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Great Escapes
The Best of San Diego, California
By Patricia Bradford Rambo II and Joshua S. Kushner, Sr.
This year San Diego, California was in the media spotlight as the Chargers drew a play off spot led by LaDainian Tomlinson in the sports Mecca that has captured the attention of the local fanfare. This magnetic area has progressively become a huge draw as a travel destination with so many quality treasures to experience. The Gas Lamp Quarter, reminiscent of the famed French Quarter in New Orleans, has rejuvenated the downtown scene for locals and visitors alike.
The multicultural potpourri of restaurants, shops, hotels, harbor exhibits, and museums are endless and easily accessible. If you haven’t been to San Diego recently, you don’t know what you are missing. The charm of the Gas Lamp Quarter has been reinvented by combining renovated and restored buildings with modern high-rise hotels, both of which offer the utmost of luxury.
The Omni Hotel San Diego is the juggernaut of the area, both architecturally and geographically. This hotel is literally connected to Pet-Co Park, by a suspended walkway hung 50 feet up in the air via cables. Many of the guest rooms overlook the home of the San Diego Padres on one side and the Coronado Bridge one the other.
There is nothing more magical than a bird’s eye view of a major league baseball stadium. In fact, as you peruse the many common areas in the hotel, you will be treated to vintage memorabilia from the famous players that represent the Padres history. Some of the display cases throughout the hotel property contain relics from lemon shaped baseballs from the early 1900’s to modern day autographed items.
The Omni Hotel San Diego stands as the flagship luxury hotel. The rooms are handsomely designed with all of the modern comforts. The cherry accents and feather pillows, flat screened TV’s, and 24-hour room service from the famed McCormick & Schmick’s Restaurant on the property give you the sense that the possibilities are endless. And they are. You can stroll down to the lobby and enjoy a Starbucks coffee from the in house gift shop, get a complete workout in the state of the art gym, take a swim in the heated open air pool, or just relax in the Jacuzzi and order a poolside Bloody Mary and a steak sandwich under the kite-like umbrellas overlooking the harbor.
This is definitely a destination which travelers should consider first due not only to its location, but also because of its immediate access to the best entertainment, restaurants, and transportation. The downtown cable cars are just outside the lobby, bicycle surries are fun and affordable, and taxis are readily available to transport you to your destination.
If you choose to dine at the hotel resident restaurant, McCormick & Schmick’s, do not expect by comparison to the other local eateries available, a unique and memorable experience. Although the food choices are amicable and relatively up to standard, you may find better options outside of the property, only footsteps away. We recommend a local favorite, Sevilla Tapas Restaurant, a mere two blocks from the hotel. The ambiance and culinary experience will leave you with a memory in which you will share with your best friends and family. The food is exquisite, Spanish fare, served tableside as a sampling of the best of Mediterranean delicacies coupled with fine wines, cocktails, and genuine flair that will keep you coming back for more.
If you are in the mood for a little pampering, stop by the Artesia Day Spa. They offer an array of different massage therapies as well as facial treatments to boost your skin until it is glowing. The Artesia Grand Classique Facial is one of the most complete and personalized deep pore cleansing facials you will ever experience. This treatment is full of anti-inflammatory plant extracts that will leave your skin feeling clean and rebalanced without irritation. Your esthetician will also personalize your facial according to your skin type.
The local tourist attractions do not compare to the ubiquitous pedestrian, boorish norm. Balboa Park is a one of a kind compilation of humanity, which encompasses all of mankind’s great accomplishments. From classical art, to model trains, modern technology, world famous rose gardens and so much more. It is absolutely a must see when visiting the San Diego area. You could easily spend days on end exploring the auto museum, the Star Trek Exhibit, the Aerospace Museum, and the many other notable sites the park has to offer.
Make sure you allow at least one or even two full days to experience this marvel.
Believe it or not, there is so much more to see. We highly recommend the USS Midway Tour, which is a tribute to our U.S. Navy and their contribution to our country. In our recent past, this massive aircraft carrier was deployed as a major fighting machine in our fight for freedom in the Gulf War. You can experience first hand the immense magnitude this floating military base contributed, by viewing the conditions, and living quarters our men in uniform experienced during their duty at sea. It is a tribute to the pride and sacrifice that our men and women endured during wartime. There is a walking tour, simulators and even war veterans who will share their experiences with you to give you a true feeling of what life at sea encompasses.
