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Archive for the dining & drinks category

A Day in Old Town

November 1st, 2007 by amy c

Old Town, San Diego
Old Town
photo uploaded by Willem van Bergen

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? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Diego Card.

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San Diego Events Guide

October 31st, 2007 by amy c

Wednesday, October 31
Haunted Trail Balboa: Today is your last day to experience the bone-chilling Halloween adventure of Balboa Park!

Saturday, November 3
Old Town Artisan Market: The perfect time to explore Old Town is during their weekly market, featuring live music, food, art, and gifts.

Sunday, November 4
Cannon Battles: 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? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Diego Card.

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Explore Balboa Park

October 24th, 2007 by jamie a

101907-balboa-park.jpg
photo uploaded by Gary J. Wood

A botanical wonder just to the north of San Diego, this park is home to many of the city’s museums. Balboa Park was established in 1886, so you can enjoy the Spanish colonial architecture that most of the modern buildings have also followed. Along the El Prado pedestrian mall, you can spend the day hopping from one attraction to the next!

Start off by spending some time at the San Diego Zoo, rated one of the best in the world. With more than 4,000 animals, you can meet creatures from every corner of the globe. Known for their Giant Panda Research Station, you can stop by and meet Gao Gao, Bai Yun, and little Mei Sheng, the resident pandas.

Be sure to visit the Japanese Friendship Garden, built in 1915 for the Panama-California Exposition. Experience the beautiful Zen design of this garden, complete with sand and stone gardens, koi ponds, and a shishiodoshi, a bamboo pipe waterfall that is meant to scare away evil spirits.

With more than 9,000 images chronicling the art of photography, the Museum of Photographic Arts is a sure stop for any shutterbug. Tackling the political, social, and cultural topics of the art, this museum provides a wonderful all-inclusive view of the medium. From September 15, 2007 to January 13, 2008, you can see the exhibition entitled Picturing Eden, a study of all things related to the idea of paradise.

For a luxurious dinner in the heart of Balboa Park, make a reservation at The Prado. Known for his unique California cuisine, chef Jeff Thurston is a risk-taker. With stunning architecture and atmosphere, enjoy a lovely dinner on the patio overlooking the park.

An exact replica of Shakespeare’s original theater, The Old Globe is a Tony award-winning regional theater. There are a dozen performances a year at this magnificent venue, with a Shakespeare Festival that delights audiences every summer. For all the thespians in the group, there’s even a backstage tour!

For even more excellent attractions, be sure and look through our expansive list of museums!

Planning a trip to San Diego? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Diego Card.

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25 Reasons to Love San Diego

October 10th, 2007 by susan j

10102007-sunset.jpg
Photo uploaded by Virtual Ern.

Personally, seeing photos like the one above gives me reason enough to love San Diego, but Budget Travel recently compiled a whopping 25 reasons, including San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park and Petco Field. Check it out.

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San Diego Events for the Week of 10/5

October 4th, 2007 by amy c

Thursday, October 4 - Sunday, October 7
San Diego’s Women’s Film Festival features over 100 films from around the world.

Saturday, October 6 - Sunday, October, 7

This weekend is Oktoberfest weekend, and San Diego is offering several celebrations. Find the one that suits your partying style here.

Saturday, October 6
The US Grant is opening its doors to the latest trend in fine dining—Dining the Dark. Adventurous table-hoppers can enjoy a pricey but memorable meal in complete darkness and see for yourself what has captured Europe and LA.

Ongoing during October

Kids get in free at the San Diego Zoo during the month of October! Get in the halloween spirit early with a Spooky Sleepover at the zoo on October 6. Or visit the 32nd Annual Garden Festival on October 6 and 7, held at Wild Animal Park.

Planning a trip to San Diego? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Diego Card.

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