A Summer Celebration At The Del Mar Fairgrounds

The Del Mar Fairgrounds At Night

Every year The Del Mar Fairgrounds host many events right on the 370-acre site also known as the San Diego County Fair. The events at the fair run from June through July giving you a whole month of daily fun and nostalgic activities. This year Toyota sponsored the Summer Concerts on the Heineken Grandstand Stage. Each of the shows premier awesome entertainers like: REO Speedwagon, The Beach Boys, Steve Miller Band along with the very popular Big Time Rush. 

If you need a lift to the fairgrounds consider taking a ride on the Fair Tripper buses, each of them make frequent stops to the Solana Beach train station located right

across the street. Take advantage of public transportation with the Coaster, Sprinter, Breeze buses; they will bring you straight in, making your commute a lot easier.  

Don’t miss out the classic game of Family Feud Live, this iconic game show features celebrity hosts that get the audience to play for cool prizes. Be sure to check out the exhibits, like the Flower & Garden Show, Exhibition of Photography, Home & Hobby Show, World Memorial Exhibit, My Big Fair Wedding and many more. There’s something here for everyone including the kids, let them enjoy Gems, Minerals & Jewelry, Student Showcase, Fine Art and Creative Youth.  

For those who seek thrills and chills then you’ve got to head down to jump on all the fun rides for you and the family. Ride coupons can be purchased for as little as .69 cents each. Buy them in bulk to save even more money while maximizing your riding allowance. Admission-Ride packages as well as Ticket & Promotions can be found directly on their website at www.sdfair.com. Every Wednesday Pepsi promotes the Pepsi Pay-One-Price Ride Day giving you all the rides you want for just one low price. 

Fourth of July Fireworks at Del Mar Fairgrounds

Game coupon sheets are also a way to go if you plan to win your sweetheart a prize or two. Midway games are plentiful, Wednesday and Thursday you can play any game you want for just a buck! The hours of operation for this promotion runs from noon to about 8:00 p.m. so check out the Best Pass Ever when you get there. 

Let’s not forget about the exiting carnival foods and snacks you can eat. The famous “Fair fare” offers more upscale food giving you a unique culinary dining experience. For casual dining try, Heineken Red Star Café or eat indoors at 17 Hands featuring authentic Mexican food like tacos, sopes and beer. Following the Grandstand concert you can purchase a gourmet dinner package at the Turf Club. Even the Surfside Race Place gives their guests the comfort of air conditioning while enjoying a lovely lunch.  

No visit is complete without doing a little shopping; many vendors get together and sell creations all the way from handbags, clothing, trinkets, gadgets, home decor and much, much more. The best show by far is the fireworks display only shown on the very last day of the fair. It’s showcased on the Fourth of July. It’s a wonderful celebration of fireworks that cascade over The Del Mar Fairgrounds giving this show is truly beautiful sight to see.

Fun At Belmont Park

Belmont Park Mission Beach, Ca

If you’re looking for excitement this summer then go check out the historic Belmont Park in San Diego formerly known as the Mission Beach Amusement Center. Originally built back in 1925, the amusement park is nestled right on the beach in Mission Bay making it a busy destination. 

Wave House Athletic Club

Most of the rides still remain like the Giant Dipper made from wood this roller coaster is listed as a National Register of Historic Places attracting over millions of people every year. Belmont Park has a fun carnival feel featuring the beautiful Liberty Carousel, a quirky Tilt-A-Whirl, classic bumper cars and super thunder boats. For the ultimate thrill, go to the Vertical Plunge where you’re lunged straight in the air, reach for sky.

Belmont Park Map

There’s also a large arcade where the big time gamers can go, a large area for laser tag and a really cool set-up for Tiki Town Adventure golf. For the real adventurer in you check out SkyRopes, it’s an obstacle course that will keep you busy as you try to escape. Feeling a little thirsty? Then stop off for a delicious smoothie at Beach Treats or grab an ice cream cone at The Sweet Shoppe. If your looking for authentic Chinese cuisine then you’ve got to try the 5 Star Grill, don’t forget to ask for the funnel cake, it’s a park favorite. For those of you who love pizza you should head over to The Plunge Pizzeria, their classic take on pizza is done thin crust style. Many still love the classics and line up to take a bite out of Belmonty’s Burgers. Belmont Park has all of your favorites cotton candy, popcorn, slushy’s and yes, funnel cakes.

