Travel Costa Mesa Blog
Sip, Savor, and Celebrate the Best of Fall in Costa Mesa
As the air turns crisper and the sunsets start to show their vibrant hues, Costa Mesa awakens with a unique energy that evokes the essence of fall. With countless exciting events, mouthwatering culinary experiences, and Instagram-worthy spots, this season in Costa Mesa is not one to be missed. Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, here’s your ultimate guide to celebrating fall in style.
Sip Your Way into Fall at Coffee Dose and Portola Coffee
-Photo by OC Mix
Kickstart your day with a visit to two local gems, Coffee Dose and Portola Coffee. These beloved coffee shops have crafted special fall drinks that are sure to delight your taste buds and warm your soul.
At Coffee Dose, indulge in their “Basic Witch” Latte – their take on the pumpkin spice latte made with a creamy blend of espresso, oat milk, brown sugar, organic pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and a touch of sea salt. For those craving something unique, try the “Cereal Killer” Latte, a sweet concoction that perfectly captures the essence of autumn by blending the flavors of a maple cinnamon latte topped with cinnamon sweet cream and Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. Enjoy these fall drinks now through November 3rd and make sure not to miss the entertaining and spooky messages adorning each cup.
Meanwhile, Portola Coffee offers a delicious Maple Chai Cold Brew, which combines rich cold brew coffee with the warm flavors of maple syrup, chai cold foam, and cinnamon. If you’re in the mood for a classic fall treat, their Autumn Spice Latte is a comforting choice, with sweet potato, brown sugar, marshmallow whip, and aromatic spices that evoke the season’s spirit.
Get into the Fall Spirit at Tanaka Farms – Hana Field Pumpkin Patch & Flower Field
-Photo by Tanaka Farms
For a quintessential fall experience, head over to Tanaka Farms and explore their Hana Field Pumpkin Patch and Flower Field. Located right in the heart of Costa Mesa, this family-owned farm is a haven for pumpkin enthusiasts of all ages.
Take a leisurely stroll through the 8-acres of pumpkin fields, select your own pumpkins, and snap some Instagram-worthy photos amidst the vibrant orange backdrop. With a wide variety of pumpkins to choose from, you’re bound to find the perfect one to carve or decorate for Halloween.
In addition to pumpkins, you can explore endless sunflower and marigold fields for stunning fall photos. Enjoy attractions like a corn maze, flower picking (seasonal availability), an educational Barnyard Exhibit, and much more! Don’t forget the picnic areas for a relaxing meal or grab a snack from the Hana Field Food Truck! They are open every Saturday & Sunday from 10am -6pm starting September 30th – October 29th. Book your pumpkin patch experience here.
South Coast Plaza: Fall’s Fashion and Fun
-Photo by South Coast Plaza
No visit to Costa Mesa is complete without a trip to South Coast Plaza, the premier shopping destination in Southern California. This fall, South Coast Plaza comes alive with a variety of events and offerings that are sure to appeal to all ages.
Explore the latest fall fashion trends in the luxury boutiques and department stores that call South Coast Plaza home. With an array of designer labels and collections, you’ll find everything you need to update your wardrobe for the season.
But it’s not just about shopping at South Coast Plaza; there are also fall cooking classes to satisfy your culinary cravings. Discover the flavors of fall during the Sur La Table & Le Creuset cooking classes through October 21st, where you can enjoy hands-on classes like ‘Autumn in Italy’ and ‘Tuscan Surf & Turf’.
Savor the Season in Costa Mesa
-Photo by @Behrpaw
Costa Mesa offers an irresistible blend of fall happenings and flavors that are sure to enchant anyone seeking an unforgettable autumn experience. From exclusive seasonal lattes at Coffee Dose and Portola Coffee to wandering through Hana Field Pumpkin Patch and immersing yourself in the vibrant energy of South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa is the place to be this fall. So, embrace the season, explore the city, and make this autumn your most vibrant and memorable one yet! Find more fall happenings here.
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Posted in Misc
Barista Throwdown at The CAMP
Costa Mesa has grown into the culinary center of Orange County. With many of the top dining destinations – from upscale restaurants to innovative eateries – the variety of bites is abundant.
Along with the restaurants, the City of the Arts also boasts some of Orange County’s best places to get coffee. From Portola Coffee Lab and Theorem at the OC Mix to Cafecito Organico and Milk+Honey at the LAB and the CAMP, Costa Mesa is where you can satisfy that craving for quality coffee where large-chain coffee shops just can’t.
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Portola Coffee Lab Prepares for Barista Competition at Theorem
To prepare for the upcoming 2013 Southwest Regional Barista Competition & Brewers Cup, Portola Coffee Lab is using Theorem as a training ground. Portola is sending two talented representatives, Ryan Redden and Truman Severson, to compete for the title of best barista in the West and the opportunity to advance to the national competition.
Baristas are expected to execute the preparation and service of 3 different beverages for 4 judges for a total of 12 beverages in 15 minutes. Judges grade the baristas on presentation, crema, balance (sweet vs. acidic and complex vs. simple flavors), mouth-feel, body-feel, latte art, creativity and explanation. Read More
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Top 10 Places for a Hot Beverage in Costa Mesa
The recent weather has had us bundled up a little more than usual because it’s not too often that the thermometer dips below 40 in Orange County. Because of the chill in the air, we’ve been drinking more coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Our hunt for hot beverages was the inspiration for our list of the best places in Costa Mesa to help you combat the cold with a steaming cup or warmth.
1. Portola Coffee Lab is a playground for the most skilled baristas in Orange County. To try an espresso, coffee or any creative offering available is to try the best handcrafted beverage available. The Lab is the dream, or rather, the physical manifestation of owner Jeff Duggan’s passion/obsession with coffee. Each staff member is an expert on everything coffee. From the type of bean, roasting process, brewing process or presentation, they will have an answer for any question you may have. The décor is not sleepy like most coffee houses, but a vibrant green. Everything is upbeat and friendly. And, being that it is a lab, baristas creating drinks wear lab coats.
Courtesy of Anne Watson
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