San Diego Blues Festival

Saturday September 17, 2011 was the first annual `AimLoan.com San Diego Blues Festival` at Embarcadero Marina Park North. This is a not for profit event to benefit the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. The admission was $10 and two cans of food. There have been other blues festivals in San Diego, but to our knowledge none were for charity. The corporate sponsors take care of the expenses and volunteers man the event so the proceeds can go to the food bank. The setting on the bay was excellent and the weather was great (as always in San Diego). There were great bands, lots of food and drink and a very open enjoyable setting for enjoying it all. If you like music, this is for you. Look for this event next year. Enjoy!
For more information see http://www.sdbluesfest.com/

Art Walk on the Bay

On September 10 and 11, 2011 there was an art show in front of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. This fine arts festival was a well laid out affair on a grassy area just south of the convention center on San Diego Bay. The art ranged from photography to jewelry to paintings to ceramics. There were musical performers (6 each day) and food concessions with a variety of choices.
We have walked portions the boardwalk along the bay from the San Diego Convention Center north along Seaport Village to the Maritime Museum many times, but had not gone south to the Hilton area. This newer addition is nicely planned out and not as busy as the northern boardwalk. Even without an event, this is a wonderful place to visit in the downtown area. There are great views from every vantage point. Enjoy!
For more information see http://www.artwalkonthebay.org/ http://www.seaportvillage.com/ http://www.sdmaritime.org/

Old Town San Diego

Old Town San Diego is a California State Park located just north of downtown San Diego and east of Interstate 5. Old Town has restaurants, shops and museums. It is the birth place of California and a great place to walk around or enjoy a meal and a drink at one of the 30 plus restaurants. The area is well kept and there are a number of special events throughout the year. This is a great way to discover the history of San Diego whether you are 6 or 60. If you have someone from out of town, there is probably no other place that will offer so much history, shopping and food options. Enjoy!
For more information: http://www.oldtownsandiego.org/ or http://www.oldtownsandiegoguide.com/

Carlsbad

Carlsbad California is one of those cities that has everything. The weather is fantastic due to it`s coastal location. The beaches are some of the best in California. There is also Agua Hedionda Lagoon where you can sail and water ski. The 100,000 plus residents enjoy great shopping malls, 5 golf courses, the famous Carlsbad Flower Fields, an airport, two train stations, Legoland and a great downtown area with restaurants and shops galore. That is really only part of the many attractions in Carlsbad.
Here is something for the history buffs. Back in 1886 John Frazier drilled a well and tapped into artesian and mineral springs. An analysis of the mineral water showed the same properties as the famous health spa in Karlsbad, Bohemia. Thus the name Carlsbad. Carlsbad was not incorporated until 1952. Visit Carlsbad and you will find something to get excited about. Enjoy!
For more information see http://www.carlsbadca.gov/ http://www.legoland.com/   www.premiumoutlets.com/carlsbad/

Alpine, Ca

Alpine California is a small unincorporated city in east San Diego County along Highway 8.. Alpine has approximately 14,000 inhabitants. Most of us know the area for the Viejas Indian Reservation. Viejas has a great casino, entertainment venue and some of the nicer shopping outlets anywhere. Alpine is also home to the Alpine Brewing Company. The brewery was started in 2002 by owner and brew master Pat Mcilhenney. This small but popular brewery is putting out some spectacular beers and now has a small restaurant with some very good food. When you are driving out Highway 8 in east county make sure that you visit Viejas and Alpine Brewing. You will not be disappointed. Enjoy!
For more information see http://www.viejas.com/ and http://www.alpinebeerco.com/

Surfing Contests at Oceanside Pier

On Saturday August 13, 2011 on the south side of Oceanside Pier there was a surfing event. The Oceanside Longboard Surfing Club had a contest and Supergirl Pro Surfing also had a contest. It is always fun to see great surfing even when the sun decides not to show itself. The longboard contest even had an event with two people riding on the board together doing tricks. The Supergirl contest consisted of some of the top female surfers 20 and under. These women own the waves. The surf was nice and there was music and lots of food for everyone. Oceanside Pier is a nice place for a stroll any day. Enjoy!
For more information see http://www.oceansidelongboardsurfingclub.org/ and http://www.supergirl.com/  

Horse Racing at Del Mar

The races are here! They started on July 20th and the last race of the season is September 7, 2011. This is my favorite time of year in San Diego. There is nothing quite like a day in Del Mar. I like to start with some beach time in the morning. Then possibly some lunch either at the beach or one of the many nearby restaurants. The races do not start until 2:00 on most days so this leaves plenty of time for beach time and lunch. The Del Mar Races are more than horse racing. They have concerts after the races, the infield has activities for children and there are few better places to see the beautiful people. The races are on my `A` list for summer fun. Enjoy!
For more information see http://www.dmtc.com/