The San Diego Museum of Man

Museum Mondays: San Diego Museum of Man

The San Diego Museum of Man is an architecturally impressive structure located in San Diego’s beautiful Balboa Park. Its permanent exhibits explore the Maya, ancient Egypt, Kumeyaay Indians of San Diego County, Human Evolution and Human Life Cycle. These exhibits serve to inform and entertain San Diegans and visitors alike. The exhibits are also used extensively for education purposes in San Diego Schools to study ancient and local history, health sciences and cultures. The world- renowned San Diego Museum of Man is a great place to learn about the evolution of man.  

For more information visit: San Diego Museum of Man

Pre Cinco de Mayo Celebration (Acapulco Happy Hour)

The Acapulco Restaurant in Old Town has sweet Happy Hour Deals. Every Monday-Sunday from 2pm-8pm their Margaritas, Domestic Beers, Wine and appetizers are only $2.99! I have personally tried the Chicken Flautas and they were satisfying. I’ve also tried their lime, mango, strawberry, pineapple coconut, and raspberry margaritas and they were all tasty. My favorite however was the mango margarita and raspberry margarita. Wondering where the chips and salsa are? Once at the restaurant, help yourself to some colorful chips and flavorful but spicy salsa which is located in a chips and salsa bar next to the alcoholic beverage bar.

If you’re on a date with a boyfriend/girlfriend, spouse, friend, or family member and would like to be a little adventurous, park in front of the Hacienda Hotel in Old Town and then go through the hotel to get to the restaurant. Thinking this was the only way to get to the restaurant, my boyfriend and I did this. It was both fun and suspenseful as you must go through the hotel lobby to the first elevator, then get off follow the arrows to the second elevator, follow more arrows and you eventually make it to the top floor of the hotel where the restaurant is located. Going on this scavenger hunt for the restaurant definitely makes a date more of a memorable experience.  

For more information on Acapulco’s Happy Hour Deals visit:  http://www.acapulcorestaurants.com/

Camping at Lake Morena!

This past weekend my boyfriend Chris and I had the best time camping for two nights at Lake Morena. Lake Morena is run by the County of San Diego and is located in Lake Morena Village in Campo, CA about an hour east of San Diego off the 8 highway. Lake Morena offers activities for everyone. It offers fishing (bass, bluegills, crappies, catfish, and more), hiking (Pacific Crest Trail goes through the park), picnicking and camping. The camp sites surround the lake and they range from hook-up which are meant for campers with RVs, partial hook-ups, and non-hook up sites which means that there is not a water hook-up on your specific site. Each camping site provides a parking spot for your car, a fire-pit with a removable grill and a picnic table. The Lake Morena Campground itself offers clean and free community showers and bathrooms as well as accessible potable water. If you run out of ice or need a soap bar while camping here don't fear, the gasoline/liquor store int he village is near. If you are craving a hardy lunch but are too tired from hiking to make it yourself, eat at Campo Diner. Campo Diner is a hole in the wall diner  located in what seems the middle of nowhere but it is delicious. It is about 7 minutes away from the campground when continuing East on the 8 highway. I definitely recommend their 1/2 pound bacon cheese burger with a chocolate shake. Their club sandwich also looked delicious. Camping at Lake Morena is a fun and tranquil experience great for first time campers as Chris and I were or for local San Diegans who want to connect with nature for a weekend. Things to remember when embarking on a trip to Lake Morena is that online reservations for the camp sites are highly recommended,  that it is extremely hot in Campo, CA so sunscreen is a must, and my last recommendation is that you should stop by Viejas Casino Resort as we did on your way back to San Diego to complete the adventurous weekend.  


For more information about Lake Morena visit: http://www.lakemorena.com/

Happy Hour at Tioli's Crazee Burger

Thirsty Thursdays: Tioli's Crazee Burger

Tioli’s Crazee Burger is known for the crazy meats they can put on your burger! They also have a great Happy Hour Deals. Feeling Adventurous? Try an ostrich burger during Happy Hour at Tioli’s Crazee Burger. Happy Hour at Tioli’s Crazee Burger is Tuesday-Friday 3-7pm. Monday’s you can visitTioli’s any time of the day as their Happy Hour runs from 11am-9pm. Late-night Happy Hour is on Fridays and Saturdays from 9pm-11pm. Try any of their Drafts for $2.99 and or wines by the glass for $3.99. Hungry? Munch on onion rings $1.99, sweet potato fries $2.25, Fresh Angus Burger $2.99, or take advantage of any of their other deals on delicious appetizers. For a Crazee day of fun, go to Happy Hour at Tioli’s Crazee Burger.

