IN NEWPORT BEACH, JUST BECAUSE YOUR MEETING ENDS AT 5
DOESN’T MEAN INSPIRATION HAS TO

Sitting on the coast of Southern California’s famed Orange County, the chic seaside resort community of Newport Beach offers an unparalleled location worthy of generating a thousand brilliant ideas.  From the boardroom to the back bay, inspiration never has to end in Newport Beach.

Invigorating Waters
If there’s one thing all Newport Beach visitors rave about, it’s the beautiful waters.  Newport Beach boasts nine miles of Southern California’s most legendary coastline and one of the largest small yacht harbors in the world, home to more than 9,000 vessels.   Offering a variety of private yacht and boat charters, Newport Beach presents several distinctive options for entertainment while cruising the picturesque harbor.   Adventures at Sea, Inc provides memorable events from an elegant wedding to a company outing with yachts for groups of two to 545.  For smaller gatherings, charming electric Duffy Boats allow you to be the captain and chart a course through the harbor via the easy-to-operate boat.  Or, sip complimentary champagne and nibble on chocolates on a Gondola adventure.  For a taste of Hollywood golden age glamour, plan an event via Hornblower Cruises & Events on John Wayne’s impressive yacht Wild Goose (a converted U.S. Navy minesweeper that’s as legendary as the film star himself).

Perhaps you prefer something more adventurous?  If so, then a whale-watching excursion on the high seas might be the perfect choice. Or perhaps snorkeling in the royal blue waters of Crystal Cove, kayaking in the Back Bay nature estuary, or ferrying to Catalina Island for the day; all provide the perfect opportunity for a fun teambuilding event.

Awaken the Senses
From a rejuvenating day at the spa to dining at one of over 300 restaurants in the city to experiencing the arts at a museum, Newport Beach allows you to stimulate your senses and get re-charged and ready for the next day.   Nearly every hotel features a full-service spa and countless more dot the region. Catering to a sophisticated, privileged clientele, Newport Beach spas not only offer champagne-class service, but they also feature some of the worlds most innovative and unique treatments for whole-body wellbeing and ageless beauty.  Cross-country travelers can take advantage of the Jet Lag Treatment available at the Spa at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort or golf pros and novices will love the golf facial offered at The Spa at The Island Hotel.  For the executive treatment of them all -- the 24K gold facial offered only at the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Hotel Newport Beach, reigns supreme.

Liven your taste buds by sampling a multitude of eclectic cuisine, from the freshest seafood to exotic delicacies from far-off lands; the only difficulty in planning a meal is deciding where to go.  Along the way you’ll also have the chance to explore California cuisine at its finest, all framed against the backdrop of panoramic oceanfront views.   Take your next dinner event literally to the sand by hosting it at Crystal Cove’s famed Beachcomber Café, an upscale beachfront restaurant known for its breathtaking location and daily martini flag raising.  Or take in the history of Newport Beach and plan your next event at the historic Balboa Pavilion.  Located on the water’s edge of Newport Harbor, what once was a popular recreational dancing hall in the 1920s remains today as one of Newport’s most prominent landmarks. 

Challenge Yourself
The real challenge you’ll run into at your next meeting in Newport Beach, is on the golf course.  The newly re-opened Pelican Hill Golf Club featuring a spectacular 36-hole course designed by Tom Fazio, are among the most highly rated public courses in the nation with numerous holes that play along cliffs at the ocean’s edge.   Closed for two years, the “re-perfected” courses are back along with a spacious and stylish new clubhouse, and the new Pelican Grill Restaurant in a setting that celebrates the best of California lifestyle.  Several other nationally recognized courses cement Newport Beach and Orange County’s reputation as California’s GolfCoast. 

Indulgent Accommodations
After a full-days journey down the path of idea generation, sense stimulation and challenges, be rest assured that you’ll get a good nights sleep at any of the seven luxury hotels or nine charming boutique inns. With 2,600 guest rooms in total, Newport Beach allows you to create precisely the kind of stay you’re dreaming of with a wide range of accommodations and price points.  A new luxury property, The Resort at Pelican Hill, is due to open in late 2008.  With over 150,000 square feet of hotel meeting space, Newport Beach is the perfect business retreat.

Be Inspired
For your next inspiring meeting, don’t forget the inspiring location.  As a meetings destination, Newport Beach has it all; desirable location, a mild Mediterranean climate, easy airport access, a variety of accommodations and meeting venues, and an abundance of stimulating activities for every interest.  Buoyed by the invigorating sea air and ocean breezes, breathtaking views and sophisticated lifestyle, here in Newport Beach the inspiration starts now.   

