About Jamie A
In addition to writing and taking photos during her trips, Jamie loves to find hidden gems, cheap eats, and kitschy Americana attractions. She hails from Oil City, Pennsylvania, went to college in the Finger Lakes Region of New York, studied abroad in Norwich, England, and moved to Boston in May of 2007. She also enjoys writing poetry and lyric essays, reading lots of books, being a foodie, listening to girl group tunes from the 1960s, crafting, and dinner parties with her friends.
Blog posts written by Jamie A
January 28th, 2008 by jamie a
Hotel del Coronado Photo uploaded by
Our fellow blogger, Mary Jo over at the , recently posted complete with her favorite times at the hotel.
You may recognize the beautiful building done in Queen Anne architecture from the movie Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, and Tony Curtis. It has also hosted 11 U.S. Presidents, royalty, movie stars, sports stars, and other famous folks.
Even if it’s a bit too pricey to stay overnight, Mary Jo recommends taking the tour and having lunch or an ice cream sundae in such a beautiful setting. It’s a great way to experience the hotel’s past and toast to its future!
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January 21st, 2008 by jamie a
The Giant Dipper Photo uploaded by
Budget Travel recently published an article telling us why they love San Diego. The article outlines 25 reasons why San Diego is a great place to visit, highlighting the heart and soul of this beautiful place.
From fantastic Mexican food and the wildlife at the zoo to the Giant Dipper, a roller coaster built in 1925, San Diego has plenty to offer travelers and locals alike.
If you’ve got reasons you love San Diego that aren’t on the list, let us know! We’d love to hear your ideas.
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January 18th, 2008 by jamie a
Downtown San Diego Photo uploaded by D.B. Blas
In anticipation of the upcoming Chargers vs. Patriots game this Sunday, The Boston Globe published “Eight Things You Didn’t Know About San Diego, California.” From its founders to sports jinxes, these fun facts are definitely worth a read.
If football’s more your style, there’s also “Five Things to Know About the Chargers,” focusing on facts to know before this weekend’s big game.
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January 16th, 2008 by jamie a
San Diego Chargers Game
Photo uploaded by D.B. Blas
San Diego sports fans definitely want to plan to watch the game this Sunday when the Chargers take on the Patriots. The game at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA, will be a test of the Chargers’ skill and power under pressure.
Get together with game-loving friends and root the Chargers on to win! If you’re visiting San Diego, then head out to one of these top San Diego sports bars to catch the game, all while having some great drinks and delicious food.
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January 14th, 2008 by jamie a
San Diego Aerospace Museum
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During the month of February, Macy’s is offering a to more than 30 institutions that gives guests 50% off museum entrance fare. San Diego has been named “the newest cultural Mecca in the United States” by , providing visitors with a city full of museums to quench their curiosity.
Beginning February 1st, patrons can pick up the pass at Macy’s, which also includes listings of all the participating museums. Be sure to check out amazing places like , , or the .
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January 11th, 2008 by jamie a
Selling Butterfly Pastries at the Chinese New Year Celebration in San Diego
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During your San Diego vacation, join in the this February 16th and 17th. This year’s celebration, The Year of the Rat, will be celebrated with over 50 food and craft vendors. There will also be a Children’s cultural exhibit, which promotes cultural understanding through crafts such as making a traditional Chinese lantern and learning about the Chinese zodiac.
Here’s for those driving into the city, or call 619-234-7844 for more special event information.
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December 18th, 2007 by jamie a
If you’re in San Diego visiting family or vacationing for the holidays, here are some attractions that will be open around Christmas and New Year’s to keep you busy.
Head on down to the for beautiful, light-filled gallery spaces, innovative exhibitions, and vast collections of permanent commissions.
With more than 100 interactive exhibits, the is perfect for the whole family. The museum also houses the world’s first IMAX movie theatre, so catch a planetarium or educational film during your visit.
Check out more than 4,000 animals representing 800 species at the . You can also experience “Monkey Trails” and “Forest Tales,” which are only two of the zoo’s fantastic exhibits. The winding pathways through 3 acres of habitat are sure to fill your day with learning and fun.
UPDATE: As Claire’s comment below indicates, the is open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, but not on the actual holidays. The Fleet Science Museum and San Diego Zoo are open on December 25 and January 1. We apologize for any confusion!
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December 17th, 2007 by jamie a
Mingei International Museum
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For all you art-lovers out there, here’s a guide to all the amazing art museums in San Diego. Whether you’re more of a contemporary art fan or you love to study the origins of art, there’s a museum for everyone in this city.
