Sometimes, you just need to escape for a few hours. Luckily, the Mission Viejo Kaleidoscope is fully equipped to receive refugees from life, parenting, and responsibility. Whether you are looking to “zone out” by yourself or connect with old friends, its eclectic mix of shops and restaurants is made to order.
After a recent week of deadlines and screaming kids I decided to head over for a little replenishment. My day started with a Swedish deep tissue massage at the Burke Williams Day Spa. After the massage, I spent a good hour lingering in the expansive men’s lounge with its hot tub, steam room, and all-you-can eat fruit.
Still hungry, I wandered up to one of south Orange County’s best sushi bars for a quiet lunch with a book. For just $12, I had a huge roll called the “Sexy Mutha” and a lobster-tempura hand-roll. If you get there before 2 PM, the food is even cheaper!
Afterwards, I stuck my head inside the Kaleidoscope Art Gallery next door and wandered through the stacks of paintings that I will likely never be able to afford. One of my favorite things about the Kaleidoscope Gallery is its relationship with the artists it carries. They frequently host “meet and greets” with their painters including my favorite, Aldo Luongo.
To finish off the day, I grabbed some hand-mixed ice cream at Marble Slab, and wandered around the rest of the Kaleidoscope. As thankful as I was for my day off, the unique variety of family fun made me miss my kids.
For an afternoon of family fun, be sure to check out the gigantic indoor playground at Jump and Jammin’, the hundreds of computers and XBOX’s at Howie’s Game Shack, and the indoor skateboarding ramp at NineStar Surf and Skate. You can finish the day off with dinner at Island’s followed by a movie at Edward’s Cinemas.
The Kaleidoscope is located just east of the 5 freeway and Crown Valley Parkway in Mission Viejo, directly across from the Mission Viejo Mall. There is plenty of parking, but the place tends to fill up quickly on Friday and Saturday nights. Be sure to bring a jacket for cool weather.
Kaleidoscope Courtyards
[where: 27741Crown Valley Pkwy, Mission Viejo, CA 92691]
www.kaleidoscopecourtyards.com
