There’s been a lot of news in the past year about the cross on Mt. Soledad in La Jolla. But no matter what you feel about keeping the cross there or having it removed, it’s still worth a visit to that beautiful spot to see the Veterans Memorial Walls.

Six walls have been erected below the cross, which hold plaques honoring men and women in the military who served during wartime or peace keeping times, and whose service has been verified. These black granite plaques are family tributes, and usually have an etched photograph of the honoree as well as information about his or her service.

You’ll see many people taking a drive up to the top of the mountain for the magnificent view of the coastline and also looking east to the Cuyamaca mountains. Then they discover the walls with the plaques. It’s quite moving to walk along and read about the veterans and think about their service. Sometimes a visitor even finds a plaque honoring someone they knew, or encounters a veteran who perhaps served on the same ship. It’s a great experience!

Old Town may carry old traditions, but it is definitely not old news. The smell of antiquity fills the air as I stroll down the colorful and festive streets. The aroma of fresh tortillas and guacamole mixed with the fresh heritage you can see on every block, Old Town continues to be one of the most treasured aspects of San Diego culture. Known for it’s historical background and architectural beauty, Old Town is and has been one of my favorite places to go.

If one wants the true San Diego experience, Old Town is the place to be. From the fabulous eateries, candy and antique shops, to the historical “Theatre in Old Town” and the Whaley House, Old Town has something to offer visitors of all ages.

If History is your forte, than Old Town is the mecca for you! Old Town is considered to be the “birthplace” of California. One can learn a plethora of interesting historical facts about California and specifically San Diego by visiting the wonderful museums including the Little Adobe Chapel, one of the first churches, and the awe inspiring Mormon Battalion Visitors Center, which offers free admission. Also, you can head up the hill to Heritage Park and see beautifully restored Victorian homes that take you back in time.

Do you like ghost stories? If you travel down the main strip of Old Town, you will probably run into a random house in the middle of all the hustle and bustle. A designated haunted house (and museum), The Whaley House, tells a dark past and spooky happenings that will make the hair stand on the back of your neck. Decide for yourself!:)

The Theater in Old Town also claims they have supernatural happenings as well. But, if you just like great theatre, this one is known for its outstanding productions. The quaint theatre gives the perfect atmosphere for great entertaining and I have never left disappointed.

Before you head off to the theatre, there are plenty of delicious restaurants you can choose from. Old Town is the greatest place to eat if you love Mexican food that truly is authentic. I highly recommend Cafe Coyote. It’s stylish, yet relaxing surroundings, puts you at ease and the food is to die for! The Carne Asada Ceasar Salad is my dish of choice, but there are so many things to choose from!

All in all, Old Town is a great place to spend the morning, afternoon or evening. The ideal place to enjoy with family, friends and even acquaintances, Old Town never fails to leave me in wonderment and appreciation for San Diego and its rich culture.

10. Everyone you meet at work does not aspire to work in a totally unrelated field
9. If you tell someone you’re in the “biz” they’ll either think you’re a dork or that you work for Qualcomm
8. Traffic sucks only most of the time, not all of the time
7. Parking is still less than the event you are attending, or sometimes even free
6. When you see a man with a woman who’s young enough to be his daughter in San Diego, it probably is his daughter
5. If the big one hits and we slide off into the ocean, LA will remain afloat because of all the silicone. San Diego, however, is doomed (excluding parts of P.B.)
4. Going to nightclubs is a fun, somewhat decadent phase. It is not a lifestyle, professional sport or permanently mind-altering experience (excluding parts of P.B.)
3. Being famous isn’t required to get a good table, reservations are.
2. Downtown is already revitalized, clean and extremely safe.
1. San Diegans walk, Angelinos run. But where are they going and why are they in such a hurry? Why in San Diego, it doesn’t matter. It’s just nice to get out and walk around.

It’s enough to make you fall in love with San Diego and decide to move here. Where else in the world can you find a beautiful trendy hotel, that has a sand bar on it’s roof? Literally, the top level consists of an outdoor bar, complete with sand and a fire pit. A must-do in San Diego. Romantic, cozy, perfect. What better way to start and end the night, but with a drink sitting around a fire pit. The scene isn’t too bad either, you’ll find some of the most hottest bodies in San Diego at this trendy W hotel.

W Hotel
421 West B Street
San Diego CA, 92101

With success in other nearby cities such as Las Vegas and Hollywood, the House of Blues opened it’s new venue in San Diego last May 2005. Since then, the club has housed such acts from independent bands like the Bouncing Souls and Social Distortion to more mainstream acts like Rob Zombie and the upcoming Disturbed.

Located downtown at 1055 Fifth Avenue between Broadway and C Street, the House is mere blocks away from another very similar venue, 4th and B. A convenient parking lot for both venues is located at 3rd and A St. The lot costs 10-12 dollars on different nights.

The venue has two levels: the downstairs is a large, open area with the stage in front and a bar in the back, and the upstairs balcony has seating for about 100 people and a bar in the back as well. The seating area is often at least partly reserved, and I would say that the House of Blues is more recommended for those who wish to be more interactive with their other concert goers than those who like to sit and enjoy a show.

On 21 and up nights, both bars are open and those who wish to drink have free reign of both levels. For security at all ages shows, the downstairs bar offers water and snacks, and alcohol is not allowed outside of the upstairs balcony area where you may only gain access with ID. Therefore, parents who may be reluctant to send their teenagers can rest easy that they can’t abuse any alcohol.

