South Coast Plaza recently had an event for bloggers and while I couldn’t make it, I started thinking about just how amazing this shopping resort really is. In addition to having the top stores in the world (every luxury brand from Chanel to Gucci to Balenciaga is here), I feel nostalgic when I think about SCP. Growing up in Orange County, it was the place I visited as a kid to go on the carousel or see Santa. I bought my prom dresses here and was exposed to culture at the Performing Arts Center. Then there’s the new Segerstrom Hall, world class spas and so many of my favorite restaurants (Charlie Palmer is a must see). What the Segerstroms have done for Orange County, and all of the millions who pass through South Coast Plaza, is pretty mind boggling. Since I’ve been on a shopping hiatus in ’09 I really need to get down there soon.

Visit Victoria’s blog, Los Angelenas.