San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair

Imagine two days of non-stop entertainment, enthralling dragon dance, awe-inspiring martial arts demonstrations and acrobats! All this and more will be seen at the San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair.

The 31^st annual San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair will take place on 16^th and 17^th February, 2013 from 10am to 5pm at the Third Ave and J Street in downtown San Diego. This event marks the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year in San Diego with zeal and enthusiasm. 2013 marks the year of the snake- the year of togetherness, friendship and family.

Sponsored by more than 25 organizations, the San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair aims to foster better understanding of different cultures. Entry to the event is FREE.

Have you ever seen Chinese acrobats? It is mind-blowing. At the San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair, you will get to watch astonishing martial arts demonstrations by experts, enjoy colorful lion and dragon dance, Chinese folk dance, music performances and LIVE stage performances.

And you will love the soul-stirring, dynamic taiko drumming. There will be various interesting activities for children to. Kids can participate in the Lantern Parade or try making colorful masks and lanterns in the Children Craft Area.

Once done with watching superb performances, gorge on mouth-watering food at various commercial food booths.

Planning a vacationto San Diego in February? Do include San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair in your itinerary. It is a wonderful event that is enjoyed by people of all age groups.

For accommodation, you can choose from a range of various San Diego budget hotels which provide fine services at affordable prices.

Celebrate Art with “California Open Wildlife Art Festival”

Here comes the GOOD NEWS for all art lovers!

Pacific Southwest Wildlife Arts – a nonprofit organization established to support and promote wildlife art – invites all art lovers at the 40^th annual "California Open Wildlife Art Festival”.

To be held on February 16–17, 2013 at “Corky McMillin Event Center, 2875 Dewey Road, San Diego, CA.”, “California Open Wildlife Art Festival” will feature 150 artists, wildlife painters and carvers from different regions of the US, Japan, Russia & Canada. Since there will be an art competition, the visitors will get to witness the best works of art from the renowned artists.

Wildlife painting, which originated 40,000 years ago in the form of cave paintings, is appreciated all across the world as an example of artistic brilliance. The exhibition-cum-competition has garnered nationwide reputation for being one of the best wildlife art shows and competitions in the US with its characteristic detailed and lifelike representation of wildfowl species.

Celebrate your WEEKEND with the art festival. Come with your family and friends. Show timings are from 9:30 am to 4 pm. There is ample free parking space. Entry donation is $5.00. No entry fee for children under 12.

Highlights of “California Open Wildlife Art Festival 2013”:

• Carving competition: Fish, Birds and Wildfowl

• Vendors of tools & supplies

• Antique decoys & appraisals

• Features exhibits, sales and best works of wildlife artists

Visit http://www.pswa.net/california-open-wildlife-art-festival-2013 & http://www.sandiegocoastlife.com for details.

Participate in California Open Wildlife Art Festival this February and make your San Diego vacation even more memorable.

San Diego beckons with its varied events and festivities and for lodging in San Diego, you can take your pick from a long list of budget hotels in San Diego.Book yourself an affordable yet comfortable accommodation in San Diego. If you are planning a longer sojourn, go for an extended stay in San Diego. An extended stay package works out to be more affordable for a long term stay.

Whale Watching Everywhere from December till April

Right from December till April, one thing that nobody wants to miss is the whale watching cruises.

These five months are whale watching season when more than 25,000 California Gray Whales migrate from Alaska to Baja California.

As gray whales migrate south during this time, they travel close to the San Diego shore which allows locals and visitors on a vacation to San Diego to have close encounters with the marine animals.

Various whale watching cruises and sailing adventures take place during this time. You can spot whales on a cruise or from land and while going on a kayaking tour as well. And its not just whales. You also get to spot playful dolphins, seals and lots more. The clear waters of La Jolla offer a great opportunity to sight whales.

You can go on La Jolla Kayak Whale Watching tours from December to March. Kayaking in La Jolla bay is itself amazing and watching whales only make the experience more memorable. But remember, you need to be a swimmer to go for this La Jolla whale watching tour.

Another way to watch whales is by going on Hornblower Cruise and Whale Watching Adventure. Hornblower Cruises include whale as well as dolphin watching cruises daily from December till mid April. These cruises begin at 9:30am and go on till 1:30pm.

The beginning of the whale sighting season is the best time to spot whales i.e. December to February is the prime time.

Hence if you are coming on San Diego family vacation in December or January, do include whale watching event in your itinerary. Watching these marine animals play and swim around is an exhilarating experience.

San Diego Restaurant Week

To the delight of all “FOODIES”, San Diego’s Restaurant Week is back!

Treat your taste buds at San Diego's Restaurant Week, to be held from Sunday, January 13 through Friday, January 18 2013.   

With over 180 restaurants throughout San Diego participating in the celebration of Restaurant Week, food lovers can relish over 140,000 diners and savor 3-course meals, specially prepared for the occasion, at discounted prices.

Depending on the restaurant, 3-course meal is available at $20, $30 or $40 per person. From this year, San Diego’s Restaurant week will also feature lunch to the menu. Diners can enjoy different delicacies in 2-course meals at $10, $15 or $20 per person.

Don't miss the opportunity to dine at a location you normally avoid because of the cost. You can also revisit the restaurants to try international flavors you have not tasted before. San Diego Restaurant Week is another temptation for an extended stay San Diego in addition to a fun-filled and adventurous San Diego vacation. 

You need no tickets to be a part of this event. Just book your slot at any participating location, show up, pick your favorite cuisine from their menu and enjoy the food!

