I love free things. In fact, one year for my birthday my brother gave me a watch he received for free in a cereal box because he thought I would appreciate it more and actually wear it. Which I did, on both accounts.
Summer is a perfect time to enjoy free things. Since the weather is so nice and it's free to hike, play tennis, or go to the beach, it feels like there are so many options for the budget-minded. And last Sunday we stumbled upon one more - summer concerts in the park!
It was a beautiful yet windy summer afternoon when we decided to ride our bikes three miles from our house in downtown San Clemente to the Dana Point Harbor. Once down the big hill and safely on the bike path, it's a flat and easy ride all the way there. We thought about renting stand up paddle boards, something we've both been wanting to try, but apparently it was too windy so the rental place was closing up. Not quite ready to ride back, we decided to climb the steep staircase that starts on the main harbor road and disappears enticingly over the top of the cliff. When we finally got to the top, we found a huge grassy park overlooking the whole harbor, it was gorgeous. So this was Lantern Bay Park - I had heard of it but never known where it was. Hundreds of people lounged on blankets, bbq-ing and hanging out in front of a big stage set up for a concert. We found out that Lantern Bay Park hosts Summer Concerts every Sunday afternoon at 4:30 (we were there at 4). I happened to have a towel in my backpack, so we decided to get a drink, find a spot on the grass and watch the show. The stand at the park offered beer or wine for $5 or $6, but since we didn't have cash we would have had to pay an ATM machine another $3.50. Instead we hiked a hill to the nearest grocery store where Jordi got a $2 beer and I got a 69 cent coke. Worth the walk, in my opinion!We sat down and enjoyed the concert along with the whole fun-loving, dancing and eating park. The music was an enjoyably typical Classic Rock cover band, which the tipsy 40 year olds seemed excited about! I liked watching the families and groups of friends that were amazingly prepared with their coolers and gourmet picnics. The best was a family in front of us that had ceviche in cups complete with corn chips - I would never have thought of that!
Anyways, after the concert we biked home, perfectly content with how we had spent our late afternoon - outside in the sun, lots of people, fun atmosphere and of course - free music!
Are there community concerts in the park near you this summer? What is your favorite thing to pack in a picnic?
What i want to know is: do you still have the watch?
ReplyDeleteWe enjoy the free concerts at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art---Friday nights are jazz and Saturday nights are latino! It's so much fun to see all those people having a great time. I love watching the little ones dancing their hearts out! A good time is had by all. We've packed picnics, but we all discovered a delicious taco bar about 5 minutes away--also much fun. You should come up this way some Friday, and we'll go together!
ReplyDeleteHi Kirsten! So glad to find your fun blog! I love free things too. Btw, if you come to Prescott, there are free concerts, shows and dances down town almost every night of the week during the summer!
ReplyDeleteYes, we were staying at the MDR hotel when we heard loud music. We thought it was coming from a nearby boat but we couldn't spot it. We left to go for a walk to get some yogurt when we found people streaming down the next street carrying blankets, chairs and coolers. That's when we found out that Culver City had a symphony and put on free concerts with guest performers every other week at the end of Mindanao Way. There is a really cool park at the end of the road. The park is surrounded by plenty of boats on the water adding to the charm. We have returned the last couple of summers to catch one of their concerts and this year I have marked our calendar for their first performance in August. I look forward to it!(AA)
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