babymoon, san diego

I really meant to plan a babymoon trip this summer. Between moving into a new house, trying to keep up with my toddler, and getting all my affairs in order before baby comes, I just ran out of time.So, instead of a trip, I decided to babymoon right at home in San Diego by planning things that feel like a great escape from daily life. My outcome was just the same: I returned home feeling very relaxed and happy to sleep in my own bed with my beloved maternity pillow—and still not mentally prepared for what’s ahead. But at least I had that blissful time off to enjoy the calm before the beautiful storm. If you’re planning a babymoon celebration in San Diego, here are some ideas on where to pamper yourself, fulfill your food cravings, rest your head, and work up a (light) sweat. 

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, pool

Courtesy of Cal-a-Vie Health Spa

Where to Stay 

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa

You’ll feel a million miles from home when checking into Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, though it’s just on the outskirts of Vista. This 200-acre property is reminiscent of the French countryside, with private villas and suites for guests, and French antiques serving as decor. While some guests come for weight loss and a nutrition reset, Cal-a-Vie is also an ideal babymoon destination for expectant mamas in search of pampering, healthy meals, and activities to nourish the mind and body. Some weeks are designated as women-only and others as coed. Guests are provided with a suggested itinerary of activities each day with things like Pilates, spin, and TRX workouts, but there are plenty of low-impact options in the pool (yoga, Tai Chi, sculpt) and on land (stretch, guided meditation, sound baths).Expectant mothers can also book a nutrition consultation with a registered dietitian who can make personalized recommendations for postpartum nutrition needs, including recipes, supplements, and suggested calorie and macronutrient counts. Plus, spa and beauty services are woven into daily itineraries such as prenatal massages, facials, hair and scalp treatments, and other services to help alleviate pregnancy-related aches. You’ll leave feeling rejuvenated and grounded. | 29402 Spa Havens Way, Vista

Rancho Valencia

Courtesy of Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

Rancho Valencia

At Rancho Valencia, soon-to-be mothers can take advantage of the Great Expectations Babymoon Package that includes special amenities for expectant mamas (belly masks, belly oil, nipple cream, etc.), plus a side-by-side couples massage (prenatal for mom-to-be and custom massage for her partner), and a romantic turndown service with rose petals. Expectant mothers can also request a body pillow upon check-in to make side sleeping more comfortable for their weary joints. Be sure to take time to explore the 45-acre property’s olive and orange groves, tennis and pickleball courts, plus a newly renovated, family-friendly pool called The Paddock with a covered play area for kids and poolside food and drink service. Complimentary, fresh-squeezed orange or green juice is delivered to guest rooms each morning, but for upscale bar food head over to The Pony Room and try their prime seafood, meat, and Baja-style dishes. They also have zero-proof cocktails, wine, beer, and fresh-pressed juices and smoothies. | 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe 

Seabird resort

Where to Get Pampered

Sunny’s Spa & Beauty Lounge 

If getting away for multiple days isn’t a possibility, that’s okay. Sunny’s Spa & Beauty Lounge’s Family to Be service includes a 60-minute couple’s massage (prenatal for mom-to-be and custom Swedish for her partner) and 60-minute facials (mamas should request the algae body oil on your belly to help prevent stretch marks during pregnancy). Stick around afterward to enjoy the relaxation room that has an ocean view terrace, and use all the spa amenities including a dry sauna, cool mint misting shower, and heated Hammam benches. There’s also a hair and nail salon if you want to walk out with a full makeover.The service also comes with a professional maternity photo shoot with Christine Alford of Luna Grace Photography Studio. Couples get to select 10 images from the shoot—with the option to purchase more—and the photoshoot can be planned at your convenience (no pressure to do it the same day as your body treatments). | 101 Mission Avenue, Oceanside 

Buon Appetito

Courtesy of Buon Appetito

Where to Eat 

Notorious Burgers

Craving high-protein food like red meat is common during pregnancy when your body wants more sustenance and iron. Notorious Burgers hits the mark with its sizable burger menu, each named for an infamous mobster like Capone, Bulger, and Gambino. Here you can also get fried pickle chips, successfully fulfilling two pregnancy cravings at once. For dessert, there’s housemade butterscotch pudding, a brownie sundae, and ice cream malts for the mamas not on glucose restriction. | 6955 El Camino Real, Suite 107, Carlsbad 

