries and craft beers are among the many offerings. And everything is within walking distance of each other, so no need to battle traffic.

Over the decades Costa Mesa, CA has received less than stellar reviews. I recall it being described as a ‘fly-over’ city on the way to the much more celebrated Newport Beach. These days, I might beg to differ. At least on one particular front. For starters, its upscale South Coast Plaza is the largest retail center on the West Coast. Its sales of more than $1.7 billion annually are the highest in the United States. And although nearby Laguna Beach is considered the 'arty town' within Orange County, Costa Mesa is home to the county's top art and cultural icons - the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and the new'ish OCMA (Orange County Museum of Art). If that's not enough, just across the street sits Isamu Noguchi's stunning California Scenario landscape/garden installation

The new museum is fabulous and beyond the world-class art, it's easily the county's leading example of contemporary architecture, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Thom Mayne.

OK, maybe Carol and I are a little sentimental about Costa Mesa. She grew up in the town and her extended family has deep roots there as well. I even lived in the town for a few years after college. It remains a city we visit often, flying into Orange County International Airport to visit my Dad. This super convenient and efficient, medium-sized airport is partially situated in Costa Mesa too ; )

Parting shot...Oh yeah, If ya ain't digging the art and culture in Costa Mesa...DisneyLand is only 12 miles away!