Sicilian Festival in Little Italy

1. 18th Annual Sicilian Festival

The music, dance, culture and cuisine of Sicily come to the streets of downtown San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood on May 20 with four performance stages, a parade of costumed dancers, musicians and more.

North Park's Festival of the Arts

2. 16th Annual North Park Festival of the Arts

On May 20, head over to North Park for this free festival that has grown into a local tradition embracing a diverse line-up of bands, dancers and artists into one marathon day of performances spread across six stages. The North Park Festival of the Arts celebrates all types of art forms in its Juried Arts Area with over 40 artists. There will be something for everyone including the kids as the Hands-On Arts area returns offering children the chance to participate in free, interactive activities designed to stimulate and inspire their imaginations to create their own masterpieces.

San Diego Museum of Art's Target Free Family Festival Day

3. Target Free Family Day & Festival at the San Diego Museum of Art

Families and visitors to Balboa Park are invited to the Museum to participate in a free day of outdoor and indoor art-making activities, performances, artist demonstrations, and docent-led tours inspired by a chosen featured exhibition. Three to four art-making stations offer insights into artist techniques and ideas about making art. These all-ages art-making activities are led by Museum educators and professional artists. The Festival is held on Sunday May 20 from 12:00 – 4:00 pm and admission is complimentary.

What are your “free” plans for the upcoming weekend in San Diego?

Cosmic car at Unarius Academy in El Cajon

You might recall my blog awhile back on Quirky Roadside Attractions in San Diego’s East County region. With Memorial Day around the bend, now is the perfect time to map out another adventure to discover some wonderfully fascinating finds in our backcountry. Following are 5 to Try:

Dino-sized greeting at Creation & Earth History Museum

1. Creation and Earth History Museum

Let there be light! The Creation and Earth History Museum in Santee is a showcase of the literal six-day creation of earth, according to the Bible’s book of Genesis. Highlights include stellar displays of planetary development (Day 1), a jungle-like Garden Room with live animal terrariums (Day 6), model of Noah’s Ark (great photo opp), an Ice Age Room and Ancient Civilizations Room with replicas of the Tower of Babel and Rosetta Stone. Admission is free.

Model of UFO spiritual tower at Unarius Academy

2. Unarius Academy of Science

Out of this world! The Unarius Academy of Science in El Cajon is a garden-like teaching center featuring cosmic art, a “Power Tower,” Future City Model and Star Center room with murals of Atlantis – illustrating Unariun beliefs in past lives, Tesla technology, lost civilizations and UFOs. The group is known for its 2001 prophecy of spaceships landing in nearby Jamul to form a spiritual tower. Call 619-444-7062 or e-mail uriel@unarius.org to arrange a visit. Did you know: Unarius stands for Universal Articulate Interdimensional Understanding of Science.

Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge

3. Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge

Make tracks… to the world’s tallest curved timber railroad trestle, the Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge traversing the steep-walled Carrizo Gorge near Jacumba. It spans 200 feet high and 750 feet long! It’s a hearty hike to the vista point, but well worth it. For those who may not have the hiking boots (or stamina) to make the trek, there’s a 10-foot high model at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum (the world’s largest operating model railroad museum) in Balboa Park.

Giant labyrinth at Sacred Rocks Reserve

4 and 5. California’s Two Largest Labyrinths

A-MAZE-ing! Check out California’s two largest labyrinths at Labyrinth in the Oaks, a private riverfront retreat along the San Diego River headwaters in Julian, and Sacred Rocks Reserve in Boulevard. Both claim to have the largest labyrinths in the state, but technically LITO is biggest at 105 feet in diameter. Sacred Rocks’ maze is still an impressive 100 feet, modeled after the labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral in France(!). Cost is $8 for a day pass to explore the grounds of Sacred Rocks. Labyrinth in the Oaks is open to overnight guests only.

Happy exploring! :-)

Pork Adobada: Photo courtesy of Yelper Jando S.

