About Amy C
When not studying for an English and Journalism degree at Boston University or pursuing a career as a writer, Amy soaks up the city, literally dancing her way through Boston with her Hip-hop troupe and exploring the hidden gems of Boston. She moved from Northern California, just outside of San Francisco, for college, and loves every bit of Boston's charm and character, except perhaps the frigid winters. She loves the beach, fall foliage, learning about food and wine, and funny friends. Amy hopes to continue to expand her traveling horizons, savoring the culinary creations and cultures from around the world. Still, she suspects her favorite cities will always be colorful Boston and San Francisco.
Blog posts written by Amy C
December 6th, 2007 by amy c
Friday, December 7-Saturday, December 8
: This is the 30th consecutive year for this family-friendly celebration that highlights San Diego’s diverse culture. Several museums in Balboa Park will open their doors free of charge in the spirit of the season.
Friday, December 7
: Ferry Landing Marketplace will host an evening of Holiday events starting at 4 pm with a visit from Santa, snow mountain, holiday parade, Christmas tree lighting, and community concert.
Saturday, December 8
: The 163-year-old Rancho Buena Vista Adobe will be decorated in holiday spirit this Sunday and provide living history tours depicting life from the 1800s, mariachi bands, story tellers and dancers.
Tuesday, December 11: The Mission San Luis Rey will celebrate a Christmas tradition, featuring carolers, gourmet food from local restaurants, and an exciting sight of 1,000 luminerias.
This weekend, San Diego is full of Holiday events all around the city. Check out this to find the one that fits your celebrating style the most!
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San Diego?
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November 30th, 2007 by amy c
One of many Mission style homes in San Diego
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Remnants of California’s colonial history still remain today in the Mediterranean flourishes and adobe stucco houses, buildings, and churches that speckle San Diego. Mission style architecture not only offers a glimpse into San Diego’s past, but combined with the palm trees and warm breeze, can make you feel as if you are a world away from a modern city.
Personally, I conjured up my dream home when I visited San Diego for the first time and took in the spacious architecture that seamlessly blends the outside with the inside, the paint jobs that age with increasing beauty, and the mosaic tile adorned rooms that make it easy to imagine you are in a Spanish villa. For all the architecture buffs or those of you wanting to see history through buildings that are more like art, check out these prime locations for glimpsing brilliant architecture.
A stroll through alone will transport you to another time with its Cal-Mex culture. The outside markets, mariachi bands, countless restaurants with authentic Spanish and Mexican food feel at home among a back drop of artfully aged arch ways, individually placed red curved brick, and sun-kissed stucco flanked by luscious bougainvillea.
Father Junipero Serra can be partially credited for bringing this beautiful architecture to the states when he established his first California mission. , built in in the mission style, commemorates Native America, Spanish, Mexican, and American time periods through 1929 with artifacts, featuring housewares, tools and furniture.
Uptown and La Jolla are still home to the work of prolific architect, Irving Gill, who, around the turn of the century, integrated the desert-like landscape into his designs. Some of his homes are on the list. Soon local architects followed in his footsteps, modeling city buildings, such as the County Administration Center, the , and the , after Spanish/Mexican influences, according to Frommer’s.
A wonderful aspect of the San Diego experience is that an adobe church can be found next to a modern office building which could neighbor a Victorian home, showcasing San Diego’s diverse history and influences. If the mission style architecture has drawn out the designer in you, perhaps take the that showcases preserved Victorian homes and office buildings, another famed style of architecture in California.
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
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November 29th, 2007 by amy c
Saturday, December 1
La Jolla YMCA Surf Series: Surfers of all ages will compete at Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach. Free for spectators.
Sunday, December 2
: Dancers, massive floats, a marching band, and live entertainment lures 20,000 participants and viewers in this beloved tradition. A Christmas tree lighting will take place at the end of the day.
Sunday, December 2
: Check out upcoming Spring fashions and enjoy music and food at this year’s trunk show, happening at the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
Now through December 30
: Don’t miss this holiday and Dr. Seuss classic as it lights up the stage with new songs at the Globe theater.
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
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November 15th, 2007 by amy c
Saturday, November 17
: Balboa Park hosts this gala celebration of Mother Earth.
Saturday, November 17
: The powerful all-male dancer cast takes to the stage in a stunning debut of a dance show, entitled “The Ties that Bind.” Click for tickets.
Saturday, November 24
: Balboa park kicks off the holiday season with the tree-lighting ceremony and opening of the nativity scene.
Sunday, November 25
: Dr. Seuss’ classic opens for its 10th year at The Globe, revamped and re-energized in whimsical holiday cheer.
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
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Go San Diego Card.
November 8th, 2007 by amy c
Friday, November 9- Sunday, November 11
Fine Arts Festival IV: will be displaying fine and upscale art on sale. Browse jewelry, paintings, and sculpture and check out the museum.
Saturday, November 10
: Celebrating its 144th anniversary, the tallest and oldest active ship will sail from the . Watch from the Embarcadero or visit the ship at the museum.
Wednesday, November 14
: San Diego’s largest culinary festival! Enjoy hundreds of wines, take cooking classes, and savor the culinary masterpieces of celebrity chefs and local fine dining restaurants.
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
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Go San Diego Card.
