Encinitas Realtor Blog » Things to do in Carlsbad

Waving Goodbye at the New Village Arts Theatre in Carlsbad

Encinitas Insider — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 16:25:49 +0000

The Encinitas area is far from Hollywood, but does have its fair share of up and coming acting talent. In particular, the New Village Arts Theatre in Carlsbad is an ideal place to catch local talent perform many different creative plays and musicals near your Encinitas home. The theater was founded by a group of New York actors and is on its tenth season. The building was a lumberyard in the 1920’s which makes for a gorgeous 99 seat theater with excellent wood work. New Village Arts Theatre seems to be offering better and better productions as the years go on.

Starting January 13th the New Village Arts Theatre will be showing a play called WAVING GOODBYE. The play is a dramatic story about a teenager’s loss of a loved one and the resulting road of pain, love, and heartbreak. The play, written by Jamie Pachino, has received good reviews from Chicago Magazine and is a highly anticipated production at the New Village Arts Theatre. I recommend stopping by the theater for WAVING GOODBYE, which ends on February 6th. If you don’t make it by then, the theater has many more great works that will be showing throughout the year so don’t worry!

Waving Goodbye at the New Village Arts Theatre in Carlsbad is a post from: Encinitas Realtor Blog

Visit the Batiquitos Lagoon in Carlsbad

Encinitas Insider — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 16:27:08 +0000

Whether you live in a house in or near Carlsbad or are just visiting for the weekend, you will appreciate the Batiquitos Lagoon. From a biological perspective, wildlife habitats in and near coastal areas are generally much more diverse and arguably a bit more interesting than those found in land locked regions. It is a fact that a great majority of the life found on Earth is located on coasts and in shallow ocean waters. Carlsbad home owners have amazing access to some great beaches in Southern California as well as unique wildlife habitats that can only be found in such coastal areas as the Batiquitos Lagoon.

The Batiquitos Lagoon offers a good amount of trails and can best be seen and experienced by walking a 2 mile nature trail on the north side. The Batiquitos Lagoon is home to a variety of plants and birds. A nature center, which is located 7380 Gabbiano Lane in Carlsbad, is a great resource and offers plenty of information on the surrounding wildlife. The nature center is open Monday to Friday 9:00 to 12:30 pm and weekends 9:00 to 3:00 pm. There are many parking spots to be found at the Batiquitos Lagoon as well so pack up the family and head to the Batiquitos Lagoon for a day of nature and knowledge.

Visit the Batiquitos Lagoon in Carlsbad is a post from: Encinitas Realtor Blog

Relax and Relieve Stress at Skinsational Spa in Carlsbad

Encinitas Insider — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 17:44:42 +0000

No matter what you do for a living, chances are you encounter your fair share of stress every so often. Stress is a reality and is unavoidable and is actually healthy as long as it is not overwhelming. Life would be boring if it were stress free, wouldn’t you agree? I sure think so! I personally encounter quite a bit of stress in my working days, which is not a problem because I have plenty of resources for calming and easing it away. From walking on the beach to doing yoga to rejuvenating at a spa, there are many ways to get rid of unwanted stress near your house in Encinitas! One spa in Carlsbad that is worth checking out in particular is Skinsational in Carlsbad Village.

Skinsational Spa offers everything any stressed Encinitas home owner would ever ask for! It is located on Carlsbad Village drive next to Gregorio’s Italian Restaurant right off of the Coast Hwy 101. Skinsational Spa offers many different massage options as well as facials, waxing, manicures, and pedicures. A visit to Skinsational will leave anyone feeling refreshed and years younger! In fact, an anti-aging facial may even leave you looking younger! Regardless, a visit to a spa is a great way to relieve accumulated stress–a very healthy practice!

Relax and Relieve Stress at Skinsational Spa in Carlsbad is a post from: Encinitas Realtor Blog

Haunted House Update 2010

Linda — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 19:56:43 +0000

With less than two terrifying weeks till the arrival of Halloween there is still time to get your share of shrieks and scares at many local haunted houses. Now that you have carved pumpkins and made some delicious treats with roasted pumpkin seeds it’s time to exit the safety of your Encinitas home to venture among the living dead…..if you dare!

If you have the tenacity to endure a trifecta of terror the Scream Zone Del Mar has once again transformed the Del Mar Fairgrounds into an underworld of ghoulish goings on. You can check out their three themed environments featuring the Haunted Hayride, House of Horror and The Chamber. New for 2010 in the House of Horror are the Rodeo Clowns, the Ward, the Infirmary and many other spooky surprises. They offer the following packages: Triple (Combo) Haunt: House of Horror, Haunted Hayride & The Chamber all 3 for $27.99 Double Haunt: The Chamber plus House of Horror or Haunted Hayride $18.99 Single Haunt: House of Horror or Haunted Hayride $14.99 This attraction is recommended for teens and above.

The Haunted Hotel, located in downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp district, is another favorite fright spot. Named by Haunt World Magazine as one of the top 13 haunted houses in America and also featured in “America Haunts IV” on The Travel Channel in 2009. Admission prices range from $15 to $27 depending on the night and whether or not you want a VIP fast pass bypass the general line. The Haunted Hotel is not recommend for those under 10.

