San Diego is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country, mainly due to its lively atmosphere, abundance of family entertainment, amazing beaches, and varied cultural events. No matter your age or entertainment preference, there is always something happening in San Diego to keep you busy and intrigued. This year, one of the premier events to attend is the Latino Film Festival.

The Latino Film Festival is celebrating its 19^th year. This year’s festival takes place March 8th – 18th and gives visitors the opportunity to view Latino films, art, and music through the many exhibitions and concerts celebrating rich Latino history. Even better? There are several levels of festival passes to suit any budget! For instance, the premier pass offers entry to all of the programs with no waiting, a free one-year pass to the Media Arts Center in San Diego, entry into all of the festival galas, and other perks. The next pass down would include entrance to eleven of the programs. You can also choose the family pass, which includes tickets for two adults and two children to four film screenings. And if you want to casually check out the event for the first time with a handful of films, the Documania pass is for you. Group packages are available if you would like to go with a group of friends.

The festival is located at the Ultrastar Mission Valley Cinemas Hazard Center, right in the middle of all of San Diego’s happening spots. There are several restaurants and shops within walking distance of the festivities. After a great day rich with art, film, and culture, rest your head at premier beachfront accommodations at the Ocean Park Inn. Just a short drive from the festival, the OPI offers wonderful group packages and rates, as well as an easy booking process for easy and affordable stays for everyone. The hotel offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, spacious rooms, affordable prices and packages, and several in-room amenities that cannot be beat. Go to www.oceanparkinn.com for more information about the hotel and check out the 2012 Latino Film Festival at http://sdlatinofilm.com/!

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The month of February offers us several varied holidays to celebrate, from Groundhog Day and President’s Day, to the romance of Valentine’s Day. In recent years, however, perhaps the biggest celebration for the month of February has been Mardi Gras! Mardi Gras is also known as ‘Fat Tuesday’, and is celebrated on the Tuesday before Lent season. The term ‘fat’ comes from the old tradition of eating big meals and desserts before fasting of some kind began with the start of Lent. This year, Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, February 21, but in many big cities Mardi Gras celebrations last not just one day–but for an entire week!

There are several events happening in the San Diego area that will help you celebrate Mardi Gras as if you were in Louisiana’s French Quarter. This February 21st consider heading down to the Gaslamp District for the ‘San Diego Mardi Gras Ball’ at 4th and B, a premier live music venue. This party is sure to please with its Brazilian theme, Samba music and dancers, Capoeira performances, and an abundance of beads and feathers to add to the fantasy atmosphere. You can also check out the Little Italy ‘Carnevale’ event located on India and Hawthorne streets on February 18th. Enjoy celebrating with over 12,000 people amidst old-style Venetian regalia and décor. Or consider joining the Hillcrest Mardi Gras street party on the 21^st for festivities, food, live entertainment, and outrageous costumes.

After a long night (or week!) of celebrating, rest your head on a comfy pillow at the Ocean Park Inn. Located in San Diego’s Pacific Beach, the Ocean Park Inn is the perfect place to stay to be within a close distance of multiple Mardi Gras events. Not to mention the OPI’s wonderful group packages and easy booking process, which allows for easy and affordable stays for your whole group. The hotel offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, spacious rooms, great prices and packages, and several in-room amenities that cannot be beat. Go to www.oceanparkinn.com for more information about the hotel and nearby places to celebrate Mardi Gras!

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Unfortunately, stress is inevitable. It is that nagging feeling that resounds throughout our whole bodies whenever a tense situation arises, unexpected bills come, or there are just simply too many tasks on the calendar for one person to handle on their own. Stress affects all of us differently. Some of us tend to “carry” stress in our necks, causing muscles and tendons to tighten, which results in excruciating tension and the inability to focus. Others carry it in their back, causing misalignment of the spine and muscle pain, calling for numerous visits to the chiropractor and masseuse. Luckily, the neck and back pain can be fixed (or at least manipulated to relieve some of the stress) most of the time. However, stress can cause more serious physical implications, including causing damage to the heart.

Research shows that heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. The number one form of heart disease is having a heart attack. According to the CDC, there are numerous risk factors of heart disease/heart attack, including hhigh cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity. Think about it – what do these things such as obesity, tobacco use, and poor diet and exercise have in common? They cause stress to your body, which equates to stress to your heart. Because you are not properly taking care of your body, your heart is forced to work over time, which can lead to a heart attack. So how do we prevent heart problems? By becoming physically active, eating a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco use and/or second hand smoke, and by incorporating stress-free, relaxing activities into our lives.

