Films Al Fresco

Summer evenings in San Diego are the perfect setting to catch an outdoor movie.  As the sun sets and the temperature dips to the high 60s, its an ideal climate to snuggle up in a blanket and enjoy a favorite flick with the stars shining overhead.  You can catch one of these outdoor film series throughout the week and many are free.

"Summer Movies in the Park" is a film series that began in 2007 as a way to encourage locals to enjoy their neighborhood parks.  The movie nights have grown from four communities around San Diego County to 44 this year.  All movies start at dusk, or about 15 minutes after sunset, and we suggest you go early to lay claim to your area with blankets and chairs.  And, "Summer Movies in the Park" is a great time to grab your favorite Picnic Dinner.  The movie nights run until October 29th and most are on Fridays and Saturdays (with one Thursday night showing).  Check their calendar HERE for details on which films are being shown where and get updates on their Facebook Page.  

The Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens in Point Loma is home to the Liberty Station Movie Nights every Tuesday until August 30th.  The Movie Pavilion opens at 5:00 PM and you can bring chairs and blankets to save your spot.  Their extensive bar opens at 6:00 PM where you can choose from 40 types of craft beer on tap.  Movies are free but we also recommend eating at Stone Brewing, as their menu features an artisanal, natural approach to food and they are the largest restaurant purchaser of small-farm organic produce in San Diego County.  The movie starts at 8:30 PM, and if you do want to eat at the restaurant, Stone Brewing suggests saving your seats first, then see the host and let them know you're planning on seeing the movie and then they'll make sure your meal is over before the film begins.  

Balboa Park has so many picturesque settings that it only makes sense that they also offer a free movie night.  "Film in the Garden" features movies every Monday evening in August at 7:45 PM.  The screen is set up on the Botanical Lawn, east of the San Diego Museum of Art.  Bring your coziest blanket, a picnic meal and arrive early, as these spots get snatched up quickly.  An interesting twist to the traditional movie series, these films are chosen according to different art exhibits at the Museum of Art.  For example, the first film on August 1st, "How to Make an American Quilt," ties in with the "Quilts and Color from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston" exhibit which runs through September 5th.  

For those who can't escape to Italy this summer, you can enjoy a bit of Italian culture thanks to the "Little Italy Summer Film Festival."  Presented by the Little Italy Association and the Cinema Little Italy, the films run every Saturday night until August 27th.  Doors open at the Amici Park Amphitheater at 7:30 PM and the films begin at 8:00 PM.  All movies are chosen from classic Italian cinema and have English subtitles for those who don't parla italiano.  There is a requested $5 donation for entry.  With our climate being very similar to the Mediterranean it will be easy to sit back and pretend you're actually in Italia.  

Our last suggestion for an outdoor movie is actually for adults 21 and over, as it involves a special wine pairing that will match the movie shown that night.  The Athenaeum Music and Arts Library in La Jolla is a charming library with art exhibitions, concerts, lectures, studio art classes and in the summer home to "Flicks on the Bricks."  Every Thursday in August a different film is shown at 7:30 PM, beginning on August 4th.  The movies are screened on the patio of the Athenaeum and appetizers are served that also compliment the wine and a different creative cocktail each week.  Movies are $22 for non-members of the Library.  

Our city was made for spending time outdoors and we have so many lovely and diverse settings to set up camp and enjoy a film.  There's still plenty of time this summer to book a fabulous vacation home with Mission Bay Vacation Rentals and there's still plenty of time to plan an evening or two outside watching an equally fabulous movie al fresco.

'Tis the Season for Fun!

The holiday season is upon us, which means twinkling lights, spreading joy, and maybe buying a gift or two.  There won’t be a shortage of Santa sightings this month, from parades to tree lightings, the big guy in red will be all over San Diego.  As temperatures drop to the 50’s in the evening (burr!), you’ll want to bundle up in a light sweater and sip on some piping hot chocolate or wassail, while you stroll through the holiday cheer our town has planned.  

Santa is making appearance at all of the Holiday Parades happening this weekend, starting with the Toyland Parade & Festival on Saturday at 11:00 am.  This is the 52nd year for the trendy North Park and Hillcrest neighborhood’s festival, which will wind down around 3:00 pm.  Next, you can head over to Ocean Beach for the 36th annual OB Holiday Parade which begins at 5:05pm.  This parade will not only feature classic cars and the Point Loma Marching Band, but also the SD Roller Derby Dolls, who will be gliding down street in their outrageous get ups.  On Sunday, December 6th, La Jolla will be hosting their Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival, complete with photo ops with Santa and crafts for the little ones.  The parade starts at 1:30 pm and all the fun will go on until 5:00 pm.   

If brightly lit Christmas trees are your favorite part of the season, then you won’t want to miss the Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village on Saturday, December 5th.  Santa drop by at 4:00 pm saying hello to all the good girls and boys, and to help light the 25 foot tree (that’s actually made up of over 1,000 poinsettias) at 5:30 pm.  The festivities will go on until 8:00 pm, which will give you plenty of time to wander through the holiday vendors, sip on hot mulled cider, and sing along with the live music. 

Balboa Park will transform into a Winter Wonderland on Friday, December 4th, and Saturday, December 5th, for the park’s 38th year celebrating December Nights.  Along will the thousands of brilliant lights winding through the grounds, there will also be delicious food and gorgeous music from all over the world.  One of the highlights of December Nights is that many of the museums open their doors free of charge from 5:00 to 9:00 pm.  This is something that the whole family will want to see, and the park has designated an interactive area just for children across from the Botanical Building.  The merriment begins on Friday at 3pm and on Saturday from 12:00 noon to 11:00 pm.  

While you are in the Balboa Park neighborhood in the evening, consider a stop at Eclipse Chocolate, a charming bistro, that also has an impressive menu of hot chocolates.  Yes! there’s a whole section on the menu devoted to different combinations and infusions for their specially crafted drinking chocolate.  Considering Travel & Leisure magazine awarded them with ‘America’s Best Hot Chocolate’ title, this would also be a great stocking stuffer, as they sell packaged versions of their popular, chocolaty drink.   They also sell an assortment of chocolates, caramels and sweets, that would be make lovely hostess gifts or the perfect treat to bring to a holiday party.

December is a magical month in San Diego.  Our town is packed will so many holiday activities,   there’s no missing out on the festive spirit and constant fun.  Why not start the celebrating this weekend by booking a stay at Mission Bay Vacation Rentals?  You might even consider spending the month with us at the beach for a truly relaxing holiday season.  And, don’t worry, Santa will know where to find you.   

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.