By Haidyn Smith
Dana Point is going through major changes with at least eight stores closing down, including Maison Cafe, Doheny Cafe, Stillwater Spirits & Sounds, Harpoon Henry’s, and Woody Hut. Many of these closures are happening in the Dana Point Harbor as construction continues to reshape the area, and Harpoon Henry’s was permanently closed in August 2025 because the new harbor design required the building to be demolished; the restaurant had been a harbor landmark for 50 years, opening in 1975. Coffee Importers, another longtime favorite, moved its location to the Ocean Institute after spending 49 years in its original harbor spot. All of these closures and moves have surprised many locals and sparked mixed opinions about the Dana Point Harbor renovation. Another beloved spot, StillWater Spirits & Sounds, permanently closed on November 2nd, 2025, after 13 years in business. Owner Damian Collins explained that he is expecting his first child and wants to shift toward more family‑friendly concepts. StillWater celebrated its final week with various live music events, and on its last day, 100% of proceeds went to staff. The space will soon be transformed into a new Hawaiian restaurant called Ohana Room, planned to open before summer 2026. The people of Dana Point are sad to see these long‑standing businesses go, but many are also eager to see what the new harbor will bring. Senior Mateo Webber shares, “I don’t like the harbor renovation because there are going to be more tourists and it is going to be crowded like Newport.” Meanwhile, the school community recently enjoyed a celebration of music as the orchestra and band performed traditional orchestral pieces, with students from Niguel Hills Middle School joining in to showcase the program’s future talent. The two‑hour concert ran smoothly, which Desormiers credits to the group’s strong connection, saying, “The music sounds so good because of the connection between the group […] we have fun while we rehearse.” He added a reflection on the performance and praised his group for doing a great job, commenting, “We have fun playing music with each other in class, and we are really pleased with how the concert went.” He also noted, “We are especially proud of our piece on The Polar Express with the band and with local Niguel Hills Middle School’s band and orchestra class, which really added to the night.” The show was an overall success and beautifully spread holiday spirit for all who attended.
Photo By: Dana Point Harbor