Honor February as American Heart Month by planning a weekend getaway to one of Pacific Beach’s premier hotels, Ocean Park Inn. The Ocean Park Inn is located on the beach, and is the perfect place for you to relax because of its tranquil views and proximity to local attractions.  The Inn offers many amenities including spacious rooms-no need to fight over who steals the covers, complimentary continental breakfast-no worries about having to cook, in-room coffee maker-caffeine to jump start your body and get the day going, and a free daily newspaper-check out all of the fun, relaxing things to do in San Diego. Best yet, in room massages are available upon your request that will relax your muscles and de-stress your mind. You can also unwind by the beach front pool, or with the family in a spacious family suite.

Make a promise to yourself that you are going to take care of your body and your mind and join us at the Ocean Park Inn!

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Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and it can be an emotional time for everyone! Whether you’re in a relationship or going on an exciting first date, trying to figure out the perfect gift, or simply enjoying the vast array of chocolates available in early February, Valentine’s Day is sure to bring joy and romance like no other day of the year.

Where does the tradition of chocolates and gifts as an expression of love on this particular day come from? It dates back to ancient Roman times and stems from one Saint Valentine. There are several legends about Saint Valentine and how Valentine’s Day came to be, but the most romantic of these is that of Emperor Claudius II outlawing marriage for young men. He reportedly did this because he believed that young, single men had the ability to be better soldiers than those with wives and families. Saint Valentine thought this to be untrue and unjust, and therefore began performing marriages in secret for these young couples. When Claudius found out, he immediately ordered that Saint Valentine be put to death. Followers then brought gifts to mourn his death. Many believe that the modern Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14 to commemorate Saint Valentine’s death. Albeit a tragic ending, the romantic edge of this story is what makes Valentine’s Day so special for those in love.

So take the reins on making this year’s Valentine’s Day as romantic as possible for you and your significant other. Besides the traditional gifts of flowers and candy, why not plan a special getaway for the two of you? San Diego’s Pacific Beach is the perfect place to conjure up some romance. There are several intimate restaurants in San Diego, including Kabuki Sushi, Caffe Bella Italia, JRDN restaurant, and the Café Athena, to name a few. These are all located within a short distance of the Ocean Park Inn hotel. Make it a luxurious weekend by staying at the OPI where you and your partner can enjoy panoramic views from your balcony or sip cocktails by the pool. Top off your night by requesting in-room massages and ordering room service that can be enjoyed while watching the sunset from your beach front suite. Visit www.oceanparkinn.com today and let the Valentine’s magic begin!

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Whether you are a diehard football fan or just a casual observer, most of us like to go to a Super Bowl party—or two!—to spend time with friends, watch the new commercials, to be in the ‘know’ when the office is buzzing about Madonna’s halftime performance, and of course, for the good food and snacks! Some people prefer to host parties in their homes, while others like to go out to public restaurants or bars. Regardless of which team you are rooting for on February 5 (New England Patriots? New York Giants?), you are sure to find a lively viewing atmosphere at one of the many establishments within walking distance of the Ocean Park Inn in San Diego.

The Ocean Park Inn is located in San Diego’s Pacific Beach, right in the heart of all of the action. There are several restaurants in the area that are sure to suit anyone’s needs. If you want to check out the big game in a local hot spot, simply take a short walk from the Ocean Park Inn to Firehouse American Eatery and Lounge, which has a fun atmosphere and fan pleasing food such as nachos, burgers, and pasta. You can also visit World Famous (Pacific Beach), a perfect hangout for drinks along the boardwalk. Miller’s Field is another prime spot for an all-American meal during the game. And to top it off, you will have to be sure to check out Moondoggie’s Restaurant, one of Pacific Beach’s most popular hangouts, which includes an plenty of televisions for your viewing pleasure along with cozy dinner booths, and a full menu.

Once you are stuffed and your team has won, walk back to your comfortable room at the Ocean Park Inn, the perfect beach front hotel. OPI offers affordable group rates that are perfect for you and your fellow fans. It is an easy booking process, and is sure to fit your group’s needs. The amenities include free continental breakfast, a free daily newspaper (perfect for reading up on all of the stats of the game), and a 37” LCD television in each room so you can catch any highlights from the game that you may have missed.

Head on down to Pacific Beach for an amazing Super Bowl XLVI party and a great place to relax after! Check out www.oceanparkinn.com for rates and information.

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