Get to Know San Diego

IKEA can be both fun and challenging to shop at. Fun because they have some really neat furniture and decor. Challenging because they really do have a path they want you to take through the store and it is hard to get away from that.

Much of the furniture is in a minimalist style. You buy it and assemble it yourself. My son’s dresser was purchased at IKEA, and I can tell you it is quite sturdy and was not too difficult to put together.

Don’t assume that minimalist means boring. Much of the furniture and decor are quite trendy. The children’s furniture and decor are also quite creative, sure to delight the little ones.

Displays are set up as rooms and you note where the boxes to buy the furniture is stored, and pick it up before you hit the registers.

If you get hungry as you shop, you can stop for a snack. There’s a little café located inside the store with a good selection of food. Don’t just think fast food. You can get full meals there if you want, sometimes even including salmon and other food you wouldn’t necessarily expect.

The selection at IKEA is not for everyone. If you prefer the big, elegant furniture that many other furniture stores carry, IKEA is probably not for you. But if you like cleaner lines you may love it.

2149 Fenton Parkway
San Diego, CA, 92184

Fashion Valley is probably the most upscale mall in San Diego. It’s a two level mall that was upgraded several years ago. If you want to visit Tiffany’s, Sak’s or Coach, this is the place in San Diego to do so.

The food selection is often upscale as well, not so much fast food as in other malls, although there is some available. But if you want to sit down and eat, there are places to do that. (more…)

Do you enjoy small amusement parks? San Diego’s Belmont Park may be just to your taste.

The main attraction is the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster. This is an old, wooden coaster, but it’s still quite exciting to ride. It was built in 1925, but don’t think that it’s boring just because it’s more than 80 years old.

There are more attractions as well. The Beach Blaster swings riders in circles and up into the air. The Chaos will spin you in three dimensions at random, so be prepared to get dizzy! There are also bumper cars and an arcade. (more…)

Seaport Village is perhaps my favorite shopping center in San Diego. I don’t go there often, and it doesn’t have the major department stores, but if you enjoy unique and quirky shops, this is the shopping center for you.

My personal favorite has always been the Lefty Shop. I’m right handed, and they mostly sell tools for lefties, but they have things anyone can enjoy. I love my “counter clock” I bought there. Look at a regular clock in a mirror, and that’s what my clock looks like. The double takes that clock gets is simply classic.

The combination of shopping, park, entertainment and waterfront really makes Seaport Village stand out. Many shops are more geared toward tourists than locals, but there’s plenty for locals to enjoy. (more…)

The Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego contains some of the most extensive and dramatically designed historic buildings in the area. Built between 1873 and 1930, these Victorian style buildings are truly a sight to behold.

The Victorian era buildings found in the Gaslamp Quarter are home to night clubs, restaurants, theaters, and shops. A stroll down 4th and 5th avenue will put you at the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter.

Also found in the Gaslamp Quarter is Horton Plaza and Horton Plaza Park. The Plaza is the first place in the United States to feature a water fountain containing electric lights; a true tribute to the designer Alonzo Horton. Horton Plaza is probably one of the most interesting malls you will find, with its unusual layout and color scheme. Follow your nose and you’ll find delicious cinnamon rolls. You can catch a movie at the theater there too. (more…)