Why We Still Love Montecito, CA — Even Without Harry and Meghan

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Our bougie guide to The American Riviera.

By Theresa Gonzalez

Aug 20, 2026

From the laid-back luxury of Montecito (current home to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex) to the charm of nearby Summerland, every stop in Santa Barbara feels like a scene from a Nancy Meyers movie. Stroll through Montecito Country Mart, indulge in fresh flavors at The Daisy on State Street, and sunset-cruise in perfect 85-degree weather.

Here’s everything to love about Montecito & Santa Barbara in California — and what you should absolutely add to your next trip!

David Collier Courtesy of Visit California1. Coastal Bike Rides

Exploring Montecito definitely feels like a slower, more refined rhythm of SoCal life. Think linen pants, lemon trees, and quiet luxury at every turn. You can rent bikes from Wheel Fun Rentals to explore the area car-free along the Cabrillo Bike Path, starting at the Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara through Montecito.

2. Bougie Boutiques

Stops at The Post Montecito and then Montecito Country Mart are a must — this is where everyday errands meet elevated taste. Grab a scoop from Rori’s Artisanal Creamery or the best pizza in town at Bettina (worth every bite); browse elevated essentials…

Read the full article at brit.co/montecito >>

Wheel Fun Rentals and Irvine Park Railroad Host 2026 Annual Pumpkin Patch at Irvine Regional Park in Orange

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For Immediate Release:
September 10, 2026

Orange, CA – Fall family traditions return to Orange County this September as the Annual Pumpkin Patch at Irvine Regional Park welcomes families for another season of pumpkins, train rides, carnival games, hay mazes and Halloween-themed fun. Hosted by Irvine Park Railroad and Wheel Fun Rentals, the popular seasonal celebration runs through Halloween, giving families throughout Orange County a chance to enjoy a festive day at the park.

The 2026 Pumpkin Patch opens Sept. 12th and runs through Oct. 31st. Guests can explore the pumpkin patch, navigate the hay maze, visit the not-too-spooky Haunted House, enjoy train or wagon rides, decorate pumpkins and cookies, play carnival games, pan for gold and more. Additional paid activities include moon bounces, John Deere Racers, mini diggers and face painting. Pumpkin Patch hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. A separate Irvine Regional Park vehicle entrance fee applies.

“The Pumpkin Patch has become one of those special Orange County traditions that families look forward to year after year,” said John Ford, local owner and operator of Irvine Park Railroad and Wheel Fun Rentals. “It’s more than just picking out a pumpkin – it’s an opportunity for families, friends and neighbors to spend time together outdoors, make memories and enjoy everything Irvine Regional Park has to offer. We’re proud to be part of an event that brings the community together every fall.”

To provide guests with a more comfortable and enjoyable experience, reservations will be required for Pumpkin Patch admission on weekends from Sept. 26th – Oct. 31st. Each reservation includes entry into the Pumpkin Patch plus a choice of a train or wagon ride. Reservations are $16–$22 per person, depending on the date and time, plus a service fee. Children 12 months and younger are free and do not require a reservation. Reservations are available online only and can be made at irvineparkrailroad.com/pumpkin-patch-reservations.

Pumpkin Patch activity tickets are $8 each or $100 for a book of 15 (a $20 savings). Free activities included with admission include the Haunted House, hay maze, and seasonal photo opportunities. Families can also make a full day of their visit to Irvine Regional Park with Wheel Fun Rentals, offering bikes, surreys and paddle boats. Guests can cruise around the park by bike or take a paddle boat out on the lake for a relaxing fall adventure. To learn more about Wheel Fun Rentals regular hours and available rentals, visit wheelfunrentals.com/irvine-park.

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Media Contact: Devan Matthews • (714) 997-3968 ext. 2250 • devan@irvineparkrailroad.com

 

About Wheel Fun Rentals
Founded in 1987, Wheel Fun Rentals started with four wheel Surrey cycles, evolved into specialty bike rentals and bike tours, and now offers recreational rentals of all kinds from more than 100 outlets in 16 states.  Specializing in unique bikes, boats, and tours, Wheel Fun Rentals has been offering clean, healthy family fun and affordable outdoor entertainment to nearly  3 million customers annually from city and state parks, resorts, and retail outlets through corporate locations and franchised territories. For more information about Wheel Fun Rentals please visit www.wheelfunrentals.com or call 805-650-7770. Follow Wheel Fun Rentals: @WheelFunRentalsOfficial on Facebook, @WheelFunRentalsOfficial on Instagram, and @WheelFunRentals on Twitter.

Echo Park Swan Boats Go Dodger Blue for the Home Stretch of the Regular Season

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For Immediate Release:
September 3, 2026

Los Angeles, CA – As the Los Angeles Dodgers make their final push toward October baseball, Echo Park Swan Boats by Wheel Fun Rentals is getting into the spirit with a special “Go Blue” Illuminated Night Ride celebration at Echo Park Lake. During all home games in September, the iconic Echo Park Swan Boats will light up in Dodger Blue, giving fans a unique way to celebrate their hometown team before, during or after the game.

