Dive Life Returns!

We are settling back into reality here after two incredible vacations in Italy and Hawaii. I have many posts to catch up on including both vacations, L.A.'s Brew at the Zoo 2012, and a couple local spots we tried out before our travels. However, since I am still gathering my thoughts and working on putting together coherent sentences about all those fantastic adventures, I thought I would just do a quick update about some upcoming events in the area...

Upcoming Adventures...

We are looking forward to sampling some great beer and checking out the wildlife at the Brew at the L.A. Zoo tonight! If you haven't already you can check the info out here. The event is from 6-10 pm and tickets are $40 pre-sale or $45 at the door.

Also, Dive Life is going to be doing some traveling for the next few weeks. This Sunday we take off for 9 days in Italy and then, as if that isn't awesome enough, we are heading to the island of Oahu for 6 more days of adventure! We are very excited to explore these beautiful places, as well as check out the local bar scenes. Stay tuned in a few weeks for the special Italian and Hawaiian editions of Dive Life!

Cheers!

Brew at the Zoo

This Friday (8/10) from 6-10 p.m., the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens will be holding the Brew at the L.A. Zoo 2012. The evening will feature beer samples from over 20 breweries, live comedians from the Laugh Factory, a DJ, live music, food, and more. Tickets are $40 pre-sale, $45 at the door, and $20 for designated drivers. According to the website guests will also have a chance to see live animals including elephants, koalas, apes, crocodiles, and other cool critters. Sounds like a great way to spend a Friday night!

CA Beer Festivals

There are going to be some fantastic beer festivals coming up in the Fall and Dive Life is looking forward to getting out and drinking with the masses. We are definitely planning on attending the California Beer Festival in either Ventura or San Dimas, or both! The festival will be in Ventura September 15-16 or in San Dimas October 6 and a general admission ticket is around $45 ($25 for designated drivers).  In addition to all the craft breweries, the festival will also feature good food and live music!

If you can't make it out to the CA Beer Festival, there is also The O.C. Brew Ha Ha on September 8 in Silverado. General admission is $40 ($15 for designated drivers).
Check back for updates to our listing of local beer festivals!
Know of any good festivals? Let us know!

Cheers!

One Stop Liquor

Okay so I hadn't planned on reviewing any liquor stores for Dive Life, but this one is worth it. I have been driving past this liquor store on the corner of Whittier Blvd. and Hillside in La Habra for some time, noticing the sign boasting "the biggest selection of craft beers" and wondering if there was any truth to that claim. Honestly I never noticed a name for the place but according to my Google search it is called One Stop Liquor, even though I believe the sign in the parking lot says different...

The United States of Good Beer

Check out this great graphic from GOOD (see the full size image here). It shows the best, independent, craft breweries in each state as voted by the GOOD community. I know I have enjoyed Lagunitas from California, but I don't think I have tried any of the other states' beers. Have you tried any of the brews shown on the map?

Cheers!

p.s. I came across this image using stumbleupon.com, a very cool site for exploring the web if you haven't already tried it!

Newport Landing

The Newport Landing Restaurant and Oyster Bar is one of our favorite spots to eat when we are visiting the area. The regular menu can be a little pricey and this is definitely not a dive, but it is well worth a try. We have actually never eaten in the restaurant section of Newport Landing because we prefer eating in the upstairs bar area where you get a great view of Balboa Bay. Our favorite items off the regular menu are the fish and chips (some of the best!), the clam chowder, and the oyster shooters appetizer.

The Village Inn

Dive Life is back from a fantastic week long vacation on Balboa Island! I have been spending summers vacationing in Balboa since before I can remember, but I had never been to the island's only bar until now...

13th Frame Lounge

Our dive adventure this past weekend was a happy accident. Saturday night we were driving past the La Habra 300 Bowl on our way to dinner at El Cholo (review coming soon) and noticed the marquee advertising live music and Hangar 24 craft beer on tap at the 13th Frame Lounge... how could we resist? We couldn't.

The Happiest Happy Hours

Our "Happy Hour" page has been updated with our first post on the list! Don't forget to check the page for all our happy hour tips!

Pick your Poison

Don't miss the chance to vote in our "Pick Your Poison" poll! Located at the bottom of the section to the right. We can use the results to focus our bar reviews on what interests our readers!

Vote now!