The OC Mart Mix was one of those OC finds I can’t believe it took me so long to discover. I have driven by the South Coast Collection (affectionately known here in Orange County as SOCO) a million times on the freeway but hadn’t actually gone until a couple weeks ago.
Now that I have explored it firsthand, I am telling everyone you HAVE TO GO!
Located smack off the 405 freeway in Costa Mesa, The OC Mart Mix is located adjacent to SOCO, which is a progressive OC shopping center with a unique assortment of shops and design studios.
I recently went to the newly opened Granola Babies natural baby shop in SOCO to drop off some Tiny Oranges postcards and my jaw dropped when I saw her fabulous new store! It’s an expansive space with high vaulted ceilings and an open, airy feel. Located next to a zen-like garden with a fun fountain for kids to run around, this OC natural baby store is a must visit!
And while you are there, since the OC Mart Mix is right across the way, so you can explore both centers in the same trip.
Reminiscent of the Ferry Building in San Francisco, the OC Mart Mix is an open marketplace filled with completely one-of-a-kind like-minded vendors.
From We Olive & Wine Bar olive oil tasting bar and gourmet foods to Portola Coffee Lab with their advanced and unique brewing processes to Eva’s Trunk Denim Bar which set me back a bit with a new pair of Hudson Skinny Jeans to Smocking Birds which is a completely unique baby store filled with handmade smocks and EVERYTHING in between…you could honestly browse for HOURS!
What I loved the most was EVERY store was completely unique and had a sort of indie vibe. The spaces were small and personal, and it was the type of place where you can easily chat with the owners and managers.
They have fun weekly events at the OC Mart Mix and SOCO like $1 tacos and $5 sangria nights on Thursdays, gourmet food trucks and Farmers’ Market every Saturday from 9am -2pm, as well as Food Truck Fridays for foodies. Check the websites for calendars and events.
You can also stay up to date with the latest by following SOCO Collection and the OC Mart Mix on Facebook and @SoCoCollection and @TheOCMartMix on Twitter.
So grab your hubby for a date night, take some me time alone on a Saturday to cruise the shops, or meet your girlfriends for a moms’ night out on Thursday to get some tacos and shop, I don’t care how you get there, but you must GET THERE somehow!
www.theocmartmix.com * www.southcoastcollection.com
[Photo credit: The OC Mart Mix]
Thanks for this great find. I’ll have to take my 10-year old granddaughter to the Surfing Heritage Foundation in the Mart since she’s a beach girl who’s watched “Soul Surfer” numerous times.
I went last Sunday for the first time with my son – to go to Granola Babies – and it is a great find. Thanks for linking to their calendar, I didn’t know they had one.
I am so happy to share! Love these two places and Granola Babies is the BEST! Totally in love with their new location! xo
Thanks for the great blog! We love hearing about experiences at SOCO! Hope to see you back here soon! 🙂
Love the SF vibe at SOCO-will go back soon!