For more information, or to plan your next Newport Beach meeting or executive retreat, please visit www.visitnewportbeach.com or call 1-800-94-COAST.

UPCOMING 2008 SPRINGTIME EVENTS IN NEWPORT BEACH, CA

Southern California's coastal fantasyland celebrates the best of jazz, golf, film and epicurean delights

Southern California’s coastal fantasyland of Newport Beach comes alive this spring with a host of citywide events celebrating the best of jazz, golf, film and epicurean delights – in other words, the best of the good life. 

February 14 – 17: 8th Annual Newport Beach Jazz Party (President’s Day Weekend)
Celebrating the great American songbook, mainstream jazz lovers from all over the country (and the world) will again arrive in Newport Beach for “Right Down the Middle and Straight Ahead” Jazz hosted at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa.  Tickets are now available for the complete four night, three-day package including one  Jazz Brunch.  Prices are $325/350. Individual reserved seats are priced at $65/$70 for evening performances and $30/40 for the Grand Opening Sessions,  $30 each for “Friday, Saturday & Sunday By the Pool” and $40 for each Jazz Brunch. For tickets to the 8th Annual  Newport Beach  Jazz Party call the Jazzline at 949.759.5003 or for complete artist appearance times and an order form visit http://www.newportbeachjazzparty.com/.

March 3 – 8: Toshiba Classic
An official PGA Champions Tour event, heads back to Newport Beach Country Club.  Featuring a player field that rivals many major championships, fans will have the chance to watch defending champion Jay Haas take on legends Hale Irwin, Fuzzy Zoeller, Orange County’s own Mark O’Meara and tour newcomers Bernhard Langer, John Cook and Sandy Lyle.   In its 11th year operated by Hoag Hospital Foundation, the Toshiba Classic has raised over $10 million for Hoag Hospital and other Orange County charities.  For ticket information, please call 949/660-1001 or visit http://www.toshibaclassic.com/.

April 24 – May 1: 2008 Newport Beach Film Festival
Showcasing more than 350 films from around the world, the 9th annual Newport Beach Film Festival offers an ambitious selection of features, shorts, documentaries and animation that compete for both jury and audience awards. Now in its 9th year, the Festival is noted for its eclectic mix of international and U.S. premieres, Academy Award entries, Sundance Selections, a Spotlight Series, and Children's Festival.www.newportbeachfilmfest.com

May 23 – 25 (Memorial Day Weekend): 5th Annual Food & Wine Festival
The Balboa Bay Club & Resort will once again host its memorable Fifth Annual international celebration of food and wine. The resort will become Piazza della Acqua (Plaza of the Water) and will pay homage to Italy (the land of wine) with international delights of food, wine and entertainment. Master Sommeliers will escort guests through the nuances of fine wines, ports, cognacs and sakes from around the world. For more information, contact Deirdre Michalski 949.833.3822 x320/dmichalski@intgmktg.com.

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NEWPORT BEACH…WHERE EXCEPTIONAL CUISINE IS ALWAYS IN STYLE

The chic and fashionable seaside coastal community of Newport Beach offers palate pleasing cuisine paired with a host of stylish dining options

In Newport Beach, Calif. it’s not just about what you dine on, but also the way you dine.  Whether you are experiencing the specialties at a historic popular eatery, dining aboard a charming electric Duffy boat while cruising around one of the largest small-yacht harbors in the world or sampling the exceptional menus at one of seven luxury resort restaurants, dining in Newport Beach offers an eclectic array of fine, casual and stylish dining options.  

Newport Beach Dining Style Guide
Waterfront
Amidst a stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and the scenic yacht harbor, many restaurants in the city offer breathtaking views.  Dine along a stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway called Mariner’s Mile where diners can access restaurants by land or sea. Serving some of the finest seafood and exotic fare in southern California, many of the restaurants in Newport Beach allow dockside pull-up for Duffy boat take-out orders! Newport Harbor also offers an array of elegant and romantic yacht cruise dinner options.

Novelty/Historic
With a city as rich in tradition, history and culture as Newport Beach, there’s bound to be more to your meal than the flavorful ingredients itself.   Many of the favorite eateries have been local favorites for decades dating as far back as the 1900s.  The historic Harborside Pavillion, established in 1906 was once a popular recreational dancing hall and still remains as one of Newport Beach’s most prominent landmarks.  Today it’s home to the Harborside Restaurant.

On the coast, the beautiful sandy beaches of Crystal Cove are home to The Beachcomber Cafe, a casual yet upscale restaurant that is literally on the beach. A popular tradition among residents in the 1920s was the raising of the martini flag to kick off cocktail hour.  To this day, The Beachcomber Café carries on the fond ritual as crowds gather every afternoon at 5 pm to salute the flag. 