The list of participating restaurant includes:

• 100 Wines Hillcrest
• 333 Pacific
• Anthony's Fish Grotto La Mesa
• Anthony's Fish Grotto San Diego Bay
• Bertrand at Mister A's
• Blue Point
• Croce's Restaurant & Jazz Bar
• Davanti Enoteca Del Mar
• Greystone steak house
• Gaslamp Strip Club
• Oceanside
• Kelvin at the W San Diego
• La Jolla Strip Club
• Taste of Thai Hillcrest
• The Fish Market- San Diego        
• The Melting Pot- Gaslamp

Refer to http://www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com/restaurants  for complete list and prices.

Don't worry if you don't want to spend much on San Diego lodging. With different affordable yet comfortable motels in San Diego, you can enjoy the San Diego Restaurant Week to the fullest.

Photo Courtesy: dguides.com

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is Mesmerizing

San Diego Bay at Embarcadero looks breathtakingly beautiful during the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Set to take place on two consecutive Sundays i.e. 9th December and 16th December, 2012; the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights draws more than 75000 visitors.

Beautiful San Diego

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights features a boat parade in which different kinds of boats are decorated with beautiful lighting. The annual event kicks off with fireworks display at 5:30 pm that dazzle the sky. Following which the parade takes place that includes more than 100 beautifully decorated vessels. Led by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter, the theme of this year's San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is "The Sounds of Christmas.”

The parade commences at the east end of Shelter Island, then moves past Harbor Island and further to North Embarcadero. The best viewing location to watch the parade would be Harbor Island, Seaport Village and Embarcadero Marina Park North. It is advisable to arrive at the venue as early as possible to avoid the parking hassles and get a good spot to watch the parade.

Approximate timings of arrival of the boat parade at different locations:

• Shelter Island (start of parade) - 5:30 pm
• Harbor Island - 6 pm
• The Embarcadero - 6:30 pm
• Seaport Village - 7 pm
• Ferry Landing Market on Coronado - 7:30 pm

Source: www.sandiegocoastlife.com

If you are coming on a San Diego family vacation in December, it will be a nice idea to take your family to Embarcadero to watch the parade. As the holiday season is almost here, it is best to book your San Diego accommodation in a good budget hotel as early as possible.

Festive Time in San Diego in November

With sandy beaches, year-around mild temperature, wonderful attractions and interesting events; San Diego ranks among the top tourist destinations for a pleasing family vacation. The coming months are ideal for a family vacation in San Diego. If you are planning to come to San Diego in November, two San Diego events should be must see in your San Diego vacation itinerary.

El Cajon Mother Goose Parade

Considered as the largest parade in the city, the annually held Mother Goose Parade is going to take place the Sunday before Thanksgiving day, i.e. November 18, 2012 at the Main Street and Magnolia Ave in El Cajon.

Expected to draw around 400,000 spectators this year, the Mother Goose Parade has a different theme every year. It is a family-friendly, lively event which boasts of fun activities that are sure to please adults and children alike.

You can watch the parade of colorful floats, drill units, equestrians and specialty vehicles. There will be clowns too to entertain you and performing artists to present spectacular performances. Some celebrities too are expected to be present. And your kids will love watching the Santa waving to everyone from his special float.

The parade will begin from the corner of the Main Street and Magnolia and will end at Madison. When you decide to come here; do carry some snacks, a folding chair, water and hot cocoa for cold days.

Santee Holiday Lighting Celebration

On November 16, 2012; take kids to the Mission Gorge Road at the Santee Trolley Square to see the spectacular lighting of a 20-feet tall tree.

The Santee Holiday Lighting Celebration sets the mood of festive spirit with convivial celebrations which includes caroling, ice skating,  holiday-themed crafts and the Santa's visit. You can also enjoy listening to the LIVE band or ride on a horse-drawn carriage. The Santee Holiday Lighting Celebration takes place from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.

San Diego is ideal for luxury tourists as well as budget travelers. The city is home to various budget hotels in San Diego that offer attractive vacation packages and fine services. Besides, various San Diego accommodations are going to offer attractive discounts in November and December so remember to book your rooms in advance.

Fun & Entertaining San Diego Kids Expo & Fair

Considered as the largest and the longest running child expo in San Diego, the San Diego Kids Expo & Fair is going to take place on 20th and 21st October, 2012 at the Exhibit Hall in Del Mar Fairgrounds from 10am to 5pm.

Started in 1994, the San Diego Kids Expo & Fair has grown to be a big event which promises plenty of activities and products for kids. It is a complete family-friendly event where you can enjoy the amusement rides, participate in interactive games, enjoy food and do all the happy, fun things that families do together.

There will be a talent show, entertainers, arts and crafts, hands-on-learning activities for kids and other fantastic attractions. Once there, do enjoy the “Largest Inflatable Slide in America” brought by Inflatable World. And then there will be cliffhanger slides, fun obstacle course, animal rides, dog and cat shows, music concerts, dancing contest, child modeling, Go Kart racing, junior theater, art museum, gymnastic show, petting zoo, face painting, magic shows, parade, children' camps, and lots more. With more than 200 exhibitors presenting kids related things, there will be something entertaining for everyone.

This children' event has convivial ambiance with lively, entertaining activities that are sure to bring the whole family together and have some good memories to cherish in future. The fee for the adults is $6 and its FREE for kids of 12 years and younger.

If you are coming on a San Diego family vacation, you can attend this children' event. It is a lively, fun event for the whole family. If you are seeking an affordable lodging in San Diego, there are plenty of budget hotels in San Diego which provide good facilities at competitive prices.