Wild Flowers of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

The arrival of spring represents pleasant weather, cool breezy wind, blankets of colorful flowers and greenery at its best!

Bestowed with pleasant weather all year round, San Diego turns even more beautiful as spring season approaches. It’s an ideal time for visitors on a vacation to San Diego, to experience natural beauty at its best and enjoy spring wildflowers in full bloom at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Being the largest state park in California; Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is widely known for its wildflowers, wilderness and hiking trails. It is definitely an ideal place for desert adventure seekers especially in the Spring as the summer heat can get overbearing.

Also, spare a day to go on a Palm Canyon Trail in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park which is popular among hikers. This 3 mile trail begins at the Borrego Palm Canyon campground and concludes at the lush palm oasis that takes about 2 and half to 3 hours to complete.

Anza Borrego Palm Canyon Trail is characterized by its varied landscape conditions as you move from one habitat to another. The trail begins with a dry, barren ground where you get to see low bushes and large boulders. If you are lucky, you might get to spot rare bighorn sheep roaming along the cliff side.

When you reach the middle of the trail, you will see green landscapes with water and lush bushes. The trail ends at the Palm Oasis where you can relax, have a picnic and explore the waterfalls.

Check out the visitor center, pen from 9am to 5pm.

Stay in one of the conveniently located San Diego hotels from where Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, beaches and other attractions are nearby.

California Suites Hotel is one of the leading San Diego budget hotels which is located right in the heart of San Diego from where you can get to various tourist destinations easily. Known for its dependable services, this budget San Diego hotel provides continental breakfast, Internet access, large heated swimming pool, free parking, safe deposit box, spa tub and more.

Photo courtesy: allaboutravelling.com

LEGOLAND California Resort features more than 60 rides, shows and attraction. The perfect place for a family vacation in San Diego.

Snowfall has started in LEGOLAND California, flagging off the start of the Holiday Snow Days event. This popular event offers both day and nighttime fun for people of all ages.

Spread over 128-acre area, LEGOLAND California boasts 50 family rides along with attractions and shows, which provide education, adventure and fun.

Winner of the “2011 prestigious World Waterpark Association Industry Innovation Award”, LEGOLAND California Resort has the world’s first and only LEGOLAND Water Park.

LEGOLAND California is an absolute holiday paradise for kids especially during Holiday Snow Days, held during November 23 to December 31 period.

It allows kids to build a snowman with LEGO accessories, click a snap with LEGO Santa, throw snowballs at targets and make the most of the themed entertainment such as Let it Snow, The Big Test Holidays, Brickettes, and Jingle Jammers.

The fun at LEGOLAND California continues after the sun goes down with Winter Nights. The spectacular nightly lighting of the world’s largest LEGO Christmas Tree, live music, Fun Town Holiday Food Truck, Holiday Lights Show and strolling entertainment take you to another world.

Every evening from December 26 through 31, there will be nightly fireworks at the conclusion of the day’s programs.

Snowfall has always been the major attraction of the Holiday Snow Days that invites visitors for an extended stay in San Diego.

Refer http://california.legoland.com/holidaysnowdays/?month=12&year=2012 for details.

BOOK your TICKETS for Holiday Snow Days and watch LEGOLAND turning into a winter wonderland. There can be no better way to celebrate the holidays this year.

And if you are on a budget, California Suites Hotel is one of the premier budget hotels in San Diego – will make your San Diego lodging affordable.

An AAA-approved hotel and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, California Suites Hotel scores on its services including:

• Large heated swimming pool
• Air-conditioned public areas
• Complimentary newspaper in lobby
• Cable with HBO
• High speed Internet access (Free Wi-Fi coming later this month)
• Spa tub
• Laundry facilities
• Continental breakfast
• Safe-deposit box

Enjoy LEGOLAND and all its fun filled delights with an affordable family vacation in San Diego.

Legoland pic courtesy: cityprofile.com

Qualcomm Stadium is currently home to the San Diego Chargers, San Diego State University Aztecs, Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl and San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl.

A shout-out to all the football fans! The much awaited and hugely popular Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl is back with a bang!

All set to take place on December 27, 2012 at the Qualcomm Stadium; the Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl attracts hundreds of football lovers each year.

This time too, it is expected to receive huge crowds. The game will also be aired nationally on ESPN.

The Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl is not just about football. There is lot more to it. Enjoy great food and lots of wine and beer. Not to forget formidable performances by the college bands and cheerleaders.