Another fiendishly favorite outdoor thrill is the Haunted Trail of Balboa Park. This mile long stroll will take you on some twisted turns through a trail of terror with surprises around every corner. Back by popular demand is the Carnival of Carnage Maze complete with crazy Carny folk who take sheer delight in frightening the faint of heart. Price packages range from $15 to $32 with a separate admission to visit the maze and VIP fast passes are also available. The Haunted Trail is not recommended for those under 10.

If you crave a little history coupled with some truly frightening experiences, your spirit can be transported to documented historic haunted locations throughout San Diego on the Haunted San Diego Ghost Tour. Complete with ghost stories told outside each grisly stop on the tour, featured fright spots include the famous Whaley House, a Victorian manor containing a sinister secrets, a dark mysterious mansion, a romantic Gaslamp Quarter hotel, and an infamous San Diego graveyard. Prices for the 2 hour tour are $35 and advance purchase is required. The tour dearly departs each evening at 7:00 pm from the The Best Western Hacienda Hotel (Directly Outside of The Lobby Door) 4041 Harney Street (Just behind The Whaley House Museum)

Haunted House Update 2010 is a post from: Encinitas Realtor Blog

Viewing Fall Colors And Apple Picking In Julian California

Linda — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 19:01:45 +0000

http://bit.ly/awN5JP

My weekend blog is always dedicated to fun and interesting things to do in Encinitas and this weekend I would like to share one of my favorite places to uniquely experience the Fall and Halloween season. For my readers who have never made the journey, there is nothing quite like a trip to Julian to satisfy your senses. Within a 90 minute drive from your Encinitas home, Julian is a completely different environment from the coastal region of San Diego and offers both residents and visitors a perfect place to relax and take in the changing of the seasons by experiencing some of the most beautiful and vibrant fall colors found in Southern California. Nestled in and among the Cuyamaca mountains the fall season in Julian is well known for the area’s best apple picking orchards and the variety of B&B’s that surround this charming community. Julian, a former gold mining mecca, boasts a collection of quaint shops and art galleries featuring lots of vendors selling hand made gift ideas for the holidays. Much of the town has been historically preserved, allowing visitors to feel like they have literally been brought back to the late 1800′s. One of the best ways to view the town is to take a carriage ride transporting you back to an era where life flowed at a more relaxed pace. Many of the original gold mines have been kept alive so folks visiting Julian can tour their depths and even try their hand at panning for gold! In addition to all the amenities of the town itself, there are plenty of natural refuges and parks offering camping, hiking and fishing activities. Julian also has some of the areas most well known wineries offering tours and wine tastings daily. There is even a tour of the Pioneer Cemetery, a fitting tribute to the town’s early residents. With so much to do a weekend may not be enough to experience all that Julian has to offer. The above link to the Julian Chamber of Commerce contains details of all the fun fall activities going on this weekend!

Viewing Fall Colors And Apple Picking In Julian California is a post from: Encinitas Realtor Blog

October Opens With A Fall Harvest of Fun For Everyone!

Linda — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 20:18:33 +0000

As many of my loyal fans will attest there are always plenty of fun and interesting things to do in Encinitas. I’m delighted to continue posting on this topic and hope you and your families enjoy this weekend’s area attractions and offerings! In the German tradition of Oktoberfest, there are several area festivals taking place this year including the 37th annual celebration in La Mesa and the 39th annual celebration in El Cajon. Each festival runs all weekend and features the best of German beers and edible ethnic delights, not to mention the bands, dances and traditional costumes associated with this annual tradition.

This weekend brings our eyes (and ears) to the sky as the 2010 MCAS Miramar Air Show descends upon the Marine Corps Air Station located in Half Moon Bay, CA. This action packed demonstration of aviation aerobatics runs Saturday and Sunday 10/2 and 10/3 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM with a special twilight show on Saturday from 5:30-9:00 PM. For all you film fanatics out there, be sure to check out the the annual San Diego Film festival running all weekend at the Gaslamp Theater located at 701 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA. Voted as one of the hottest and most innovated film festivals in America there is an assortment of cinematic delights for every popular film genre!

Concert goers have a variety of choices this weekend beginning with trip to wine country to be entertained by Kenny G performing Saturday 10/2 at 8:00 at the South Coast Winery and Spa in Temecula, CA. Kenny’s jazz infused and soulful sound will also benefit the Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children a charitable organization helping kids all across the world. On Saturday night 10/2 the Cricket Wireless Amphitheater plays host to the Rascal Flatts, featuring former American Idol finalist Kellie Pickler and Chris Young. Showtime for this night of country fun is 7:30 PM. After forty years in the pop/folk music industry and still going strong, the musical group America brings their timeless and heartfelt melodies to Humphreys concerts by the bay. Showtime is Sunday 10/3 at 7:30 PM. This is one of your last chances to see live performance at Humphreys this season!

Undefeated at home this season, the San Diego Chargers welcome the Arizona Cardinals for a thrilling match up over at the Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego on Sunday 10/3. Kickoff is at 1:15 PM. October also marks the beginning of free Zoo days for children up to 11 years old at the world famous San Diego Zoo featuring special activities for kids of all ages to connect with the natural world all around them This special runs through the entire month and is always a popular fall activity!