For more information visit: http://kingofhappyhour.com/sandiego/bars/Tiolis_Crazee_Burger

Run to Mexico for a Day!

Things To Do Tuesdays: Ensenada Day Trip

Wish you could run to Mexico for a day? Now you can via the Ensenada Mexico Day Trip. The trip includes a tour by bus of Tijuana, Rosarito and finally Ensenada where most of your day will be spent. The Trip provides transportation to Ensenada from San Diego with free pick-up if you are staying in one of the San Diego hotels, delicious lunch and a margarita at one of Ensenada’s best restaurants, and time to shop/ stroll around in the heart of Ensenada. Embark on a refreshing day adventure. Visit the beach town of Ensenada today.

For more information visit: http://www.partner.viator.com/en/435/tours/San-Diego/Ensenada-Mexico-Day-Trip-from-San-Diego/d736-315015

R3 Gallery in San Diego

Museum Mondays: R3 Gallery

Founded in 2006, R3 Gallery is a contemporary museum featuring emerging contemporary artists whose practices include painting, sculpture, drawing, photo, media and new media. Like the art featured in the R3 Gallery, the R3 Gallery building is an art form of its own. R3 is a unique triangular-3 story building. It is a sculptural collage of concrete, wood, glass, and steel all in subtle colors to give it a visual interest. Currently at the R3 Gallery is Surface, a 12-film shot photographic series by Jeremy Woodwall. Visits to the R3 Gallery are only by appointment, set one up today.

For more information on the R3 Gallery visit: http://r3gallery.com/

The Best BBQ Ribs in San Diego!!

Foodie Fridays: Phils BBQ

I remember the first time I tried Phil's BBQ I thought I had died and gone to BBQ Rib Heaven! These are sincerely the most flavorful Ribs in all of Southern California! The Ribs at Phil's BBQ are tender, juicy, with meat that falls right off the bone and a BBQ Sauce that is out of this world! If you're not a BBQ lover yet you will be once you've experienced these Ribs! Phil's BBQ also serves BBQ chicken. Their sides include: potato salad, macaroni salad, french fries, beans and more. I recommend french fries and macaroni with ribs. Hungry? Drive to Phil's BBQ on Sports Arena and don't mind the line, these ribs are worth the wait. 

For more information on Phil's BBQ visit: http://www.philsbbq.net/

The Escape of an A-list Elite like You!

Weekend Escape Wednesdays: Sunset Marquis Hotel 

The Sunset Marquis Hotel is located in the glamorous West Hollywood and has been a home-away-from-home to A-list Elites since 1963. This already luxurious and serene hide-out has recently endured a $25 million renovation and expansion resulting in 40 gorgeous Mediterranean-style  villas awaiting your visit. Escape into a bubble of luxury and tranquility. Set you mind free of the daily routine by indulging in the incredible Sunset Marquis amenities. The Sunset Marquis promises nothing short of a memorable experience, enjoy it today!

For more information about this fabulous escape visit: http://sunsetmarquis.com/?gclid=CLSEpa3Irq8CFSoGRQodlxSMpA

Bowling with a Twist.

Thirsty Thursdays: East Village Tavern and Bowl

Grab a Drink while you Bowl!  Interested? East Village Tavern and Bowl is conveniently located in East Village only two blocks away from Petco Park. Stop by Monday-Friday between 3pm-7pm to enjoy their steal of a deal Happy Hour. Happy Hour Specials include $3 Well Drinks, $4 Import and Micro Drafts, $5 House Wines and Margaritas as well as $5 Tater Skins, Chicken Strippers, Quesadillas, and Happy Hour Nachos! Sundays at East Village Tavern and Bowl take advantage of their Late Night Happy Hour from 9pm-2am with great deals including $3 Bud Tall Boys, $4 Svedka, $5 Jack Daniel's and $3 Bowling, shoes included! Every day is a Special Day at East Village Tavern so take advantage of their irresistible Daily Specials. Oh and don't forget, You Can Bowl! For a fun night out with friends, visit East Village Tavern and Bowl. 

