Broadway Bound in San Diego

The Broadway-bound musical comedy, "Robin and the 7 Hoods" makes it's world premier in San Diego at the gorgeous Old Globe Theatre in San Diego July 14-August 22, 2010.

Based on the book by Rupert Holmes, Lyrics by Sammy Cahn and music by Jimmy Van Heusen  and directed by Casey Nicholaw. This new musical takes the Robin Hood legend and gives it an early sixties spin.

Tickets go on sale Saturday, June 5, 10 am. Hurry! You won't want to miss live musical theater in San Diego's Old Globe.
Purchase tickets at www.theoldglobe.org or 619-23-Globe (234-5623)

Race of Truth Starts in Oceanside CA

Sure you've heard of the Tour de France, but did you know that Race Across America is a harder bicycle race? Did you know half of the people who race, raise money for charity? Did you know the race starts June 8-12, 2010 in Oceanside CA at the Pier? There are events all week long.

Here's what they say about RAAM on the official site:

"RAAM is a Race of Truth This is a Race. Unlike other famous races, like the Tour de France, RAAM is not a stage race. The race is one stage, live to the very end. In RAAM, once the clock starts on the west coast, the clock doesn't stop until each racer reaches the finish line on the east coast. RAAM is 30% longer than the Tour de France and solo racers finish in half the time with no rest days. The race format is essentially a time trial, commonly called racing against the clock or the race of truth. Unlike the Tour de France, there is no drafting or taking shelter from the wind. It's an all out solo challenge."

North Coast Village Finishes More Remodels

Wow - winter project season is over and the summer vacation rental and beach season has begun at North Coast Village, Oceanside CA. We just heard the following projects are completed and ready for summer vacationers and residents alike:

• Main BBQ and A Building BBQ areas remodeled and new gleaming BBQ grills installed
• E/F laundry room remodeled
• Library remodeled
• Gym/fitness rooms remodeled and some NEW equipment installed

We haven't seen all the improvements yet, but after seeing the game and recreation room projects we know they'll be great.

Oh - and all the giant Koi are back living in their leak free pond!

A Night at Oceanside Sunset Market

Just thinking about last night at the Sunset Market in Oceanside is making me hungry. I was fortunate enough to be part of "hospitality night" and receive a guided tour of the weekly Sunset Market and the California Surf Museum as well as a complimentary dinner at the booth of my choice.

I don't know why it took me so long to get here. It's only 15 minutes from home and a great event to come with friends or family. This time was with my friends and colleagues so we could learn more about the Market so we can share information with our guests. Downtown Oceanside looked so good!

Our host, Dick, started us in the "Fresh & Ready" section where we sampled Chai Tea (just add water) and 3 kinds of homemade cakes. As we learned that the Sunset Market is so successful there are as many on the waiting list as there are booths in the Market. Each booth is juried to be sure the items are unique and diverse including the food. The farmers are certified that the produce is grown by the seller, and we noticed that most was organic. As we meandered we enjoyed music in several locations, and samples of Italian ice (it's good) as well. Since there were four of us, we made note of spots to re-visit: produce (blueberries, raspberries, corn, protea flowers), puppets, and a unique book. We also made note of those places we would come back to for more.

After an amazing tour of the California Surf Museum (more another time) we just had to eat. One headed for chicken tamales and several of us headed for Hunter Steakhouse for tri-tip (also located just west of the 5 on Vista Way) after they lured us in with a giant barbecue. I think we could go back just for food again as we need to try the roasted artichokes, artisan breads, Phillipine food, and chicken pitas. It all looks good and smells even better.

What surprised me the most was how vibrant and diverse the Oceanside Sunset Market was: not just the same old street fair vendors. The second surprise was that the merchants and restaurants on the streets were open and doing well also, which is good for Oceanside. I spotted some new venues and tried Bubble Tea (excellent) for the first time.

Oceanside Sunset Market - great activity for weekly shopping, couples, girls night out, or families looking for a diversion. Thank you to Main Street Oceanside and the dedicated volunteers. I'll be back.

Thursdays 5-9 PM. Year Round Weather Permitting except Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks.
Admission Free to Sunset Market and California Surf Museum.
Where: Pier View and Coast Highway
Tip # 1: Bring a reusable bag for your purchases or pick one up at the booth on Pier View.
Tip # 2: Parking is free east of the RR tracks. Great lots at City Hall and the Oceanside Transit Center

8 Tips to a Great Beach Rental this Year

I stay in beach rentals. I own a couple of beach rentals. I manage beach rentals. I've dealt with hundreds of guests looking for and staying in beach rentals. I've read hundreds of guest reviews for beach rentals. Let me put my experience to use and offer 6 tips to help you in your search for a great beach rental.

Extra Beach Rental Tip: Before you start know the basics of what you want and need: proximity to beach, # sleeps, dates you are available, and budget.

1. Check the availability calendar first. If there isn't one...just move on. There is too much selection in beach rentals to waste YOUR time inquiring about weeks that won't fit your schedule or working with vacation rental managers or owners who don't bother to keep their calendars updated so they can bait and switch you. Keep in mind some of the listing site's calendars may not be fully up to date, but the vacation rental manager's own site should ALWAYS be accurate. This is a big advantage to renting with professional managers vs owners.

2. Get the actual address. Only a few managers and owners of vacation rentals will refuse you because of security concerns - hang up the phone and try another. Google map it, including the satellite view. If the map doesn't match the description, ask about it. Mapping software isn't perfect, BUT it will show you important streets and most importantly where the beach is in comparison to the vacation rental. Try to really zoom in to street view, as well as figure out the topography. I know a lot of people who think and say beach front, and their opinion is different than mine. Beach front, to me, means, no street between me and the beach, AND no cliff between me and the beach. Some streets are fine, even some streets are fine, as long as you KNOW EXACTLY what you are booking and if it meets your needs. For example, my favorite beach in Orange County CA is Salt Creek Beach. That said, when my kids were little or when I'm with my mom, this would not be a good beach to stay at. Why? All the houses (and the Ritz) are at the top of a mega cliff, and even the public parking is up a steep and long hill. Another example: I once stayed at Le Meridien in Cannes France - and the photo from the pool and the text said "on the beach" - what wasn't shown was the huge and busy street between the hotel and and the promenade and the "beach." Which brings me to tip #2.

3. Find out what kind of beach. Sandy? Flat? Surf? Rocky? Tidal? Mud flats? Shells? Pebbles? Coral? Grass? Public? Private? State? Lifeguards? Safe from crime? Clean water?

4. Research the weather and water temperature for your beach during the time you will be visiting. Beaches vary dramatically on the west coast based on season... Water temperature, sand, topography. Yes, it's out dirty little secret: much of our sand gets ripped away during the winter months, and usually ends up back on our beaches by summer. There are also san replenishment projects that help. Water quality varies on the west coast based on rain too. Water temperature varies. I recommend you take some time and look up historical water temperature and weather conditions for the time of your visit and your location. Decide if the reality matches your vision. We spent a spring break at Anna Maria Island in Florida that wasn't very springlike, but at least the water was warm. Had we booked in a different location, the water would have been rough and cold. I love my cottage on the coast of Maine, but invariably, every summer someone asks if it's warm enough for swimming from our dock. I never answer the question with a yes or know, but always with more questions. Your host, be it a professional manager or an owner, should take the time to do the same with you when you ask.

5. Look closely at all the photos, inside and out. Make sure there are plenty of photos of the view, the outside if it's a stand alone rental, and the inside. If the view photos isn't labeled clearly that it's from the beach rental, ASK. If there aren't any photos of the inside, ask for some.

6. Spend time on the beach rental website or description. Follow all the links to more information. Look at the amenities provided. Do this after you've checked the availability calendar and rates, but before you inquire. Read guest reviews. This way you are sure you are making a good match. A really good rental site will Take care of Tips 1-5.

7. Book your stay. If dealing with a vacation rental manager, you will be able to book online at the best rates, and pay securely via credit card. If you have found a place via one of the many "rent by owner" (note: they aren't all owners-managers and owners list on these sites) go ahead and inquire via email or call. We recommend sending out 3-5 inquiries, and waiting up to 2 days for responses from most listing sites based on our inquiry experience. Choose your favorite and: say NO THANK YOU and WHY to those you didn't choose.

8. Confirm your arrival and departure times and procedures for a smooth trip. Confirm linens, beach toys, towels, etc to minimize packing. Make online reservations and print tickets for local attractions. Find out where to rent equipment- some places even deliver. ENJOY.

UCSD & La Jolla Playhouse Presents: The Revenger's Tragedy-to Benefit UCSD

On February 12, 2010 The La Jolla Playhouse will present an Opening Night Benefit and Pre-Show Reception to benefit UCSD's Department of Theater and Dance's Graduate Student Residency Program.

When: Friday, February 12, 2010 at 6:30 pm
How Much: $50 includes preshow reception wiht light hors d'oeuvres, discussion with director Christopher Ashley, backstage tour, and  the opening night performance of "The Revenger's Tragedy" by Thomas Middleton.
Purchase tickets today by calling 858.534.4574 or online at www.theatre.ucsd.edu

The Music Man Opens in Time for Thanksgiving at Star Theater in Oceanside CA

Coast Kid’s Theatre presents the heartwarming musical "The Music Man."

When: November 13-22 Friday & Saturday Evenings 7:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday Matinees 2:00pm
How Much: Adults: $15, Seniors/ Students/ Military: $12, Children under 12 only $7
Tickets: at the door or call 760-721-9983
Where: Star Theatre, 402 N. Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054
Stay Overnight: just $100/nt: BETTER Vacation Rentals at North Coast Village, 999 N. Pacific St., Oceanside, CA 92054. Make it a weekend and create some memories this holiday season.