These private performances will be held in section F-1 of the Qualcomm Stadium parking lot from 4:15pm to 6:15pm. To enjoy alcoholic beverages, you must be 21 years of age and carry your proof of age.

Parking

If you plan to drive from your hotel, try to come as early as possible as the parking lot fills up fast. Parking charges for the Holiday Bowl are $20 for cars and $60 for RV’s.

Best way to avoid parking woes is either you carpool or come in  a bus or use the San Diego Trolley.

For VIP parking, you will have to dish out $60. VIP parking is limited which includes a secure space inside the main gates of the stadium. VIP parking pass will ensure that you get parking spot no matter what time you arrive at the stadium.

Visitors coming on a San Diego family vacation during December can add Holiday Bowl event to their itinerary. It is a fabulous event for all age groups.

San Diego accommodation

Which is the one thing that you would certainly want in your hotel when you come to San Diego during holiday season? Apart from all the necessary facilities, one thing which visitors at times overlook is the location of the hotel. Choose a San Diego hotel that is centrally located.

Located at Clairemont Mesa Blvd, California Suites Hotel is nearby to Qualcomm Stadium and various other attractions in the city.  Its central location, makes it convenient for guests to commute to different tourist destinations.

Being an AAA-approved and a member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, California Suites Hotel is a Value Price Leader among San Diego budget hotels. It offers continental breakfast, free parking, Internet access, laundry services and more. To make San Diego vacation more affordable for budget travelers, California Suites Hotel is also offering tempting discounts till 31^st January, 2013.

Known for impeccable services and hospitable staff, California Suites Hotel also provides affordable extended stay packages. Our hotel’s extended stays provide home away from home kind of atmosphere which is Convenient, Comfortable and Affordable.

Whether you like football or not, do attend Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl.

Photo Courtesy: blog.sandiego.org

Legoland California is one of the main attractions in San Diego for kids and adults of all ages.

Located in Carlsbad (California) around the Lego toy brand, the miniature park and theme park Legoland California is one of the main attractions in San Diego for kids and adults of all ages.

Amusements at Legoland

Legoland offers a day full of excitement, happiness, colors, adventure and lots of action to the visitors. The thrill begins at the front entrance where a 9-foot, bright red LEGO dinosaur welcomes you to a joy ride.

The park has different fun zones including:

Dino Island –Dino Island has a mini steel roller coaster – Coastersaurus – that curves and dips around huge models of Lego dinosaurs.

Duplo – Duplo brand – especially designed for children aged 1½ to 5 years –features several Duplo themed and water-oriented attractions.

Fun Town – A role-playing amusement area, Fun Town features activities for adult skills or professional identities, which include Volvo Driving School, Volvo Junior Driving School, Lego Factory Fire, Academy, Flight Squadron, Sky Patrol, and Skipper School

Miniland USA – Miniland USA – a scale model miniature park – features outstanding architecture and symbols from America and other parts of the world. The cities included at Miniland are Legoland Miniland New York City and Legoland Miniland Washington DC.

Castle Hill – Castle Hill – a medieval castle-themed area – features Dragon roller coaster, Knights Tournament ride, Hideaways, and Royal Joust.

Imagination Zone –Imagination Zone allows visitors to ride a Wild Mouse-style roller coaster – Technic Coaster-Test Track. Visitors can choose from three different 4-D movies – Bob the Builder, Spellbreaker, and Clutch Powers.

Pirate Shores – Pirate Shores – a popular splash park – features six water-oriented rides and other attractions including Splash Battle, Soak ‘N Sail, Treasure Falls, Swabbie’s Deck, Captain Cranky’s Challenge, and Pirate Reef.

Land of Adventure – This is the newly introduced feature theme park, designed to replicate the 1920s in Egypt.

Legoland Water Park – Located next to the buildings in Fun Town, it is the water park area in Legoland California, which was opened on May 28, 2010.

For tickets and other details visit http://california.legoland.com/.

San Diego Lodging

Planning to visit Legoland California but worried about accommodation in San Diego?

Put your worries to rest as California Suites Hotel – one of most preferred San Diego budget hotels – offers comfortable lodging services. An AAA-approved hotel and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, California Suites Hotel offers world-class services including

• Large heated swimming pool
• Air-conditioned public areas
• Complimentary newspaper in lobby
• Cable with HBO
• High speed Internet access
• Spa tub
• Laundry facilities
• Continental breakfast
• Safe-deposit box

Visit Legoland California and make your San Diego vacation even more memorable.

Photo Courtesy: mytripolog.com

Kidvasion of San Diego will be offering free meals for kids from October 1—31, 2012.