1. Tacos El Gordo

Tacos El Gordowas famous in Tijuana long before it opened its second location stateside in Chula Vista. Without a doubt, you want the pork adobada tacos. I can’t even begin to describe how good they are. Just go eat one. It costs all of $1.75.

Photo Courtesy of Yelper Tania K.

2. Las Cuatro Milpas

Las Cuatro Milpas holds down the lunch crowd in Barrio Logan. What to order? Anything that includes a tortilla. Tortillas are made on site and must be infused with love and magic, because there is no way just food tastes this good.

El Gobernador: photo courtesy of Yelper Tania K.

3. Marisco’s German Taco Truck 3

Marisco’s German Taco Truck 3 is on the move in City Heights and always worth hunting down. Try the Gobernador, full of fat, spicy shrimp, green peppers and onions with gooey cheese.

Fish Taco: Photo courtesy of Yelper Leonard L.

4. Cantina Mayahuel

Cantina Mayahuel in Normal Heights is a beautiful spot with an insane tequila selection (side note: they make my favorite margarita). It is more expensive than its taco shop cousins, which pays for the lovely space and high quality food. Go Mondays for all-night happy hour including $5 margaritas and 3 tacos for $6. Carnitas tacos are my favorite. They are marinated in pineapple juice for extra umpf!

5. Lucha Libre

Lucha Libre in Mission Hills is our most notable mention of the seven, having appeared on Man vs. Food in 2010. But it makes the taco list for an unlikely featherweight contender: the Flaco Taco. Marinated chicken is wrapped in a lettuce “tortilla” with vinegary, pickled onions to provide a delicious, nutritious winner.

Experimental Tradition at Puesto

6. Puesto

Puesto in La Jolla recently opened with an experimental take on traditional Mexican street fare. With a selection ranging from carne asada to soy chorizo potatoes, you get to choose any combination of grilled items and toppings – Chipotle style, for lack of a better term. I like to go with Huitlacoche (corn truffle) with grilled pineapple, and Jamaica salsa, but you can always go with pollo al pastor.

Carnitas Taco: photo courtesy of Yelper Tim M.

7. Karina’s Taco Shop

Karina’s Taco Shop, in Leucadia, might be further from the boarder, but it is no less authentic than Tacos el Gordo. The fish tacos are different from other restaurant offerings, so be warned, people tend to love them or hate them. The carne asada with guacamole is always a hit.

Well there you have it! Seven San Diego tacos not to be missed. But there are, of course, many more. What is your favorite taco in San Diego?

Celebrate Mom...San Diego Style!

Looking for something fun to do with mom? While you can find more great Mother’s Day offers and events at SanDiego.org, here are our 5 to Try for Mother’s Day, May 13, 2012…San Diego style:

1. Mother’s Day Kayaking

Take your Mom on a kayaking tour! Visit one of Hike, Bike, & Kayak’s two locations in La Jolla or on Mission Bay and take your mom kayaking for free! You can either rent a kayak or take a tour, either way Mom goes free with a party of 4. Reservations are required (minimum of 4 people) and space fills up fast! Offer is valid May 12-13.

2. Mother’s Day Brunch with Shamu

Relax and be pampered while you dine poolside and experience the magical bond between SeaWorld’s killer whales and their young. You have your choice of two seatings: 9:30 am or noon. Advanced reservations are highly recommended, a SeaWorld admission ticket is required but not included.

3. Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch Cruise

Treat mom to a spectacular champagne brunch on a cruise! Whisk her onboard the new Inspiration Hornblower, the largest charter yacht south of San Francisco and all mom will have to do is enjoy the scenery, music, the wonderful cuisine, and your company. Every mom will take home a free flower! Select one of two cruising times.

4. Mother’s Day Brunch at Anthology

Bring your mom to Anthology for a little live music and brunch from award winning chef Todd Allison. Listen to Anthology’s House Band Tribute to Women: From Billie to Aretha to Beyonce. No cover for kids 12 and under.

