Hotel del Coronado at Christmas

A trip to the Hotel del Coronado on Christmas Eve is a tradition in our family. The hotel is decorated for the season and usually the weather is the envy of the rest of the world. We are so lucky to have a gem like the ` Del` to visit. This grand hotel has been wowing the world since it opened in 1888 as the largest resort hotel in the world (at that time). It was also the first to use electric lighting. It is hard to believe that the hotel has been around so long. The buildings and grounds are in excellent condition, which is not a minor task considering the number of people that visit each year. At Christmas there is ice skating outside by the beach and the deck overlooking the ocean is full of people enjoying a cool drink in the plentiful sunshine. This is a great place anytime of year, but Christmas Eve is even more special. Enjoy!
For more information see- http://www.hoteldel.com/

Hillcrest Farmers Market

The Hillcrest Farmers Market calls itself the best in San Diego. This is a great farmers market that takes place every Sunday from 9:00am to 2:00pm at the Hillcrest DMV 3960 Normal St. There are lots of farmers markets in San Diego and this is one of the largest. The market started in 1997 and there are currently around 125 vendors. The variety of vendors and attendees makes this one of our favorites. There is typically music and there is always great food. Enjoy!
For more information see http://www.hillcrestfarmersmarket.com/

Orfila Vineyards and Winery

Orfila Vineyards and Winery is a fun place to spend a few hours. This small winery is located just a few miles east of Interstate 15 just north of Lake Hodges. Orfila produces several types of wines and is in a beautiful setting in the San Pasqual Valley. In fact, the vineyard was originally San Pasqual Winery when it started back in 1973. The Orfila change has helped take this winery up several notches. They have done a nice job with the grounds and their wines continue to improve. If you are looking for a place to taste some great wine and maybe have a picnic, this is a good choice. The vineyards have a view of the Vineyard Golf Course to the south and it`s hilltop setting allows that welcome afternoon breeze. Next time you are headed for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (formerly the San Diego Wild Animal Park) or shopping at the Westfield North County Mall visit Orfila. Enjoy!
For more information see http://www.orfila.com/

December Nights at Balboa Park

It is that time of year again. The Holidays are upon us and there is a chill in the air. We will not have snow, but we can still celebrate the season in San Diego.
December Nights at Balboa Park is a free event that has been a tradition for 34 years. There are Christmas trees decorated throughout the park and lots of music, displays and food. There are even a few adult beverages sold if you do not want coffee and hot chocolate. The International Cottages sell traditional food from their respective countries. This is a fun way for the family to get into the holiday mood. The only downside to this great event is the parking and traffic. With 300,000 people expected over the two days, the roads and parking lots tend to stretch your patience a bit. But then 300,000 people would not attend something that is not fun on a Friday and Saturday in December. Enjoy!
For more information see http://www.visitdecembernights.org/