#23 Banff Film Festival and Las Olas Mexican Food

Ready to get inspired to climb, ride, ski, hike, bike and play in the mountains? Come check out the Banff Film Festival playing at the Historic La Paloma in Encinitas (built in 1928). You can buy your tickets at Adventure 16 the locally owned Outdoor Adventure store. Check out the website for a link to the film festival

http://www.banffcentre.ca/mountainfestival/worldtour/

Buy Tickets
http://www.adventure16.com/

Come to show!
La Paloma Theatre
http://www.lapalomatheatre.com/
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY MARCH 25, 26, 7:00PM
$12 ADVANCE G.A. $15 DAY OF SHOW, ADVANCE TICKETS AVAILABLE AT
ADVENTURE 16

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After the show feast on delicious Mexican food at Las Olas! This spot is a locals favorite that has been around for 30 years. You can smell the salty ocean air when you get out of your car (it is across the street from Seaside beach). The veggie taco's are my favorite but they have a great menu with fresh, tasty food!
http://www.lasolasmex.com/

#22 Winter Surfing

How does one stay warm in the ocean paddling for waves in the dead of winter? Stop into the Patagonia store in Cardiff and spring for a super warm Merino Wool lined wet suit. One of my surfing partners swears by these suits.
http://www.patagonia.com/us/home

“The beauty of having an amazing wetsuit is the fact that you can surf out of the way places that are colder, and actually stay out longer and get more waves. And that makes us all happier.” –Keith Malloy, Patagonia surf ambassador

 Borrow a friends, buy a cheap long board on Craig's list or rent a board from one of these surf shops

Progression Surf Shop

http://www.progressionsurf.com/index.php

Encinitas Surf Boards

http://www.encinitassurfboards.com/index.html

Head to Bull Taco for the best "Inauthentic Mexican" burritos

http://bulltaco.com/

Get some exercise, say hello to God's ocean and be happy!

#21 Take a Hike at the Torrey Pines State Reserve

The Torrey Pine's State Reserve is one of my favorite places in San Diego to go for a hike or  a trail run. There are a few options for parking. My favorite is the free option. You can park your car slightly north of the reserve off the 101. If there are no obvious parking spots you can wait for 10 minutes or so and one usually opens up. If it is a particularly crowded day another free option if you don't mind a bit of a hike is to park on Carmel Valley Road (near Roberto's taco shop).

If you prefer a shorter walk and plenty of parking you can pay to park inside the actual park. There is a lot down below as well as one at the top of the hill near the lodge and visitor center.

The visitor center is quite interesting. It is an adobe structure built in 1922. It is chock full of historical information, as well as the flora and fauna of the Reserve. If you have the time you can walk an 8 minute video of the preserve loaded with stunning cinematography and historical information. The docents who volunteer are quite friendly and helpful. They will provide you with a free trail map if you ask. 


http://www.torreypine.org/

Come explore this magical place! No Food or Drink (except water) allowed in the actual reserve although you could picnic on the beach below before you enter the protected area.

#19 Go Climb a Rock (Indoors)

Ever thought about getting into rock climbing but have no idea where to start? Climbing is a pure form of physical meditation. When caught up in the moment a few hours can go by and it feels like a few minutes.

If you have ever seen epic pictures of Big Wall masters making their way up El Capitan in photos and wonder where they started, look no further. You can dip your foot into the water by trying indoor rock climbing at one of these local climbing or bouldering gyms. It is amazing exercise and really fun! If you are young or old it is never to early or to late to start. I think climbing is an intrinsically human endeavor and as children we often loved to climb before we could walk.

Here are a few links to local climbing gyms located in Carlsbad, La Jolla, Poway, and Mira Mesa. They can supply the gear and introduction to the sport. 

http://verticalhold.com/

http://www.mesarim.com/

http://www.vitalclimbinggym.com/

http://www.solidrockgym.com/

                                                         Today is a great day to be alive!

#18 Ensalate, Gnocchi, and Cappuccino off the 101 in Encinitas!

Feast on amazing, authentic Italian creations at Via Italia Trattoria on the 101 in Encinitas!
569 S. Pacific Coast Hwy. 101
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 479-9757
Convenient parking lot in the back of the restaurant. Railroad side.