5. Mother’s Day Champagne Buffe Brunch at South Coast Winery Resort and Spa

Treat your mom to a delightful Champagne Buffet Brunch. From chilled displays, salads, sliced fruit and berries, prime roast and omelets, to Chicken Marsala, oven-roasted sea bass, blueberry pancakes, smoked pork hash and desserts, South Coast Winery’s talented chefs have created a fantastic menu that mom will be talking about for years!

What are you doing for Mom this weekend?

Balboa Park’s museums come in all shapes and sizes, from the grand San Diego Natural History Museum and its momentous Titanic exhibition to the miniature trains housed in the equally miniature San Diego Model Railroad Museum.

If you (like me) can’t get enough art, head straight to Balboa Park, which boasts no fewer than five art museums. For a sneak peek, check out my video tour of some of my favorites:

Following are three fun spring flings to check out this May:

Butterfly releases at Sage & Songbirds Festival.

1. Sage & Songbirds Festival

This weekend, May 4-6, the popular annual Sage & Songbirds Festivalflutters into the Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine – celebrating Alpine’s recognition by the National Wildlife Federation as “America’s 1^st Community Wildlife Habitat.”  There’s a live butterfly exhibit and daily butterfly releases (Way Cool!), plus a plant and art sale. Admission is free.

Beautiful Julian wildflowers.

2. Julian Wild Flower Show

Head to the historic Gold Rush mountain town of Julian on May 10-13 for the spectacular annual Julian Wild Flower Show. The Julian Woman’s Club gathers colorful wildflowers from in and around Julian, beautifully displaying them in Town Hall from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm each day. Also on view: an exhibit of Native American uses for wildflowers. Admission is free.

Pony rides at Mission Trails Day.

3. Mission Trails Day

Showcasing the natural wonders of Mission Trails Regional Park (one of the largest urban parks in the U.S.!), Mission Trails Day takes over the park on May 19. Enjoy guided nature walks, pony rides, a special program on coyotes by Ms. Fizzle & The Magic Schoolbus, a climbing wall, bird watching, raptor encounters and a Star Party at night. Admission is free.

Coronado Historic Home Tour.

Bonus.  Coronado Historic Home Tour

Another big annual event that springs  to mind this month…If you’ve ever wanted to take a sneak peek at the gorgeous homes and gardens on charming Coronado Island, now you can at the Coronado Historic Home Tour on May 13. Tour several historic homes of different time periods and architecture, while learning stories of World War II’s effect on Coronado life. Tickets: $30 for Coronado Historical Association members and $35 for nonmembers.

Whether you’re a local or visiting bike enthusiast, San Diego is a great place to explore on two wheels. If you’re looking for an ocean view while enjoying a ride on the coast, or you want to plan an escape into nature, there are plenty of trails or bike paths throughout the region to explore.

Below are just three pedal friendly options with beautiful scenery:

Take a Ride on the Mission Beach Boardwalk!

Mission Beach Boardwalk

It is not a vacation in San Diego without a visit to the beach. The Mission Beach Boardwalk is a great place to pedal while enjoying the refreshing ocean views, as well as some great people watching.

Kick off your ride at Mission Beach Park and head north along the boardwalk. Enjoy the easy going ride along the way while taking in the gentle sound of waves and passing by throngs of sun worshippers as you pedal towards Crystal Peir. Once you reach the Pier, take some time to be out over the water before heading back.

Beach cruisers are the preferred mode of transportation along this flat and paved trail. Don’t worry if you don’t have one, there are plenty of places to rent cruisers along Mission Beach.

Extend your ride with a tour of Mission Bay…

Discover natural San Diego beauty on the trails of Mission Trails Regional Park. Photo courtesy of MTRP.

