Julian Apple Festival

If you’re visiting us in San Diego this autumn be sure to make the drive out to Julian for the Fall Apple Harvest. The Fall Apple Harvest is a two-month event hosted in Julian, California, which is approximately an hour outside of San Diego. The event takes place through September and October and draws crowds from all over the United States. The Apple Harvest has something for everyone, from roadside fruit stands to wine tastings and even hikes on nearby Volcon mountain. This event—and the great taste of a Julian apple—have truly made this small town a household name.

The bakeries in Julian have become well-known throughout California for featuring some of the most appetizing baked goods around. Julian’s specialty, however, is the warm, flaky taste of an apple pie baked with the most fresh ingredient available. To get a taste of this celebrated dessert you’ll want to pay a visit to The Julian Pie Company, Apple Alley Bakery or Mom’s Pie House, all of which are guaranteed to satisfy even the most relentless sweet tooth.

Every Sunday during the harvest the Certified Julian Farmers Market opens up to the public. The market allows local farmers to showcase their fresh organic produce, nuts, eggs and specialty foods ranging from mouth-watering salsa and tamales, to sambusa, kettle corn and fresh baked breads. This event draws a weekend crowd from 11 am to 4 pm at the Wynola Farms Marketplace.

September boasts even more exciting culinary events for visitors to the Julian area, including the Santa Ysabel

Casino Best Back Country Chili Cook Off on September 18^th. This exciting competition will give you the chance to taste the best and most varied selection of chili that Southern California has to offer. If you would like to participate, the entry fee is $35-$40 and cash prizes are awarded for first, second and third place. Decorate your booth with some personal flair and enter to win $100 worth of free play at the Santa Ysabel Casino.

On October 2^nd and 3^rd come out for the Julian Apple Days Festival, which is a special part of the harvest celebration. The festival is held at the Menghini Winery and features apple displays, music and dancing, an antique tractor display, children’s games and activities, gold panning demonstrations, a beer and wine garden, food and merchandise vendors, contests and, of course, plenty of delicious apple pie. The festival offers an activity to entertain just about anyone, and tickets are only $5 for adults and free for children under 12, so feel free to bring the whole family!

So when you’re visiting us at the Ocean Park Inn for some beautiful beachside weather this September or October we’d recommend you also make the short trip out to Julian for these exciting events—and a slice of world-famous apple pie.

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San Diego Fall Colors

As summer comes to a close many parts of the country begin to cool off, leaves begin to change colors and people begin to prepare for the harsh winter ahead. However, at the Ocean Park Inn our guests will find that San Diego’s climate sustains an ideal 70 degree temperature throughout the later months of the year, cooled only slightly by a brisk fall breeze that blows across the county.

Thanks to the comfortable weather San Diego is a fantastic fall vacation destination, and there are a number of local attractions and events to partake in while you visit. One such event is the annual Harvest Festival, which takes place in late October at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. This is an arts and crafts festival that boasts a wide variety of artsy keepsakes from handmade clothing items, to ornate blown glass vases. Our guests are also encouraged to make the trip up to the Annual Julian Apple Harvest where you will be able to shop, hike, go for a horseback ride or try a world famous Julian Apple Pie from Mom’s Pie House in the beautiful fall weather. Football fans will want to come out and see all of the Chargers action at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers have a challenging fall swing facing the Cardinals, Patriots and Titans at home in the month of October, so you’re sure to find a thrilling game. To please the palette you may want to attend the largest wine and culinary event in the San Diego region at the annual San Diego Bay Wine and Food festival. This tasty event offers the opportunity to dine on gourmet food, meet celebrity chefs, and taste some of the famous fine wines of Californian origin. To round out an eclectic visit to San Diego this Fall we’d like to recommend a stop at the San Diego Thanksgiving Dixieland Jazz Festival, where you will find a wide variety of live musical performances ranging from traditional jazz, to Dixieland, and even swing.

There’s certainly something for everyone underneath the still-shining San Diego sun this autumn, and even in October, you won’t want to miss a comfortable stroll along some of the most beautiful beaches on the West Coast. So when you’re planning your fall vacation, be sure to top your destination list with San Diego and the Ocean Park Inn.

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Hidden Gems!

While visiting San Diego, we at the Ocean Park Inn have a few “secret” places we’d like to recommend.  While these spots may not seem top secret to locals or frequent visitors, we do consider them our own hidden gems that the tourism community at large tends to look over.  While SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo will always be major attractions for vacation fun, we think there are a few of more intimate venues that might add to your San Diego adventure.  From food to drink to film, here’s a list of 10 – in no particular order.

1.)    Hungry for a hamburger?  Local favorite Rocky’s in Pacific Beach, near Ocean Park Inn, will not let you down. At Rocky’s, they figure keeping it simple is the best way to produce delicious food, and great atmosphere. “Do what you do best, and do it the best you can,” is a motto they’ve really taken to heart.

2.)    Looking for a cup of java in a serene atmosphere?  Crown Point Coffee’s got you covered!  A true neighborhood joint, Crown Point offers gourmet coffees, teas and smoothies. This can be a great spot for a light breakfast, or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up to keep you going during those fun-filled vacation days.

3.)    The museums, architecture, and atmosphere of Balboa Park is hardly a secret to most who visit San Diego, but it does boast an unofficial, and little-known attraction that we think you should check out.  The Hummingbird Sanctuary is off the beaten path, and hidden from the general view of visitors.  The local lore is that a security guard from the San Diego Museum of Art named “Wally” created this little pocket by purchasing and hanging dozens of hummingbird feeders, filled with nectar in varying in colors. This is a great place to check out some natural wonder while you’re in San Diego.