Featured in the photograph above, the features timeless art from people from all around the world, igniting discussion that crosses cultural and continental boundaries. With 17,000 objects from 140 countries, this is a true tour of the world through art itself.
At the in historic Balboa Park, discover more than 9,000 images depicting the entire history of the art form. The museum also tackles social, historic, and cultural issues in its exhibits, challenging visitors to strike up interesting conversations about the medium.
Also located in the heart of Balboa Park, the is the region’s largest fine arts museum. There’s everything from the works of the European old masters and important American paintings to a collection of Asian art. This museum also houses the Edwin Binney 3rd Collection of South Asian paintings, which is the most significant collection of its kind outside of India.
There’s also the , which presents the region’s foremost forum for the exploration and presentation of contemporary art and creative expression. With over 4,000 works of art, a sculptural garden, and art that kids can interact with in a park-like setting, this is a great way to spend part of your visit to San Diego.
To compliment the MoCa in La Jolla, the provides a look into works by commissioned artists in the renovated historic Santa Fe Depot baggage building. There’s always something going on at this museum, which features a program of nightly events and special events on the first Thursday of every month entitled “Thursday Night Thing.”
For newly created art, check out the presented by the San Diego Art Institute. Located in the House of Charm in Balboa Park, there’s a new exhibition every four to six weeks. Support local artists and the San Diego art community with a visit to this innovative museum.
Last, but certainly not least, is the . This center of art is renowned for its dedication to the study and preservation of the fine arts. Dubbed “Southern California’s “Window to the World’s Richest Cultures,” this museum has organized many significant cultural exhibits during its time, including “Dead Sea Scrolls.”
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December 14th, 2007 by jamie a
Night at the Casbah
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Whatever your after-hours style may be, here’s a list of great places to check out the scene in San Diego. There’s everything from live independent bands to karaoke and Belgian beers galore!
For the twenty-something hipster…
is San Diego’s best-loved place to catch the best in upcoming bands. While you’re waiting for the music to start, amuse yourself with some classic arcade games or a game of pool while you sip some cheap, yet tasty drinks. In this intimate setting, you’ll be sure to make some new friends on the dance floor and call this a new favorite.
For a low-key, classy evening with friends…
is a cozy wine and tapas bar in a beautiful candlelit atmosphere. The owners and waitstaff can provide you with facts from their ever-expanding knowledge of wine when you try something new from their extensive menu. Order some baked brie or salami to share over conversation in this mellow place.
To show off your moves…
With a DJ, juke box, and live music, is perfect for a night out dancing with friends. A landmark since 1932, this classic dive bar is a favorite on Monday nights where Lady Dottie and the Diamonds belt out the best in soul and old rock covers.
To prove you’re a karaoke star…
With a 1960s stuck-in-a-time-capsule feel, is a good old-fashioned steak house that also has live karaoke with a live band! Belt out your favorites amidst the gold-flecked wallpaper and dark wood paneling surrounding their classic piano bar. From slow-dancing grandparents to youngins enjoying the kitsch, this is a must-see in San Diego.
For beer-loving sports fans,
, dubbed “The Hoppiest Place on Earth,” is a Belgian beer-lovers dream. If you’d like to discover some new brews, they even have selections of 3 oz. tasters to enjoy. Devour some delicious classic pub food while you relax with some friends and catch a soccer game on one of their TVs.
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December 12th, 2007 by jamie a
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In addition to relaxing on the beach in San Diego, you can always treat yourself to a massage or pedicure at one of these fabulous places. Remember, you’re on vacation, so indulge a little bit!
At , get to know your stylists with great conversation and delicious drinks while you enjoy the modern interior design, straight from the artistic visions of the owner. You truly feel like a VIP at this spa where you’ll walk out feeling refreshed with a great hair makeover.
gives great manicures and pedicures in a hip, squeaky clean environment. Sit back and relax with a leg and foot massage topped off with your toes getting the royal treatment. From a luxury to an express-style manicure, there’s something for everyone when you need to get your nails done as well. They even have “Little Lulu” offerings for guests 12 and under.
Voted “Best Day Spa 2007″ by Citysearch, is certainly a favorite in San Diego. Cozy up in a chenille robe in the luxurious European atmosphere, which is conveniently across from the . Spa Velia is well-known as a welcoming couples’ retreat for those who are interested in getting massages and beauty treatments together. So, the next time you’re in the city, stay at the W and meander across the street for a little indulgence after a long day of sightseeing.
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San Diego?
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