Father Junipero Serra Trail

Escape into nature and enjoy a relaxing ride along the Father Junipero Serra Trail in Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP). Begin your nature ride at the MTRP Visitors Center Parking Lot and head north along the trail to take in the natural beauty of native flora and fauna. The trail follows the San Diego River and brings you out to the Old Mission Dam. Once you reach the dam, take a breather and enjoy a snack while you listen to the water rush on by.

If you are up for it, extend your ride and turn off the beaten path to explore one of the many dirt trails throughout the park.

While the Father Serra trail is paved, all the other paths are not, so a mountain bike is highly recommended. There are no bike rental shops in close proximity to MTRP so plan on picking up a bike before you get there.

Take a Ride around Coronado

Coronado

Coronado is not only the perfect place for a walk under the sun or ice skating next to the beach in the winter, but it’s also great for an afternoon ride along the relatively flat 15 miles of bike paths on the island.

Begin your journey near Ferry Landing and head south along the path. During the ride, enjoy views of San Diego’s downtown skyline and the bay. The bike paths will also take you through the charming residential neighborhoods in Coronado, where you will browse through a myriad of uniquely designed and lavish homes.

All of the trails on Coronado are paved so any type of bike will do. You can also find plenty of bike rental shops on island.

While you ride and take in the scenery, make sure to watch out for others bike enthusiasts in San Diego. Also, while adults are not required to where a helmet (though I highly recommend it), children under the age of 18 are always required to protect their noggin with a helmet. Just remember to be safe and enjoy the ride!

I recently had the pleasure to sit down and interview the oh-so-talented, Edward Wilkerson, Design Director of the brand, Lafayette 148. The interview took place after the fabulous showing of his 2012 Spring Collection. We discussed the fashions of San Diego as well as some of his favorite spots in San Diego to visit. The 2012 Spring Collection was featured at Neiman Marcus, located at Fashion Valley Shopping Center, and definitely put me in pure vacation-mode!

Question: Having 1/3 of all visitors to San Diego include shopping on their activity list , how do you see San Diego with regards to accessibility to fashion choices?
Answer: Very accessible and adaptable to a realistic “lifestyle-wear.” Women evolve with fashion constantly. The styles of San Diego evoke going from “day to evening.” I like to visit at least once a year to listen to the customers and vendors.

How would you define San Diego’s style?
Casual, yet elegant and sophisticated.

How do you use social media as Design Director?
My staff uses it quite a bit to help promote the latest trends and styles. For me, personally, I am more of a tactile person and sketcher. I constantly carry with me two sketch books while I travel to document my inspirations.

What are you most inspired by?
I travel around the world for my design inspiration. I am also inspired by my customers. I take on a true personal approach to customer service. If a customer wants a sleeve longer or maybe a different color in one of my designs I make sure it happens for them.

What is your favorite thing to do while visiting San Diego? Place to stay?
During my week’s visit I loved riding bikes all around Coronado Island and made sure to visit the Hotel del Coronado. I thoroughly enjoyed having lunch at C Level Restaurant located on Harbor Island and having breakfast while I sketched at the rooftop restaurant of the Andaz San Diego Hotel located in the Gaslamp Quarter of downtown. Spending time in Little Italy was also a treat!

Best advice ever given to you?
Always put your best foot forward.

What is your personal motto?
Live every day to its fullest, make every moment count.

Favorite drink?
A concoction that Rebecca, a true mixologist, created at the bar at the Andaz San Diego Hotel!

Define the woman who wears Lafayette 148?
Someone similar to the San Diego woman; casual and elegant, showcasing wearable fashion. The innovative creations can take you from the boardroom to an evening out to a weekend get-a-way.

NOTE: Lafayette 148 is sold at Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in San Diego

Cinco de Mayo

The month kicks off with Cinco de Mayo, a holiday that salutes Mexican culture and commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. For San Diegans, it’s another excuse to celebrate frosty lime-infused margaritas, salted salsa-dipped tortilla chips and strolling mariachis.

