So, we have a confession to make – and maybe you’re already on board with us – but honestly, we get kinda bored with traditional malls.  And as we’re sitting here screaming for something out of the ordinary, suddenly we realize that we’ve already got something EXTRAordinary right here in the OC.  It’s called the SoBeCa District. And it’s a veritable paradise for the anti-conventionalist in us.

You want to experience the SoBeCa District for yourself.  Trust us.  Located in Costa Mesa, this is the only progressive, lifestyle-culture destination in OC. An acronym for South on Bristol, Entertainment, Culture and Arts, SoBeCa offers up a unique concoction of boutique shops, one-of-a-kind eateries, plus a score of artistic happenings.  The anchors of the SoBeCa District are two distinctly exclusive retail and dining centers.  The LAB Antimall and The CAMP sit directly across from one another on South Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, providing sanctuary for anyone longing for unconventional shopping and a sustainable lifestyle.  Place the words “unconventional” and “sustainable” in the same sentence, and we swoon.

Go Green at The CAMP
From the native vegetation to innovative retailers offering ecologically-conscious and organic eats and wares, green is everywhere at The CAMP.

Searching for hiking, biking or surfing gear, exclusive t-shirts, shoes, and clothing?  Check out The CAMP’s authentic boutiques like Patagonia, Cycle Werks, Active Ride Shop, and Humanitaire. Over at Bundles & Bumps, you’ll find a stunning international blend of chic maternity clothing, organic apparel and accessories, and inspired fashions for kids through age 6.  And if your belly is aching to go green too, enjoy vegan cuisine at Native Foods, breakfast until 3pm at Old Vine Café, raw gourmet delights at 118 Degrees, and the little alcove coffeeshop Milk + Honey offers a variety of organic teas, coffees, and cool treats including frozen yogurt.  Coming soon: more tasty grub at Rasta Taco and Ecco, Italian Cuisine.  For nightlife lovers, you’ll find Mesa, and for the even edgier set, check out Outer Limits for all your body modification needs (tattoos and body piercings, that is).

Evolve Daily at The LAB
At The LAB – OC’s only urban youth “anti-mall” – you can create your own identity and experiment with trend-setting fashion, art and sound in an uncommonly relaxed indoor-outdoor environment.

From clothing, hats and gifts to sunglasses, shoes and funky house wares, the eclectic array of The LAB’s shops aims to please.  Stop by Urban Outfitters, ARTH, Treasury Dept., Commissary, Great Laundry, The Hive, Blends, Carve, and Eye Society to experience the next generation of retail. We personally love Buffalo Exchange where clothing and accessories are bought, sold and traded.  And for your taste buds, dining here begins early morning with healthy breakfasts at Gypsy Den Café, Cuban cuisine at Habana, and late night sushi at Zipangu.  You can even get a savvy SoCal chop chop over at Crew Salon.

Want to know more?  Click here for a second-hand shopping spree at Buffalo Exchange with Captain Awesome.  Let him be your local tour guide.

For more information on the SoBeCa District, visit sobeca.net.  The CAMP is located at 2937 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa.  Need more dirt?  Call 714-444-4CMP or check out thecampsite.com.  The LAB Antimall is located at 2930 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa.  For the lowdown, call 714-966-6660 or log on to thelab.com.

Participate
One of the sweetest parts of the SoBeCa experience is getting involved.  Sure, you’re here on vacation, but that doesn’t mean you can’t participate in some of the awesome community events here.  Talk about less-than-ordinary treats, memories and souvenirs.  Check out what’s going down this month:

SoBeCa Sidewalk Sale
Ridiculous savings and live music
Saturday, August 14

Last Saturdays
A handmade fair presented by SEED
Saturday, August 28  11am - 4pm

SEED People’s Market
Just a few months ago, The CAMP opened a very special new green retail compound.  And we were one of its first patrons.  SEED People’s Market offers fertile ground for passionate artisans and designers to showcase their crafts and products in a unique collective.  Our favorite finds so far?  Hand-crafted jewelry (we LOVE the earrings shaped from vinyl records); sustainable footwear; and pick-and-pot-your-own plants starting at about $5.  Our little aloe in a brass tea kettle is growing up nice and healthy over here.  And with the store’s DIY (that’s Do It Yourself, in case you didn’t know) IDEA FARM craft classes, you can bet we’ll be heading back pronto.  Check out the August classes we can't wait to wait to fall in love with:

8/2 (6 - 8pm):  Better with Bitters  (21+ please)

8/9 (6:30 - 8pm):  Collage Pendant Jewelry

8/10 (5 - 8pm):  Sewing 101 - Pillows

8/11 (6 - 8pm):  Handmade Paper

8/14 (12 - 2pm):  Better with Bitters  (21+ please)

Classes offered and cost for classes varies.  Need to know more?  Call SEED at 714-708-3377 or cruise on over to seedpeoplesmarket.com.