I’ve probably driven past this little strip mall in Bonita dozens of times, but never really had any reason to stop. Now I do. Ono’s Cafe is a pleasant little restaurant serving up fresh dishes that they describe as “Pacific Rim and Cal-Asian fusion flavors.” The decor goes for an island vibe without being over… Read More Ono’s Cafe – Island Style Bistro
A century-old gem in the heart of Balboa Park is the Spreckles Organ Pavilion. The organ was played for the first time on New Year’s Eve 1914 to kick off the Panama-California Exposition that began on 1 January 1915, and it’s been entertaining park visitors ever since. Each Sunday afternoon, you can enjoy a free… Read More Spreckels Organ
If you’re into hiking, rare trees, towering cliffs, sweeping panoramic views, the ocean, beaches, salt marshes, and waterfowl, then Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (not park) is for you. Why the distinction between a reserve and park? Well, the Torrey pine is found in only two places, Torrey Pines Natural Reserve and Santa Rosa island,… Read More Torrey Pines State Reserve
A cheese lover’s paradise, Venissimo Cheese offers a wide variety of cheeses from around the world. Their friendly and helpful staff will let you sample the products and will help educate you before you make your decision—and making a decision is a tough prospect here. You can choose between cow’s, sheep’s, or goat’s milk cheeses… Read More Venissimo Cheese
Each spring, 50 acres of hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Carlsbad are washed in the brilliant colors of thousands of Tecolote® Giant Ranunculus flowers. Typically, the bloom season is early March through early May, but that can vary based on weather patterns each year. The 2016 bloom season opens 1 March. You can wander… Read More The Flower Fields of Carlsbad
My grandparents emigrated to the U.S. from Germany in the 1920s, and I speak enough German to embarrass myself—a skill that isn’t all that handy here in San Diego given the prevalence of Spanish speakers. (Although my rudimentary German has been helpful interacting with guests from Germany and Austria when volunteering at Cabrillo National Monument.) When I feel… Read More A Taste of Germany at Tip Top Meats
The Imperial Valley Desert Museum (IVDM) certainly takes small, regional museums to the next level with its interactive displays, exhibitions, activities, and easy access to their curatorial staff. The IVDM Society worked for nearly 40 years to create a space to house and display the archaeological collection of the Imperial Valley Community College, and their… Read More Imperial Valley Desert Museum
If you’ve ever felt that your day is going in circles, here’s a perfect opportunity to just embrace that feeling. The Balboa Park Carousel has been letting people ride in circles for over 100 years. Built in 1910 by the Herschell-Spillman company in North Tonawanda, New York, the carousel first landed in Los Angeles before making its way… Read More Balboa Park Carousel
Wow! What can I say? This website has only been up for a week, and it’s had over 750 views and over two dozen subscribers. Thank you for your early support! It’s been a blast getting this off the ground. To bring some structure (and to allow me to work my new full-time job), I’ll… Read More Thanks!
Full disclosure: I love trains (and pretty much anything that rides on rails). As a toddler, rather than playing with my Tonka trucks in a sandbox like the other kids, I lined mine up in a row and drove them along imaginary tracks. Go figure. I also enjoy historical things and places, so it made sense… Read More Ride the Vintage Trolley
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