The architecture of the building in the House of Blues allows that no matter where you are standing, you have a pretty good view of the majority of the stage. The main draw about this venue is it’s small size. You can’t be standing that far away from the band because the venue is not too big, which allows for a much more intimate eperience with the performers.

The House of Blues restaurant is connected to the venue with an entrance around the block. The menu offers a variety of different lunch and dinner specialties, and when you are done eating, you can walk through the building to your concert.

Overall, the House of Blues makes for an excellent concert-going experience, far exceeding several other local alternatives. Los Lobos, Reel Big Fish, Disturbed, and the Dead Kennedys are some of the perfomers visiting the House soon. To check out the House of Blues, or for any ticket information, visit www.hob.com, or call 619.299.BLUE.

Try The Prado in Balboa Park. Sit outside with a good friend and soak in the ambience and the beauty of the surroundings. Order a pitcher of the house Sangria and let the time drift away. Additionally they have an eclectic selection of mouth watering appetizers and several signature dishes, that can easily be split for a tantalizing afternoon repast. Treat yourself to spending some time there and pretty soon you won’t even think you have a care in the world.
Chatting with a close friend in such a serene setting is what makes for one of those great memories that we all like to treasure. The Cohn’s have done a great job with this remodeled building and it is will worth stopping by to see and to enjoy. They offer valet service or you can search for a parking space on the lower lot and meander past the Organ Pavillion on your way to the restaurant. The time spend dining in this charming atomosphere, the culinary expertise, and great service that you will receive will make this a spot you will certainly long to return to often. After all it is located in The House of Hospitality, so there is a hint of exactly what you should expect for your dining experience.

With family coming to visit, the search for time
consuming activities began. A solid recommendation
pointed us towards Temecula wine country, and one
bright autumn day that’s exactly where we went.
Some less-than-thorough web research had uncovered
little more than promotional literature on the bounty
offered in Temecula, so our destiny was left to
signage and the pull of a hunch. This didn’t work out
too well the first two stops (but a bachelor would
have been happy to stumble across the bride’s maids
day out), but after some forgettable lunch we
regrouped and found our way to Thornton Winery.
Situated on a picturesque, rambling estate, Thornton
sure looks the part. By now the late afternoon sun was
casting a rich, golden light across the valley and we
found ourselves amongst some fellow wine tasters.
While a friendly host talked us through our tasting,
which featured more winners than losers, as well as
plenty of laughs, we had a chance to learn more about
the winery.
As is too common, the looks of Thornton Winery were
deceiving. The ample, rolling hills and perfectly
spaced grape vines are nothing but show; the winery
buys its grapes from growers all over California. This
fact did little to interfere with the colorful flavors
of their wines, but did subtract from the overall
appreciation factor.
Having returned from Temecula’s wine country, I was
blessed with fond memories of exploring San Diego with
family, a few bottles of local wine, and a full set of
cheesy wine glasses. What more can you expect from an
afternoon?

As a tourist destination, Solana Beach generally gets passed over for its tonier neighbor to the south, Del Mar. Which is why discovering the Cedros Design District feels kind of like unearthing treasure 100 paces away from the X. A mere half-block from the Solana Beach train station, it’s one of my favorite places to while away an afternoon.

Cedros Design District has it all: unique shopping for everything from hand lotion to hardwood floors, restaurants, a day spa and doggy-friendly Muttropolis featuring gifts for your four-legged friends. For night owls 21+, the Belly Up Tavern books local and internationally known performers of all types of music from Jazz to Rock to Country. Seating is general admission but if you have dinner in the attached Wild Note Cafe, you’ll not only have an incredible meal, you’ll also be able to use the special restaurant access to the club. No queuing with the masses for you.

No trip to the Cedros Design District would be complete without a visit to my favorite store, Leaping Lotus. A two-story piece of shopping heaven, Leaping Lotus features the products of many merchants and artists under one roof. From hand-made jewelry, to imported Italian Olive Oil, to pop-culture kitsch, you can find something for everyone here. It’s so easy to get lost in a time warp while discovering one cool corner after another, that I challenge anyone to come in and get through the store in under an hour. But oh what an hour (or two or three) it is…

The trendiest hotel in San Diego, the W, has recently opened its doors to the enchanting Anatomy Spa, an urban oasis offering a selection of customized treatments in a serene atmosphere. Designed to revitalize the mind and body through the healing powers of touch, Anatomy uses pure plant botanical products by Pevonia that are soothing to even the most difficult or sensitive skin. Guests can choose spa package options like the “His Preference Facial,” a treatment focused on improving the appearance and texture of men’s skin, the “Cellulite Green Coffee Body Wrap,” an effective contouring and smoothing treatment or the “Indulge” day package that promotes relaxation, relieves stress an releases energy throughout the entire body. If you’re feeling frisky, you can opt for a “Hand Job,” the W’s version of an intensive hand massage.

Anatomy offers guests the ultimate beach massage at one of the three private rooftop cabanas located on the sand, just steps away from the pool. Try the aromatherapy massage that uses a unique blend of essential oils, then wrap yourself in a plush cotton waffle weave bathrobe and absorb the calming music and candlelit ambiance througout your stay.