San Diego will be free for kids in October!

This October, get ready for a host of fascinating events in San Diego with the Kidvasion of San Diego being an icing on the cake. Kidvasion allows kids to eat, play, and stay for free throughout San Diego.

The arrival of fall cannot be more fun-filled as it brings with it different kid-friendly promotions including October Free Kids Days at the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park along with the visits to SeaWorld and LEGOLAND. Moreover, check out other fun and educational offerings across the county to make the most of your San Diego beach vacation.

There are great deals on offer at more than 100 participating partners that will make your San Diego vacation even more enjoyable.

There are number of offers under Kidvasion of San Diego including:

Fall for the Arts 2012 – Museums

Learn while having fun at different museums throughout San Diego during October’s Fall for the Arts. Around three-dozen museums are participating in the San Diego Museum Council’s Kids Free in October. Some of the participating museums include:

• Barona Cultural Center & Museum,
• Birch Aquarium at Scripps
• California Center for the Arts, Escondido
• California Surf Museum
• Coronado Historical Association
• Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation
• Gaslamp Museum
• La Jolla Historical Society

You can download the coupon at www.sandiegomuseumcouncil.org

Kids Eat Free

Kidvasion of San Diego will be offering free meals for kids from October 1—31, 2012. Come with your family and enjoy the offer at leading restaurants throughout San Diego. Some of the participating restaurants include:

• Bahia Resort Hotel
• Chianti Restaurant
• Marriott San Diego Downtown
• Croce’s Restaurant & Jazz Bar
• Hard Rock Café San Diego
• Hostelling International
• Point Loma
• Humphreys Restaurant at Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suites
• La Costa Resort and Spa
• Humphreys La Jolla Grill at the Sheraton La Jolla

Plan an extended stay at San Diego during the Fall and enjoy the pleasant weather and numerous attractions. As far as finding an affordable San Diego lodging is concerned, you won’t have to worry as there are plenty of San Diego budget hotels which offer good facilities at budget prices.

Luckily, our California Suites Hotel is located quite nearby to most of the attractions including Balboa Park, Old Town, La Jolla, Del mar and lots more. Regarded as a value price leader amongst budget hotels in San Diego, California Suites Hotel has everything to make your stay comfortable and memorable one.  Our services include continental breakfast, large heated swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

Photo Courtesy: blog.sandiego.org

The U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Exposition is open to the public from 9am to 7pm on Labor Day weekend, August 31 – September 3, 2012, at ‘B’ Street Cruise Ship terminal Pier, Downtown, San Diego.

Looking for some fun activities on your San Diego family vacation?

Don’t miss these two fun filled events lined up for September 2012, which call for an extended stay in San Diego.

US Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Exposition

The U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Exposition is open to the public from 9am to 7pm on Labor Day weekend, August 31 – September 3, 2012, at ‘B’ Street Cruise Ship terminal Pier, Downtown, San Diego.

Come, watch some of the world’s top sand artists create sculptural masterpieces the likes of which have never before been seen in San Diego.

What an experience – On three sides surrounded by San Diego’s Big Bay and on the 4th, downtown’s sandcastles in the sky. You and your family can watch sculptures being gently carved by master artists from Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands and Canada, as well as California.

Enjoy dimensional art from leading West Coast artists who work in metal, glass, resin, clay, wood, leather, fabric and gemstones, while tall ships pass majestically with hoisted sail in full regalia. Check out the fascinating large pile sand sculpture with over 100 tons of sand. And walk out on the pier for the best view of ships cruising the Big Bay in all of downtown.

49^th Annual Cabrillo Festival

Be a part of history and welcome 16^th century explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo as he steps ashore on Ballast Point, Sunday, September 30, 2012.

The Cabrillo Festival is a fun event for the entire family, with educational activities, cultural demonstrations and exciting folkloric performances. Brightly colored clothing and dramatic music and dancing bring to life the traditions of the Native American, Mexican, Portuguese and Spanish cultures that are part of the Age of Exploration.

The Cabrillo Festival features food booths with delicious traditional Mexican, Native American, Portuguese and Spanish food. Vendors will showcase their various artistic goods. The highlight of the Cabrillo Festival is the re-enactment of Cabrillo’s landing on the shores of San Diego Bay.

“Cabrillo,” his soldiers and a priest sail into the bay on San Salvador (The Californian), and once again claim the land for Spain. Amy Daneke Miss Cabrillo Festival 2012 was born in Fresno, California and attends San Diego State University. She will represent the Cabrillo Festival at events in Ensenada and San Diego during Cabrillo Festival Week.

