The San Diego Traveler

Blazin’ 98.9 FM sponsored the Blazin’ Hip Hop Dance Battle at the San Diego County Fair last week, and the competition was fierce. Groups of 3 to 20 members competed in three age groups, and were judged on technical skills, showmanship, creativity, rhythm and costume.
Youth Division Winners, ages 6-12
First – Ujima Dance Group, San Diego Second – Robot Rock, TemeculaThird – Famous, Chula Vista
Varsity Division Winners, ages 13-20
First – Toy Story, TemeculaSecond – Breakthrough, EncinitasThird – Flipside, San Marcos

Adult Division Winners, ages 21 and older
First – Choreo Cookies, EncinitasSecond – 220 Second to None, San DiegoThird – Junkyard, Spring Valley
Congratulations …read more

Comments Off

Does your neighborhood get together to celebrate Independence Day?  If not, why not start something?
I know that Californians don’t have the best reputation for being good neighbors. In fact, I have lived in places where I never even met my neighbors until the day I was moving out! Fortunately, I haven’t found that to be the case in San Diego county.
When we moved onto our cul-de-sac ten years ago, we heard that this neighborhood used to have the best 4th of July parties around, but they didn’t anymore. For the first few years here, we talked with neighbors about starting …read more

2 Comments

For the best view of the San Diego Wild Animal Park, you need only ride the Great Rift Lift to the viewing platform. Overlooking the Journey to Africa, the platform is over 3000 square feet of viewing and photo opportunities. On hot days, the misters provide a cloud of cool mist over the tower, where visitors can also sit and rest, or purchase a snack.

Best of all, the Great Rift Lift raises visitors up from the lowest areas of the park (the lower exhibits of Africa, such as Lion Camp, Heart of Africa, Flamingos, Cool Zone and Balloon Ride) up …read more

Comments Off

Browsing through Flickr this week, I was thrilled to find these wonderful new images of San Diego:

Thanks to these talented and generous photographers for sharing these images with us.
Photo #1 credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/michael-seljos/2610349684/Photo #2 credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnandketurah/2609286582/Photo #3 credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/shindotv/2612803088/Photo #4 credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/tkkate/2612632720/Photo #5 credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/danielgreene/2599365712/Photo #6 credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/vissago/2605323549/

Comments Off

It’s time to throw the caber, eat some haggis, and herd some sheep.  Yes, the San Diego Highland Games and Gathering of the Clans are coming to Vista this weekend, and the bagpipes are warming up already.

For a preview of the entertainment you can expect at this year’s games, you can come to the free concert at Moonlight Amphitheater in Brengle Terrace park on Friday night!
Also see photo galleries from previous years online to get a quick view of the athletic competitions and entertainment . Even if you don’t have a drop of Scottish blood in you, the Highland Games …read more

2 Comments

Dog lovers will really enjoy San Diego this weekend. There are canine-centered events for dogs of all kinds, as well as those of us who love to watch our furry friends.
For the athletic pooch, there’s the Surf Dog Competition at Loews Coronado Bay Resort at Imperial Beach on Saturday (June 28). Coronado Surfing Academy will provide surfing lessons for the dogs from 9:30 to 10:30am, and competition will start at 11am. You can compete in a tandem surfing event with your dog from 12:30 to 1:30. This will be followed by a furry fashion show at 1:30, with the awards …read more

2 Comments

Of all of the California theme parks, LEGOLAND seems to do the best job of catering to the healthy eaters among us. Nearly all of their restaurants have some healthy choices, but those with special dietary needs will really appreciate the following options.
Please note that they will accommodate you even better with prior notice of your needs 72 hours ahead, so be sure to email them before your visit if you have additional dietary concerns:

Comments Off

This Friday (June 27), the True Colors Tour will stop at Viejas Casino for a Concert in the Park, and what a great lineup! Headlined by Cyndi Lauper, Cyndi will be joined by The B-52s, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, special guest Andy Bell of Erasure, The Puppini Sisters, and host Carson Kressley! Wow!
This has got to be one of the wilder concerts coming up this summer, and I’d go just to see Cyndi Lauper OR The B-52s, but together – Fabulous!
A devoted advocate for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community for over 25 years, Cyndi Lauper …read more

3 Comments

This week, I decided to feature some photos showing our public transportation in San Diego County. Of course, most of us drive and walk. Many bike and skate too, but those aren’t our only options here:

Thanks to these great local photographers for sharing their shots with us.
Photo #1 credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/7447470@N06/1385241006/Photo #2 credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/nathaninsandiego/397236162/Photo #3 credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/olasis/2583632392/Photo #4 credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/olasis/2582811975/Photo #5 credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/avantard/2410543615/

1 Comment

If you’re a long-time reader of The San Diego Traveler, you may have joined us before we became part of b5media. If so, I hope you’ll take a look around here to see what else we offer in the Travel & Culture Channel. 
This month, Mary Jo has rounded up a little something from each of our blogs, as part of Kicking Off Summer with the Travel & Culture Channel:

Filipina Soul – A yummy sounding recipe for Putong Puti (Rice Muffins).
Flyaway Cafe – Picks her 7 Family Vacation Destinations that are FUN & Educational.
Geeky Traveller – …read more

Comments Off