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Health & Fitness

Blog: Need More Ideas for Winter Break?

Here are a few ways to fill your days over the holiday break. The Southern California region is full of great shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities.

Winter break gives your children plenty of down time, and I know you don’t want that to go to waste. So here are a few more ideas of ways to make the most of your extra time as a family.

Eaton Canyon: Take this time to venture out to Eaton Canyon for some outdoor fun.With beautiful weather year-round, your family doesn’t have to stay cooped inside.

An easy 3 ½-mile hike to a gorgeous waterfall is a fun place for a picnic. And the Nature Center there is packed with interesting plants, geology, animals and the history of the canyon.

Eaton Canyon offers approximately eight hiking trails and three nature trails, if you’re looking for great outdoor exercise. You may also schedule a docent-led tour for yourself or your group. To do that, call the Nature Center at (626) 398-5420 for reservations as early as possible to avoid having your date taken by another group. A number of free public tours are available, as well.

Eagle Rock: Check out this hip, artsy community. It’s a great place to do some Christmas shopping and enjoy a quaint setting. The town features popular restaurants, trendy coffee shops, eclectic art galleries, fashion boutiques and more.

While you’re there, grab a bite to eat.Two of my favorite eateries are Casa Bianca and Eagle Rock Bakery. Both are great Italian spots. The bakery, located on Colorado Boulevard, offers sandwiches, desserts, fresh bread and pastries. The fresh mozzarella sandwich gets high marks in online customer reviews, as do the cookies and cannoli.

Casa Bianca, also a popular spot, has been serving Italian family recipes for more than 50 years.

The Soap Kitchen: Pop by this unique store in Old Town Pasadena  for more great gift ideas. It specializes in handmade soaps, shampoos, bath products and more. And, yes, it does offer gift packages. The business was recently featured on Huell Howser’s TV show, “California’s Gold.”

These are just a few idea for filling your days. For a whole lot more ideas, check out our Classic Pasadena blog where we regularly feature regional attractions.

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