Barrel & Board

All are welcome at Barrel & Board, an LGBTQ+ bar and restaurant with killer mocktails. Their woman-inspired drink list has zero-proof libations honoring powerhouse musicians like Madonna, Lizzo, and Aretha Franklin. You won’t miss alcohol while sipping the Like a Virgin with coconut creme, lemongrass syrup, fresh mint, lime juice, and La Croix coconut, or the Feeling Myself with passion-orange-guava kombucha, guava puree, and lemon peel. Sunday brunch is a highlight here, where you can pair mocktails with indulgent plates like tres leches French toast or bacon-and-egg-topped burgers. | 1027 University Avenue, Hillcrest 

The Original Sab-E-Lee

I’m already a big fan of spice, but during pregnancy I’ve noticed my appetite and tolerance for heat increases even more. Maybe it reminds me of my youth or maybe it’s all the spicy dishes I associate with comfort food. Either way, Thai food has been a recurrent pregnancy craving for me. The Original Sab-E-Lee restaurant has all the classic dishes you would expect from an authentic Thai spot, with the addition of some regional specialties from the northeastern region such as papaya salad, larb, and nam tok. Inducing labor with spicy food may be an old wives’ tale, but that doesn’t stop expectant mothers past their due dates from trying it anyway. | 13223 Black Mountain Road, Suite 2, Rancho Penasquitos

Buon Appetito

Soak up those final few date nights with your partner before baby comes and you have to start forking out big bucks for a babysitter. Charm, ambiance, and fantastic Italian food make for a special night out at Buon Appetito restaurant where it’s all about the sauce. Creamy or spicy tomato, Bolognese, pesto, and pink vodka sauce make for memorable pasta dishes here, but it’s hard not to fill up during the bread course (served warm with spicy marinara dipping sauce). Hearing the waitstaff speaking Italian makes the entire experience even more endearing. | 1609 India Street, Little Italy 

Trilogy Sanctuary

Courtesy of Trilogy Sanctuary

How to Stay Active 

Prenatal Yoga

Prenatal yoga classes are offered at several studios around the county. Mamas & Milk has a 70-minute prenatal yoga class on Saturdays at 9 a.m. in Carmel Valley. After delivery, they have a Yoga with Babies class (for caregiver and baby) and Baby Moves Yoga class that introduces movement to babies (for caregiver and babies age 0 to crawling).Trilogy Sanctuary in La Jolla holds a 60-minute prenatal yoga class on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. in their outdoor yoga dome, while Yoga Jai Ma in Rancho Bernardo has a 60-minute class on Wednesdays at 5:45 p.m. In Talmadge, Honey Yoga offers a six-week prenatal yoga series with 60-minute classes on Sundays at 8 a.m. (drop-ins available).

Scenic Walks

For mamas not interested in yoga inversions, scenic walks outside are great for a mental reset and to get the heart pumping. While walking the dog around the block definitely counts, San Diego has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to picturesque walking trails. Sunset Cliffs checks the box on both beauty and walkability with its ocean views from mostly flat trails atop stunning sea cliffs. Better yet, stay for sunset and pack a picnic to enjoy the tranquility you’ll miss after the baby is born. Don’t be intimidated by the six-mile trail around Lake Murray since it’s generally very flat and you don’t have to complete the entire loop. Part of Mission Trails Regional Park in La Mesa, Lake Murray feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you need a Zen place to map out your birth plan (which most moms will say rarely comes to fruition, but is still helpful to think through), Lake Murray provides a tranquil backdrop to help focus your mind.

The post How to Babymoon in San Diego This Summer appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Belmont Park Sign Family

Courtesy of Belmont Park

San Diegans often joke about being lucky enough to live where other people vacation, but it’s nice to actually take advantage of all the activities and amenities that may seem like they’re made specifically for tourists—like all those amazing hotel pools.

While it’s obviously a desirable family vacation destination for those from landlocked states seeking surf and sand, San Diego is equally magical for San Diegans who want a break from their regularly scheduled programming. Better yet, parents will probably find a vacation is less stressful and easier to pull off when travel is taken out of the equation.If you’re looking to do a staycation this summer, here’s where to stay, play, and eat in San Diego.

