GOOD CALIFORNIA VIBES

FROM EXOTIC HOUSE PLANTS AND INCREDIBLE KOREAN-STYLE CORN DOGS TO CHAMPAGNE BREAKFASTS OVERLOOKING THE OCEAN, HUNTINGTON BEACH IS BUZZING WITH EXCITEMENT.

HB EATS

Since December 2016, Bella Sophia Chocolates (21058 CA-1, Ste. M120, Huntington Beach, bellasophiachocolates.com), has done more than refine an old tradition: they’ve started a new one. Guided by an international palate, they fuse unique flavor combination techniques from around the world to create award-winning flavors and textures. Bella Sophia Chocolates makes everything handmade in small batches from their kitchen in Orange County. To achieve optimal flavor, their products are sourced from local and regional farmers using only the finest ingredients and, when available, organic items. It gets any sweeter. Looking for an amazing vegan restaurant close to the pier? Welcome to Good Vibes HB (501 Main St. E., Huntington Beach, goodvibeshb.com), where you can dine on an extensive menu of starters, rice bowls, power bowls, hot sandwiches, salads, baked goods, smoothies, and co ee. Plus, they source their fresh ingredients from local farmers’ markets. According to the restaurant’s co-founder and “tacoteur” Eric Adler, Puesto (7821 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, eatpuesto.com) is a family story that begins with tacos. Owned and operated by first-generation Mexican Americans, the kitchen serves authentic, Mexican cuisine inspired by innovative flavors and family traditions handed down from generation to generation. Relatively new to Huntington Beach (there are other locations in San Diego) Puesto has already become a local favorite. Authentic Italian food from a family-run restaurant, Romano Cucina Sunset Beach (16595 CA-1, Sunset Beach, romanocucina. com) isn’t fancy—the low-key and comfortable atmosphere just makes you feel right at home. Try their “Pasta Our Way” (simply one meatball, one sausage, and red sauce) and the fiery piccante pizza (ground Italian sausage, mushroom, spicy olive oil and garlic sauce with mozzarella). There’s a nice selection of martinis, specialty cocktails, and wines by the glass or bottle to complete the meal.

BELLA SOPHIA CHOCOLATES

Think you know corn dogs? Guess again. Two Hands Seoul Fresh Corn Dogs (401 Main St. #100, Huntington Beach, twohandsus. com) recently opened a franchise in town and has become a local favorite thanks to their unique Korean-style corndogs that are indescribably delicious. The Crispy Rice Dog, Potato Dog, Spicy Dog, and Injeolmi Dog are just a few of the specialty corn dogs you can enjoy.

PLANTS BY YOURS TRULY

BY JOE KATCHKA

HOUSEPLANT NATION

BY JOE KATCHKA

PLANT LIFE

One of the most unique little escapes in town is Houseplant Nation (17045 Newland St., Huntington Beach, houseplantnation. square.site), which specializes in tropical indoor foliage. The small business is owned and operated by women and features a huge selection of rare specimens alongside common and uncommon indoor plant. You can also find local handmade goods, pottery, and accessories.

From cute home décor plants to everything you would need to rehabilitate a plant from pest infestation, Plants by Yours Truly (714 Adams Ave., Ste. 106, Huntington Beach, Instagram @ plantsbyyourstruly) is a one-of-a-kind shop tucked away in a small shopping center just o Beach Boulevard. Ask the shop’s owner, Melissa, for plant care advice and learn about their therapeutic qualities in a class; this life-a irming little place will make your Huntington Beach visit even more memorable. Located inside of Plants by Yours Truly, BYO sells reusable and non-toxic products. Buy tea, soaps, cleaning supplies, to-go & travel products, and more.

SURF CITY NIGHTS

BY STEPHANIE HELGUERA

THROW A PARTY

Ever spent an evening axe throwing? Stumpy’s Hatchet House (7225 Edinger Ave., Unit A, Huntington Beach, stumpyshh.com) is the setting for one of the newest and most popular “sports” in Southern California. (You’ll certainly find more axe-throwing facilities in the South and on the East Coast!) Discover your inner lumberjack, whether it’s with friends or family—this is something you will never forget.

Live like a local and hit Surf City Nights (hbdowntown.com/ surf-city-nights), a community street fair and farmers’ market on Tuesdays in downtown Huntington Beach. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m, the first three blocks of Main Street are closed to tra ic and transformed into bustling lanes filled with artisans, fresh produce, live music, and more. Shops and eateries open their doors extra wide this night, o ering sidewalk sales and exclusive deals. Locals will bike and walk here to buy groceries and hang out.

STUMPY’S HATCHET HOUSE

BY JOE KATCHKA