Shakespeare in San Diego

There are so many ways to spend a beautiful San Diego evening, one of which is to spend an evening out at an amazing restaurant and then at one of the greatest theaters in the county. Built in 1935 (after the Globe Theatre in London, where Shakespeare himself saw many of his plays performed), The Old Globe Theatre is a San Diego staple.  Also called the Simon Edison Centre of the Performing Arts, the beautiful tudor replica is made up of three stages, and is located in the heart of Balboa Park.  The Globe always has spectacular productions, and the next two months’ productions are going to add to its stellar reputation. 

This week, until July 26th, is the Shakespearean comedy Twelfth Night a classic tale of mixed identity, romance with a proper dose of hilarity.  This play is light-hearted fun and truly showcases ‘The Bard’s’ talent for elaborate word play.  Famed stage director Rebecca Taichman has created imaginative, modern sets that are visually stunning and will transept you to a magical world full of merry and wit. 

Starting on July 1st to August 2nd is the entertaining and uproarious Cole Porter musical, Kiss Me Kate, a modern take on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.  Filled with toe-tapping tunes, clever dialogue and lively dance numbers, this production has been newly staged by Tony award-winning director, Darko Tresnjak.  This is one of the greatest musical comedies ever staged and you won’t want to miss your chance to enjoy it.  

But, before you catch a show, you’ll want a delicious pre-theater meal and The Prado, located a short walk from the Globe, is the perfect choice.  Dine on creative small bites like the Seared American Kobe Beef Sushi Roll and entrees like the Pan Roasted Sea Bass while gazing at the Japanese Gardens.  They are known for having the prettiest outdoor dining space in San Diego. 

After the show, you might be craving something sweet, and Extraordinary Desserts (also close to the Globe) is the place to go.  Choose one of their decadent desserts like the Blueberry Cheesecake Coffee Cake, the  Salted Caramel Chocolate Tarts or the Creme Brûlée Aux Fruits Rogues — tart shells painted with white chocolate then filled with vanilla creme brûlée and topped with a fresh berry (yum!).  If you’re craving something savory, try the sea salt kettle chips or the avocado bruschetta.  They absolutely live up to their name, and they’re open until midnight on Friday and Saturday. 

If you want to grab a cocktail after the show and like to keep things very casual, then visit Nunu's, a local dive bar that’s been around for over 50 years.  This watering-hole is near the theater, always has great tunes playing, and sometimes you can catch cast members hanging out after a performance at The Old Globe.  Nunu’s is known for its cozy booths, friendly staff, and hearty bar (fried) food.  This joint isn’t fancy, but it is fun.

We can’t think of a better way to spend a night in San Diego than eating dinner al fresco, catching a play at our favorite theater, and ending the night with either dessert or hanging out with locals at an old-fashioned dive bar.  At Mission Bay Vacation Rentals we love any excuse to hop over to Balboa Park, which is just a few minutes away.  And if Shakespeare could see this Globe Theatre, we're sure he would have packed his bags and moved in a heartbeat.

Father's Day at Belmont Park

 Father’s Day is this weekend and for the ideal place to celebrate look no further than historic Belmont Park in Mission Bay.  The old-fashioned amusement park on the boardwalk has recently been renovated and added even more great attractions.  This weekend the park has tailored its activities towards things Dad and the whole family would enjoy.  We’ve crafted an itinerary for a long weekend that’s heavy on the fun and all about dad.

FRIDAY

On Friday, grab lunch at the California classic, Hot Dog on a Stick, for corn dogs made from all-turkey meat and the best fresh squeezed lemonade in town.  As your food settles, head towards Tiki Town Adventure Golf, an indoor and outdoor mini golf course.  From golf pros to beginners, you’ll have a great time on the 18-hole interactive course.