Hotel Del Beach Villas Balcony Ocean

Courtesy of Hotel del Coronado

Family Friendly Hotels in San Diego

Hotel del Coronado

A short drive over the Coronado Bay Bridge quickly transports you into an “island time” state of mind once you hit the idyllic streets of Coronado. The landmark Hotel del Coronado is always a good spot to visit for beachfront eats, sunset cocktails, and gelato treats, but staying overnight at “The Del’s” Beach Village offers the quintessential SoCal family staycation experience.

These beachfront cottages and villas have their own kitchenettes and dining areas, plus enough space to veg out between activities like a private beach bonfire to roast s’mores or gathering around to watch classic movies on the beach during summer. Guests also have access to private, family friendly swimming pools, and beach amenities like loungers and umbrellas. Vacation mode, activated. | 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado

La Costa Pool Exterior

Courtesy of Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

Omni La Costa

For those seeking help with childcare during their staycation, Omni La Costa has a dedicated kids’ club available daily by reservation. Aptly named Kidtopia, their daycare program and night camps are open to children ages six months to 12 years, with playground equipment, books, and games to keep them entertained.

The resort also offers year-round activities and programming for kids and families, such as scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and movies by the pool. Children receive a backpack upon check-in that has activities to help keep them occupied, but there’s a good chance they’ll only have eyes for the eight swimming pools on property. Older kids can enjoy the two 100-foot waterslides, and little ones will have a blast on the toddler slide or running around the splash pad. | 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad

Balboa Park Kid

Photo Credit: Beth Demmon

Family Friendly Things To Do in San Diego

Balboa Park

Balboa Park may seem like an obvious choice to run around or throw a ball, but its museums shouldn’t be overlooked for an afternoon of kid-friendly entertainment. The San Diego Model Railroad Museum is every aspiring engineer’s dream and the Fleet Science Center offers interactive learning, while San Diego Natural History Museum attracts little ones with its fossils, gemstones, and dinosaur skeletons. | El Prado, Bankers Hill

Alga Norte Park Aquatic Design Group

Courtesy of Aquatic Design Group

Alga Norte Park

Alga Norte Community Park is a great place for active kids to expend some of their energy. After bouncing between swimming pools, a splash pad, playground, skate park, ball fields and basketball courts, they should be ready to crash. There’s also a picnic area, dog park, and Jacuzzi for adults that makes the nominal admission fee well worth it. | 6565 Alicante Road, Carlsbad

Belmont Park Family

Courtesy of Belmont Park

Belmont Park

Belmont Park is an ideal San Diego summer hangout thanks to its prime location along the Mission Beach boardwalk. Built nearly 100 years ago, this small amusement park is still home to the vintage Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster, plus other rides, carnival games, bowling, rock climbing, and ziplining. Other onsite attractions include the Plunge Pool and Aqua Jungle inflatable obstacle course, as well as restaurants and an old-timey sweets shop selling cotton candy, funnel cakes, and ice cream. Go for the rides, stay for the nostalgia. | 3146 Mission Boulevard, Mission Beach

Local Beaches

Whether you’re the family on bodyboards hitting the surf or the one huddled under a canopy to build sandcastles, there’s no shortage of local beach activities for youngsters. San Diegans all have their favorite go-to spots, but a few are particularly popular among families for their accessibility. Thanks to its protected shoreline, Mission Bay has calm water that’s approachable for little ones splashing around in the shallow area. La Jolla Shores is adjacent to Kellogg Park, a grassy area for picnics and recreation that also has a playground, while Moonlight Beach has a concession stand, playground, and equipment rentals to save you from schlepping all the gear.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Children

Courtesy of Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Birch Aquarium

Birch Aquarium at Scripps not only has the world’s smallest penguins (weighing two-to-three pounds each), but also a killer view from its interactive tide pool plaza overlooking La Jolla Shores and the Scripps Pier. Kids ooh and ahh their way through the Hall of Fishes that houses more than 60 different habitats, but it’s the penguin feeding presentation at 10 a.m. daily that draws the largest crowds. | 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla

Toni’s Tree House San Diego Botanic Garden

Courtesy of San Diego Botanic Garden

San Diego Botanical Garden

A garden may not be the first place you think of when trying to entertain kids, but San Diego Botanic Garden has an entire section dedicated to children’s activities and hands-on learning. Their Hamilton Children’s Garden area has a sizable treehouse, mountain stream to splash around in, an edible garden where tasting is encouraged, and a place to make music using nature as instruments. An uphill trek to the garden’s model railroad is worth it for rail fans of all ages. | 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas

Amusement Parks

Many San Diegans have already made their rounds to SeaWorld, Legoland, and the San Diego Zoo, but the city’s newest attraction is Sesame Place—a Sesame Street-themed amusement park with family friendly rides, wave pool and water slides, plus shows and parades. Geared mostly toward children between 3 to 10 years old, Sesame Place is a Certified Autism Center with low sensory areas, quiet rooms, and noise-canceling headphones available. | 2052 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista

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Strawberry Fields and Pumpkin Patches

Put the kids to work at Carlsbad Strawberry Company and Pumpkin Patch, where the public can handpick their own fruit straight from the 40-acre fields. Load up a bucket of fresh strawberries at peak ripeness (season typically runs February – July) or select the perfect Halloween pumpkin (September – November) while also snapping some cute family pics and getting a little dirty along the way. | 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad

Navajo Canyon

Get outside and hit the hiking trail at Navajo Canyon Open Space, a hidden pocket of nature tucked into an otherwise busy area of East County. This easy, two-mile out-and-back trail can be conquered in under an hour thanks to its very moderate incline. Along the way, kids will have fun spotting wildflowers, lizards, butterflies, and other desert flora and fauna. | 5284 Adobe Falls Road, Allied Gardens

The Lullabar Children Area

Courtesy of The Lullabar

The Lullabar

For moms who appreciate a “treat yo’ self” moment (or just need a break), The Lullabar is a brilliant concept where you can get a mani-pedi, grab coffee and treats, take a class, and meet other moms—all while your kids are attended to in their play gym. Place your drink order from their cafe during a nail treatment in their intimate salon; book an educational class on meditation, sourdough making, baby-wearing, or pelvic floor health; and enjoy finally being able to finish a sentence because your child is in good hands with their staff doing arts and crafts and other hands-on activities. | 7750 El Camino Real, Suite 5145-5150, Carlsbad

Hamburger Hut Sign Burger

Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos

Family Friendly Places to Eat in San Diego

Hamburger Hut

Burgers, fries, and soft serve cones make up the straightforward menu at Hamburger Hut, a fast-casual eatery with tiki vibes and tropical adult cocktails. Their walk-up order window makes it easy for families who need to get in and out quickly before naptime. For those who stick around, the mood is laidback and welcoming here, especially in the back patio area where kids can run amok without getting any side-eye. | 576 North Coast Highway 101, Encinitas

The Taco Stand

Its name says it all—The Taco Stand has a focused menu of tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, plus other crowd-pleasers like elote and chips and guacamole. Locals line up here at lunchtime for quick counter-service at their five locations across San Diego, and typically more than half the tables have at least one kiddo begging for more of the house-made churros. It’s a no-frills, no fuss place where it doesn’t matter if things get a little messy at the salsa bar. | Locations in Convoy District, Downtown, Encinitas, La Jolla, and North Park

Corvette Diner

Courtesy of Corvette Diner

Corvette Diner

Corvette Diner isn’t just kid-friendly; it was made especially for kids. This ’50s-style diner with a soda fountain, arcade room, and waitresses in poodle skirts is over-the-top in the best way— staying on-theme with every detail. The menu is exactly as expected, filled with chicken fingers, sandwiches, and other classic diner dishes like meatloaf and burgers. Don’t skip the ice cream malts, shakes, and soda floats. It may be old-fashioned, but kids find the diner’s allure timeless. | 2965 Historic Decatur Road, Liberty Station

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Sadie’s Hand-Crafted Mexican Ice Cream

It isn’t hard to find a good ice cream shop in most San Diego neighborhoods, but to give your kids a truly authentic local experience, take them to Sadie’s Hand-Crafted Mexican Ice Cream. Unique flavors like mazapan, cafe de olla, chocolate Abuelita, and beso de angel are listed on the wall of this Instagramable, family-owned shop named for the owner’s young daughter. As if the ice cream isn’t decadent enough on its own, guests can also get an ice cream sandwich with a Randy’s Donut serving as the bun. | 3001 Bonita Road, Suite 200, Chula Vista