On Balboa Island those with a sweet tooth can savor the original Balboa Bar, a decadent vanilla ice cream confection covered in rich dark chocolate, while strolling through the quaint island village. For serious appetites, diners can experience Arches Grill & BBQ (Arches on the Water), a favorite local dining establishment whose famous clientele and regulars included Hollywood legends John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart and James Cagney.

Resort Restaurant Dining
Leading the way to the latest flavors, fusions and trends in the culinary world, are the talented executive chefs at the seven world-class Newport Beach hotels and resorts.  With innovative menus and cutting-edge cuisine using only the freshest local ingredients, every dining experience is sure to be a memorable one.  Taste the quintessential California cuisine of Chef Thomas Ryan at the newly opened Pelican Grill Restaurant at the Resort at Pelican Hill or nosh on Pizza & Pinot every Wednesday night at Palm Terrace Lounge at The Island Hotel.  Make sure to save enough room for The Island’s Executive Chef Bill Bracken’s signature mac n’ cheese!

Wine Bars
When you’re in the mood to enjoy a few glasses of wine and some savory tapas in lieu of a full fledged meal, wine bars are a perfect choice and Newport Beach has an abundance of them.  For a selection of wines from around the world, Bayside’s young and trendy scene is a crowd-favorite with live music nightly.  Find your taste at Wine Lab Newport and enjoy weekly tastings of great and rare wines from Wednesday through Sunday.    

Culinary Festivals
Newport Beach plays host to three annual epicurean traditions that celebrate the wonderful food and drink offerings of the destination.  Thousands of spectators arrive in Newport Beach every winter, spring and fall to get a taste of the good life.     

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Annual Events

JULY:
Fourth of July Celebration (July 4, 2007) – Spend a memorable Fourth of July along the water and under the stars at The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina, host of Orange County’s most spectacular seaside fireworks display for nearly 50 years. Festivities start in the early afternoon with a barbecue, carnival games, crafts, face painting, music and more, followed by an evening filled with “rockets’ red glare and bombs bursting in air.” For more information, call Newport Dunes at (800) 765- 7661 or visit www.NewportDunes.com.

Fashion Island Summer Concert Series (July 11-August 15, 2007) – All of the senses are engaged during Fashion Island’s Summer Concert Series, where gentle breezes and spectacular ocean views combine with the smell of the sea and the sounds of music’s most talented performers. A Newport Beach tradition for almost 40 years, past performers have included Taylor Dayne, Juice Newton, B.J. Thomas, Super Diamond, Loverboy, Poncho Sanchez, the Beach Boys and more. The concerts take place in Bloomingdale’s Courtyard at Fashion Island. Admission is free for general seating, with VIP seats available for $20. www.ShopFashionIsland.com

SEPTEMBER:
Taste of Newport (Sept. 14-16, 2007) – Home to more than 300 diverse restaurants ranging from elegant eateries to quaint cafes, Newport Beach is a food-and-drink-lover's paradise that becomes even more epicurean each September during the annual Taste of Newport. Dozens of Orange County's world-class restaurants serve samples of their best appetizers, dishes and drinks against a backdrop of fun and live entertainment. The event is such a palate-pleaser, more than 75,000 people attend annually. http://www.newportbeach.com/

OCTOBER:
Sandcastle Contest (October 7, 2007) – The favorite beach pastime of sandcastle building is taken to a new level at the annual Corona del Mar Sandcastle Contest, where “seashore sculptors” turn grains of wet sand into elaborate works of art. Each year, thousands of sightseers descend on Corona del Mar State Beach to watch participants – ranging from novice to expert – construct more than 30 entries. View these creations for free as a spectator, or consider making your own for a minimal entrance fee. For more information, call (949) 729-4400.

DECEMBER:
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade (Dec. 12-16, 2007) – For the past 99 years, boat owners in Newport Beach have “decked the hulls” of their seagoing vessels for the annual Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade. Ranked one of the Top Ten holiday happenings in the nation by the New York Times, the parade features approximately 100 elaborately decorated boats and draws more than one million spectators each year. Prizes are awarded in a variety of categories and are highly coveted – motivating boat owners to spend as much as $50,000 on decorations! http://www.christmasboatparade.com/

JANUARY:
Restaurant Week (January 20-24, 2008) – Spanning five days in late January, Restaurant Week is a special citywide culinary celebration produced by the Restaurant Association positioning Newport Beach as Southern California’s Premier Dining Destination. Close to 100 of Newport Beach’s best eateries are expected to participate in this citywide, culinary celebration by offering delicious bargain priced three-course, prix-fixe gourmet menus for lunch and dinner.

