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!