Extraordinary Banana Pudding

A childhood favorite for many, there’s a reason banana pudding is a hit at family functions. At Extraordinary Banana Pudding, they serve up nontraditional varieties such as pistachio, red velvet, and chocolate. The owner takes pride in serving his family’s recipe that has been perfected over more than 30 years. He’ll even let you try a few flavors before deciding on which—or how many—tubs to take back for the family. | 8257 El Paso Street, La Mesa

The post 17 San Diego Staycations Ideas for Families this Summer appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

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Longtime kombucha drinkers remember when the fermented, bubbly beverage was ripped from shelves in 2010 while regulators evaluated whether it should be labeled as an alcoholic drink. This caused a stink with kombucha drinkers across the country, but also created a gap in the market for high-alcohol kombucha brand Boochcraft.

“When everyone was going left to go under half-a-percent alcohol content, we decided to go right and make a fully fermented kombucha with high-alcohol up to six or seven percent,” said Todd Kent, Boochcraft co-founder and CEO. “We talked about being a B Corp almost from inception. We were really intrigued by starting a company we could pour our own personal values into and one that doesn’t have to sacrifice values to the profitability.”

Kent is an entrepreneur who’s worked in manufacturing most of his life. He and co-founder Adam Hiner met at a yoga class in Ocean Beach, where they both reside. Hiner leads Boochcraft’s sustainability and social impact initiatives, and his brother-in-law Andrew Clark is the mad scientist who developed Boochcraft’s alcohol-boosted recipes.

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Their conversations with grocery stores gained traction in 2016 when Boochcraft was the only company making hard kombucha. Breaking into the market was an obvious priority, but running it with ethical business practices was also top of mind.

“We wanted B Corp because it’s all-encompassing—it takes into consideration environmental impacts, sustainability choices, and how you treat employees. It’s not a certification you can buy; you really have to live the values of B Corp.” The rigorous B Corp certification process ultimately took Boochcraft two and a half years to get. In April 2022 they became the first hard kombucha brand to achieve the designation.

Today, the vast majority of Boochcraft’s business is done in Southern California, with taprooms in Del Mar, a temporary pop-up in Normal Heights, and brewing facilities in Chula Vista. They have about 80 employees and a core lineup of five kombucha flavors. Their Liquid Art Lab serves as an innovation playground for R&D, releasing seasonal flavors three times per year.

The company prides itself on using fresh fruit that’s juiced in-house, which means flavors are dictated by seasonality of produce. Excess fruit is given to San Diego Food Bank for redistribution among families facing food insecurity. To date they’ve diverted more than 65,000 pounds of fruit from landfills into San Diegans’ homes for consumption.

The post Hitting the Booch appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Lafayette Pool

Rendering Courtesy of Post Company

North Park’s Lafayette Hotel & Swim Club will temporarily close on Oct. 1 for a $26 million restoration project under new ownership by local hospitality group Consortium Holdings (CH Projects). The 1940s Colonial-style property is scheduled to reopen in May 2023 following a complete overhaul of its 141 guest rooms, lobby, restaurant and bar.

CH Projects purchased The Lafayette for $25.8 million in March 2021 and plan to maintain the historic, 2.5-acre property as a social and entertainment hub. So don’t worry, its raucous pool parties may still be here to stay.

The hotel remodel is being led by Brooklyn design firm Post Company. The company promises that upon arrival, patrons will be greeted with a European-style bar serving classic cocktails in the atrium lobby, while guest rooms will have custom-designed linens and personal bar setups.

Lafayette Guest Room

Rendering Courtesy of Post Company

CH Projects founder Arsalun Tafazoli believes food and beverage is the quintessence of a great hotel, which is why he’s laid out plans for seven distinct culinary venues at The Lafayette, all open to the public.

Among these will be Beginners Diner, a 24-hour Worcester Lunch Car-style diner; vintage bowling alley, game room, and cocktail bar, Gutter; Mexican-inspired restaurant and agave bar, Mama Intento; continental fine dining restaurant, Faux Pas, featuring table service carts; rum bar, Mississippi Room; Chef’s Table, which will host a rotation of guest chef events; and Pool Bar, serving Italian cocktails and aperitifs. The Lafayette’s current restaurant, Hope 46, will be shuttered.

The aspirational Lafayette project is the first foray into the hotel scene for CH Projects, but the hospitality group is no stranger to creating food and beverage concepts with provocative conversation starters. Current CH Projects ventures include Born & Raised, Craft & Commerce, False Idol, Fortunate Son, Invigatorium, Ironside Fish & Oyster, J & Tony’s Discount Cured Meats and Negroni Warehouse, Morning Glory, Neighborhood, Noble Experiment, Part Time Lover, Polite Provisions, Raised by Wolves, Seneca, The Reading Club, Underbelly, and Youngblood.

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Rendering Courtesy of Post Company

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Rendering Courtesy of Post Company

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Rendering Courtesy of Post Company

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Rendering Courtesy of Post Company

The post A Classic San Diegan Haunt Closes for Renovations appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Four Seasons Hualalani

Courtesy of Four Seasons

Everyone needs a vacation these days. Ready to bliss out on a tropical island, taste your way through wine country, or simply make traveling with kids easier? We’ve got you covered.

San Diegans can fly nonstop to Kona. In just under six hours, you can be sipping mai tais from the western side of Hawai’i Island. The state has lifted COVID-related requirements, though visitors are urged to exercise caution, be respectful, and not act a fool.

Napa Valley Wine Train

Courtesy of Napa Valley

The Four Seasons Resort Hualālai is celebrating its 25th anniversary on the Kona-Kohala coast by completing a $100 million property-wide renovation that includes updated guestrooms and public spaces, plus three redesigned and expanded villas. The oceanfront property also launched a monthly chef/winemaker-in-residence series where big names from the culinary world will develop a special menu and host cooking classes—including San Diego’s own chef Richard Blais (Juniper & Ivy, Ember & Rye, etc.) on November 18-19.

Fall harvest season is the most popular time to visit Napa Valley, when grapes are plucked at peak ripeness and daytime temps hover in the low 80s. To experience multiple wineries without the hassle of driving, climb aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train, which stops in several small towns along a three-hour, 36-mile round trip journey. Passengers can enjoy a new afternoon tea service aboard the open-air train cars, a family-friendly experience open to ages 10+ that includes sparkling wine or cider. The menu offers traditional snacks like finger sandwiches, scones, and other sweets, but there’s a caviar upgrade available for a taste of wine country luxury.

Veer

Courtesy of Veer

While pulling an unwieldy wagon full of kids and their toys through the sand for a beach day is common practice for many San Diego parents, a new product is hoping to make trekking through any terrain more convenient. The versatile and smartly designed Veer Switchback is a child seat that docks into several frames, including single, double, and jogging strollers, and uses adapters to quickly transform into a bike seat, mealtime booster seat, and camping chair. The Switchback’s multi-purpose functionality helps streamline the notoriously long packing list that often comes with family travel. Less schlepping? Count us in.

The post Travel News: September 2022 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Bryce Wettstein – main

Brie Lakin

Bryce Wettstein swears she was immersed into the world of skateboarding while still in utero, hearing the sounds of her dad skating and breakdancing—two sports, she jokes, that “go hand in hand, and foot in foot.” Wettstein’s recent performance at Dew Tour, a national extreme sports competition in Long Beach, secured the 17-year-old Encinitas resident a spot on the USA Women’s Park Skateboarding team to compete at the Tokyo Olympic Games this year.

The multitalented teen is an honor student in her junior year at San Dieguito High School, who also plays varsity indoor and beach volleyball, and is an avid surfer as well as a singer-songwriter with music on Spotify.

Her dad sparked her love of skating when she was five years old by asking one question: “Do you want to come skateboard a pool with me?” It turns out that the pool was drained to be a skateboarding bowl, and that one question was enough to pique Wettstein’s interest.

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“As soon as I realized I can be my unique self on a skateboard, the most unique parts of me came about and fizzed over. I didn’t know what they were at first, and now I’m finally figuring it out when chasing my dream.”

Wettstein is making history as she competes in the first Olympic Games to include skateboarding. The competition is divided into two separate events for park and street athletes. Park skating is known for its use of ramps, bowls, and other obstacles, while street skating uses more staircases, rails, and sidewalks.

She remembers being on deck at Dew Tour and realizing that she would probably go on to the Olympics. “But even as you think it, you’re still in disbelief. Then, suddenly, it isn’t if this happens, it’s actually a matter of saying when.”

But she’s managed to stay centered on the road to the Tokyo games, even while juggling an exceptionally busy schedule. “Sometimes it’s easy to push past the things we want because we’re so focused on the end result,” she says. “I don’t want to be on some sort of schedule because it makes sense for a bigger picture. I often ask myself, ‘What do I really feel like doing today?’ and then listen to my heart.”

Wettstein feels a new wave of gratitude wash over her every day, especially for her family’s support. She uses her success to motivate peers and classmates contemplating their own futures.

“We’re all inspiring each other, because this is the time to stir up the cauldron of dreams—to start our dreams together. I’m just trying to take a leap at mine while they take a leap at theirs. I always tell them, ‘I’m still in the same canoe as you.’” Not downplaying the herculean mental and physical strength the Olympics will require of her, Wettstein knows she’ll need to plan for some downtime upon returning from Tokyo.

“When you’re going somewhere like the Olympics, sometimes you put so much emphasis on how to take everything in, you forget to let everything out, too. I just want to breathe for a second, take a brain break, and write about everything—just sort of let it loose, like spilling beads on the floor.”

The post Local Pro Skateboarder Bryce Wettstein Is Ready for the Summer Games appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

After marinating and smoking a whole goat, she wraps it in maguey leaves (aka agave) and other aromatics, then slow-roasts it until the meat is tender enough to fall off the bone. The assembly is slightly different from your average taco. Zepeda-Wilkins stuffs a tortilla with just the meat, brushing the outside with rendered fat from her housemade birria broth.

The whole taco is roasted, grilled, and served alongside the strained broth containing olla beans, minced onions, cilantro, and lime, which is meant for dunking the taco into. For added heat, look to El Jardín’s salsa trio: molcajete with jalapeños (mild), tomatillo cruda with serranos (medium), and macha with dried chiles (hot).

To hear more from Zepeda-Wilkins on El Jardín and her efforts to push for authentic Mexican eats, listen to San Diego Magazine’s Happy Half Hour podcast at sdmag.com/eljardin.

2885 Perry Road, Liberty Station eljardin.sd

Very Important Taco: The Birria Tacos at El Jardin

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Meet 6 of San Diego’s Unsung Heroes

Jonathan Feliciano Fire Engineer/Paramedic, Coronado Fire Department pg 80

A job can be your livelihood, but for some people, a job is more about keeping others afloat, safe, healthy, even alive.

These are the challenging, heart-wrenching careers that call upon a deep reserve of emotional strength, patience, and resolve. Frankly, not all of us are cut out for it. So it’s a good thing we have brave citizens to step up. You might not know their faces or names, but you’ll want to know their stories.

Here, we profile six local heroes who are effecting change, empowering the underserved, and making San Diego a better place.

The post Meet 6 of San Diego’s Unsung Heroes appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

1047 Fifth Avenue, Downtown

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Very Important Taco: Octopus Taco at Curadero

NTH Element

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October 1:

Start planning excursions to more than 40 local museums this month for Kids Free in October, when admission fees are waived for children 12 and under.

October 2:

Catch the Australian pop rock band 5 Seconds of Summer at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre.

October 5:

Cross into Baja California for the three-day Valle Food & Wine Festival to dine with acclaimed celebrity chefs including Rick Bayless, Michael Mina, and Jonathan Waxman at Finca Altozano.

See Susan Ressler’s photography from boardrooms of days past, on display for the new exhibit Executive Order: Images of 1970s Corporate America at Joseph Bellows Gallery (through 11/30).

October 6:

Stroll the two-day La Jolla Art & Wine Festival, which showcases work from more than 150 artists across the US and Mexico and includes a wine and craft beer garden focusing on local pours.

Inventors and DIYers unite for the weekend at Maker Faire San Diego in Balboa Park, a hands-on experience that spans virtual reality experiences, art sessions, and beer-making workshops.

San Diego Events Calendar: October 2018

Maker Faire San Diego

Violin virtuoso Lucia Micarelli brings a powerful performance to California Center for the Arts, Escondido.