The special blue LED lighting will complement the illuminated night ride boat experience and create a picture-perfect backdrop showing support for our LA Dodgers. Guests are encouraged to capture and share their Swan Boat experience on social media and use popular Dodgers hashtags such as #Dodgers, #LADodgers, and #DodgersNation to join the conversation and share their Dodger pride. The Swan Boats will “Go Blue” after sunset on the following remaining Dodgers home-game dates:

September 8–9: Dodgers vs. Cincinnati Reds, September 18–20: Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants, and September 22–24: Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres

Located just minutes from Dodger Stadium, Echo Park Lake offers fans an opportunity to show their team pride even if they can’t make it to the stadium. Families, couples and groups of friends can pedal across the lake aboard the iconic Swan Boats while enjoying the Los Angeles skyline and the colorful nighttime atmosphere of Echo Park.

“With the Dodgers heading into the final weeks of the regular season, we wanted to give fans another way to show their Dodger pride,” said Mike Ullerick, Director of Operations for Wheel Fun Rentals. “The new programmable LED lighting recently installed on our Swan Boats gives us the opportunity to turn the lake blue and create a fun, uniquely Los Angeles experience for baseball fans.”

Swan Boat rentals at Echo Park Lake are $13 per hour for adults 18 years and older and $7.50 per hour for children 17 years and under and advanced reservations are required. Reservations can be made online at wheelfunrentals.com/book-echo.

With more than 30 years of experience in outdoor recreation, Wheel Fun Rentals is the nation’s leading provider of family-friendly recreational experiences and has operated the swan boat rental concession at Echo Park Lake since 2018 welcoming thousands of Southern California residents and visitors to experience one of Los Angeles’ most iconic parks from the water. Wheel Fun Rentals provides fun outdoor recreation at a reasonable price offering bike rentals, swan boats, specialty cycles and more at destinations across Southern California and the nation. For location information, hours of operation, available rentals and pricing visit wheelfunrentals.com/Echo.

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Media Contact:  Sheena Walenta  •  (805) 650-7770   •  marketing@wheelfunrentals.com

 

About Wheel Fun Rentals
Founded in 1987, Wheel Fun Rentals started with four wheel Surrey cycles, evolved into specialty bike rentals and bike tours, and now offers recreational rentals of all kinds from more than 100 outlets in 16 states.  Specializing in unique bikes and tours, Wheel Fun Rentals has been offering clean, healthy family fun and affordable outdoor entertainment to over 3 million customers annually from city and state parks, resorts, and retail outlets through corporate locations and franchised territories. For more information about Wheel Fun Rentals please visit www.wheelfunrentals.com or call 805-650-7770. Follow Wheel Fun Rentals: @wheelfunrentalsofficial on Facebook, @wheelfunrentalsofficial on Instagram, and @wheelfunrentals on X.

 

Have Wheel Fun in the Sun in Flushing Meadows

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By Stephanie G. Meditz

Read the article online at qchron.com >>

Looking for a fun, family-friendly way to get outside and enjoy the summer sun while it’s still here?

Flushing Meadows Corona Park has just the thing for you. With Wheel Fun Rentals, on the northern edge of Meadow Lake and at David Dinkins Circle, folks can rent bikes, kayaks, pedal boats and more to take in all that Queens’ largest park has to offer.

“We are honored to have the privilege to serve patrons to this wonderful park and we take pride in offering these services affordably and professionally,” Wheel Fun says on its website.

Families, duos and even solo visitors can enjoy one of many vehicles available for rent, including surreys, coupes and tandem bikes. Wheel Fun’s iconic surreys, or carriages with pedals, are covered by canopies.

The single surrey can hold three people – two of whom pedal – and two small children in a front basket. It’s perfect for an afternoon date, or to take youngsters for a ride through the park.

Up to six adults – four of them pedalers – and two small children can fit in a double surrey. It’s a good option for a double date or group outing between friends, according to Wheel Fun’s website.

One Yelp review of Wheel Fun by Alice K. of Flushing from last year said it was “lovely to see the cherry blossoms” just starting to bloom while riding a surrey.

Two adults and two small children can ride in a deuce coupe, and adjustable seating lets passengers of all sizes — from age 2 to 80 — pedal simultaneously.

Couples might enjoy riding a tandem bike, which Wheel Fun said also is a good option for younger or less experienced cyclists. But youngsters who can do it all on their own can take out a kid-sized bike.

You don’t need a plus-one to take a ride through the park, either. To go sightseeing solo, one might rent a chopper, described as “a laid-back cruisin’ machine,” a quad sport or cruiser bike.

Included with every bike rental is the selected vehicle, a bike lock, helmets and a basket or bike bag for belongings.