For more information visit:  http://kingofhappyhour.com/sandiego/bars/East_Village_Tavern__Bowl

Old Historic Vessels Restored at The Maritime Museum San Diego

Museum Mondays: Maritme Museum San Diego

With a reputation for excellence in restoring, maintaining, and operating old historic ships, The Maritime Museum in San Diego is the home to one of the world's finest collection of historic vessels. The ships and exhibits of the Maritime Museum are available and open to the public daily. Looking for an unbelievable waterfront venue to host your event? The Maritime Museum makes its historic ships available for event venues!  


For more information on the Maritime Museum ship collection and event rentals and services visit: Maritime Museum

Babys Bar at Baby Cakes!!! These Sweets and Drinks can't be beat!

Thirsty Thursdays: Baby Cakes

Voted San Diego's Best Cupcakes in City Beat's Readers Poll 2011, Baby Cakes offers the most scrumptious cupcakes in town as well as the sweetest Happy Hour in San Diego! Stop by Baby Cakes in Hillcrest any time of the day for "liquid sweets and tasty treats." From chocolate martinis to butterscotch truffles, Babys Bar cocktail menu includes a variety of drinks that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Offering $3 Well Cocktails, House Wine, and Bottled Beer from 5pm-8pm every evening,  Babys Bar Happy Hour is one of the sweetest deals in the city! Come to Baby Cakes for cupcakes and drinks, a relaxed yet fun environment, with friends or to make new friends!  The owner calls it the "Happiest Place on Earth" south of Disneyland. At Baby Cakes, anything is possible! 

For more information visit: http://www.babycakessandiego.com/index.html

That Lagoon off the I-5N Is The Carlsbad Lagoon!

Things To Do Tuesdays: Carlsbad Lagoon

Often as I drive north on the I-5 toward my home in Orange County, near Carlsbad, I notice an activity-filled lagoon to the right of the freeway and I wonder what its all about. It turns out that this lagoon is a watersport activities paradise called the Carlsbad Lagoon. With calm, uncrowded waters and private areas for operation, the Carlsbad Lagoon is the perfect location to go on a water adventure. The Carlsbad Lagoon offers the following rentals: waverunners, boats, waterboarding equipment, waterskiing equipment, kayaks, paddleboarding boards, canoes, peddle boats, and water cycles. On your next trip north on the I-5 to the Orange County/LA area, stop by the Carlsbad Lagoon for a day of water fun!


For more information visit: Carlsbad Lagoon

Where Vintage Cars and Great Wines Meet

 

Museum Mondays: Deer Park Winery and Auto Museum

For Vintage Cars and Great Wine visit Deer Park Winery and Auto Museum just north of the Welk Resort Center off I-15. Deer Park Winery and Auto Museum caters to both lovers of antique cars and delicious wines. It's collection of unique American convertibles includes over 100 models. The museum's collection of wines is equally as impressive. This museum also features a gourmet deli, a gift shop, and a picturesque setting for outdoor events such as picnics, banquets, and weddings. Deer Park Winery and Auto Museum is conveniently opened daily from 10am-5pm. 


For more information on the Deer Park Winery and Auto Museum visit: Deer Park Winery and Auto Museum

Best Teriyaki Chicken in San Diego!!!

 

Foodie Fridays: Natural Style Chicken 

I am a huge fan of teriyaki chicken and one of my favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurants offering hands down the best teriyaki chicken in San Diego is Natural Style Chicken located in Point Loma. This little restaurant does not have the most appetizing curb appeal or interieur decor, however, their food is a different story. It is INEXPENSIVE, HEALTHY, and out of this world DELICIOUS! Experience it for yourself, stop by Natural Style Chicken for a flavorful bite. 


Natural Style Chicken Reviews: http://www.yelp.com/biz/natural-style-chicken-san-diego 

Palm Springs Escape

Weekend Escape Wednesday: Le Parker Meridien Palm Springs

This weekend let's escape 150 miles north-east of San Diego to Palm Springs. Le Parker Meridien Palm Springs is a cozy and serene destination only 10-minutes away from down-town Palm Springs home of the Silver Screen since the 1920's. Located within close proximity of El Paseo Drive or "shopping heaven" with over 300 major retailers and specialty stores there is no way you will ever want to leave. The area surrounding Le Parker Meridien Hotel offers world-class golf on over 90 championship courses which makes it the perfect destination for golf fanatics as well as people who would like to learn how to sport. 
Le Parker Meridien Palm Springs is a charming hotel with all the amenities needed to make your escape a home away from home. 