Accommodation in San Diego – For some good quality San Diego lodging, go for San Diego’s Value Price Leader, California Suites Hotel. Just 15 minutes away from the airport as well as the best known attractions of this beautiful city, the California Suites Hotel leads San Diego budget hotels in offering services at competitive rates.

Approved by the AAA and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, the California Suites Hotel offers continental breakfast, large heated swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

The biggest advantage is that the hotel is close to almost all beaches and other top attractions as well such as Old Town, Sea World, Balboa Park, La Jolla, and shopping centers. Mark your presence in either or both of these events detailed above and make the most of your San Diego beach vacation.

Sources include:

cabrillofestival.org

ussandsculpting.com

Enjoy your extended stay San Diego with Beer-Con beer conference to be held on August 24 and 25, 2012 at 57 Degrees, Downtown San Diego.

Two fascinating days featuring brewery tours, talks, tastings, food Pairings, and a new location closer to Downtown!

Enjoy your extended stay San Diego with Beer-Con beer conference to be held on August 24 and 25, 2012 at 57 Degrees, Downtown San Diego.

Beer-Con was born out of the pure love for craft beer. This is a conference by, and for beer lovers! For the first time ever the greatest minds and palates in craft beer have a platform to come together and share their passion! Beer-Con 2012 is a conference held in beautiful San Diego that will feature some of the top names in the industry speaking on a variety of topics!

Multiple speaking tracks will run simultaneously throughout the day so that you can choose the experience that is right for you. This event is open to the public, no professional association or credentials required!

At Beer-Con you’ll get exclusive access to industry pros, get answers to the questions you’ve always wanted to ask, learn about brewing and tasting beer from the best in the business and of course join other beer lovers for a few brews at our Tap Haven where you’ll enjoy a special line-up of craft taps!

There will be two route options – both of which will visit 3 breweries and then end at the new Rough Draft location for the Friday kick-off party. You will get a total of 12 taster tickets. It’s up to you, how many you use at each brewery. But once you’re out, it’s on you to buy additional tasters.

The range of tasters available for the visitors includes Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Hangar 24 Craft Brewery, Iron Fist Brewing Company, Stone Brewing Co., Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Coronado Brewing Co., The Beer Co. San Diego, Lightning Brewery, The Lost Abbey, Port Brewing, Ballast Point, Societe Brewing Co, and North Coast Brewing Co.
Come be a part of the craft beer movement.

Make the most of this event without bothering about the accommodation in San Diego. California Suites Hotel is the best option for affordable San Diego lodging. We take pride in announcing that California Suites Hotel is approved by the AAA and is a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce.

California Suites Hotel is appreciated for its unmatched services and hospitality. Our list of premium services include continental breakfast, large heated swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

Share your passion, join the discussion and tip back a few tasters at Beer-Con 2012! We will see you there.

Sources include:
beer-con.com 
sandiego.org/events

Photo Courtesy: localdeal.com

San Diego Zoo's Nighttime Zoo' theme is a China celebration. The festivities will begin from 23rd June and continue till 3rd September, 2012.

Let the wonders of China enchant and amaze you at the San Diego Zoo’s Nighttime Zoo.
This year, the San Diego Zoo’s Nighttime Zoo’ theme is a China celebration.
The festivities will begin from 23rd June and continue till 3rd September, 2012.

You can check out various shows at the Nighttime Zoo, such as:

Dr. Zoolittle Explores Asia

Dr. Zoolittle brings his own special take on science when he “transports” audiences to Asia to study the giant panda. Come get the scoop on these black-and-white wonders, such as the fact that pandas poop an average of 48 times a day!

The Legend of Dragon Mountain-Heibei Chinese Acrobats

Let the Heibei Chinese acrobats dazzle you with “The Legend of Dragon Mountain”, featuring gravity-defying acrobatic feats, enchanting traditional dances, and stunning martial art performances.

Golden Lion Acrobats & Dragon Dance

Join the Golden Lions as they entertain and delight the crowd at Canyon Cafe with their astounding talents and acrobatic skills. Five times a day they will invade the food court with their performances along with the Dragon from Dragon Mountain, a colorful, 20-foot-long serpent brought to life by puppeteers. Marvel as it sinuously winds through the Zoo’s Panda Canyon, mesmerizing visitors along the way in honor of the Year of the Dragon.

Power and Air – Strength and Aerial Acrobats

Five times a day, this dedicated team of professionals will be displaying amazing athletic prowess as precision balancing will be matched with the beauty and skill of the aerial lyre. These cool cats will be on display in front of the Skyeast Pool.

Surfin’ Safari Bush Band

Many regular guests have come to know and enjoy this zany, interactive minstrel-style band. Their antics will be inspired as they bring limbo sticks, hula hoops, and fun interactives to get kids and adults alike involved in the organized mayhem.

Animal Activities

San Diego Zoo is home to more than 4,500 rare and endangered animals at the Zoo. Here you can indulge in various interesting animal activities.

Check out Panda Trek where you get to enter into the world of giant pandas, red pandas, takins, and the Mangshan pit viper at the San Diego Zoo’s Panda Trek! Or you can go for Giraffe Feedings and help feed the giraffes at the Urban Jungle.

After you are done with watching wonderful shows, you can enjoy dining at the Albert’s Restaurant. Here you can dine and unwind at your leisure.

If you are planning a San Diego beach vacation between June and September, do visit San Diego Nighttime Zoo. It is totally crazy and lots of fun. Plenty of San Diego budget hotels offer great discounts on room rates during this time. Do your research and choose the San Diego lodging which is closer to various San Diego attractions.

California Suites Hotel is one of the best amongst budget hotels in San Diego and is in close vicinity to the San Diego Zoo and other top tourist hot-spots of the city.

Approved by the AAA and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, the California Suites Hotel provides high quality facilities at budget prices. Services include continental breakfast, large heated swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

Sources include: sandiegozoo.org
Photo Courtesy: 101thingstodosw.com

Automobile aficionados and aviation enthusiasts can tighten their seatbelts for Annual American Heritage Car Show

Automobile aficionados and aviation enthusiasts can tighten their seatbelts for two exciting events lined up in San Diego in late May and early June.

The 15^th Annual American Heritage Car Show is set to take place Saturday, May 26, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and will provide a visual treat of out fabulous vehicles in a beautiful setting, Grape Day Park, Escondido, CA. With close to 250 vehicles parked on grass, this is one of the nicest car shows anywhere.

Start the day off at 9am with a delicious pancake breakfast. Then, walk the park to find your favorite car, while listening to a DJ spinning classic rock ‘n roll tunes. Buy some raffle tickets and you might win a fabulous prize. Local car dealers sponsor this show, which benefits the non-profit Escondido History Center. They’ll be on site with some new cars for you to see, too. Vendors offer a variety of merchandise, but you don’t need to spend any money to enjoy the American Heritage Car Show. Spectators are free, and so are tours of the Escondido History Center.

This year’s show honors local builder Randy Clark of Hot Rods & Custom Stuff. Entry for spectators is free and vehicle entry is $25. No dogs or alcohol allowed.

For aviation enthusiasts, the 17^th Annual Wings Over Gillespie air show is set to provide a great time for the whole family on the weekend of June 2-3, 2012. As “A Salute to 100 Years of U. S. Marine Corps Aviation”, the 17^th Annual Wings Over Gillespie air show is again planning to feature the awesome howl of airplane engines such as WWII bombers, F4F Wildcat, the TBF Avenger, the A6M Zero, the SBD Dauntless, and many more “Flying Museums” including the only remaining of their type, the Northrop N9M Flying Wing and the F3F Flying Barrel.

Also on hand will be USN/USMC helicopters and other static displays, Navy SEALs, special military and law enforcement vehicles and equipment, and much more. The gates open for the air show performance from to 9 am to 4 pm, at Gillespie Field in El Cajon on the show days.

The Air Show is a unique family, vacation day event with a special KidsZone area. Amusements, rides, entertainers, games and prizes, face painters, education displays, a great variety of food and beverages, and SHADE, will be abundant for the entire weekend. We will also feature a Beer Festival to add to the festivities of a great summer weekend for all. With the new SR-52 extension that now connects to SR-67, Gillespie Field is now more accessible than ever.

The air show is a glorious commemoration of American History:
- 70th Anniversary of WWII
- 70th Anniversary of Doolittle Raid
- 70th Anniversary of Battle of Midway
- 100th Anniversary of Marine Corps Aviation
- 100th Anniversary of El Cajon
- 70th Anniversary of Gillespie Field

If you are planning a San Diego vacation in late May and early June, do not miss out on the heritage car show and the air show. Make your room reservations in a San Diego hotel which is centrally located. Approved by the AAA and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, the California Suites Hotel is a leading budget hotel in San Diego which offers easy and convenient access to all the top attractions of San Diego. All the popular beaches including Harbor Beach, La Jolla Cove, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach are nearby. Even shopping centers, Balboa Park and other major attractions are a few minutes away.