After a game of mini golf, you’ll want a snack, and right around the corner is Dole Whip, a frozen, whipped pineapple and vanilla dessert.  This refreshing treat is perfect for a hot day and not too heavy, so you’ll be ready for the next stop: the Big Dipper.  The star of Belmont Park, the Dipper is a famous wooden roller coaster and a landmark of Mission Beach.  Built in 1925 (this is the Dipper’s 90th anniversary!), this high speed ride has dips and turns and offers great views of the beach and bay when you’re at the highest peak.  

Continue the retro amusement park theme by stopping by the Liberty Carousel for a family-friendly ride, or plunge through the air on the Crazy Submarine or experience the swinging thrills of the Beach Blaster.  After all the spinning and twirling, you’ll be ready to take a seat and relax for a spell, so head over to the Wave House, home to a ten foot tall wave machine.  Watch surfers on the FlowBarrel wave simulator Hang 10 on artificial waves.  From 5pm to 8pm you can cheer on amateur flow boarders as they compete for a wildcard entry in to the US Open FlowBoarding event taking place the next day. 

At dinnertime, stroll over to Cannonball for incredible sushi and killer views.  They have the largest oceanfront rooftop in San Diego and a creative menu, all set in a pool-like seating arrangement.  Enjoy fried chicken bao buns and spicy octopus rolls while reclining on cushioned benches and finish the evening with kiwi cheesecake while keeping warm by the fire pit.  

SATURDAY 

Car enthusiasts and dad will love the 2nd Annual Car Show, held in the north parking lot from 9am to 3pm.  The first 100 dads who attend will receive a free Draft branded beer chalice!  After checking out classic cars, make your way to Draft for brunch and some brews.  Draft boasts 69 beers on tap and a wide variety of craft lagers.  And beer isn’t their only speciality, their decadent brunch menu offers strawberry shortcake biscuits, a French toast B.L.T., and a pistachio crusted salmon sandwich, to name a few. 

With cars still on the mind, steer towards the rides of Belmont park for a turn at Krazy Kars, Speedway, and Overdrive Bumper Kars.  Old-fashioned, automotive-themed fun that everyone will love. 

Head back to the WaveHouse to see the start of the US Open of FlowBoarding,which starts at 2pm.  Don’t miss your chance to meet the pros who will be signing posters and posing for photos with fans.  The WaveHouse also offers delicious food, so when you start to feel peckish, order up some sesame sriracha hummus, blackened cod sandwich or a strawberry salad.  At 6pm, live music will get you moving and  maybe give you a second wind.  

SUNDAY

After a couple days of watching the flow riders you’ll be ready for some adrenaline-packed activities, and the Zip Line is the perfect place to start.  Soar through the air and enjoy vistas of the ocean and Belmont Park.  Or, if you need an extra shot of heart-pounding adventure, then try the Leap of Faith, a free-falling bungee jump, that will make you feel free as a bird. 

For a hearty lunch, Belmonty’s is definitely for those with a heathy appetite.  Fill up on tasty burgers covered in gooey cheese, funnel cake and friend Oreos.  You’ll want to get your body moving after  lunch, and the Lazer Maze Challenge is where you should head.  Another newly added attraction, try to navigate your way through a timed course, without breaking the laser stream.  Once you have a taste for ducking and diving through lasers, naturally you’ll want to try your hand at Laser Tag, a Tron-themed, three-level course, where you compete with others in this futuristic version of tag.  

For those needing a sugary indulgence between meals, The Sweet Shoppe is your place.  Homemade fudge, candy apples and frozen bananas will satisfy your sweet tooth and tide you over until dinner.  

 If you aren’t afraid of heights, then the Sky Climb and Speedwall await.  The first is a new 30-foot tall climbing wall, with multiple ways to the top, depending on your skill-set.  Speedwall times your climb and you can compete as you race to the top.  If you still need one more shot of vertigo-challenging entertainment, the Sky Ropes is your best bet.  Once you’re secured in a harness, you can negotiate your way around this elevated rope course on roped bridges and beams.  

