I thought I would share this with everyone. San Diego is not just a tourist destination, but more importantly, San Diego stations the U.S. military. 1000's of our men and women in uniform, call San Diego home.

It was a sweet and emotional homecoming today as family members welcomed home their loved ones from the USS Carl Vinson as it returns to port at the NAS (Naval Air Station) North Island in Coronado, Ca.

The carrier is returning home from a six and a half month deployment to the Persian Gulf, where the ship was responsible for stopping acts of piracy against civilian vessels, a jet engine that caught fire, and, most historically, Usama bin Laden’s historical burial at sea.

Usama bin Laden's body was flown to the ship as it sailed in the northern Arabian Sea, after he was killed U.S. Special Forces during a raid on his Pakistani hideout. His body was slid overboard after it was prepared according to Islamic customs.

Capt. Bruce Lindsey, Commanding Officer of the USS Carl Vinson, said “America owes his crew a debt of gratitude. These sailors are just top-notch, the best of the best."

Some six thousand sailors and marines will take a much deserved and needed liberty, but not for long as the carrier is due to ship out again later this year.
Way to go troops!

To read more by dcteti, got to: The BQB

San Diego Ranks #3 on Places to Visit in the U.S.

Hello trendy travelers, dcteti here with some exciting news to report from San Diego. it seems as though "America's Finest City" has moved into the "U.S. News and World Report's" #3 spot of places to vacation and/or visit in the United States.


Included is a brief statment from the report: "Consistently sunny weather is what draws visitors to San Diego throughout the year: that and the mouthwatering cuisine, thriving nightlife and one of the country’s favorite zoos. And then there are the beaches: As home of the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet, San Diego has many top activities that revolve around the sea. Head to Mission Beach to soak up the rays, to La Jolla to catch a wave, or to the Maritime Museum to learn a little nautical history.

In spite of constant growth, America's Finest City maintains a small-town feel, making it a popular destination for families and anyone looking for a more laid-back getaway. But that doesn't mean you can't let loose here. Pockets of vivacious nightlife can be found throughout, especially near the historical Gaslamp Quarter."

If that's not enough of an explanation to convince you to head over to S.D., then maybe you should look further on http://www.seesandiego.com/ to learn more about the hot nightspots and cool dayspots San Diego has to offer!

Coming from a local, there still is plenty of cool places and awesome attractions I'm find out about, right in my own backyard!

Carlsbad Village

BY BETH WOOD SPECIAL TO THE U-T

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED MARCH 24, 2011 AT 12:01 P.M., UPDATED MARCH 25, 2011 AT 1:23 P.M.

Carlsbad is probably best known for being the home of Legoland California, the nearby Flower Fields and nearly seven miles of coastline.

Because of these famous attractions, this North County city of 100,000 has many hotels, time-shares and resorts. It’s also known in athletic circles for hosting the Carlsbad Marathon early in the year, the Carlsbad 5000 on April 2 and 3 and the Carlsbad Triathlon in July. 

But there is a secret to be revealed: The charming Carlsbad Village, anchored by the old-style train station, is trying to spread the word that it’s a destination in itself.

Today, the Carlsbad Village Association launches this year’s free “Thursdays on the Coast, The Experience.” This initial event will run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., a preview of the affair that will take place the fourth Thursday of each month, through October, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

“We want to wake people up to Carlsbad Village,” said Cheryl Ehlers, the association’s event manager. “We’ve got so much to offer, with terrific restaurants, theaters and great shops. We have a lot going for us here.”

Participating businesses in Thursdays on the Coast provide space for art — what the association calls “phantom galleries” — as well as musicians who perform at various spots throughout the village.

Most establishments will offer specials and gift certificates throughout today and the following fourth Thursdays. Printed programs, which include special-deal inserts, will be available at New Village Arts Theatre, near the train station.

That critically acclaimed theater, now in its 10th year, is performingSam Shepard’s “Simpatico” through this Sunday. It will throw an Enchanted Garden Masquerade Ball at the Flower Fields on April 30.

Across the street is the Carlsbad Village Theatre, a multipurpose venue that has a variety of events including comedy shows, community productions and film presentations.

The village has a preponderance of restaurants, big and small, elegant and down-home. The fare ranges from Asian, Italian (Vigilucci’s Cucina is a favorite) and Mexican to seafood and burgers. Antique shops mingle with jewelry stores, wellness centers and clothing boutiques.

