Get into the Spirit of the Royal Wedding

Whether you are DVR'ing the ceremony or getting up at 2 a.m. to watch Kate Middleton walk down the aisle to marry Prince William on April 29, 2011 (which by the way is a 4-minute walk before she reaches the altar at Westminster Abbey!), here are some fun ways to get into the spirit of the royal wedding festivities. You don’t have to be in London to take part but you can certainly enjoy the magic of it all on your own:

1. Start off the day by enjoying house eggs benedict with homemade biscuits and black forest ham at Vū Restaurant located at the Jamaica Bay Inn.
   
2. Wear a stylish feather or fedora-style hat a-la Kate Middleton. Or better yet, wear a replica of Princess Di’s engagement ring (cubic zirconium of course) to truly embrace Kate’s style. Check out Charla’s Place to pick up the costume hats and jewelry!
3. Tea time can be enjoyed at the Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey. Sit in the lobby lounge with a view of the marina and enjoy a little English Breakfast or Earl Grey tea.
4. Relive the original concept of Prince William’s stag party (aka bachelor party) -- according to reports, it was supposed to be a water-sports themed day on the English Channel. Rent jet-skis or a power boat at Marina Boat Rentals.
5. Finish off the historic day by sitting inside the large tavern at Tony P’s Dockside Grill where you can toast the newlyweds with a pint of hand-crafted beers such as Young’s Double Chocolate Stout (crafted by Wells & Young’s Brewery, Bedford, UK) or Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout (crafted by Samuel Smith Old Brewery, Tadcaster, UK).

Send us some pics if you are having a viewing party! And of course, happy Wedding Day! 

 

Photo credit: Mario Testino. Telegraph UK.

Fun on the Fourth of July, Marina del Rey Style

We all know, whether you are in Times Square or Marina del Rey, it can sometimes be a drag to put up with the crowds or fight for a nice view of the fireworks show. This year embrace the red, white and blue comfortably.  Where else can you relax and watch the colorful sparks trickle from the sky and sizzle away on top of glassy water? Hands down, Fourth of July festivities are red-hot amazing in Marina Del Rey. The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. and is accompanied by music heard on KXLU FM radio 88. 

If you’re looking to put some bang in your 4^th of July, try one of our insider’s tips on enjoying the holiday—Marina del Rey style!  Why not try a little something different this year?

Must-Do:	Bring your own finger foods and rent a small boat. Share the moment with your closest friends and family!
Cost:	$140.00 for 2 Hours
Why it Rocks:	You can keep a small guest list and have an intimate 4th of July fireworks viewing
Heads up:	Rentals are booking quickly, call or go online to make a reservation early
Contact:	Marina Boat Rentals, (310) 574-2822, www.boats4rent.com
Must-Do:	Enjoy a three-course dinner aboard a ship and watch the fireworks fall into the sea
Cost:	Dinner cruise $99 per person; Observation cruise $65 per person (plus tax)
Why it  Rocks:	You get to spend a couple hours on the water and have one of the best views, plus a live dee-jay to keep the party going!
Heads up:	4th of July cruises are quite popular, buy your tickets now!
Contact:	Hornblower Cruises, (310) 301-6000, www.hornblower.com
Must-Do:	Pack a picnic and spend a day at the park on the water. Stay ‘til sundown and catch the fireworks!
Cost:	FREE
Why it Rocks:	You’ll have a whole day to soak up the sun and a great view of the fireworks at this gorgeous park (without breaking the bank)!
Heads up:	Because this park offers such an amazing view, you will have to share it with others. Arrive early to make sure you get a great spot.
Contact:	Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, Calif. 90292
Must-Do:	Dance on the water aboard a Polynesian-styled fireworks cruise
Cost:	$59 per person (plus tax)
Why it Rocks:	Help yourself to an unlimited appetizer buffet and a welcome glass of champagne!
Heads up:	Set some dollars aside for the cash bar.
Contact:	Tiki Mermaid, (310) 410-8454, www.tikimermaid.com
Must-Do:	Enjoy an all-American BBQ buffet and watch the fireworks from the shore.
Cost:	Adults $75 per person; kids under 10 $35 per person (tax and tip included)
Why it Rocks:	Location, location, location! You won’t miss the fireworks from this great on-the-water spot. DJ and dancing until 11PM!
Heads up:	Reservations are required so you have to book ASAP, especially if you want outdoor seating
Contact:	Shanghai Red’s from 5-9PM, (310) 823-4522, www.ShanghaiRedsRestaurant.com
Must-Do:	Sip on premium cocktails, delight in an elegant dinner with unobstructed views of the fireworks!
Cost:	$89 per person prix fixe menu for 7 p.m. seating
Why it Rocks:	Enjoy fine dining, live music and great waterfront views from this award-winning restaurant
Heads up:	The waterfront view is so desirable, there are two seatings:  the first seating is from 5-7 p.m. featuring an a la carte dinner menu; the second seating starts at 7 p.m. with a 3-course prix fixe menu plus sparkling wine for $89 per person reservations are mandatory.  FYI: The second seating will allow guests to remain at their tables to watch the fireworks. Book now, it’s almost full!
Contact:	Café del Rey, (323) 823-6395, www.CafeDelReyMarina.com
Must-Do:	Try something HOT! Polynesian fire dancers with your fireworks at a family-friendly barbecue outdoors celebration.
Cost:	Free admission. Food and drinks can be purchased on-site.
Why it Rocks:	This hotel is located right on the water with the best views by far.  Plus, special guest, Pink’s Hot Dogs will be dishin’ up their famous dogs at the barbecue! Noon – 10 p.m.
Heads up:	Avoid traffic- arrive early!
Contact:	Marina Del Rey Hotel, (310) 301-1000 www.marinadelreyhotel.com
Must-Do:	Celebrate America's independence on the water!
Cost:	$25 per person (Kids 2-11 years: $15)
Why it   Rocks:	You'll board from Fisherman's Village, be on the water when the festivities begin, and back on the dock afterward. A great break from the goings-on on land
Heads up:	Early arrival is recommended; and reservations are required
Contact:	Marina del Rey Flyer - info@catalinaferries.com; http://www.catalinaferries.com/home.html

