(http://camdenblogs.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/irvinespectrum.png) The Irvine Spectrum(photo credit: www.welcometosocal.com) If you are thinking about moving to Irvine there are so many places that you need to check out. If you are looking to visit (http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=34.0,-117.0&spn=0.01,0.01&q=34.0,-117.0 (Southern%20California)&t=h "Southern California") and you want to know what the hot spots are in Irvine then this is the blog for you. The Spectrum- This is what I like to refer to as a one stop shop. You can do anything from grabbing groceries at Target to catching the latest and greatest movies on the IMAX Theater. You can also eat at one of the many amazing restaurants or simply catch up on some retail therapy. This is a great family spot as well because they have Ice skating in the winter and in the summer you can let your little ones play in the turtle fountain. The Spectrum is a lot of fun for adults as well. They have The Improve if you want a light-hearted funny night. If you had a long day and want to meet someone for happy hour then you will have a wide variety of locations to choose from like The Cheesecake Factory, Wood Ranch, Javier’s, Yard House and Red Robin. There's even a (http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=54.5968805556,-5.92918333333&spn=0.01,0.01&q=54.5968805556,-5.92918333333 (Ferris%20wheel)&t=h "Ferris wheel") and carousal if you’re looking to re-live your childhood memories. The District –The district is also a very hot spot for restaurants, shopping and fun. The TJ Maxx/Home Goods Store, this is the best TJ Maxx I have ever been in. If you are trying to redecorate your house on a budget this is the place to go. There is a Michael’s that is right next door so if you are feeling crafty or extra creative then you should stop in there as well. There are two major deterrents the first is the parking. They usually have a traffic person helping to ease the pain of this location. The other big downfall is the fact the stores are far apart. If you are going with small children it makes it really hard as you get back in the car and move every time you want to hit a different store. They have a Costco here with a gas station attached so you usually get the best price on gas in town. The Great Park- If you are looking for something that is free and amusing to do then you want to check out the huge orange balloon in the sky. The trip last about 15 minutes and the view is amazing if you go as the sun is setting or at night. Make sure you check the hours of operation. The great park also does free movies in the park on weekend nights. If you are looking for a place to exercise outdoors then they offer great free boot camps and yoga classes as well. If you look on the website it lists all the upcoming free activities. The Irvine Park Railroad If you are the more adventurous type then this is the place to go. Make sure that you wear your running shoes and an outfit that you can get dirty. This is a park located at the end of Jamboree Road near (http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=35.3075,-118.428611111&spn=0.1,0.1&q=35.3075,-118.428611111 (Sand%20Canyon%2C%20California)&t=h "Sand Canyon, California"). It Cost $5.00 for the car full of people to get in unless it’s a holiday then it might be more. They have the best Zoo in Orange County nestled among live oak trees. It’s an eight acre zoo that has anything from a black bear, mountain lions, bald eagle, island foxes, and more. It $2.00 a person and you don’t want to miss it. They also have a train that goes through the park and bikes that you can rent if you forget to bring your own. If you are looking for a place to have a picnic or a birthday party then this is the place. Irvine is a very suburban community and this park makes you feel like you are in the country. They have wild peacocks that roam the entire park as well.