You’ve had brunch at Draft, but now its time for a return visit for an amazing dinner menu.   Considering they’re located right on the boardwalk, the people watching will be worth a return visit as well.  Feast on elegant comfort food like lobster fritters, Cuban torts, and to ensure a proper food coma: chocolate bread pudding with Reese’s ice cream.

MONDAY

The whole family will need a day to recover from the weekend and strolling along the bay or napping on Mission Beach will be the perfect way to repose and recharge.  At Mission Bay Vacation Rentals, we can’t think of a better way to spend a family-orientated weekend then staying local and enjoying quality time with loved ones.

Cool Eats and Refreshing Drinks

Summer vacation calls for some summertime treats and in San Diego, nothing beats aguas frescas (Spanish for “cool water” or “refreshing drink”) and homemade churros (fried dough coated in cinnamon and sugar).  Lucky for us, San Diego is filled with Mexican restaurants and taquerias that have the tastiest churros and freshest drinks in the world (well, maybe we’re a little biased).     

Pressed juices are all the rage, but before there were fancy $10 organic juices, there were aguas frescas.  Most Mexican eateries have horchata (rice, milk, cinnamon and sugar), but you don’t want to miss jamaica (hibiscus flowers), and sandia (watermelon) when available.  Most of our farmer’s markets have several booths selling these drinks, but for those days you’re not wandering around a farmer’s market, here’s a few places you can grab one.  

Puesto is a restaurant that specializes in Mexican street food with two locations in La Jolla and Downtown.  They were voted “Best Taco Shop” and “Best Taco” in San Diego and for good reason, they use all natural meats, sustainable seafood and local organic greens.  But if you stop by, do not miss their aguas, which are made from scratch daily.  Flavors such as mango lime, strawberry banana, jamaica and frozen horchata, are worth a visit alone, even if you’re not hungry.

     

Locals know that Oscar’s Mexican Seafood has some of the best fish tacos in town, but did you know you could get a tall glass of fresh juice for $2 and change?  There are three locations, La Jolla, Pacific Beach and Hillcrest, all serving “Fresh Fruit Water” like guava and watermelon.  When you order the famous spicy shrimp taco or ceviche, make sure you order a cool drink as well.   

Now, if you want in on the pressed juice craze, than look no further than Juice Saves, the best  juice bar in San Diego.  Nothing tops this place, with their pure ingredients and exotic combinations, and you won’t mind splurging.  Grab a Pineapple Tonic (made of pineapple, pear, lemon and cayenne), or order a Strawberry Milk (an apple, strawberry and coconut milk blend).  In you want something that will really fill you up, then order one of their blended drinks, like ‘B-A-N-A-N-A-S,’ made of frozen banana and almond blended with a shot of one of their pressed juices.  

At D Bar, a lively and popular neighborhood food joint, you can order their D Bar Signature Vanilla Lemonade for a modern twist on aguas frescas.  But, whatever you do, make sure you stay for dessert.  Their ‘Ch Ch Ch Churros!’ won’t disappoint.  Served with chocolate dipping sauce and homemade vanilla ice cream, this version will melt in your mouth and you’ll be sure to visit again.

Ortega’s Bistro, housed in a charming cottage, is known for their inviting atmosphere as well as their delicious food.  But this Hillcrest neighborhood staple, is also known for decadent cream filled churros served with a warm chocolate dipping sauce.  And, if you really feel like indulging, order the Tahitian Vanilla Bean Gelato to go with it.

The Blind Burro regularly serves up fresh tacos and tequila, but the reason we love this place are the churros served with a creme anglaise sauce.  They’re light as air and cooked (well, technically  fried) to perfection.  Here’s the best part, their brunch menu offers Churro Waffles, which is reason enough to pay them a visit.  

