7 Hidden Treasures in Corona del Mar

 

Digging deeper into all that Corona del Mar has to offer, you will unearth some backstreet finds and lesser-known activities that will keep you enriched and entertained. For some good R & R, here are seven of the best-kept secrets and popular places to experience.

 

 

The wild and whimsical collections of Michael Godard and his RockStars of Art band of artists landed in CdM and rocked the art scene. From Godard’s edgy and surreal paintings—and ubiquitous green olives!—to Jim Warren and Stickman’s iconic portraits to Trevor Mezak’s musical series and Disney Fine Art, you’ll find original paintings and limited-edition giclées that are out of this world.

The historic library and gardens are a perennial favorite in the CdM Village. Walk the brick pathways through a living botanical museum with lush patios and trickling fountains, or learn about Pacific Southwest history in the Sherman Library’s archival collections. For weekday lunches and Sunday brunches, Café Jardin offers a full menu, plus an authentic afternoon tea monthly. Community-enriching special events include National Public Gardens Week in May. 

Since 1981, the annual Baroque Music Festival has presented live concerts over eight days in June, held at the Sherman Library & Gardens and local churches. The program features large-scale works, solo recitals, and chamber music from the Baroque era (1600–1750), performed by the finest musicians in the Baroque field. After each concert, attendees can socialize over wine. 

 

 

CdM boasts some of the most coveted Orange County luxury real estate on the California Riviera—everything from large estates to quaint cottages—in diverse architectural styles. If you are looking to enhance your home’s design or just enjoy rummaging through unique hardware and light fixtures, this shop is for you. Jacqueline Nicolas specializes in one-of-a-kind antique European or custom-made pieces in iron or bronze.

No ordinary nursery, Roger’s Gardens offers an abundant array of plants, flowers, garden accents, outdoor furniture, dinnerware, collectibles, and gifts, as well as seminars and workshops. The lavish displays and colorful details found throughout the boutique and gardens are sheer eye candy that will keep you browsing for most of the day. If you’re hungry, the Farmhouse restaurant offers fresh, locally sourced foods, beer and wine, and down-home desserts.

Locals gravitate to the farmers market every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Located at PCH and Marguerite, all of the produce sold here is grown by local farmers and is certified fresh. The small-town, friendly atmosphere and variety of healthy foods make this market an integral part of the CdM culture. 

 

 

The best way to really see what a town is all about is to experience it at the street level. Cover more ground on an electric bike. The Pedego company’s shop in CdM offers bike rentals, as well as group adventure tours around the Village, the shore, and surrounding areas like Balboa Island. They even offer electric-bike vacations at destinations around the United States.