Belmont Park Games & Attractions

What makes this park so special is the access directly from the park to Mission Bay; a sturdy boardwalk leads out to the beach allowing visitors to continue their experience right near the ocean. It’s the perfect place for family and friends to get together for a day in San Diego. 


For More Info On Belmont Park Click Here  

Visit The World Famous San Diego Zoo

The World Famous San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo is famous for being one of the top zoos worldwide, located in Balboa Park the property spans over 100 acres of scenic paths. Housing over 4,000 different animals, the zoo contains many jungles, forests, aviaries and habitats from around the world. Exotic birds, mammals reptiles can be seen up close with newer style exhibits giving you the visitor a more natural way of viewing the animals. See how live in the wild, their habits, what they like to eat and how they interact.

White Cheeked Gibbon

You’ll also find animal presentations conducted by professional zoologists along with shows that demonstrate animal talents throughout the park. Many of the areas require a lot of walking so be sure to wear comfy shoes; bus tours are available for those who want to view the park in a more relaxed manner. These guided tours make frequent stops in several areas so you won’t miss a thing.

Scarlet Macaw

If you’re traveling with children make a stop to explore the Children’s Zoo, it’s a unique place for kids to pet sheep, goat and ponies. This area is a learning experience where kids can see first hand how compost works, where baby animals are born and how animals differ from one another. There’s also a playground nearby, this a perfect opportunity for the kids to let loose for some serious playtime. During the summer month’s varies craft stations like face painting, sand art are set up for kids to get fun and creative.  

San Diego Zoo allows you to get a sneak peek of the animals with live cams; it’s also a chance for outsiders to view the animals 24/7. The main animals for the live cams are: Pandas, Polar Bears, Apes, Elephants and Condors, these cameras capture their daily lives giving the public an insider view of these special animals.

Panda Bears Sleeping

Take a trip down under with the kolas or enter the reptile house if you dare. Pop in to see the Panda Bears as they lounge around in their new open viewing exhibit. Check out the apes as you walk on a large bridge taking you to the other side, watch how they swing from vine to vine. Don’t forget to take the Polar Bear Plunge located in the upper part of the zoo, there you will find the bears swimming and relaxing in a much colder climate.

Pink Flamingos

Continue your journey to discover a variety of different species of birds; the pink flamingos are always a favorite. Large aviaries house hummingbirds, parrots, toucans and more. These exquisite birds are filled with bright bold colors, interesting patterns, and sounds like you’ve never heard before. Get an up close and personal look at the world’s largest birds the Condors. Explore the many gift shops that are scattered throughout the park, fascinating items can be purchased as well as new and exciting gifts made specially for the San Diego Zoo. Memberships offer discount coupons for any of the gifts shops, restaurants and bus tours. This membership is also good for San Diego Zoo Safari Park. 

Flowing Waterfall

Explore the many gift shops that are scattered throughout the park, fascinating items can be purchased as well as new and exciting gifts made specially for the San Diego Zoo. Memberships offer discount coupons for any of the gifts shops, restaurants and bus tours. This membership is also good for San Diego Zoo Safari Park. If you get hungry don’t fret, there are many stops to grab a bit. Check out Sydney’s Grill, Albert’s Restaurant, Poppy’s Patio, Treehouse Café or the Safari Kitchen. You’ll find American, Mexican, Asian cuisines that are prepared by master chefs of San Diego. The zoo offers a variety of snack items like chips, hotdogs, burgers and delicious frozen treats for anyone on the go. The San Diego Zoo is visited by thousands everyday, it’s a chance to be part of a unique animal experience that you’ll treasure for a lifetime. This is a defiant hot spot for anyone who loves animals, enjoys nature walks or just wants to visit the world’s coolest zoo. Come spend a day in San Diego visit the world famous San Diego Zoo! 

For More Info On San Diego Zoo 

San Diego Flowers In Bloom

I'm proud to show off the many beautiful flowers we have here in San Diego County, I’ve also been lucky enough to get up close to photograph their beauty. From the beach to the mountains these flowers are everywhere many showcase bright, bold and rich colors making them very pleasing to the eye. With low rainfalls these flowers in San Diego thrive on the warmth of the California sun making it the perfect condition for flowers, trees and plants to grow. 

California Orange Poppy

Salmon Colored Geraniums

Birds Of Paradise

Morning Glory San Diego County

Almond Blossoms Ramona, CA

Pink Flowering Shrub

Sweet Alyssum

Yellow Sweet Clover

White Yellow Iris

Hawk Watching In Ramona Grasslands

Wildlife Research Institute, Inc.