Las Americas Premium Outlets, located less than a mile from the San Diego and Tijuana border, are a great shopping destination, but the real reason we like to visit is for Churros El Tigre.  A small food stand, that offers made-to-order churros with sweetened condensed milk as a topping and at reasonable prices.  Their dipping sauces include hot caramel, Bavarian cream, hot chocolate, and strawberry preserves, and of course we recommend all of them.  

Sipping an aguas frescas or munching on a delicious churro is the perfect indulgence.  Our town is simply the best place for such delectable treats.  Start your summer off right with a stay at Mission Bay Vacation Rentals and maybe a few refreshing and sugary delights.

A Fair to Remember

You know it’s summer time when the San Diego County Fair comes to town.  It kicks off this Friday at the Del Mar Fairgrounds with a performance by world famous disco-funk favorite KC and the Sunshine Band.  Most county fairs have the same variety of game booths, rides, and fried foods, but this year, in addition to the classics, San Diego has some completely unique and entertaining options.

Fried foods are a staple to all fairs, but this year we have some new comers that you won’t want to miss.  Did you know the man who invented the deep-fried Oreos is a staple at the San Diego County Fair?  Chicken Charlie has been frying all kinds of food (from Kool Aid to s’mores) for over thirty years.  This year he’ll present the deep-friend slim fast meal bar and the deep-fried peanut butter pickle (a hollowed-out pickle filled with peanut butter then fried).  Talk about decadent but sure-to-be delicious eating!  

If you enjoy TV shows such as, “So You Think You Can Dance,” “America’s Got Talent,” or “America’s Best Dance Crew,” then you won’t want to miss Sunday, June 14th’s dance competition.  From 3:00pm to 7:00pm, you can watch in awe, as San Diego’s best dance crews compete for cash prizes.  The youth division will perform for the first hour, and teens and adults will complete the final hours.  Cheer on your favorite crew as they are judged on their skills, showmanship, creativity, rhythm, and costume.  

Tuesday, June 23 and June 30, kids 12 and younger are free.  Also, on these days, food vendors will offer smaller portions of their grub for only $2.  Perfect for kids with smaller appetites or adults who want to eat more of different types of food.  Check out the Kid’s Page for more details.  If your children have a larger appetite, look for the “Kid’s Meal Deal” signs around the Fair, these vendors will be offering $5.99 meals that include an entree, side dish, drink, and child’s admission to several local attractions. 

Fairs and families go hand-in-hand, and that’s why we’re excited for the specially designated area (in the racetrack infield) dedicated to families and activities that children, as well as adults will enjoy, called, Family Funville (of course).  Here are three of the things we are looking forward to in Funville:

New to this year’s County Fair, is Fiesta Village; Latin-themed fun for the whole family.  In addition to tasting authentic Mexican food, you can also enjoy musical numbers and choreographed dances, and artisans from Mexico and Central America will be demonstrating how they make their crafts.  Bring your camera, so you can Instagram your photo in from of the beautiful 160-foot long mural.  

For history buffs, there will be two displays that are right up your alley.  The Marine Core Air Station Miramar will be displaying military equipment from World War II, the Vietnam War and Desert Storm, highlighting the significance of these conflicts.  The second, is a an authentic 1959 Airstream trailer, complete with camping gear from this era.  You’ll get a kick out of what camping looking like more than 50 years ago.  

Does your family have a competitive streak?  If so, you’ll love the daily family -orientated contests  such as the sack race, three-legged race, and horse shoe toss that take place at 3:00 pm.  Depending on the day, you can see who will win the hula hoop competition or who can blow the biggest piece of bubble gum.  There will also be 3:30 pm contests such as the best animal noise and father/child look-alike contest on the Fiesta Stage.  Check out the schedule HERE.

The Fair winds down on July 5th, so that gives you plenty of time to check out all the food and entertainment.  Stay for a week at Mission Bay Vacation Rentals, and take a few day trips to the County Fair to make sure you hit all the exciting and enjoyable activities.  And, like we said, you should come hungry.