Whale Watching (January through March) – Beginning in January and continuing through late March, whale watchers can catch a glimpse of these majestic sea creatures in their natural environment as they embark on an annual migration from the Bering Sea to Baja California and back. Charter companies – including Davey’s Locker, Newport Landing and Bongo’s Sportfishing – offer the best viewing opportunities with daily whale-watching excursions starting at $10 per person.

FEBRUARY:
Newport Beach Jazz Party (February 14-17, 2008) – Mainstream jazz lovers from around the country and all over the world come together in Newport Beach to celebrate the great American songbook over Valentines’s Day/President’s Day weekend.  Special tickets for the four-day festival and weekend hotel rates available.  www.newportbeachjazzparty.com

MARCH:
Toshiba Classic (March 3-9, 2008) – Known for its exceptional array of picturesque courses that challenge even the most experienced golfer, Newport Beach is also host to the annual Toshiba Classic, an official PGA Champions Tour event held at the Newport Beach Country Club. Formerly the Toshiba Senior Classic, the event features golf legends – past participants include Hale Irwin, Fuzzy Zoeller, and Ben Crenshaw – competing for more than $1 million in prize money. As the only event on the Champions Tour to raise $1 million four years running, the Toshiba Senior Classic is considered a charitable leader on the tour. All funds raised during the event are contributed to the Hoag Memorial Presbyterian Hospital in Newport Beach, as well as the Toshiba Senior Classic Scholarship Fund. For more information, call (949) 253-2880 or visit http://www.toshibaseniorclassic.com/.

APRIL:
Newport Beach Film Festival (April 24-May 1,2008) – Each Spring, Newport Beach rolls out the red carpet during its annual Film Festival showcasing hundreds of features, short films, documentaries and animation movies from around the world. In addition to film screenings, the festival includes several galas and yacht parties, as well as offers the rare opportunity to interact with directors and screenwriters during question and answer sessions that provide an inside look into the film industry.
http://www.newportbeachfilmfest.com/

Newport Boat Show (April 9-13, 2008) – The Newport Boat Show is returning to Lido Marina Village to celebrate its 37th year as the West's big yacht in-water show. And this year's show is going to be better than ever, with the largest display of big boats and yachts west of Ft. Lauderdale. Plus, a host of exhibitors will be on hand in the water to showcase products and services that make owning and operating a big boat more enjoyable. http://www.newportinwaterboatshow.com/

Lexus Newport-to-Ensenada Yacht Race (April 25-27, 2008) – With its emphasis on comradeship and friendly competition, the Lexus Newport-to-Ensenada Yacht Race attracts thousands of celebrities, well-known racers, and fun-seeking novices to Newport Harbor each year. First organized in 1947 to provide a fun diversion for soldiers coming out of World War II, the Newport-to-Ensenada race now attracts more entries than any other international yachting race. www.nosa.org

MAY:
Food & Wine Festival (Memorial Day Weekend) - On the idyllic waterfront setting of The Balboa Bay Club & Resort, the 2006 Newport Beach Food and Wine Festival celebrates fine wines, epicurean delights and spirits over three spectacular days and two nights. Acclaimed winemakers, celebrated chefs, master sommeliers, and noted experts will serve as gastronomic guides, captivating festival goers with educational seminars, enticing tastings and extraordinary dining experiences.  http://www.balboabayclub.com/

Movies on the Beach (May-September) – Bring the family to the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and marina for free Movies on the Beach each Friday and Saturday throughout the summer on one of the largest floating big screens. 

JUNE:
Newport Beach Jazz Series (Dates TBD) – The smooth sounds of jazz return to the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach each summer during the three-month Newport Beach Jazz Series, hosted by The Wave 94.7. In addition to popular tunes by such jazz greats as Bobby Caldwell and Richard Elliott, attendees enjoy a selection of food and wine amidst an unforgettable setting. In 2005, the festival was expanded to 20 concerts, held on consecutive Friday nights June through October, including a special Fourth of July concert with fireworks. www.SummerJazzSeries.com

Balboa Island Parade (June 2008) – One of California’s most charming seaside towns, Balboa Island draws more than 5,000 residents, merchants and community neighbors during its annual parade down Marine Avenue. Shop in the quaint shops and unique boutiques in the morning, then find a spot to watch the spirited procession of star-spangled floats, festooned tricycles, live marching bands, antique cars full of dignitaries, fire trucks, decked-out golf carts, be-dazzled dogs and more! www.Balboa-Island.net

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MEDIA CONTACT: Audrey Leoncio, Marketing & PR Manager
Newport Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau
Phone: (949) 467-274