“We have big things happening in a small place,” Ehlers said. “Carlsbad is a very eclectic little town.”

San Diego Crew Classic

If your in town this weekend and are looking for things to do in San Diego, check out the San Diego Crew Classic over in Mission Bay. Dubbed "America's Premier Spring Classic", the Crew Classic is the largest regatta in the world held primarily for eight-oared rowing shells. The nations top rowers from high school to college battle it out.

The event takes place all weekend with Saturday (4-2) and Sunday (4-3) highlighting the main days. There is something for everyone, from the food booths showcasing some of SD's hottest places to the trade-show of retail booths and the beer garden. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for 6-13 year olds. Under 6 is free. As for parking, there is parking located in the lots for $15 a vehicle or you can park around the surrounding neighborhoods and walk down. I would suggest parking in Crowne Point, the neighborhood just north of the last bridge and walk down. The walk will be a nice one with the weather expecting to be in the mid 60's and sunny. Don't forget your suntan lotion and good walking shoes. Bring your camera for some cool shots and some extra cash for a snack or drink. Sunday is the finals, so prepare for crowds! For complete information, visit the crew website at http://www.crewclassic.org/

I've gone every year for the last 12 and just love it. I usually bike over and lock up just outside the gate. I have my lotion and water bottle and camera as my essentials. I make a day of it! Check it out for yourself!

St. Patrick's Beer and Food Tour

Through the end of March you can celebrate St. Patrick’s with Shira, your guide, an Irish lassie, born in Belfast on St. Patrick’s Day!

On this 3-hr tour you’ll enjoy ample tastes of local and 
craft beers paired with La Jolla’s best burgers, pizza and more delicious food! 

All-Inclusive Price Only $67.50 per person! 
Meeting Place: Empress Hotel in the Village of La Jolla.

3-hour Beer & Food Guided Walking Tour includes*:
• Award-Winning Beer Tastings 
• VIP Food Pairings e.g. burgers, pizza, sandwiches
• 4-5 Tasty tour stops
• Beer Games and Prizes!

For Reservations Contact:
858-551-5115
shira@lajollawinetours.com

Hey folks, dcteti here. I just came back from a "day-at-the-beach". I met some friends in La Jolla at Wind-n-Sea. For those of you that have never been there, it's amazing!! The water is teal around the shorebreak and sky blue as it gets deeper. You can participate in just about anytype of water sport here as well.

Wind-n-Sea used to be a locals get-a-way for a day at the beach, but more and more visitors are now finding out about this place. It's nestled in a neighborhood in La Jolla, between P.B. (Pacific Beach) and La Jolla Shores. I'm not going to give you directions because you have to find it to earn it! There is no public showers or bathrooms and parking is at your patience, so pack accordingly! That's right. It's a community neighborhood, so there is no real parking. Prepare to park along the streets and walk a few blocks, but it's worth it. Once there, you'll feel as though you are in the islands or something. You can "cop a spot" on the sand or one of the big rocks.

We usually get a group and "claim" a spot early. It can get pretty crowded, on summer days, so going during the week if you can is ideal! Make sure you bring your camera and anyother supplies you may need. If you forgot something, you'll be walking a while to a store or you'll lose your parking spot!

To read other articles from dcteti, fo to: thebqb,thewatercooler,allvoices

Coronado Island Voted One of Yahoo's "Top 10 Beaches"

Wow, what an honor to be ranked up there with some of the world's most beautiful beaches like Cas Abao Beach in Curacao and Ka 'anapali in Maui, Hawaii. Yahoo's latest Top Ten listed Coronado Island just across the San Diego Bay number 6 on the list. It's even more of a thrill to get to live here. Hey folks, dcteti here with another seesandiego attraction.

Coronado is famous for the Hotel Del Coronado which is one of the premiere hotels in the world. Coronado Beach offers the vacationer to daytripper one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been to. Whether it's watersports your in to or just plain basking in the sun, Coronado is a place you want to add to your list when visiting San Diego. This island type location also offers unique shopping as well as elegant to simple dining. Don't forget about the nightlife if you plan on staying over. A perfect place to pack a picnic and enjoy the sun for a day while spending your vacation in San Diego.

For other articles by dcteti, check out allvoices, thewatercooler and thebqb