October 10:

Catch five days of independent cinema during the San Diego International Film Festival, including filmmaker meet-and-greets, held at various venues.

Make your way down Orange Avenue for A Taste of Coronado.

Restaurants new and old will serve up samples at the Taste of Mission Hills, including live music and free trolley rides to participating venues.

October 12:

San Diego Events Calendar: October 2018

Dierks Bentley

Discover new designers and their latest runway collections during three days of Fashion Week San Diego, held at various venues.

Slip into your lederhosen for two days of steins, sausages, and live music at Ocean Beach Oktoberfest. Mexican comedian Franco “El Diablo” Escamilla performs his sarcastic standup in Spanish at Balboa Theatre.

Join the three-day Polish Festival at St. Maximilian Kolbe Roman Catholic Polish Mission in Pacific Beach for traditional music, dance, food, and beer.

Country star Dierks Bentley stops at Mattress Firm Amphitheatre on his Mountain High Tour.

October 13:

Enjoy An Evening of Classic Lily Tomlin as the comedienne performs her timeless characters at Balboa Theatre.

Train like a marine in the Bootcamp Challenge obstacle course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot.

More than 50 artists are set to showcase their work for Bread & Salt’s inaugural two-day Latin American Art Fair.

October 14:

San Diego Dance Theater presents Installation Dances, site-specific performances in Liberty Station Arts District.

San Diego Events Calendar: October 2018

Sting & Shaggy

October 16:

Unlikely musical duo Sting & Shaggy perform hits from their new island-inspired collaborative album at Harrah’s Resort SoCal.

October 17:

The disappearance of Sherlock Holmes makes for a suspenseful plot in the West Coast premiere of Holmes & Watson at North Coast Repertory Theatre (through 11/11).

October 18:

Behold the music, dance, and costumes of Mexican civilization from the pre-Columbian era through today when 76 folk dancers of Ballet Folklórico de México perform at California Center for the Arts, Escondido.

Watch high-performance boat races during the four-day Extreme Sailing Series off Harbor Island.

Celtic and bluegrass music converge with a performance from We Banjo 3 at California Center for the Arts, Escondido.

October 20:

San Diego Opera presents Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, a comic and messy love story, at the Civic Theatre (through 10/28).

Pay tribute to local servicemembers during eight days of Fleet Week San Diego events, including public ship tours at Broadway Pier.

The 11th annual Hallo-Wine Fall Festival, held at the Historic Burnham House, will raise funds for Home Start’s child abuse prevention and treatment programs.

Invite the whole crew to the South Park Fall Walkabout to explore popular neighborhood shops and restaurants on foot.

Northern Irish sculptor Tim Shaw explores humanitarian issues through immersive large-scale installations in his first American exhibit, Beyond Reason, at the San Diego Museum of Art (through 2/24).

October 21:

Treat yourself at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa’s latest Self-Care Sunday, Pilates + Prosecco.

October 23:

The Pearl Hotel hosts its ninth annual Pumpkin Carving Contest, providing all supplies and a seasonal cocktail while a spooky movie plays on the big poolside screen. The winner gets a free night’s stay at the Point Loma property; second place earns you happy hour for four.

October 26:

Costumed kids can get their sugar rush at Trick-or-Treat on India Street, starting in Little Italy’s Piazza della Famiglia.

October 27:

Experience a wicked wonderland at the annual Monster Bash block party, with a costume contest and ghastly entertainment aplenty in the Gaslamp and East Village.

Indulge in hearty comfort food during the San Diego Mac N’ Cheese Fest at Waterfront Park.

San Diego Events Calendar: October 2018

San Diego Mac N’ Cheese Fest

October 28:

Expect only Southern California–grown bounty at The Lodge at Torrey Pines’ Celebrate the Craft food festival.

Pay respect to the spirits of the deceased at Old Town’s Day of the Dead celebration.

Head to Hillcrest for a Halloween party that’s equal parts scary and sassy at Nightmare on Normal Street.

October 31:

Beloved Broadway musical Wicked shares untold stories of witches from the Land of Oz at the Civic Theatre (through 11/25).

San Diego Events Calendar: October 2018

Wicked | Photo: Joan Marcus

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