October Opens With A Fall Harvest of Fun For Everyone! is a post from: Encinitas Realtor Blog

Legoland Carlsbad is a Must for Vacations in San Diego

Linda — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 19:56:11 +0000

Block out some time this evening to get out of your Encinitas home and reconstruct the creative imagination of your youth! There is not one of us who has not at some point in their life built something with a Lego block. San Diego County boasts one of two US based theme parks where young and old alike can immerse themselves in the fantasy synonymous with Lego. The Legoland Carlsbad park is located is the sea side village of Carlsbad, CA and operates daily from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm. The park is split into nine major sections with exciting themes such as: The Beginning, Dino Island, Duplo, Village Green, Fun Town, Knight’s Kingdom, Miniland USA, Pirate Shores, Imagination Zone, and Land of Adventure. In addition, the California park combines a water park and sea aquarium so there is plenty of variety in the activities available in one location. Take a mid week break from the mundane and indulge the child at your side or the child within. Lego of any reason to stay home and build a bridge back to your own childhood!

Legoland Carlsbad is a Must for Vacations in San Diego is a post from: Encinitas Realtor Blog

Where do you watch Sunsets in Encinitas?

Linda — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 22:41:05 +0000

Did you know that Encinitas area is known for some of the best sunset viewing in Southern California? Many “solar sentinels” have voted in some of the most tranquil spots to see the the rays of a sunny day transform into the afterglow of a beautiful setting sun. Among the top contenders for prime viewing of sunsets in Encinitas are: the steps leading to Grandview Beach in Leucadia (Encinitas); at the top of Beacon’s Beach along Neptune in Encinitas; at the top of the stairs at Swami’s Beach in South Encinitas; in the upstairs bar/lounge area sitting at The Beach House in Cardiff. Perhaps the adventurer in you would prefer to be perched at the at the top of Mt. Soledad in La Jolla at the Veterans’ War Memorial Park. Simply sitting on the sand or at a picnic table at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas is a splendid time where you can take in marvelous views; even from the parking lot or observation area.

You are cordially invited to get our of your Encinitas house this evening to check out some of these magnificent and scenic locations. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the evening’s memories! Better still please feel free to share (in the comments section of the blog) some of your personal favorite spots that are not included on the list. We would love to discover what location you name as your number one sunset spot. Whatever you do this evening don’t let the sun go down on you!

Where do you watch Sunsets in Encinitas? is a post from: Encinitas Realtor Blog

You’ll Love TGIF Jazz in the Parks Concert Series in Carlsbad

Linda — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 20:24:39 +0000

Are you enjoying your summer? Do you feel that your life is just as hectic and stressful as any other time of year? Unfortunately summer for adult is not as stress free as it is for school children on summer vacation. However, it is up to you to enjoy the season as much as you possibly can. This means taking advantage of the awesome events, concerts, and fairs that happen frequently in Southern California.

The Carlsbad Cultural Arts Office makes it a point to help people living in Carlsbad homes to enjoy their summer evenings by listening to live Jazz. Thank God Its Friday (TGIF) Jazz in the Parks concert series begins Friday June 25th and continues every Friday until August 20th. The Jazz, which varies from big band to blues based, starts at 6 pm and continues to 8 pm. All music and shows are free to attend and are an awesome way to spend a summer evening.

On a side note, many people are anticipating the fourth of July weekend and looking forward to viewing firework shows and spending an afternoon grilling. The traffic on local highways will most likely be pretty heavy during the afternoon rush hour on both Friday the 2nd and Monday July 5th. If you plan on leaving you Carlsbad home, be careful around those times and leave plenty of time for traffic.

You’ll Love TGIF Jazz in the Parks Concert Series in Carlsbad is a post from: Encinitas Realtor Blog

Wonderful Shopping Center Near Seaport Villas Carlsbad

Encinitas Insider — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:23:20 +0000

Carlsbad is a unique town and offers an amazing variety of homes and activities. Carlsbad is composed of many different subdivisions and communities. Each offer their own unique charm, landscapes, and overall ambiance. In total, all of these mini communities come together to form the wonderful city of Carlsbad! I often find that people have a hard time deciding on an appropriate location to live in and find that the decision process can be stressful. It is important for prospective home owners to consider the local amenities and conveniences your new neighborhood will offer. For example, if you feel the need for easy and quick access to shopping and good eating, the seaport villas may offer an ideal Carlsbad home for you.

The Seaport Villas Carlsbad is a quiet gated community that offers access to great shopping and eating at the Plaza Paseo Real Shopping Center.

The Plaza Paseo Real Shopping Center is nothing like a cookie cutter strip mall. Many find that the Plaza Paseo Real Shopping Center makes shopping an especially relaxing and casual experience. The open and neighborhood like outdoor mall makes shoppers feel as if they are taking a stroll through a local neighborhood. There is a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and a full sized cinema!

Wonderful Shopping Center Near Seaport Villas Carlsbad is a post from: Encinitas Realtor Blog