Hey {{first name | there}},

Happy New Year! Before we jump in, a quick note on last week’s Orange County trivia quiz: one question stumped people more than any other.

Which OC landmark did Al Capone visit in 1927, signing the guest book during his stay? Think you know the answer? Take the quiz here.

As for what’s below, we’ve rounded up lots of local ways to learn something unexpected, meet new people, or finally try the thing you’ve been saying you’ll get around to.

To all the new readers, welcome to The Scene… Our motto is: the more you know, the more you go. That’s what this newsletter is all about, sharing ideas big and small to make it easier (and more fun) to get out and enjoy OC.

See you out there!
Lorna & Jason

🧘‍♀️ Mindful Nature Walk
A slow, guided walk with a certified forest therapy guide. Free and easy-paced. Registration required.
Fri, Jan 9 | 10am–12pm | Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach

🍫 Wine & Chocolate Pairing
Four wines paired with four chocolates. Regular tasting fee applies.
Fri, Jan 9 | Frisby Cellars, Dana Point

🤠 Line Dancing at Whoop Axe
Boot-scootin’ line dancing with country vibes, drinks flowing, and plenty of room to move.
Jan 9 | 8pm–12am | Whoop Axe Mission Viejo

Scroll down to see what’s happening next week and beyond:
➡️ NEXT WEEK

🎶 🎶 Checkout This Weekend’s Live Music Options

🎳 Free Bowling Grand Opening Party
Lucky Strike opens its new Aliso Viejo location with free bowling, arcade play, food specials, giveaways, and family-friendly fun.
Sat, Jan 10 | 12–3pm | Lucky Strike Aliso Viejo

🏈 Playoffs on the Pool Deck
Watch NFL playoff action on the outdoor pool deck with fire pits and lounge seating.
Sat, Jan 10 | 1:30–3pm | Montanoso Recreation Center, Mission Viejo

❄️ Snowfest in Lake Forest
Snow play, games, and sled rides down Mount Pittsford make this a classic winter family outing — without the mountain drive.
Sat, Jan 10 | Starts 10:30am | Pittsford Park, Lake Forest

🐳 Whale Walk & Talk
Take a guided coastal walk with local experts and learn how to spot whales and marine mammals along Dana Point’s coastline.
Sat, Jan 10 | 9am | Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center, Dana Point

🧔 Hairiest Man Contest Sign-Ups
One of San Juan Capistrano’s wackiest traditions kicks off with clean-shaven sign-ups for the annual Hairiest Man competition, part of Fiesta Grande.
Sat, Jan 10 | 11am–2pm | The Swallow’s Inn, San Juan Capistrano

Scroll down to see what’s happening next week and beyond:
➡️ NEXT WEEK

🎶 🎶 Checkout South OC Live Music Options

🛍️ The Coast Vintage Market
Shop vintage, retro, and antique treasures with live music, food, and free parking.
Sun, Jan 11 | 8am–3pm | Laguna Hills Mall Parking Lot, Laguna Hills

🌳 Oso Creek Trail + Brunch
Start your morning with this easy self-guided 3-mile loop through shaded paths, mosaic art, and wide-open green space — then reward yourself with brunch at Terrace on the Green, right on the golf course (& a very short distance distance from the end of the walk).

🎉 Sunday Funday Bingo
Win cash prizes, enjoy lunch, and play for a cause at this weekly bingo event supporting Alpha Recovery Life Systems.
Every Sunday | Doors 12pm, Bingo 2pm | Auto Addiction OC, Lake Forest

Scroll down to see what’s happening next week and beyond:
➡️ NEXT WEEK

🎶 🎶 Checkout South OC Live Music Options

I had to read this twice to make sure it was real. Oso Creek Golf Course is hosting an after-hours gnome hunt where you explore all 18 holes in a golf cart, in the dark, with flashlights.

The evening starts with a buffet dinner and hot chocolate, then you’re sent out on the course to search for hidden gnomes while solving a mystery riddle along the way. Your cart is equipped with lights, your hunt time is assigned in advance.

It’s a true all-ages event that adults will enjoy just as much as kids, and it’s the kind of creative, unexpected idea that made me stop scrolling and take a closer look. If you’re looking for something different to do, this one’s worth knowing about.

📍 Oso Creek Golf Course, Mission Viejo
🗓️ Saturday, Jan 24
⏰ 6–9pm

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🧐 Trivia Answer: ✅ D — Cook’s Corner

Cook’s Corner opened in 1926 making it 100 years old this year! It was originally a roadhouse serving ranchers, miners, and travelers moving through Trabuco Canyon. Today it’s a full bar and restaurant with huge outdoor sitting area, most famous for the hundreds of Harley Davidson’s that line it’s parking lot each weekend!

Watch a short video about Cook’s corner

Here’s how the other options stack up:

Want more OC Trivia? Here’s a quiz.

🥱 Boring Stuff

Publication Disclaimer: Everything included here is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. It is always best to double-check links to be sure event information hasn’t changed if you plan on attending something.

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©️ 2025 The Scene: South OC | All content and information set forth above was created by Lorna Ladd and Jason Ladd and is the intellectual property of this publication. It is protected under US copyright law, including but not limited to “The Digital Millennium Copyright Act.” Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or duplication of any material, in whole or in part, without express written authorization & consent, is strictly prohibited by law and may result in legal action. Violators will be subject to prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.