Well-known for its hospitality, California Suites Hotel provides fine services at affordable prices which include continental breakfast, large swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

Main source for content: Yelp.com/Events
Main source for content: Air Group One of the Commemorative Air Force

Photo Courtesy: new-car-automotive.blogspot.com

The Sicilian Festival, famed for its procession featuring costumed musicians and dancers.

The Sicilian Festival, famed for its procession featuring costumed musicians and dancers, will bring alive San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 20 as part of the 19^th Annual Sicilian Festival celebration.

The family event is free and features authentic Sicilian music, dance, culture and cuisine, surrounded by the ambiance of the Little Italy  neighborhood, located within walking distance of the beautiful San Diego harbor and within minutes of San Diego’s downtown district. If you are planning a vacation in San Diego during this time, book your rooms in a San Diego hotel that is located near Little Italy. You will love the ambiance.

Along Beech Street from Kettner to State Streets, car lovers will encounter Bellissimo! A Celebration of Italian Automotive Artistry. Offering an intimate look at a broad spectrum of Italian car designs – including Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Fiat, Lancia, and Alpha Romeo – visitors can mingle with proud car owners and cast their votes for a “Peoples Choice Award” for the car that captures their heart. Participating car clubs include the Ferrari, Alpha Romeo and Fiat/Lancia clubs, as well as support from FIAT Kearny Mesa.

Food booths will represent the many restaurants in Little Italy, serving up Sicilian specialties of all varieties.  Tarantino’s Sausages will also be on hand to serve up some of the best Italian sausages in the nation. Peroni, the official beer sponsor of the Sicilian Festival, will feature a Peroni Nastro Azzurro, the #1 Premium brand in Italy imported from Rome, in the beer and wine pavilion.

Guests will dance in the streets throughout the day.

At 11:30 am, a procession of dozens of costumed dancers, musicians, and representatives of the City and County of San Diego and the House of Italy, Sons of Italy, Italian-American Association, and other San Diego Italian organizations, will parade through the streets carrying flags from the different regions of Sicily and Italy. A very special guest in this years costume parade will be newborn Amelia Tripoli, born March 4, 2012 to Tony and Diana Tripoli who were married at the 2010 Sicilian Festival.

Four stages will feature non-stop Italian and Sicilian entertainment. The event is highlighted by the nationally acclaimed Roman Holiday Ensemble which will be on hand with their costumed musicians and dancers to provide a lively show of Sicilian and Italian music. The Screamin’ Primas will also be featured in a salute to Sicilian-American trumpeter and bandleader Louie Prima. Sicilian Swing’s New Orleans Italian jazz ensemble and renowned soprano Cristina Fontanelli will be among notable Italian-themed acts to be enjoyed at the Festival. The Grape Street stage will feature culinary demonstrations from San Diego’s leading chefs, highlighted by a pasta-eating contest.

All children’s activities are free, and include a large inflatable slide, puppet theatre shows, face painting, and many other activities to keep the bambini entertained throughout day.

A Sicilian cultural zone will feature photo and cultural displays by local and national authors and artisans that reflect the Sicilian American heritage in San Diego. The area will feature chalk art and displays of the rich history of San Diego’s tuna fishing industry, which flourished from the beginning of the 20th century until the 1970s. Among the exhibitors will be the San Diego History Center, Maritime Museum, and the Women’s Museum of California.

Free street parking is available throughout the Little Italy neighborhood. Free parking is available in the north lot of the County Administration Building, with a free shuttle to the Festival. The AMTRAK station is less than a mile from the Sicilian Festival area and can be reached either by foot or by using the San Diego Trolley. The Coaster also runs on Sunday. Take the MTS Trolley’s Blue Line to the County Center/Little Italy Station.

And there’s free parking at many of the Trolley’s park-and-ride lots (especially Qualcomm Stadium).  Also, on weekends, two children (12 and under) ride free with a paid adult (18 and over).

Little Italy is the first stop on the blue line north. Approved by the AAA and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, the California Suites Hotel is a leading budget hotel in San Diego which is centrally located. All the popular beaches including Harbor Beach, La Jolla Cove, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach are nearby. Even shopping centers, Balboa Park and other major attractions are a few minutes away.

Well-known for its hospitality, California Suites Hotel provides fine services at affordable prices which include continental breakfast, large swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

Courtesy: Southwest Riverside News Network