The Moment

SO GLOW - Incredible is the word for when you take an adventurous activity like stand-up paddleboarding, then add deep twilight over the Back Bay and waterproof LED board lights for underwater illumination. On warm summer nights the waters are smooth as glass. “It creates a peaceful realm,” explains Tim Lukei, owner of Pirate Coast Paddle Co., the only proprietor offering SUP Glow Tours. “The experience is unique – like fairy tale meets sci-fi.”

BOLD GLORY - After the electric guitar notes from the day's live entertainment have faded, after the no-longer-needed sunscreen gets plunked back to its place at the bottom of the beach bag, the final, most glorious Fourth of July tradition begins at Newport Dunes. We gather at the beach facing the lagoon, by the restaurant and at the marina. Marina tenants take in the display from their slipped boats, and boaters from around the area anchor in the channel and launch ramp. Dazzling is the view from every point. The finale always brings cheers and the blare of car horns in the parking lots and foghorns from the boats in the channel. Let freedom ring.

STATELY ELEGANCE - Someone once said we should consider every day we have not danced as a day lost. Cilvia Lee and Joe Nguyen announce carpe diem with the waltz on a cloudless Newport Beach afternoon. The dance partners perfect their ballroom form across the mural of the United States painted on the blacktop of Newport Elementary School.

MOON SHOT - At a time when anyone pointing a smartphone fancies themself a photographer, it's a pleasant surprise when a new talent emerges to capture views of OC rarely seen. SoCal natives Michael and Angelique Florendo left careers in banking and finance to found Florendo Studio Arts. She creates ceramics, he specializes in night photography, like Moon Setting in San Juan Capistrano, the shot seen here: www.florendostudioarts.com

BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE - Though austerity advocates and recently elected council members may disagree, the architectural community's consensus on the Newport Beach Civic Center and Park is as clear as the ocean view from the end of its pedestrian bridge. The design by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson recently won one of 23 Honor Awards from the American Institute of Architects, after winning the AIA OC's Honor Award last year. The national AIA award is the profession's highest recognition of excellence in architecture, interior architecture and urban design worldwide. Here's what the judges think: “The Newport Beach Civic Center and Park creates a center for civic life in this beachside community. Nestled within a new 17-acre park, the City Hall is designed for clarity and openness. A long, thin building supporting a rhythmic, wave-shaped roof provides a light and airy interior, complemented by connections to outdoor program elements, a maritime palette, and commanding views of the Pacific Ocean. The project's form and expression are generated by place and sustainability, as well as the city's democratic values of transparency and collaboration.”

LOVE, ITALIAN-STYLE - Romance along the coast comes in many forms, including Venetian gondolas cruising Newport Harbor. Whether it's a first date, an anniversary or a proposal, prepare to be serenaded in Grand Canal-style by a gondolier as you take the slow and scenic route touring the beautiful bay. Valentine's Day is prime time for these stand-up entrepreneurs, so book early.