Checking Off New Year's Resolutions

The year is winding down (that was fast!) and it’s time to contemplate goals for 2016.  According to Nielsen (the global information company, known for the television Nielsen ratings), seven of the top ten most popular New Year’s Resolutions can be checked off the list by booking a vacation at Mission Bay Vacation Rentals.  Hard to believe?  Let’s break it down.   

Traveling More is on the list, and booking a flight to invariably sunny Mission Bay, San Diego, definitely counts.  Even if Mission Bay is somewhere you can drive to, getting out of the house and spending time in a new environment is always invigorating and helps one reset their hectic schedule.  Making picturesque San Diego your first stop in the new year is a no-brainer.  

Staying Fit and Healthy, year after year, is always at the top of the list.  Gyms are usually the winner here, with memberships spiking in January; but how many of us keep going for the rest of the year?  Forget exercising indoors, Mission Bay is packed with fun activities on land and water that will keep your heart rate up.  There’s a reason San Diego is always voted one of the top ‘Fittest’ cities in the U.S.  

Hop on a beach cruiser and ride down the Mission Beach boardwalk or among the calm waters of Mission Bay.  Take in the fresh air as you mountain bike around Torrey Pines or Tecolote Canyon.  Grab your running shoes and you can trace the same biking trails on foot.  Want a little more zen in your physical pursuits?  Head to an outdoor yoga class in Pacific Beach, La Jolla, or Ocean Beach.  

Needless to say, we’ve got plenty of exercise options that involve the deep blue sea.  Snorkeling and SCUBA diving are great ways to burn calories while exploring a new world.  You can rent kayaks and paddle boards for a spin around the bay or the open waters.  Our coastline is a surfer’s paradise for beginners or seasoned riders.   Mission Beach Surfing School offers not just surf lessons, but kite and wake surfing, as well as stand up paddle boarding.   Pacific Surf School will let you book private or group classes, rent paddle boards, or book a yoga class on top of a surf board.  Chances are, at least one of these will qualify as Learning a New Hobby.  

Losing Weight (especially those pesky holiday pounds) is usually at the top of the list of most New Year’s Resolutions.  With all the outdoor fun in Mission Bay, the weight will melt off without even trying.  On top of the exercising, San Diego is one of the best cities in the world for healthy and delicious clean eating.  Our town has its pick of great farmer’s markets and farm-to-table restaurants, where the food is salubrious, fresh, and tasty.  Peace Pies in Ocean Beach, is an uber-casual vegan cafe (blink and you might walk past it) with an amazing menu that even seasoned meat-eaters will love.   True Food Kitchen is a popular national chain at the Fashion Valley Mall, that researches the vendors they use to ensure delicious, healthy and organic menu options.  

It’s easy to Enjoy Life to the Fullest when you are Spending Quality Time with Family and Friends in a gorgeous location with perfect weather.  Spend a day at Belmont Park with your loved ones and you will definitely be living life to its fullest.  From a fast-paced plunging rollercoaster, to scaling rock walls, or navigating a ropes course suspended in mid-air, the adrenaline will be high as will the fun factor.  Make memories while playing miniature golf, or cheering on your loved ones as they attempt to surf the FlowBarrel.  After exploring our beautiful town and charming neighborhoods, you can always repose on a lounge chair or sunbath on the sand while Reading a New Book.  

We told you, Mission Bay Vacation Rentals is going to take care of your resolutions this year!   Call today to book one of our wonderful homes for your first vacation of 2016.  After a busy holiday season your family and New Year’s Resolution list will thank 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.