Hey, San Diego, Take a Walk on the Wild Side

As most of you know, one of the most famous zoos in the world is just down the street from Mission Beach.  The San Diego Zoo covers just about 100 acres and next year will celebrate it’s 100^th anniversary.  What makes the San Diego Zoo different from other zoos isn’t that it is home to over 3,700 rare and endangered animals or its renowned botanical collection, but that it is one of the largest zoo-based research centers in the world.  This isn’t your typical animal housing facility.  The San Diego Zoo is part of the larger San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research which is dedicated to preserving and protecting endangered wildlife and habitats.  Whether you’re a first time visitor or local who knows it by heart, you won’t want to miss what they have planned for the next few weeks.

The San Diego Zoo’s Play Days (March 28^th to April 15^th) are a must for any animal lover.  The Play Days offer a chance to learn from animal experts and see some exotic creatures up close, and the Zoo is extending it’s hours (9 am to 7 pm) to make sure everyone has plenty of time to enjoy all the fun.  Below we’ve listed some of the highlights we are looking forward to . . .

Ever wonder about the Tasmanian devil, or what it takes to care for a polar bear?  From 9 am from 2:30 pm, animal keepers and experts will chat about the animals they care for and share fun and fascinating facts.  Why is it some animals have spots anyway?  Well now you can find out when you learn about more common spotted creatures like cheetahs, or some of the more unusual animals like the spotted hyena and spotted otter.  And, in case you aren’t familiar with the serval (an adorable medium-sized African cat), they’re included in the presentations as well.  

 The Koalafornia Boardwalk will be the center of the live entertainment during the Play Days.  Costumed creatures, like Harry Lion, Churchill the Polar Bear, and Monty Meerkat will be making appearances at 1, 2 and 3 pm for photos and to greet the smaller zoo fans.  Enjoy live music from 12:30 to 2:30, and don’t miss the informative and hilarious Dr. Zoolittle, who will be performing (and teaching) at three different shows during the day.           

With Easter around the corner, head over to Skyfari East (11:00 am to 4:00 pm), for a photo op with Peter or Paula Cottontail.  The giant bunny will be waiting in a basket-shaped photo booth for a commemorative photo.  The Cottontails are there now for pictures and will stick around until April 5^th. 

For those wanting a more interactive experience, there will be special feeding times to give guests a chance to catch a glimpse of the elusive jaguar and the playful bonobo (formerly called the pygmy chimpanzee).  Want a more educational experience?  Starting at 3:30 pm over at the Price Center, wildlife researchers will give an inside look at their jobs and what the zoo is accomplishing to further protect mother nature.

As you can see this isn’t your average zoo; the San Diego Zoo truly offers something for everyone.  Located in gorgeous Balboa Park just a few miles from the beach, the Zoo is like entering a colorful, enchanted world.  With Mission Bay as your home base, consider stopping by the Zoo a few times to really soak in the magic and love for the animals. 

San Diego's Farmers' Bounty

Friday marks the first day of Spring and to celebrate new life and new harvest we are dedicating this post to all things farm-inspired.  Did you know that San Diego has over 6,500 farms?  In fact, we have more small farms than any other city in the nation.  To fully celebrate the season we are highlighting our favorite farmers’ markets and farm-to-table restaurants. 

With so many farms, you’re probably wondering where to start to find the best farmer’s markets, don't worry . . . we've got you covered! 

The Farm Bureau of San Diego county has a website devoted to supporting local farmers by providing information of where and when to find markets all over town. 

San Diego Weekly Markets is another site dedicated to providing information on different farmers’ markets, vendors, and events.  Follow them on twitter @SDMarkets for up-to-date info and fun facts about local and healthy eats. 

San Diego’s official tourist website also has a list of farmers’ markets in case you need help deciding which market you want to hit.  

Grab your straw basket and head to some of our favorites:

TUESDAY:        

From 2pm to 7pm, Pacific Beach Farmers Market (901 Garnet Ave) hosts a small market just blocks from the shore.  This quaint farmer’s market gets points from us for being located in our favorite ‘hood, not being overly crowded and having everything you need: fresh flowers, fruits and veggies, tasty snacks, and live music.  Come hungry because there are enough food stands to satisfy even the pickiest eater. 

WEDNESDAY:

Known for its funky vibe, Ocean Beach Farmers’ Market (4900 Block of Newport Ave) is another local market that offers lives music and is a great place to buy produce and grab dinner.  There are tons of food vendors who sell anything from crepes to ceviches, and most offers samples of their fare.  Local artisans will be selling their arts and crafts; this is a great way to support the local community.  The fun starts at 4pm and goes to 8pm. 

SATURDAY:

The Little Italy Mercato (580 W. Date St.) spans five blocks with over 150 vendors selling foods, gifts, and clothing, all in a downtown setting.  Spend a good part of your Saturday (hours are 8am to 2pm) shopping for everything from herbs to fine cheeses to beautifully grown orchids surrounded by San Diego’s urban landscape.  Mercato also has live music to add to the fun and be sure and come hungry!   

SUNDAY

Everything about the Open Aire Market in La Jolla (7335 Girard Ave) is adorable, from it’s setting (elementary school’s playground) to its vendors (homemade donuts, potted succulents).  Their website is equally charming and informative, with a list of produce and what time of year is optimal to buy them.  Grab some cookies, freshly squeezed juices, and don’t forget the famous lobster rolls.

You can take supporting local farms to the next step by dining at ‘Farm to Table’ restaurants.  These dining establishments are committed to supporting neighborhood farms and sourcing their products locally, and in some cases that means the nearby Pacific Ocean. 

Located in historic Mission Hills, The Red Door, has the motto, “We grow what you eat.”  They take farm-to-table dining seriously and source all ingredients locally from fruits and vegetables to humanely raised meats.  The menu is based on what’s in season and they even use vegetables from their own garden.  Have a delicious meal and feel good about supporting local businesses.

Farm to table cannot get more elegant than dinner at The Wellington Steak & Martini Lounge.  Responsibly grown and raised ingredients come together for a refined menu that will not disappoint.  Known for their namesake dish (beef Wellington, of course), be sure and save room for dessert, as they are also known for their banana cream pie.  Repose in the sophisticated dining room after a delectable meal, supporting local farms has never been so chic. 

The seafood doesn’t get any fresher than at The Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill.  Caught in local waters, you can order a meal or take home a fresh catch.  "Locals" know you choose your fish as a sandwich, salad or plate and then select a marinade.  There are also amazing fish tacos, homemade soups, chowders and oysters.  

Voted by critics and customers as one of the best “Farm to Table” restaurants in the city, Whisknladle, works with farms to create a seasonal menu with the best ingredients.  Located in the heart of La Jolla, they mix French, Spanish, and Italian cuisine for stunning results.  The inventive menu changes from brunch to lunch to dinner, so multiple visits will be necessary.  

Let’s kick off the season by celebrating and supporting local spring harvests.  San Diego brings the farmers to you so you can eat healthy and support neighborhood growers who delight in furnishing you with their bounty.  So while you are spending time in sunny Mission Bay, stop by a farmers’ market or frequent a farm-to-table restaurant to put a spring in your step.

Lucky Charms in San Diego

Our golden city on the coast couldn’t be more different than the overcast, emerald green isle of Ireland, but this weekend it will be all about Irish traditions.  San Diego might not be known for strong Gaelic ties, but this town takes celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day seriously.  True, we have almost a week until the 17^th of March, but this weekend is when the fun really begins. 

Starting bright and early at 7:45am, the 35^th Annual St. Patrick’s Day 10K Run will take place on Saturday, the 14^th.  This run has something for everyone no matter your fitness levels.  In addition to the 10K, there is also a 2- and 4-mile walk/run.  The route winds around Mission Bay, so along with gorgeous weather, you’re going to have just as gorgeous scenery.  Everyone who finishes will receive a medal and t-shirt, and since the event is sponsored by Domino’s Pizza, there will also be free . . . you guessed it, pizza.  An award will be given for the best “Irish Themed” running getup, so feel free to channel your inner leprechaun.   Not feeling up for the run?  You can always cheer on those who are running to benefit Rady Children’s Hospital and get a kick out of the more festive  runners.

Downtown San Diego has the largest parade west of the Mississippi, all it’s in honor of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.  The annual St. Patrick’sDay Parade this Saturday features bagpipes, high school marching bands, police and fire department units, dancers, equestrian units, and of course, floats.  This year’s theme is “Celebrating Faith and Freedom,” and to commemorate this theme, there will be a flag raising ceremony at 9:45am in Balboa Park near 6^th Ave and Juniper St.  The parade starts at 10:30am and will be guaranteed fun for the whole family.  Did we mention it’s free?

In conjunction with the parade, there is also the St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Balboa Park.  Food and craft booths, along with two beer gardens will be ready to go at 9:00am.  Two hours later, at 11:00am, the toe-tapping live entertainment on two stages will begin; Irish Step Dancers, traditional Celtic music, Irish folk singers, and Irish rock bands will provide free entertainment until 5:30pm. At the corner of Sixth and Quince, there will also be an authentic Celtic Village meant to resemble 1582 with performers recreating Irish history.  To top off the fun, the Festival also offers a Kids Zone.  Let the little ones play games, pet llamas, get their faces painted, enjoy the rides, and learn more about Ireland’s fascinating history. 

