Unique businesses have recently opened their doors nearby, including a massage parlor, arcade, veterinary clinic, jewelry store, flower shop and numerous clothing shops.
By Ashley Ryan
Corona del Mar
Self-care sanctuary The Now Massage launched in February, marking the brand’s first foray into the Orange County wellness scene. Located along the bustling East Coast Highway, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to another world as you wander into the back room, where private massage stations are set up. Let the sound of ocean waves engulf you as you settle in for some relaxation, enjoying the Swedish-inspired The Now, sports-centric The Stretch or energy balancing The Healer massage treatments. Monthly memberships are also available. (949-210-9582; thenowmassage.com)
Balboa Peninsula
It’s all fun and games at the Balboa Fun Zone Arcade, which held its grand opening party March 15. The previous iteration closed in December after which the new owners renovated the historic building to create a modern gaming space with a vintage feel, offering games like Skee-Ball, air hockey, Jurassic Park and more. Sign up for the loyalty program to enjoy special offers. (balboafunzonearcade.com)
Newport Harbor
Newport Beach locals David and Maryann Johndrow unveiled AI-powered maritime platform BoatBot in March, offering a one-stop shop for Orange County boat owners. The app does everything from allow the scheduling of service and predictive maintenance for vessels to facilitating communication, also involving vendors and brokers to create an interconnectedness in the boating world. BoatBot may be downloaded on the Apple and Google app stores. (boatbot.ai)
Fashion Island
Founded by Emma Grede and Khloé Kardashian nearly eight years ago, Good American remains an apparel company made by women for women. The Fashion Island boutique, which opened earlier this year, carries the brand’s collections of denim jeans, flattering ready-to-wear, swim and activewear pieces in addition to shoes ranging from boots and pumps to flats and sandals. (949-287-6349; goodamerican.com)
Ready-to-wear collections for men, women and children now abound at American Vintage, which opened locally in April but got its start in France in 2005. Casual, comfortable looks fill the racks at Fashion Island, where fleece and denim pieces mingle with knitwear in bold colors that are perfect for summer as well as neutrals for any occasion. (949-734-4317; americanvintage-store.com)
Costa Mesa
Following the rebranding of Plaza Sereno to Paseo 17 last year, the center on East 17th Street recently revealed a number of new businesses. Stop by to experience Slow Goods, a coastal-inspired store offering women’s clothing, housewares and bespoke accessories; Pürre @ Paseo, which offers apparel and footwear in addition to apothecary items and home goods; stylish event venue Parlour 17; and French Buckets, a flower shop that also has locations at Lido Marina Village and in nearby Laguna Beach. (Slow Goods: 949-734-9958; shopslowgoods.com) (Pürre @ Paseo: 657-436-0398; purreboutique.com) (Parlour 17: parlour17bar.com) (French Buckets: 949-759-0404; frenchbuckets.com)
At South Coast Plaza, Cartier unveiled an expansion of its boutique April 19, featuring a new design that encompasses local California landscapes, from the beaches to the desert. Stop by to peruse luxury jewelry pieces, watches and other accessories. Another expansion at the famed shopping complex was also completed in April, with Gucci doubling its floor space and offering a two-story shopping experience featuring its apparel, handbags, fine jewelry, fragrances, travel collection and more. (Cartier: 714-540-8231; cartier.com) (Gucci: 714-557-9600; gucci.com)
Most recently, veterinary clinic Modern Animal opened its doors at the end of April. Dedicated to providing the optimal experience for the pet, and focused on personalized care integrated with contemporary technology, the center offers 24/7 virtual appointments, online booking for in-person visits, virtual prescription management and access to records on the app. Book a visit for primary care, preventative medicine, surgical needs, dentistry, diagnostics and more. (866-505-8755; modernanimal.com)