In Flushing Meadows, ride out the last of summer

Continued from page 33

And if you want to make sure you see all the sights, Wheel Fun has you covered there, too. Self-guided bike tour maps are included with half- and full-day rentals.

Historic landmarks on the tour include Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, and the USTA Tennis Center, where the US Open is now in town.

Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen, and to bring water, a camera and cash for lunch or a snack.

When you’ve pedaled your heart out and it’s time to refuel, you also can grab a bite or beverage at Ederle Terrace Cafe, on the north shore of Meadow Lake.

For those who want to test their sea legs, single and double kayaks are available for rent, as are pedal boats with room for four people and a child small enough to sit on someone’s lap. The latter watercraft lets you choose your adventure — you could take a leisurely trip around the lake in the back seat, but if you’re pedaling in the front, no one can ever say you skip leg day.

“Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy,” Wheel Fun’s website says. “Low-contact outdoor activities like bike riding and boating is a great way to get your body moving and relieve stress while getting fresh air.”

All boaters receive instructions and are required to wear life vests approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

As per Wheel Fun’s website, rentals are available every day from 9 a.m. to sunset – boat rentals from 10 a.m. to sunset – through Sept. 7. Hours will be adjusted after that, and again in October.

Boat rentals close for the season on Oct. 19. At that time, bike rentals will only be available from 10 a.m. to sunset on weekends and holidays.

Wheel Fun will close for the season on Nov. 9 and is set to return on March 13, 2027.

Wheel Fun also hosts field trips, corporate outings, and private events such as birthday parties. One may email info@wheelfunrentals.com or call (917) 231-5519 or (917) 231-6229 to learn more.

Wheel Fun Rentals Helps Portland Cyclists Gear Up for the 2026 Providence Bridge Pedal with One-Day Bike Rentals

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For Immediate Release:
July 31, 2026

Portland, OR – Wheel Fun Rentals at Tom McCall Waterfront Park is helping riders gear up for one of Portland’s most anticipated annual cycling events by offering convenient 24-hour, and multi-day bike rentals for the 2026 Providence Bridge Pedal on Sunday, August 9, benefiting Play Smart Youth Heart Screenings.

Whether you’re a local resident or visiting Portland for the event, Wheel Fun Rentals makes it easy to participate in this event or similar events without transporting your own bike. The Providence Bridge Pedal is one of the nation’s premier community cycling events, bringing thousands of riders together each year to experience Portland’s iconic bridges while supporting Play Smart Youth Heart Screenings and promoting healthy, active lifestyles.

“We’re proud to support the Providence Bridge Pedal and the incredible work of Play Smart Youth Heart Screenings,” said a spokesperson for Wheel Fun Rentals. “Events like this bring the community together while encouraging health, wellness, and outdoor recreation. We’re excited to help both Portland residents and visitors participate by providing convenient bike rentals for this unforgettable ride.”

To ensure participants are ready for an early start on event day, reserved bikes must be picked up between 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8th, at Wheel Fun Rentals in Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Rentals must be returned by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 9th (unless a multi-day rental duration is selected).

Available 24-hour, 2-wheel bike rentals for the event include the Infinity Shifting Belt-Drive Hybrid Bike for $49 or Belt Drive Electric Bike for $85 (e-bike riders must be 16 years of age or older). Longer, multi-day rentals are also available, see website for details and pricing. Reservations are required and can be made at wheelfunrentals.com/bridge-pedal. Bike rental reservations do not include tickets for the event, and all participants must register for the event through the Providence website at www.providence.org/lp/bridge-pedal/register.

With over 30 years of experience in the recreation industry, Wheel Fun Rentals stands as the leading provider of outdoor recreational activities nationwide. Conveniently located along the Willamette River, the newly reopened Wheel Fun Rentals at Tim McCall Waterfront Park provides easy access to Portland’s miles of waterfront paths, downtown attractions, public art, parks, and scenic bridges, making it an ideal starting point for visitors and locals alike. Bike rental reservations are available! For hours of operation, available rentals, reservations, and pricing visit wheelfunrentals.com/Portland.

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Media Contact:  Sheena Walenta  •  (805) 650-7770   •  marketing@wheelfunrentals.com

 

About Wheel Fun Rentals
Founded in 1987, Wheel Fun Rentals started with four wheel Surrey cycles, evolved into specialty bike rentals and bike tours, and now offers recreational rentals of all kinds from more than 100 outlets in 16 states.  Specializing in unique bikes and tours, Wheel Fun Rentals has been offering clean, healthy family fun and affordable outdoor entertainment to over 3 million customers annually from city and state parks, resorts, and retail outlets through corporate locations and franchised territories. For more information about Wheel Fun Rentals please visit www.wheelfunrentals.com or call 805-650-7770. Follow Wheel Fun Rentals: @WheelFunRentalsOfficial and @WheelFunBend on Facebook, @WheelFunRentalsOfficial on Instagram, and @WheelFunRentals on Twitter.