It used to be that South Orange County relied on the more established North County for hipness – but no longer! For a cool change of scene – head south of the “Y” (you know, the 405-5 interchange) and you’ll experience new and different retail, restaurant and recreation options. Following are some of our favorite, worth-the-drive spots for hip parents and their kids in South OC. Did we miss some of your faves? Let us know. And tell them that Coast kids sent you! GREAT EATS: Infusion Restaurant (Ladera Ranch; www.infusionladera.com) is a great spot for a moms’ night out or date night. Start with a Martini and Tempura Green Beans, and enjoy their Lobster Garlic Noodles, but save room for the bread pudding for dessert! Always a kid’s favorite, Ruby’s Diner (www.rubys.com) has locations throughout Orange County. However, the San Juan Capistrano location is right next the Train Depot which is a great spot to watch trains. Dream Dinners (San Juan Capistrano; www.dreamdinners.com) is the place where multi-tasking moms go to socialize with friends while making a month’s worth of family dinners at the same time. For a scrumptious treat, moms go to Donna B’s Cookies (Laguna Niguel; www.donnab.com) and pick up their delicious frozen cookie dough tubs to bake at home. (The kids’ll never guess mom didn’t make them from scratch!) Just like their northerly neighbors, South Countians head to Wahoo’s Fish Tacos (www.wahoos.com) for fab Mexican food. AMAZING ACTIVITIES: The Laguna Main Beach Playground (PCH @ Forest Avenue) is a fun place to take a treat from Scandia Bakery (248 Forest Avenue) and let the kids run off some extra energy while you enjoy a gorgeous ocean view. Bring along your husband and maybe you can even escape for a few minutes of shopping at Rococo or Bambini! Every season brings something fun to pick at Tanaka Farms (Irvine, www.tanakafarms.homestead.com). The Laguna Playhouse (www.lagunaplayhouse.com) offers a children’s playhouse series of plays. Next up is Anne of Green Gables May 9-20th. Stroller Strides (www.strollerstrides.com) is a great way for moms with young children to stay fit and meet friends. One popular class takes you and your stroller-secured tot on a walk around the gorgeous Laguna Niguel Regional park and lake. You won’t believe you’re just steps from suburbia. Set sail at the Dana Point Yacht Club (www.dpyc.org) with their junior sailing program that offers sailing lessons at a great location in beautiful Dana Point Harbor. SUPER STORES Need a haircut? Need photos? Need a fabulous birthday party place or gift? Blue Sky’s Salon & Studio (Laguna Hills; www.blueskyssalon.com) is the place for it all! Jack’s Surfboards (www.jackssurfboards.com) is the place to shop for all the hippest beach fashions for both kids and adults. Scrapbook loving moms know the ultimate in scrapbooking supplies and classes are available at Timeless Treasures (Rancho Santa Margarita, www.timeless-scrapbooking.com). Another great mom’s day/night out idea! Traylor Papers (www.traylorpapers.com) is the convenient invitation and stationery spot for moms. Browse their online store during naptime, and then either have it mailed to you or ready for pick up at their Aliso Viejo location. Bears, Buddies and Toys (Laguna Niguel) is a great new place for gifts and fun fetes. Check out their amazing giant Pirate Ship and Princess Castle for parties which include fabulous costumes and make-your-own-stuffed-animals. Identitywear Studios (Aliso Viejo, www.idwearstudios.com) helps you create custom t-shirts, jeans, bags or whatever you can dream up. When hip moms are looking for unique children’s clothing, baby gifts/gear or trendy maternity wear, Hush Baby (Aliso Viejo, www.hushbaby.com) and Oh Baby! (Laguna Niguel, www.ohbabynursery.com) are the haute spots. s