VOTED: "Best Italian Restaurant" by San Diego Magazine in 2001 2002, and 2009

Welcome to Via Italia Trattoria

Our goal is to delight our customers, providing authentic Italian signature dishes made of the highest quality ingredients prepared daily by our Italian hands and heart. To offer a memorable experience with great service in a friendly and casual atmosphere.

Owner Paolo Pedrazzani and his wife Mara Gerloni, Ph.D, moved to San Diego from Milan, Italy in 1993. Paolo opened the first Via Italia Trattoria in a shopping center "Clairemont Town Square" in San Diego in 1997 and in Encinitas in 2002 center aiming to provide a real and outstanding Italian dining experience for his customers. After several years in the business, Paolo is proud to have reached what he aimed to achieve. As a matter of fact, Via Italia is not just a Trattoria, but offers everything an extraordinary restaurant can offer, such as catering events, wine dinners, authentic Italian food and contemporary music. It simply has it all!

Text Compliments of http://www.viaitaliapizzeria.com/index.php

The food and service are superb!

#17 Join the Counter Culture

Do you love Vegan burgers? They have hormone free beef burgers. Enjoy the experience of creating your own custom built burger master piece at this great new burger joint in Carlsbad. The concept is simple you can either choice a signature burger from the menu or come up with your own creation. I opted for the create your own and made a delicious Vegan burger, with miso,soy sauce, avocados, grilled onions, and tomatoes. They have root beer floats, and local micro beers as well as sweet potato fries and yummy fried dill pickle chips!! The atmosphere is comfortable and modern. Great for date night or a night out with the kids! The one my family likes is in the Carlsbad Forum. Check out the link below for directions, menu and hours. Enjoy!

1923 Calle Barcelona
Carlsbad CA 92009
760 652 5480
http://www.thecounterburger.com/

#16 Enjoy Local Southern California Art

ERIC PHLEGER GALLERY

Enrich yourself by enjoying a art show in Encinitas. Upcoming exhibits will be posted on the website

Eric Phleger Gallery’s focus is on contemporary Southern California painting, sculpture and photography by emerging and mid-career artists. The gallery assists both beginning and veteran collectors, and institutions in locating and acquiring artwork. The gallery also helps collectors acquire works by modern masters.

Text compliments of http://www.ericphlegergallery.com/about.html

Nick Lepard, "Recent Paintings"

CURRENT ARTIST: Nick Lepard

Eric Phleger Gallery is open by appointment only. For further information or to schedule an appointment please call the gallery at 760-436-1440.

828 North Coast Hwy 101 | Encinitas, CA 92024 | 760-436-1440 phone | 760-436-2040 fax

#15 Free Jazz Concert at the La Paloma

Want to be taken back into a time when life was simpler, the notes were truer and everyone knew how to jitter bug? Come join us for an evening of free Jazz and Big Band sound of  THE COMMANDERS. This is the U.S Air Force Band of the Golden West. The show is at the La Paloma Theatre in Encinitas SUNDAY March 20th at 7:30 PM. THIS SHOW IS FREE!!!!

The Commanders, a newly-revived ensemble coming from the US Air Force Band of the Golden West, carries on the American musical tradition of the great big bands, yet offers a lot more than the big band sounds. This energetic group of highly-trained professional musicians, formed from about a dozen Airmen, delivers the full gamut of jazz music - traditional jazz, cool, bop, swing, Broadway favorites, popular tunes, Latino rhythms, and patriotic music. The Commanders offers an entertaining show you won't soon forget!

Text compliments of http://www.bandofthegoldenwest.af.mil/index.asp


LA PALOMA THEATRE PRESENTS
A JAZZ CONCERT, FREE, SUNDAY MARCH 20, 7:30PM

#14 San Diego Spring Home and Garden Show

Need some fresh ideas for spring home improvement and gardening? Stop by the Del Mar Fairgrounds this weekend for the Home and Garden Show! We made a wonderful raised bed vegetable garden last year and feasted on heirloom tomatoes, fresh herbs and made vegan pesto from the basil we grew. Get some great ideas for improving your earth.


Friday 11am-6pm
Saturday 10am-6pm
Sunday 10am-5pm
http://www.springhomegardenshow.com/