Did you hear that?

Was that the sound of the summer flying by?! Here we are in mid August already - I can't believe it. But if you think about it, July didn't really count since it felt like we were living in Seattle, right? What crazy weather this summer! But it looks like Mother Nature has straightened herself out and August is turning out to be spectacular!

And since we have some great weather, here are a few things to do to enjoy it:

Solana Beach Farmer's Market
The corner of Cedros Ave and Rosa Street in Solana Beach
Sundays from 1pm - 5pm

Miramar Air Show
Miramar Marine Corp Base
Oct 1, 2, & 3rd
9am - 4pm

Oceanside Harbor Days
Includes the illustrious Nail & Sail Competition
North Oceanside, Oct 2-3, 9am - 6pm


These are but a few of the gems I'll find and post for you!





Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge

Summer is almost here!

I don't know about you, but one of the things I love best about summer is outdoor concerts. Live music, amazing weather....it's a great mix! I've gathered up some of my favorite venues (outside and inside!) to share with you and a line up artists to see...

I'll start with the venues closest to us and work my way out:

The Belly Up Tavern
Solana Beach
(only 2 1/2 miles from the lodge!)

The Del Mar Fairgrounds
Del Mar
San Diego County Fair Line Up
Del Mar Fairgrounds Summer Concert Series
(only 5 miles from the lodge!)

California Center for the Arts Escondido
Escondido

One of my favorite outdoor venues:

Humphrey's By the Bay
San Diego

These are also excellent outdoor venues:

Cricket Wireless Amphitheater
Chula Vista

San Diego Summer Pops
San Diego

And what could be better than a free show?! Here's a great link to find free concerts all summer long in San Diego County:

Free Music!




Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge

Romance is in the air!

I know it's a bit early, but have you been thinking about doing something special for that 'special' someone in your life on Valentine's Day? No? Well you should! What a great opportunity to focus on the romantic part of your life, right? Absolutely!

We thought we'd entice you to come stay with us - we love romance, too : ) We're putting a dozen roses and a box of chocolates in each room as well as offering a champagne breakfast when you stay with us for Valentine's weekend! It can't get more romantic than that can it? Well it can....but the rest is up to you!

Pssst....we were voted "Best Place to Kiss"...now isn't that romantic?




Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge

Have you been Naughty or Nice?

Blogging?! Who has time for Blogging? There are only 8 days left until Christmas and I've been out shopping! And what a whirlwind it is out there this season...I thought I'd share some of my favorite shopping spots with you, you know, just in case you are still in need of the perfect gift!

Carlsbad Premium Outlets
5620 Paseo del Norte, Suite 100
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 804-9000

And the best part? It's only 10 minutes away from us!

Cedros Avenue Design District
Located in the beautiful town of Solana Beach, just 2 miles south of Cardiff.
(pssst....my favorite store is Solo....you have to check it out!)

La Jolla
Located just 20 minutes south of Cardiff (via the beautiful Coast Hwy)...amazing art galleries and boutiques - you're going to need an entire day for this one, believe me!

The Forum at Carlsbad
Another great place to shop that is only 10 minutes from us...a beautiful shopping center that is somewhat of a hidden gem! My favorite - The Paper Source - a great store for cards and gift supplies...go there now!




Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge

Perfect for the Holidays!

Skating by the Sea

The Hotel del Coronado is pleased to present in its fifth year a unique Southern California experience – outdoor ice-skating overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The Del’s 10,000-square-foot Windsor Lawn, located just steps from the sand, will be transformed into a picturesque ice rink for guests and visitors this holiday season. Holiday music will fill the air and guests can purchase hot chocolate and libations.

~ November 25 - December 18 ~
daily: 2pm - 5pm & 6pm - 9pm
weekend & holiday matinee: 11am - 1pm

~ December 19 - January 3 ~
daily: 2pm - 5pm & 6pm - 9pm
daily matinee: 11am - 1pm

Three-hour sessions cost $20* for adults and $15* for kids (ages 10 years and under); two-hour matinee sessions cost $15* for adults and $10* for kids (ages 10 years and under). Skate rental is $5 per person.

A portion of the 2009 skating proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of San Diego.

*The matinee session in the only 2-hour session. Must pay for entire session regardless of time spent skating.

Directions to the Hotel del Coronado can be found here...






Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge

Of Local Importance....

California Surf Festival
Oceanside, CA
Nov 19-22

The California Surf Festival celebrates awareness and support for surf history preservation through the California Surf Museum. It is an international event destination bringing people from all over the world to Oceanside, California, to experience surf culture through films, music, art, photography and
interaction with those who embody the culture as well as highlight the surf community of California.
The California Surf Film Festival, produced as a benefit by the California Surf Museum (CSM) in Oceanside, will include exciting and groundbreaking new surf films with many of the filmmakers in attendance.


Del Mar Antique Show
Del Mar Fairgrounds
Fri - Sun, Nov 20-22

More than 250 antique dealers from throughout the Western United States will be selling antiques and collectibles during the three-day run of the show, which marks its 50th year this fall. This year's show is subtitled the "Century of Style Design Show," with a focus on antiques from the 20th century, including Arts & Crafts, Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern and Art Nouveau pieces. There will be booths specializing in crystal, glass, pottery, art, jewelry, silver, Americana, primitives, furniture and paper ephemera. There will also be antique and restoration artists on hand for consultations on wicker, damaged glass, crystal, porcelain, pottery, rugs and jewelry.

Read the full article here....


San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
Embarcadero Park North
San Diego
Nov 18-22

The much anticipated 2009 San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival is quickly approaching! Come join more than 8,000 tastemakers including legendary winemakers, celebrity chefs and others with great taste (just like you!) on November 18-22, 2009. You won't want to miss the five-day wine and food extravaganza featuring 170 world-class wineries and spirit producers, 70 of San Diego’s award-winning fine dining restaurants, gourmet foods, celebrity chefs, wine dinners, cooking classes, wine tasting classes, live and silent auctions, personalities, wine tastings, and unlimited food samples!




Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge

Well, Hello......

So we've been a bit busy here with weddings as of late. In fact, I have some great pics I'd like to share with you....






Please check out the rest of the pics (scroll down Fritz's blog to the second wedding!) and Fritz's great work at fritzharmon.com

Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge