Tourism

Vila, the gorilla, dead at age 60

One of the world’s oldest gorillas died Thursday at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Vila was the matriarch of five generations and served as a surrogate mother for several hand-raised western lowland gorillas, according to the zoo. She celebrated her 60th birthday in October, becoming the world’s second oldest gorilla. “Vila touched many people throughout her lifetime,” said Randy Rieches, curator of mammals at…


New tiger cubs settling in at Safari Park

Two adorable male tiger cubs are are now available for visitors to see at Escondido’s San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The cubs, who have not yet been named, are from different species of tiger and were put together to give each other company. The cubs have bonded well, and they are growing in leaps and bounds. They are currently fully weaned from formula, and are exclusively eating…


Breeder’s Cup brings racing’s best to town

For the first time ever, the world-famous Breeder’s Cup graces the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club where, of course, the surf, as always, meets the hallowed turf. Located in the Southern California sweet spot that is the beach town of Del Mar, the historic racetrack known as Del Mar sits astride the Pacific Ocean where the dancing summer sea breezes and the sparkling sun make it…


Pala Casino gets $170 million makeover

Officials of Pala Casino Spa & Resort today announced plans for an expansion and complete renovation of its AAA Four Diamond award winning property. Construction of the $170 million project will begin in October 2017 and be completed in May 2019.  The renovation and expansion will include: the addition of a new 349 room hotel tower; the conversion of the existing resort pool into a multi-pool…


Del Mar racing returns to surf the holy turf

Will you be one of the more than 40,000 fans expected for opening day at the Del Mar racetrack?  The seven-week meet kicks off with Opening Day on Wednesday, July 19, and the action continues through to Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4. The long-standing summer tradition in San Diego has the reputation as one of the area’s must-see festivities, whether you’re a Thoroughbred racing aficionado or just a…


7 ways to experience the year-round city

Sometimes finding the perfect town to visit is very close to a familiar one. We’ve partered with travel writer Ava Roxanne Stritt of Spa Travel Gal to point out the features of the small town of Escondido, which has big activities to share. You would think a town this small would be a secret, but it is hard to keep from shouting in celebration when a place…


Julian gold mining on my mind

Eagle Mine & High Point Gold Mine Tour in Julian with famed California travel blogger Josh McNair, by permission. Visit “California through My Lens” for more…  The town of Julian is a fun little hideaway that is visited often by people from San Diego and Temecula for the excellent pie. I have driven there on a few occasions just to get pie as well; it…


Gorilla my dreams born at Safari Park

ESCONDIDO, CA. — In local birth news, it was a 4-pound baby girl for Kokomo and Winston, their second… Gorilla. A baby gorilla has been born at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, zoo officials said. The zoo announced Thursday that Kokomo, a critically endangered western lowland gorilla, gave birth to a daughter about two days ago. While the Kokomo kid weighs about 4 pounds,…


Cruising Grand, Escondido and other antique car tales from Menifee

Antique cars, hot rods, luxury sedans and eyefuls of chrome as far as the lens can see. ESCONDIDO, CA. — “Filming at Menifee’s Motte Historical Museum was like filming at Knott’s Berry Farm because it looked very western.  Mr and Mrs. Motte were very lovely people,” Sara explained. “They let me film at the museum and they were very kind to me.” “It was very hot that day…


If it’s Monday, must be Welk market time

It happens every Monday. Vendors and shoppers meet and fete at Welk Village for the weekly Welk Certified Farmers’ Market from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. It’s the only one of over 50 San Diego County farmers markets open Monday, so has the pick of the litter when it comes to fruits, vegetables, food and vendors. It’s also one of only 11 county certified farmers…