Visit http://www.visitmarinadelrey.com/events/by-month-july.html for more information. 

10 Things You Didn't Know About MdR

1)      Marina del Rey is only 4 Miles North of LAX- If your plane is delayed or your layover seems too long, hop in a cab and spend a few hours on or by the sea.

2)      Getting on the water is Easy, Breezy - If you have never sailed a boat or thought it was too expensive to rent a skippered charter (a sailboat that comes with your own skipper or captain), then Marina del Rey is the perfect starting point for you.  Here are options for skippered charters and guess what? They make it so easy to get on a boat and enjoy being on the water:  Paradise Bound Yacht Charters, Blue Water Sailing , Blue Pacific Boating or Marina Sailing.

3)      Singles Can Mingle- Single Mariners of Marina del Rey offers day sails for area singles.  Twice a month, singles of all skill levels are welcome to join the fun on a weekend day sail. Bring $7 to the members’ meeting, and beginners and experts alike will be ready to set sail the following weekend.

4)      Your Wish is Our Command-The Visitor’s Bureau Concierge Service is a resource for all things Marina del Rey. Plan a weekend getaway to the Marina. Better yet, we will plan it for you. Marina del Rey’s Visitors Center offers help in planning your next Marina vacation, stop by the center located at 4701 Admiralty Way.

5)      Return of Jet Skis- They were gone for a while, and boy, did we miss them. Now they are available for rent again. Forget the work week completely as you zip around the Marina, enjoying the sunshine and lapping waves. Rent a jet ski from Marina del Rey Boat Rentals 13719 Fiji Way, 310-574-2822.

6)      You’re In the Doghouse- If you have a dog, you have come to the right place. Marina del Rey offers pre-planned walking maps, outdoor dining, and a dog-friendly park. If you're thinking about a weekend stay, consider booking you and your pooch at the Marina del Rey Hotel, Marina International Hotel, or even the Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey.

7)      We Always Have a Reason for Dancing Shoes- You don’t have to take a weekend or even a day away to feel like you are on vacation. Escape for an evening on a Marina del Rey Dinner Dance Cruise. On Saturday evenings you can enjoy a delicious meal, watch the sunset, and dance the night away on board a ship cruising around Marina del Rey. For more information, visit Hornblower Cruises and Events

8)      An Exotic Adventure is At Our Doorstep- Did you know LA has its very own wetlands? Right outside Marina del Rey, on the corner of Lincoln and Jefferson is a remarkable natural habitat. The wetlands are home to the endangered least tern, as well as many other rare species. The site has two trails open to the public. Visit www.ballonafriends.org and www.ballona.org/ for more information.

9)      Offering More Than Your Neighborhood Park- Burton W. Chace Park offers engaging activities for kids of all ages, including the popular Marina del Rey Summer Concert Series which kicks off July 8.  Plus, Marina Movie Nights will return this summer where friends and family can watch four popular films on a giant 27’ screen for free! Bring blankets, chairs and picnic supplies to enjoy the movie-watching by the water experience! If you just need to relax, pack a picnic and enjoy the breathtaking ocean views of Marina del Rey.

10)  Find Event Venues Galore - Looking for a spot close to the water to hold a wedding? Bridal shower? Sunday brunch? Quinceañera? Bar mitzvah?  Marina del Rey has it all-- from upscale resorts with ballrooms overlooking the water and luxury yachts with entertainment, dining and dance floors to cool, intimate lounges and casual, relaxed restaurant settings -- and with views of the water to outdoor dining spaces, your guests will be thrilled to celebrate in the Marina.