Party central is Old Town, where the 29th Annual Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo will kick off at 5:00 pm Friday, May 4, and continue through 5:00 pm on Sunday, May 6. Organizers say the bash will be the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration north of the border, with three stages featuring live entertainment, including interactive family friendly fun. Norteno, Flamenco and traditional mariachi groups have been booked to perform. Between acts, more than 20 Old Town restaurants will be offering sizzling Mexican specialties – including, of course, an array of perfectly chilled margaritas.

Check our San Diego Event Calendar for more Cinco de Mayo events…

Find delectable biscotti and more at the Sicilian Festival in Little Italy

The Sicilian Festival

Eat, drink and be Sicilian for a day when Little Italy celebrates its 19th Annual Sicilian Festival on Sunday, May 20. India Street – from Ash to Grape – will be closed for the 10:00 am – 6:00 pm celebration.

Costumed dancers and musicians will set the mood, parading in the street at 11:30 AM, carrying flags from the different regions of Italy. Food booths will sell Sicilian specialties – including Sicilian wines and premium imported Italian beer. Visitors can even test their skill at grape stomping.

Entertainment, on four stages, will include something for everyone: New York City soprano Cristina Fontanelli will sing Italian opera while the Screamin’ Primas promise to keep the crowd moving. The Roman Holiday Ensemble, perennial favorites, will perform as will Allesandra Belloni who’s best known for her traditional Italian folk dancing.

The bambini can get their faces painted while mom and dad ogle sidewalk chalk art or slick Italian beauties at a car show featuring Ferraris, Maseratis and Lamborghinis. In the Sicilian cultural zone, locals can learn about Italian-Americans’ role in the rich history of San Diego’s tuna industry.

Enjoy delicious Sopas at the annual Portuguese Festa

Annual Portuguese Festa

San Diego’s Portuguese-American community will gather in Point Loma May 25-27 for the 102nd Annual Festa do Espirito Santo (Feast of the Holy Spirit). The city’s oldest ethnic festival commemorates the Holy Spirit’s miraculous intercession helping Portugal’s Queen St. Isabel feed the poor during a centuries-ago famine.

Festa headquarters is the Portuguese Hall at 2818 Avenida De Portugal. Festivities start on Friday evening (May 25) , with an outdoor bazaar that includes Portuguese food vendors, games, folkloric dancing and performances by the Portuguese Philharmonic. Paulo da Rosa and Groovology will take the stage in the main hall for a dance beginning at 8:00 pm. (Admission is free; the dress code requires all to wear pants or jeans – no skirts or dresses.)

On Saturday evening, the bazaar reopens at 5:30 pm, followed by DJ dancing at 6:00 pm. After a 7:00 pm ceremony at St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church (1140 Evergreen St.), a candlelight procession will head back to Portuguese Hall for open-air music and folkloric dance performances.

Sunday is the big day. It begins with a 10:00 am parade from Portuguese Hall to the church. Participants include youngsters dressed as angels and saints, marching bands and young women dressed in spectacular gowns and bejeweled capes, representing Portuguese royalty. The parade, which includes many 4^th and 5^th-generation participants, always includes a salute to the Portuguese-American fishermen who built San Diego’s once thriving tuna industry. After a ceremonial high Mass, around noon, the parade proceeds back to the Portuguese Hall.

At the hall, volunteers serve a traditional meal of Portuguese sopas (beef braised in stock, served with potatoes, cabbage, kale, mint and broth-soaked French bread.) Admission is free but donations are appreciated. The bazaar continues through the afternoon.

The formal Queen’s ball begins at 6:30 pm Sunday in the main hall, with The Mighty Untouchables on stage. An evening wear dress code will be enforced. Teens convene in an outside tent, where a DJ will spin discs from 6:00 – 10:00 pm. A traditional highlight of the evening is the announcement of which Portuguese-American family will host next year’s festa.