Hawks have been flying around San Diego County for years but the best place to watch these exquisite birds are right here in Ramona, CA. The Ramona Grasslands is home to about 19 different species of eagles, hawks, raptors and falcons such as Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Prairie Falcons, Turkey Vultures and Wintering Ferruginous Hawks along with Red-Shouldered Hawks. 

The Wildlife Research Institute, Inc. hosts a series called HawkWatch, it’s where visitors gather to see these beautiful creatures up close by professionally trained handlers who are proud to show them off. It’s also a chance to learn more about where the birds live, what they eat, how they care for their young and more importantly how they need to be protected.A rare Bald Eagle has landed in the Grasslands, many far and wide come to view the location of America's iconic bird.

Bald Eagle Nest - Dave Bittner Wildlife Research Institute

There are several ways the Wildlife Research Institute conduct different types of research, flight patterns from Alaska to Mexico are tracked via satellite allow biologists to mark movements. Small field cameras are placed throughout the area for up close-up undisturbed viewing. Aerial flights made by helicopters will survey the land to cover large areas. While ground surveys observe for new nests, they also keep an eye out for new species.

Hawk Perching High In The Sky Ramona, Ca

Ramona is a hotspot for such grace, mainly because of the undeveloped grasslands preserve designed to keep it open for other wildlife animals that live within the area. Personal bird watching is encouraged; the preserve is just off of Highland Valley Road with a parking lot.  If your lucky you might be able to see the Bald Eagle's nest in the distance, the exact location of nest in unknown but it’s said to be in the Grassland area.
 
The season for HawkWatch at the Wildlife Research Institute is from January through February but these birds can be seen all year long. I see them just about everyday flying overhead, I’m still amazed at their beauty as they glide effortlessly through the air.
 
Much can be learned from studying their flying habits, where they like to hunt, set up territories and where they like to nest. So next time your in the Ramona area, bring your binoculars you never know what you might see.


For More Info On The Wildlife Research Institute Click Here 

Quality Time With Dad On Father's Day

Spending A Day In San Diego

Father's Day is a time to celebrate all that Dad's do. Show him how much you care by spending quality time with him. Many of the things you can do in San Diego don't require spending alot of mula. This day is all about Dad. Think about his favorite things to do. 

Lake Poway Fishing Area

Take Dad down to the lake for some serious fishing.    

Dios Picos Park Ramona, Ca - San Diego County

Go for a nice family stroll in the park.

Jaelyn Preps Corn for Dad

Take the load off Dad, cook for him!

Ducks at Dios Picos Park San Diego County

Go out to feed the local ducks! 

One of my favorite pass times with my Dad was feeding the ducks at Tenney Park.

More importantly tell him how much you love him, what he means to you and that you appreciate him. 

Happy Father's Day San Diego!

Mt. Soledad: Landmark of San Diego

Mt. Soledad Memorial Site in La Jolla - San Diego

Atop Mount Soledad displays a large white cross with an elevation of 823 feet, it has become quite the landmark here in San Diego. Mt. Soledad Memorial Association dedicated the site on December 6, 2000 as a Korean War Memorial for remembering our veterans.

The drive up is a marvel indeed; a steep winding road leads you up into the hills of La Jolla where many lavish homes were built. Once you reach the top you’ll see spectacular views for miles of the Pacific Ocean and downtown San Diego.

Even the famous Dr. Seuss lived in a house that was built into the slope of hill known by many locals as “Seuss House”. 

Wall of Veterans Mt. Soledad San Diego

Once you enter the park you’ll find a manicured lawn with stone benches for seating. As you ascend up the stairs you’ll find two rows of high gloss granite walls that circle the site. 

Each wall displays etched photos of the veterans served our country along with the information about them regarding their service.  

The cross it self was built in 1913 as a reminder of Christian based religion that served the area, since then much controversy as been raised. Mainly because it’s a religious symbol that grounds government property, Mount Soledad cross can be seen for miles.

Mt. Soledad National Park City of San Diego

As of today, lawmakers passed a new federal law that indicates any war memorial site can bare religious symbols. That gives Mt. Soledad among many other memorial sites a protective shield from those who oppose it.

View From Mt. Soledad National Memorial Park

The 360 views up there are amazing, making it a great place to get a birds eye view of San Diego. Anyone who has served in the military knows someone who has served or who just loves San Diego will surely enjoy this national memorial park.

Mount Soledad is a wonderful place to pay homage for those who fought for our freedom.