November 7th, 2007 by amy c
La Jolla Cove
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As promised, here is an overview of San Diego’s most popular beaches, offering everything a beach bum would desire:
: Known as the party beach, Pacific Beach is home to a neighborhood made up of college students and recent graduates. Part of the beach allows alcohol between noon and 8 pm in non-glass containers, making it a hot-spot for weekend parties.
: La Jolla cove is full of underwater life. At this kid-friendly beach, you can check out the tide pools or enjoy gentle waves. This is also the perfect beach for scuba diving and snorkeling as many plant and animal life make their home in the protected cove. Try for gear and lessons. Nearby are many restuarants and shops, including world famous .
: Known as classic Southern California, this beach is the most southwesterly, offering open space, often quieter and more serene than other beaches north of it. Home to the famous sandcastle contest in July, this beach is perfect for every beach activity, including swimming, surfing, shell collecting, and sunbathing.
: The majestic cliffs that reach almost 300 feet offers a seclusive atmosphere to this beach, making it San Diego’s unofficial nude beach. Powerful waves, especially in the winter months, also attract surfers to this clothing-optional beach.
If you’re planning a trip between December and March, be sure to catch the , where you can see California gray whales making their migration south.
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
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Go San Diego Card.
November 5th, 2007 by amy c
Hotel Del Coronado
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The small island town of Coronado, connected to the mainland by the iconic Coronado Bridge, is a great vacation spot, offering restaurants, award winning beaches, shopping, and sightseeing. A resort community with a taste of Mexico, Coronado is a tourist favorite and the ultimate nearby getaway for locals.
Hop on the Coronado Ferry in Downtown San Diego for a quick, scenic ride to the charming island.
Coronado is the perfect cycling city. It’s flat paved roads and multitudes of bike riders make every destination easily accessible by bicycle. Pick up your own set of wheels at PeDel’s Bike Rentals, located at the historic where celebrities, presidents, and dignitaries have stayed and where Some Like it Hot was filmed.
Our own Shannon B. recommends grabbing gelato from one of the hotel’s many restaurants and bars and enjoying the treat on the award-winning beach. The Travel Channel recently rated the Del’s beach the second best in the country, known for picturesque sunsets, gentle waves, and a long stretch of white sand.
Even if you can’t afford to stay in the ritzy hotel, you can still enjoy the architectural beauty of the building and the history with the Hotel Del Coronado Walking Tour.
Just two blocks from the “Del” is another city landmark that will bring you back to an era of glamor. Tent City, a makeshift resort opened in 1900, quickly becoming a popular and fashionable destination for summer vacationers. Attracting authors, actors, presidents, and those looking for a slightly more rustic beach-side vacation. Today, the celebrates this era of Coronado history with casual, sophisticated dining, specializing in fresh California-eclectic cuisine.
A leisurely stroll through Coronado will give you a chance to soak up the beauty and history of the quaint island. The will take you on a 90-minute tour of Coronado’s most famous buildings, offering insight into why this unique place has been a famous playground to celebrities.
Offering a daily happy hour from 2-6, the is another perfect place to stop in for one or two or three of famous hand-crafted beers. You can also enjoy a full meal, including pizzas and calzones made in wood fire ovens. Casual, family dining and the daily sports coverage makes this restaurant a Coronado favorite.
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
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Go San Diego Card.
November 1st, 2007 by amy c
Old Town
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San Diego’s Old Town exudes Cal-Mex culture with mariachi bands, margaritas, and markets that feature traditional hand-made Mexican arts and crafts. An afternoon in Old Town will take you back to the days of California’s first European settlement and offer a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine.
The Junipero Serra Museum, created in 1929 to commemorate the first mission established by Father Junipero Serra and Captain Gaspar de Portola, features artifacts from the Native American, Spanish, and Mexican periods.
Frequented by the ghost of San Diego pioneer, Thomas Whaley, the historic Whaley House is said to be the most haunted house in America, gaining world-famous stature for several paranormal incidents experienced by the visitors. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, you’ll appreciate the beautiful architecture and rich history that has made this house a San Diego landmark since 1857.
No Old Town excursion is complete without a taste of the traditional Mexican flavors that have seasoned California cuisine. I recommend El Agave, to get an intoxicating Mexican experience with its variety of fresh seafood, traditional dishes, including “moles” which utilize a wide array of surprising and complementary spices, and their selection of over a hundred tequilas. Not only does the food make this restaurant worthy of its “Best Mexican Restaurant in San Diego” title, but the rustic decor and outside seating will give you the feeling you are dining in a Mexican palace.
Check back for ways to enjoy another one of San Diego’s historical neighborhoods: Coronado Island!
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
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October 31st, 2007 by amy c
Wednesday, October 31
: Today is your last day to experience the bone-chilling Halloween adventure of Balboa Park!
Saturday, November 3
: The perfect time to explore Old Town is during their weekly market, featuring live music, food, art, and gifts.
Sunday, November 4
: The Maritime Museum of San Diego, celebrates the history of San Diego’s maritime past with this recreation of sail warfare.
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
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Go San Diego Card.
October 25th, 2007 by amy c
This is not the week to visit San Diego. More than a thousand homes have been destroyed and thousands of people evacuated due to the wildfires in San Diego County, making this the state’s largest fires since 2003, which made California history.
SignOnSanDiego.com and The San Diego Beat offer up to the minute coverage of new developments in the San Diego Wildfire emergency to inform you about evacuations, traffic, highway closures, and safety information.
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
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Go San Diego Card.