In conjunction with the parade, there is also the St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Balboa Park.  Food and craft booths, along with two beer gardens will be ready to go at 9:00am.  Two hours later, at 11:00am, the toe-tapping live entertainment on two stages will begin; Irish Step Dancers, traditional Celtic music, Irish folk singers, and Irish rock bands will provide free entertainment until 5:30pm. At the corner of Sixth and Quince, there will also be an authentic Celtic Village meant to resemble 1582 with performers recreating Irish history.  To top off the fun, the Festival also offers a Kids Zone.  Let the little ones play games, pet llamas, get their faces painted, enjoy the rides, and learn more about Ireland’s fascinating history. 

There might not be a pot o’ gold waiting at the end of the rainbow this weekend (there’ll be too much sun and absolutely no rain), but a good time will be had by all.  Mission Bay, once again, is at the center of it all.  Let your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations start early this weekend and continue through the actual holiday on the 17^th.  You might need a few days of resting on the beach anyway to recover from the weekend.  

Let’s Keep It Outdoors, San Diego

Spring is in the air and daylight savings time begins this Sunday.  It’s time for longer days and more fun in the sun.  San Diego might have had a little rain yesterday but the rest of the week is looking to be our typical 70-degree, sunny weather that we know and love.  In honor of those bright rays – we’ve devoted this post to all outdoor fun!

Take a morning stroll along Mission Bay and then end your walk at the no-frills Kono’s Café for a delicious (and not too pricey) breakfast.  Like most amazing breakfast joints, there might be a line around the corner, but just know it’ll be worth it.  You can’t beat their generous portions of bacon and eggs, along with their pancakes and French toast are just melt-in-your-mouth perfection.  Outdoor seating lets you soak up the sun’s vitamin D while you eat.

Walk breakfast off as you meander through Seaport Village, located a few miles south of Mission Bay, and enjoy the 2015 Busker Festival.  On March 7^th and 8^th from noon until 6PM, see the best street performers, not just in San Diego, but in the nation.  Wander down the cobblestone streets and take in the music, dancing and magic (literally).  Entry is free, but the performers will gladly accept tips.   

Food truck mania is sweeping the nation and what better way to enjoy the innovative cuisine than sitting outside?  Here are three of our favorites:

Voted one of the best food trucks in San Diego in 2014, Devilicious has rich and creative fare such as the “All Crab Crab Cake.”  This dish features a decadent crab cake with a fried egg, lettuce and tomato, sandwiched between a sourdough English muffin.  Their “Butter Poached Lobster Grilled Cheese” takes the classic sandwich and ups the ante to 11: Lobster tail, caramelized onion and Roma tomatoes smothered in cheese served on freshly baked artisan sourdough.  For a sinful dessert order the “S’More’s ‘Wich;” nutella, biscoff, marshmallows, chcolate syrup on butter toasted sourdough all come to together for a truly unforgettable dessert.  Check out their website for lunch and dinner locations.

When your food truck’s motto is “Keep Calm and Eat Well,” you’re guaranteed good eats with an Anglophile twist.  God Save the Cuisine is an eclectic mix of British food and international favorites.  Think fish and chips tacos and curried lamb sandwiches.  GDTC is owned by two brothers from southeast England who believe in supporting local business as much as possible.  They work hard to find the best ingredients from local, organic and sustainable farms.  The Calendar section on their site will let you know exactly where to find them, and when in doubt look for the red, British, double-decker bus blasting music from the UK.

For an All-American meal, look no further than Super Q Food Truck.  They claim to have the best BBQ this side of the Mississippi and the long lines along with positive reviews certainly backs that claim up.  This truck offers hickory smoked BBQ merging the different southern styles from North Carolina, Texas and Kansas City.  They say the secret to good meat is a mix of a good rub and a long roast.  Super Q has a signature rub and the meats are smoked for 13 hours to achieve the perfect amount of tenderness.  The meat is topped with Kaminski’s sweet and tangy house-made BBQ sauce for a flavorful and perfectly messy result.

All three of these food trucks will be parked at the Best Coast Beer Fest all day on Saturday, the 7^th.  Not only will this event bring together over 50 of San Diego’s craft breweries, and 14 local chefs, but 100% of the proceeds will go to the Cancer for College charity fund.  Cancer for College recognizes that many struggling with cancer do not have money for higher education after hefty medical bills.  Consequently they provide grants to cancer survivors to assist with the costs to pursue a college education.  Actor Will Ferrell is a long time supporter of this cause and proudly endorses the Festival.  Rumor has it, he might actually be making an appearance at Beer Fest this year.  Standard tickets start at $45, and there is also a Designated Driver Ticket ($20) for those who want in on the fun but don’t want to drink.

Did you know San Diego was voted the second most playful city in America?  With so many al fresco options it’s easy to see why.  Let Mission BayVacation Rentals be your starting off point for an adventurous, fun, and always sunny good time.