4.)    If you’re a foodie, stop by Isabel’s Cantina in Pacific Beach to enjoy upscale cuisine in a casual atmosphere.  The website for this hidden gem boasts that: “At Isabel’s Cantina, Chef Isabel Cruz fuses Latin and Asian cuisine into sensual and creative concoctions that are both remarkably addictive and surprisingly healthy.”  Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

5.)    How about a picnic?  As you might know by now, if you enjoy a nice bottle of wine with your picnic fare, you’re out of luck on the San Diego beaches and most public parks.  However, one of the best parks in the area for picnicking is still within bounds on that front.  Grab some sandwiches, snacks and some vino and mosey on over to Kate Sessions Memorial Park for great views and a small piece of picnicking heaven.

6.)    San Diego is rich in history.   One of the best historical attractions is located right in the center of Old Town.  The Whaley House once housed the only commercial theater, the county courthouse and a general store all in the same location. The Whaley House is preserved as a museum, and opens to the public for a variety of informational tours which meld interesting facts with the structure’s surprising paranormal history.

7.)    Spanish Tapas.  Enough said, right?  Okay, maybe not. Tapas refers to a traditional Spanish style of eating in which all the dishes are appetizer size, and everyone shares a little bit of everything.  Just down the road from Ocean Park Inn is a locally known Tapas bar called Costa Brava. With amazing food, wine and atmosphere, Costa Brava is the perfect place to sit down for a family meal.

8.)    Have you ever seen a garden at a private residence that looked so cool that you wanted to snoop around in it? San Diegans Edna and Alex Harper boast a home garden so gorgeous you’ll be itching to take a closer look.  The good news is that they welcome visitors to wander around at will.  Harper’s Topiary Garden is a site to see and enjoy.

9.)    Speaking of wine, need a fun and relaxing “Grown-ups” evening?  Tucked into a little known social district at the base of Mission Hills, Wine Vault & Bistro’s unassuming location provides intimate prix fixe meals that will definitely fit the bill.  Typically these are 3-5 course meals and often include wine tasting, and range from only $20-30 per person – which is a great value!

10.)  Drive-in theaters are all but extinct, but that doesn’t mean you can’t see a movie under the stars!  Cinema Under the Stars is a unique little spot that features classic movies in a fun, relaxing space underneath the clear San Diegan sky.  If you want dinner and a movie, there are a couple of great neighboring restaurants, including Olivetto Café & Wine Bar which offers special discounts to movie-goers.

With this many hidden gems surrounding the Ocean Park Inn, we’re sure that your next San Diego vacation will be brimming with exciting new places to see, eat, and enjoy one of the greatest cities on earth.

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Pleasure Point at the Museum of Contemporary Arts

Blossom with the La Jolla Festival of the Arts

Do you love the creative arts? If so, you’ll want to visit sunny, coastal San Diego from June 26^th-27^th, 2010 for the annual La Jolla Festival of the Arts! This event is one of California’s top rated art shows, at which you will enjoy the work of over 200 artists from the United States and Mexico displaying their watercolors, oils, sculpture, serigraphs, fine jewelry, photography, and more. Event attendees can also enjoy a variety of cuisines in the festival food area.

For a taste of a more innovative type of art, the Ocean Park Inn suggests that you look into the festival’s street chalking event. The nationally recognized Madonnari street painters will use the plain asphalt streets as their canvas, and fill the roads with color. There will also be celebrity lectures, live music, a unique car show, and book signings–so the event will easily satisfy every creative thinker in your group!

Not only will you be given the opportunity to see these amazing works of art first hand, but the festival also provides discourse regarding the artists’ creative process and artistic development. And if you are an artist yourself you don’t have to feel left out of the fun! The event offers its attendees the chance to submit their own work as well! All visuals are outstanding in color, presentation, and design, and could not have a better setting than the beautiful San Diegan beach town of La Jolla.

If you fancy art, a great ambiance, and good company, Ocean Park Inn believes the La Jolla Festival of the Arts is for you.

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San Diego Skyline

San Diego has always been a hot spot for travelers of all shapes and sizes, and this is due in large part to gorgeous scenery, amazing hotels, and a long list of varied, and cost-effective activities to fill up your stay! If you’re vacationing on a budget this year, look no further than the centrally located and affordable Ocean Park Inn to call home during your visit. No matter who you’re traveling with, or what you’re looking to get out of your vacation, San Diego has a fun and free activity for you!

Just ten minutes north of Pacific Beach sit the gorgeous La Jolla Coves, an idyllic location to spend an afternoon during your stay. A sunny stroll through La Jolla will greet you with sparkling blue water, pristine beaches, and the unique experience of watching seals come out to play in their natural habitat.

A few miles in the opposite direction will bring you to scenic Seaport Village, a great place to spend the day window-shopping and watching yachts pass by in the San Diego Bay. Just a stone’s throw away is Mission Bay Park, a great spot for family vacationers looking to enjoy the breezy weather with kite-flying, a game of catch, or a relaxing picnic in the sun. If you’re looking to catch a bit of exercise during your stay, Mission Bay Park also boasts over 20 miles of attractive jogging paths which are sure to make your workout out more enjoyable.

Don’t forget to make a pit stop at Balboa Park, where you can enjoy free live music at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. This venue features one of the largest outdoor pipe organs in the country, and has been a notable landmark since 1914.

Finally, for the history buff in your crew, don’t forget to stop by the celebrated Old Town San Diego district, where you can stroll through town and view notable buildings such as Seeley Stables, the Steward House, and the oldest schoolhouse in San Diego.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive but memorable getaway this spring we at the Ocean Park Inn would love to recommend a journey out to San Diego. With countless free, fun, and picturesque activities available, we’re sure you won’t regret your choice!

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