For more information on Le Parker Meriden Palm Springs visit: Le Parker Meridien Palm Springs 

A Trip To The Stars and Back!

Museum Mondays: Palomar Observatory

Take a trip to the stars of the past, present and future. Interested? Visit the Palomar Observatory located in Palomar Mountain. The Palomar Observatory is a world-class center of research owned by the California Institute of Technology. The Observatory is the home of many telescopes famous and not 5 of which are used nightly in a wide variety of astronomical research programs. Some of the studies conducted at the Palomar Observatory include a hunt for near-Earth asteroids, probing distant galaxies, and quasars located at the farthest ends of the universe.  For those interested in the history of the Palomar Observatory, stars, and anything related to the universe, visit the Palomar Observatory. Guided Tours are available on a first-come first-serve basis and only at certain times of the year. However, the Observatory is open to the public daily for those who don't need a tour and would like to explore on their own. For non-tour visitors, podcast guides of the observatory are available.


Dress warm and comfortably as temperatures are usually lower within the dome. Also, bring snacks for the family to eat at the Observatory's surrounding picnic area. 


For more information on the Palomar Observatory visit: Palomar Observatory

Food and Wine at The University of San Diego's La Gran Terraza!

Thirsty Thursdays: O'Toole's Lounge

Food and Wine at the top of the hill overlooking San Diego's magnificent city lights! What more can you ask for?

Only at O'Toole's Lounge at the University of San Diego's La Gran Terraza Restaurant. 

Check it out!

Escape to Santa Barbara's Romantic Hideaway!

Weekend Escape Wednesdays: San Ysidro Ranch

It's mid-March and already it feels as if the people surrounding me need a vacation. Not to worry, Spring Break is just around the corner! For those craving the most tranquil and romantic Spring Break escape, I highly recommend driving up to Santa Barbara's San Ysidro Ranch. 


Location, Location, Location! Nestled in the Montecito foothills Southern California's Wine Country, The San Ysidro Ranch has been named number 4 Hotel in the World by Travel + Leisure's T+L 500 World's Best 2011 for its blend of classic luxury, natural beauty, and romantic heritage. Adventure on a hike, go biking, take a day trip to the beach, wineries, and/or to the local attractions. Regardless of the activity you choose to participate in while in San Ysidro Ranch there is no doubt that you will feel a sense of freedom and tranquility in experiencing the incredible mountain and beach views. 


The tranquility begins with the drive up to Santa Barbara, although sometimes congested, it is nonetheless, one of the most beautiful drives you will ever embark on as it is right along the pacific coast. 


A Magical picturesque week awaits you, visit the San Ysidro Ranch. 


For information on booking a room visit: San Ysidro Ranch

St. Patrick's Day Parade and Breakfast Compliments of the San Diego Firehouse Museum

Museum Mondays: The Firehouse Museum 

The Firehouse Museum is a fun and incredibly inexpensive attraction for children and adults alike. Visitors of the museum enjoy firefighting memorabilia such as firefighting buckets, fire trucks, and more dating back 100 years. The Firehouse Museum is located in Little Italy close to downtown San Diego. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children/seniors. For your convenience, the museum is open on the weekends, Thursday and Friday from 10am-2pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm. 

Don't Miss Out! The Firehouse Museum will be hosting a St. Patrick's Day Parade and breakfast this Saturday, March 17th from 8am-11am!

For more information on The Firehouse Museum and/or its upcoming events visit:

Firehouse Museum

Rent A Harley-Davidson!

Things To Do Tuesdays: Haley-Davidson Rental

Wind in your hair and a sense of freedom in your heart, now you can experience both while riding through the open road on a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle. At American-Dream Motorcycle Rental of San Diego you can rent a Harley-Davidson independently or participate in a custom motorcycle tour of Southern California’s best roads. To be able to rent, riders must have a valid motorcycle driver’s license and must be 21 years of age. For an unforgettable road adventure rent a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle.

For rental information visit: American-Dream Motorcycle Rental