last weekend my friend and i headed out to dana point for their chili cook off and country jamboree.  i had been searching the internet for fun and free events around orange county to enjoy on my last weekend day off and i was lucky enough to come across the chili cook off!  the free event had beer vendors, food trucks, chili competitors and country bands.  we grabbed some beer, tasted some chili and did our best "judging" of the chili we tried.  we, of course, had our favorites, which really doesn't mean much to the cooks but makes us feel official, ha!  we grabbed a front row seat on our blanket and rocked out to the band, who was super fun and fantastic and sung top 40 country songs.  it was such a great afternoon just hanging out in the sun, drinking some local craft beer and listening to some great country music.  i may have even sung every word to a couple songs at the top of my lungs ;)

photo adventure // dana point harbor

the other day i wanted to practice shooting on manual since i haven't had a lot of time to take my camera out and really explore with it.  i headed out to dana point harbor and started snapping away, changing settings until i liked what i saw, and then changed them some more.  it was a gloomy afternoon, which made it a bit more challenging, but i'm happy with how some of my pictures turned out.  i still have a long way to go with this whole camera thing, but i'm learning more and more each time i take that baby out.  can't wait for my next photo adventure! 

brunchin' to beat the gloom // dana point harbor

last week was a bit overcast here in san clemente.  i mean, we like to really stay true to the whole "june gloom" saying around here.  so to beat the gloom, my cousin and i headed out to brunch in the harbor.  we went to proud marys, one of my favorite little places right on the water.  we sipped our drinks, ate some delicious food and chatted for hours just taking in the view and escaping the clouds.  my cousin and i spent many summers in the harbor doing junior sailors and camp at the ocean institute.  it was fun reminiscing on all the fond memories we have together; man we had some great times!

eat in orange county // jon's fish market, dana point harbor

i've talked about the dana point harbor before on my blog, but today i wanted to highlight a great little fish shack that has been near and dear to my heart since i was young. we used to eat here as a family when i was little, usually after a day kayaking or after my parents would pick us up from jr. sailors summer camp. they have recently added some great outdoor seating and umbrellas, which makes it a great place to enjoy a summer evening. you can even bring your own wine and beer to enjoy with your meal. 

explore orange county // dana point harbor

when i was picking up some goodies for the so cal blogger meetup in dana point harbor last week, i realized just how much i love that little harbor.  i practically lived there during the summer when i was younger - either at sailing camp or at the ocean institute playing with starfish and sea anemones.  i have fond memories of riding my bike there with my parents, eating blue bubblegum ice cream with real gumballs in it, and "fishing" for crabs with string and squid.  

it got me thinking about what "adult" friendly things there are to do.  since the weather is warming up and spring is right around the corner, the harbor would be a great place to spend some time.  from kayaking, whale watching and sunset cruises to little dive bars full of fishermen and blufftop restaurants - there is something for everyone to enjoy.  i can't wait to grab a friend (or 2) and spend a day at the harbor.

here are a few "must-dos" from sunset magazine's insider guide to dana point:  

GO Kayaking. Rent a kayak and poke around the harbor. Capo Beach Watercraft Rentals, 34512 Embarcadero Pl.; from $20 per hour; www. capobeachwatercraft.com or 949/661-1690.

Marine Wildlife Cruise. Ocean Institute scientists lead excursions along the coast aboard the RV Sea Explorer to discover the wonders of sea life. 1–3:30 Sat or Sun (call for dates); $35, $22 ages 4–12 (no children under 4), reservations recommended; 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr.; www.ocean-institute.org or 949/496-2274.

Ocean Education Center. On weekends, the Ocean Institute invites the public to explore its aquariums, experience working marine labs demonstrating water cycles, and board the square-rigged Pilgrim to learn knot-tying and sea chanteys. 10–3 Sat–Sun (Pilgrim open 10–2:30 Sun); $6.50, $4.50 ages 3–12, including Pilgrim admission; contact info above.

EAT Cannons Seafood Grill. All things from the sea at the casual blufftop restaurant with panoramic views.  $$; 34344 Green Lantern St.; 949/496-6146.

Jon’s Fish Market. Fish and chips on the wharf; inexpensive and very fresh fare. $; 34665 Golden Lantern St.; 949/496-2807.