San Diego California’s East County Sparkles During Winter
October 1, 2010 – San Diego’s East County offers the perfect winter getaway for visitors yearning for a unique Southern California experience. Set against the majestic Cuyamaca Mountains, the region’s charming rural communities offer a wide variety of festive holiday celebrations and one-of-a-kind activities that are certain to make a winter visit merry, memorable and bright.
From El Cajon’s star-studded 64th Annual Mother Goose Parade to the historic mountain town of Julian’s Annual Holiday Home Tour, San Diego’s East County offers guests a unique and unexpected winter escape.
FESTIVALS AND PARADES
The delightful community of La Mesa is transformed into a Victorian wonderland when the Old Fashioned Christmas Village in La Mesa kicks off December 10 and 11. The family friendly event features a holiday tree lighting ceremony, horse-drawn carriages trotting to the beat of snappy holiday tunes, marching bands and entertainers, all lined up along La Mesa Boulevard. Carnival rides, bonfires, an outdoor market and a special appearance by Santa Claus round out the traditional holiday fun. www.lmvma.com
In neighboring El Cajon, the 64th Annual Mother Goose Parade grabs the spotlight on November 21. Traditionally held the Sunday before Thanksgiving, it’s the largest parade in San Diego County and the largest of its type west of the Mississippi. The free holiday celebration, which attracts thousands of spectators to the streets of El Cajon, showcases marching bands, colorful floats, clowns, equestrians and more. Special appearances by celebrities and musical performers add to the day’s festivities. www.mothergooseparade.org
UNIQUE TOURS
Billed as the ultimate outdoor stargazing tour, Nightfall 2010 is an annual event that attracts hundreds of astronomy buffs to the desert community of Borrego Springs. Held during November 4 – 7 at Palm Canyon Resort, the event features daytime and nighttime astronomy workshops and lectures, as well as an outdoor sky tour that educates stargazers all about our constellation. During the day, the surrounding 600,000-acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers a vast desert landscape to discover. www.nightfall2010.com
In the historic mountain town of Julian high in the Cuyamaca Mountains, art lovers can step back in time and experience its rich cultural offerings during the Third Annual Julian Open Studios and Galleries Tour on November 23 and 24. Guests are given a driving map and encouraged to visit the local galleries at their own pace while traveling the region’s beautiful backcountry roads. Painters, sculptors, potters and jewelry makers are stationed at each gallery so visitors can see them at work. Food and drinks are served at some of the galleries. Cost is $10 – $15 per person. www.julianartsguild.org
Guests can celebrate the Yuletide season and explore some of East County’s most picturesque, historic homes during Julian’s 15th Annual Holiday Home Tour on December 10. Good cheer and seasonal tidings abound as guests are personally chauffeured and welcomed into five spectacular homes, all decked out in festive holiday splendor. Tours are offered at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.; tickets are $20 per person and must be purchased in advance. 760-765-3647
HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES
La Mesa’s majestic Mt. Helix , featuring a 35-foot cross and 5,000-seat amphitheater, offers spectacular 360-degree views of the San Diego region as well as year-round performances and events throughout the year. A special Christmas Caroling Show features several choir and concert bands from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on December 12. www.mthelixpark.org
In the mountain community of Campo, guests can celebrate the holidays aboard the Sixth Annual North Pole Limited , a popular Christmas vintage train ride through San Diego’s rustic backcountry. The one-hour adventure begins at Campo Depot and features an on-board Christmas book reading, holiday treats and an appearance by Santa Claus. Tickets cost $20-$25 for children, aged 2-12, and $30-$35 for adults; children under two-years-old ride free. Advance purchase is highly recommended. www.sdrm.org
CULINARY EVENTS
Barbecue and grilling enthusiasts are invited to compete in the Golden Barbecue Fest 2010 occurring November 6 and 7 at the Golden Acorn Casino & Travel Center in Campo. This is the first time the national culinary competition, organized by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, will be held in the San Diego region. Other highlights of the two-day event include wine tasting, live music and entertainment. www.goldenacorncasino.com
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Bicyclists can test their stamina on November 6 and 7 when the Tour de Julian rolls into town with 28- and 55-mile bike rides through East County’s scenic backcountry. This annual winter ride attracts hundreds of riders from throughout the United States. The November 6 road ride begins at Menghini Winery and makes its way through Pine Hills to the top of picturesque Mount Laguna before returning to Menghini Winery. On the ascent to Mount Laguna, riders can see amazing views of the Anza- Borrego Desert, and the descent is a thrilling downhill adventure. On November 7, bikers ride through the newly opened Santa Ysabel Preserve, featuring challenging hills, babbling streams and a stunning meadow scenery. Homemade apple pie and ice cream are served along with wine tastings by Menghni Winery after the rides. Cost is $39.00 for one-day and $69.00 for two-day tickets. www.julianactive.com
This winter, the Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine will be home to the largest outdoor ice-skating rink in Southern California. The rink will open November 12 immediately following the center’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. and remain open through January 2. www.shopviejas.com
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Revelers can ring in the New Year at the Barona Resort & Casino in Lakeside. Starting at 2 p.m., the alcohol-free Indian gaming casino will feature a number of live band performances on its main Hayloft Stage; at 10 p.m., headliner Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Swing Band will take center stage. Other highlights include a big band-style costume contest, prize giveaways and free non-alcoholic champagne toast at midnight. www.barona.com
Partygoers can also ring in the New Year at the Viejas Casino & Outlet Center in Alpine. Festivities include a New Year’s Eve dinner menu, drink specials and live music at the DreamCatcher and V Lounge. www.viejas.com
Sycuan Casino in El Cajon is offering a special New Year’s Eve celebration with music and party favors in the casino’s massive Bingo Hall. www.sycuancasino.com
Revelers can celebrate the start of 2011 at the Jacumba Hot Springs & Spa in Jacumba . Festivities include live music, karaoke and a special three-course dinner with complimentary champagne at midnight in the Jacumba Spa Restaurant & Bar. The New Year’s Eve celebration is complimentary for resort guests. www.jacumbasprings.com
Happy happens in San Diego’s East County. For more information East County and the entire San Diego region, visit the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Web site, www.sandiego.org, or call (619) 236-1212. In San Diego, visit the International Visitor Information Center, located along the Embarcadero at the corner of West Broadway and Harbor Drive in downtown; the La Jolla Visitor Center, located at the corner of Herschel Avenue and Prospect Street in La Jolla; or the California Welcome Center, located at the Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine.
October 1, 2010
Posted in: United States West