Finding the best Orange County restaurants to dine in while enjoying your vacation may not be an easy thing to do when you are in a strange place. With a little help, finding the place you want to dine can be easier than going it alone.

One area of Orange County that has some of the most under-publicized dining establishments is around beach communities like Laguna Beach, Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. This is an area where you can find creative options for fun eateries. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, this is a good location. Many of the restaurants in this area are not terribly expensive and they have very well prepared and tasty food.

Many have a décor that kids especially will enjoy. They are great for people watching and several serve beer and wine. Regardless of whether it is a family vacation or just a couple getting away from it all for a weekend, this is definitely an area for finding Orange County restaurants that are diverse, but fun.

There are many Orange County restaurant choices that will thrill the kids. This is especially true in the area around Disneyland Park. Your kids will be thrilled to have breakfast with Disney characters and you will hear of nothing else for months. Except for maybe how they designed their own pizza for there are restaurants in this area that provide this option for the aspiring chefs among us. Adjacent to the park is Downtown Disney, a combination of shopping, restaurants and entertainment offerings.

Sidewalk cafes are also an option when it comes to the Orange County restaurants in Anaheim. They are terrific for people watching while enjoying gourmet coffees and treats. The locals are so friendly, which can go a long way towards making you feel welcome. You’ll find restaurants on Harbor Boulevard and Katella Avenue, as well as at the Downtown Disney shopping district.

Orange County restaurants often specialize in Mexican fare. This can be an experience if you find one of the restaurants that is an actual Mexican hacienda. The atmosphere is only rivaled by the food that is served. These are usually fun places to let your hair down and enjoy traditional Mexican food. One of the best things about the dining in this area is it is not expensive. The prices are actually quite affordable. Quite a few cities boast terrific Mexican restaurants, as well as eateries offering many varieties of ethnic cuisine. Little Saigon in Westminster is home to many southeast Asian dining establishments.

Located in the southeastern part of New York State, Long Island stretches eastward into the Atlantic Ocean. Long Island is full of choices. You can choose from hundreds of party rooms, catering halls and banquet facilities. Here are some of our favorites.

Carlyle on The Green. A great place for a wedding reception. High ceilings, stunning floors and beautiful touches throughout this banquet facility make it memorable. The cuisine is wonderful. They have a magnificent menu and can prepare custom menus as well. The Lenox Room is perfect for music and dancing. This fine establishment is located right in Bethpage State Park.

Coral House is located on Milburn Lake. The lake provides a perfect setting for any special occasion. The property is expertly landscaped with fantastic views of the lake. Bring your camera. There are so many wonderful settings for photographs. The party rooms are big but not overwhelming. The fireplaces and décor give the place a warm feel.

Fox Hollow offers accommodations for up to 400 guests and a 145-suite hotel. Everything you need for a magnificent event is all here. It’s big, charming and full of old-world charm. White glove service, remarkable food and charming surroundings.

The Garden City Hotel is enormous. This first-class hotel has been around since 1874, but there’s nothing out of date about it. From small meeting rooms to large ballrooms they can accommodate any type of event. A great choice if you’re inviting guests from out of town. Convenient to the Long Island Railroad, your guests can take in Manhattan too.

The Glen Cove Mansion. This hotel and conference center is located on the North Shore of Long Island. The beauty of Glen Cove adds to the charm of this elegant event venue. This is an outstanding place for a wedding, Sweet-16, Bar Mitzvah or any other special occasion. You feel like you’re pulling up to an English Duke’s manor house when you see that circular drive. Beautiful grounds.

These are just a few of Long Island’s best party venues. By starting your search for the perfect party place early, you’re sure to find a wonderful spot for your next event.