The flight deck is extraordinary. There is a broad display of impressive jets, helicopters, seaplanes, rescue aircraft, and attack bombers that will leave your children awestruck. There are private side tours on the island deck that has spectacular views of the harbor and gun shows with clippers. Check the schedule for special events. There is so much to see on this city on the sea that you will need to allow ample time to experience it all.
The San Diego Zoo, The San Diego Wild Animal Park, and Sea World are only a few minutes away from downtown. San Diego is an amazing place to get away from the stress of L.A. A quick two hour drive and you are in a historically magical world all of its own. Nestled along the harbor, there is no end to the sights one can take in, all the while enjoying the friendly atmosphere and fresh sea air.
The Omni San Diego: 675 L Street, San Diego, CA 92101 – (619) 231-6664 ~ www.omnisandiego.com
Balboa Park: 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101 – (619) 239-0512 ~ www.balboapark.org
The Artesia Day Spa: 240 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 – (619) 338-8111 ~ www.artesiadayspa.com
The USS Midway: 910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92132 – (619) 544-9600 ~ www.midway.org
Pet-Co Park: 100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 – (619) 795-5000 ~ www.padres.com
Sevilla Restaurant & Tapas Bar: 555 4th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 – (619) 233-5979 ~ www.cafesevilla.com
McCormick & Schmick’s: 675 L Street at the Omni Hotel, San Diego, CA 92101 – (619) 645-6545 ~ www.mccormickandschmicks.com
Escape to Maui
By Oyama Caviness
Symptoms: A depressed economy, stress from the holiday season, and migraine head-aches from LA traffic. It seems like walls of anxiety are closing in on us. What better time to get away from it all? An island vacation to Maui will do the trick. Close enough to LA to afford, but far enough for complete escape.
Where to start, where else but with good friends and good food! Who doesn't love to try local restaurants while on vacation? We began with the Japanese restaurant Kobe and it was definitely worth the visit. The seafood is not only reasonably priced, but it is also extremely fresh and tasty prepared in Japanese tradition. This was an ideal way to begin bonding in Maui, as Kobe offered an intimate yet fun atmosphere for dining while chef Yami entertained and skillfully prepared our delicious meals.
My personal favorite and highlight of the trip was the The Drums of the Pacific Luau at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa in Lahaina. Here, you can take full advantage of the all you can eat and drink Luau and enjoy many authentic Hawaiian foods. Every dish has the perfect blend of tropical flavors, each with a unique twist. While enjoying my third full plate, the Drums of the Pacific beat while a spectacular stage show explained the history and culture of the Polynesian descendants. And to make the most of this experience, hula lessons are a must. It is fascinating to watch and learn the seductive art of storytelling by hula dancers and the iconic fire twirler. I definitely loved this part.
Conveniently, The Hyatt Regency also offers the Hawaiian specialty message, Lomi Lomi, at luxurious Spa Moana. This indulgence orchestrated by the "healing hands" of Rosemary features flowing forearm strokes to release tension and assist with mental and physical harmony. This special treat was unavoidable because no trip would be complete without a day at the spa.
Even on a budget, know that Maui has a lot to offer. The breathtaking landscape and natural beauty of the island is an instant reminder of how the simple things in life are wonderfully amazing. A few priceless hours on Ocean Intrigue gave us the opportunity to step back, be still, and take it all in. Also, The Pacific Whale Foundation, which is dedicated to marine research and education, has cheap excursions. Consider searching for a Humpback Whale. We all had fairly low expectations to spot one but hoped to at least see spray from a blowhole. However, we were pleasantly surprised when our Captain pointed out not one whale, but a competition pod--a fight between two male whales jockeying for the attention of one female. They really entertained us or should I say we entertained them. It was as if they were watching us as they dived and then disappeared leaving only their whale footprints in the water. Their larger-than-life beauty is a sight to see.
We left the boat feeling closer to nature and each other. So, to continue our quality time with nature, sunrise at Haleakala National Park at 3:30AM was next. Ironically, the brilliant color spectrum of the 6:24AM sunrise actually negated the scary drive up the 10,023 foot volcano.
This visit to Maui was definitely just what the doctor ordered. It put the stress, day to day headaches, and anxiety of life into perspective. Whether you need to get away from everything and everyone or just want an extremely romantic destination for two, I highly recommend Maui for the purpose of true escape not so far away.