The Vegas Voice July 2021

Shhhhhhhh! A Secret Getaway for Grown Ups!
By: Crystal Merryman-Sarbacker / Out & About year’s cancelation.
L
Instead they put their energy into improving the Festival
ast month I shared some information on
site and making it bigger and better than ever.
one of California’s most popular summer
Visitors this year will enjoy countless exhibits, demonstrations,
events, the Laguna “Festival of the Arts.”
competitions, performances, concerts, booths, eateries, and shopping,
Featuring the nightly “Pageant of the Masters”,
shopping, shopping!
the Festival has been drawing sold out crowds for over 80 years.
And there also will be neighboring events like the ever popular
This annual event, from July 5-September 3, celebrates the talent of
Sawdust Festival, which runs concurrently with the Festival and
the local artists. When the 2020 Festival was cancelled due to Covid,
features booths selling a myriad of handmade items. It’s right across
thousands of people were disappointed.
the street from the Festival, and if you want to get a jump on your
Holiday shopping, this is a great place to find unique items.
Several years ago I purchased a lovely jacket at the Sawdust Festival.
It’s still as distinctive and stylish as ever.
Laguna’s small town appeal is definitely part of its charm, but during
the Festival its population of 23,000 residents swells enormously. So
where to stay, where to eat, and where to park, are major concerns.
There are a few small centrally located hotels. And there are some
beachfront accommodations which might be fun for grandchildren
but may not offer the conveniences and comforts seniors desire.
The “Pageant of the Masters” attracts 2,000 people every night
during the Festival, and it’s dependent on volunteers who work behind
the scenes and may even serve as models on stage. Their commitment
is legendary, so it should not be surprising they were undaunted by last
If you act quickly, there are some boutique hotels, that offer real
charm and delightful accommodations. The recently renovated Casa
Laguna Hotel and Spa, which has a colorful 100 year old history, is
centrally located, only 1,500 feet from the beach, and proudly states
they are an “adults only” facility.
Casa Laguna offers everything from peace and quiet to onsite free
parking. Seniors are especially appreciative of the delicious continental
breakfasts included in their daily rates, and the Mediterranean “small
plates” which can be ordered until late at night.
There is lush landscaping around its immaculate swimming pool.
And there is an adjacent spa which features facial treatments and
massages using their own line of lotions and face creams. The only
drawback is that Casa Laguna has only 29 guest rooms, so be prepared
to be flexible with your schedule.
For more information, email me: Crystal@TheVegasVoice.net.
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July 2021
Crystal Merryman-Sarbacker is a travel agent and the owner of
Vegas Vacationers Inc. She can be reached at:
Merryman2@aol.com