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.

Mother's Day Out

It’s time to celebrate Mom’s this Sunday!  In addition to the customary flowers and brunch (we still love Our Favorites from last year), we’ve got some other suggestions for a great weekend.  From flower festivals to chocolate celebrations and even some charitable activities, we know you and mom will have plenty to do.  

    

Everyone knows about the San Diego Zoo's extensive animal research and preservation program, as well as their unique collection from the animal kingdom, but did you know they have a world-renowned botanical garden throughout their grounds?  Thousands of rare plant species are integrated all over the park and this Saturday and Sunday (May 7th and 8th) the Zoo is celebrating their impressive flora with the Garden Festival.  The adults will love the Botanical Walking and Bus tours guided by an experienced horticulturist, and the kids will love the scavenger hunt and craft area.  And, everyone in the family will love the fascinating carnivorous plant exhibit in the Lost Forest area.  In case you want to go home with a botanical gift, they are having a plant sale with a horticulturist on hand to help chose the best plant for you.  Check out the schedule HERE, because the days will be jam-packed with must-see events.        

Mother’s Day wouldn’t be complete without some chocolate, and the San Diego Botanic Garden is hosting a Chocolate Festival on Saturday (May 7th) that will take care of any sweet craving you or mom might have.  From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, you can try and buy dozens of divine chocolate confections, enjoy dipping treats in the chocolate fountain, and drool as you watch chocolate demonstrations.  Tasting tickets will be sold for $1 which will allow you to sample different delectable desserts.  There will be loads of children’s activities and music through out the day, and food from Isaac’s Catering, so feel free to come hungry.  Another plus: vendors will be selling not only chocolate, but other Mother’s Day  gifts like candles, beauty products and accessories.           

Start Mother’s Day off early and by doing some good with the San Diego Mother’s Day Run happening in Mission Bay on Sunday, May 8th.  This is the fourth annual Mother’s Day Run and check-in is bright and early at 7:00 AM.  Proceeds for the race will go to the San Diego Rescue Mission, which has been helping the homeless by providing not only food and shelter, but also medical needs, childcare, vocational training, and rehabilitation for over 60 years.  There will be three course options: 10K, 5K, and a Kids’ 100M dash, and all races will be held at DeAnza Cove Park.  Start the morning off with a lovely run (or jog or walk, all levels of runners are welcome), taking in the beautiful views of the cove, knowing you are helping people out.  Tickets for the race run between $35 and $45. 

For a more leisurely walk on Sunday, head over to the Coronado Visitor Center and Historical Association and Museum for their Coronado Historical Tour.  Every year different houses on the historic island will be opened to the public from the spectacular to the charming.   This year’s theme is “Coronado Home By the Sea,” and six different homes will be ready to view that represent this theme in either interior design, architectural style, or both.  The tour is from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and tickets start at $40.  The Historical Association exists to preserve Coronado’s storied history and to encourage the public’s appreciation for the small landmarks that dot the island. 

This Mother’s Day there’s plenty to do to get out and enjoy the holiday, especially with the cooler temps.  With Mission Bay Vacation Rentals as your home base, you’ll be central to all the action, and at the end of the day, will have a relaxing place to retreat.  Something we know you and mom would enjoy. 

Garden Party

Botanical Gardens date back thousands of years, with some of the first recorded ones in ancient Egypt.  These gardens were meant to not only celebrate the beauty of nature, but also to cultivate medicines and remedies created by flowers and plants.  San Diego has some world class Botanical Gardens, although these are no longer used for medicinal reasons, they are for our visual enjoyment and help conserve rare botanic species.

This weekend is a great time to visit the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas, a short 25-minute drive north from Mission Bay.  Not only are the flowers in full-bloom, but it’s also the annual ArtFest, happening this Saturday and Sunday (April 9^th and 10^th).   From 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, over 20 artists, from sculptors to painters to glass artists to potters, will all be showcasing and selling their best work.  On Saturday there will be a car show featuring the classic beach car, the Woody, brought to you by the San Diego Woodies Club.  You won’t want to miss the quick draw contest, where artists will create a stunning piece in a short period of time right before your eyes.   Feast on fresh sandwiches, salads and sweet treats available from The Feel Good Coffee Cart for those who work up an appetite.  Admission is $14 for adults; $10 for seniors, active military, and students $10; $8 for children ages 3 to 12 (children under 2 are free).  Parking is also an additional $2. 

If you cannot make it to the Botanical Gardens this weekend, we highly recommend planning a visit sometime this Spring.  The layout is mainly divided by diverse locations as Africa, Australia, and the Canary Islands.  There are also areas devoted to special genera of flowers, such as succulents, herb, and a special area that attracts birds and butterflies.  Bird watchers will definitely want to bring their binoculars.  The Garden also has some special areas devoted to children, that even adults will enjoy exploring.  Hamilton’s Children’s Garden allows kids to climb Toni’s Tree House in a jungle canopy setting and hop through an elephant foot tree forest.  The Seeds of Wonder Children’s Garden is designed for preschool age tots and includes a dinosaur garden, playhouse, and miniature garden railroad.  Both gardens were designed to help families connect and interact with nature.  Be sure and check out their Website to see which seasonal flowers are in bloom, and where in the garden you can find them.  With so many different eco-systems represented, this is a garden you’ll want to visit many times throughout the year.

Speaking of Botanical Gardens, we would be remiss if we didn’t

mention the iconic and brilliant Botanical Building in Balboa

Park.  Built in 1915 for the Panama-California Exposition,

this domed edifice houses over 2000 permanent plants, as well as

a rotating exhibit.  The incredibly unique selection of cycads, 

ferns, orchids, and tropical plants will keep visitors mesmerized, 

and the kids will love the carnivorous plant section, which includes 

the Pitcher plant and Venus Fly Trap, to name a few.  Try and find

the flower that smells of chocolate or the plant that smells of lemon

mint.  As you exit the building and you will be treat to the

serene Lily Pond and Lagoon, which is inhabited by gorgeous koi

and is surrounded by more lovely flowers.  Currently, the Botanical

Building is featuring an Easter Lily Display through April 28^th.

This white, trumpet-shaped flower is not only wonderful to behold,

but also has an intoxicating fragrance.  The Botanical Building is 

free to the public and open six days a week from 10:00 AM

to 4:00 PM, and closed on Thursdays.

After checking into one of Mission Bay Vacation Rental’s centrally-located properties, pay a visit to these fascinating gardens and drink in their tranquility and beauty.  We might not need these botanical oases for medicinal purposes anymore, but they do work wonders at putting a smile on one’s face.  Now, that’s just what the doctor ordered.