An affectionate tribute to Smalltown, U.S.A. of a bygone era, Meredith Willson's The Music Man follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band he vows to organize – this despite the fact he
doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef and his name isn’t even Harold, it’s Greg. Chaos ensues as Hill's credentials are questioned and he is called upon to prove himself to the citizens of River City. Unfortunately or fortunately, his feelings for Marian Paroo, the local librarian and piano teacher, throw a wrench in his plan. And before the stubborn Iowans realize  they've been had, Harold Hill has wonderfully transformed the quaint town and himself .

This beloved, critically acclaimed Broadway classic is an all-American institution, thanks to its quirky characters, charmingly predictable dramatic situations, and one-of-a-kind, nostalgic score of rousing marches, barbershop quartets and sentimental ballads, including: Seventy-Six Trombones, Ya Got Trouble, Goodnight My Someone, Till There Was You and many, many more!

It’s a story with an unusual protagonist but it is also full of heartwarming themes, entertaining music and winning production numbers. The Music Man is an American standard that still delivers after 52 years.

Oceanside's Huge Surf Festival to Celebrate 50 Years of Surfer Magazine

Oceanside CA and the California Surf Museum Present the 2nd Annual California Surf Festival next weekend.

Oceanside's Huge Surf Festival to Celebrate 50 Years of Surfer Magazine

BETTER Vacation Rentals is proud to offer a stay 2 nights get one free for the week surrounding the surf festival in Oceanside. Call 800-277-2734 or inquire online (this special is not available for online bookings) at BETTER Vacation Rentals. Our condos are on the beach right by Breakwater surf break and withing walking distance to all of the surf festival venues.

Tall ships arrive for weeklong nautical celebration

Part of what makes Oceanside unique among the miles of coastline in California is the quaint harbor. This week we are hosts to some tall ships and are sending off the Lynx for a 5 year stint to the east coast. November 7 & 8 are the official Tall Ship Festival Days in Oceanside this year. Admission is free and there will be both pirates and mermaids.

For more details read the excellent article from the North County Times:
Tall ships arrive for weeklong nautical celebration

or visit The Oceanside Tall Ships Festival Home Page.

OCEANSIDE: Local pair garnering acclaim for film

Sunshine Brooks theater is this weekend's home to the Oceanside International Film FestivalOCEANSIDE: Local pair garnering acclaim for film

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760 AREA Code Must Dial 1+AC+7 digits Beginning 10/24/09

ATTENTION all 760 area code customers - This includes our guests in Oceanside, Carlsbad, and Palm Desert!!!

On October 24, 2009 our area code is getting an area code "overlay." That means there will be another area code in use in the same zone: 442....So EVERY CALL will require you to dial 1+area code + 7 digit number,including calls within the 760 area.

The telephone numbers for our current rentals will not change, but the dialing procedures will.

If you have any questions we recommend visiting the following web sites for information:
http://www.cox.necom/sandiego/newsroom/sercice/ (for our Cox customers at North Coast Village except D103) or Call Cox: 760-599-6060
OR
http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/760areacode

Zenbu Cardiff by the Sea's Sushi Place

We've just begun to explore Cardiff by the Sea, California which is the southern-most coastal part of Encinitas in North San Diego county-just 20 miles north of downtown San Diego. Cardiff is known for it's State Beach, endless sunshine, and good surf. With Zenbu in the neighborhood in addition to the other restaurants in this little piece of heaven, and good food with good service becomes another trademark of Cardiff.

Zenbu is located in the same plaza as well known and loved Seaside Market at 2003 San Elijo Ave in Cardiff by the Sea, CA 92007. Open the dark and mysterious door and you enter the world of chic, small, and intimate sushi culture, but fear not! My husband and I visited Zenbu for our 19th wedding anniversary this year because we were too tired to go far and it was a week night. That said, Zenbu was worthy of our anniversary even if we needed to travel a distance. We sat at the sushi bar and enjoyed the show from the 3 sushi chefs and the service of our waitress (for drinks, edamame, and anything cooked). The chefs are truly artists and fun to watch. We met another local couple who was out on a date night.

Now I must be honest...I love sushi bars...but I don't really do sushi. I'm a California & Philadelphia roll kind of girl, and I love miso soup, and most cooked Japanese foods. My husband on the other hand, loves all seafood including sushi and sashimi. Our sushi chef treated us to a roll that was beautiful as a starter, even if I pushed the raw fish over to my husband and ate what was inside. We also had the Zenbu Roll which may become my new favorite. Honestly sushi lover and land lubber can't go wrong.

Since the kids were home, we felt obliged to take them some food and the California Roll is now someone's favorite. We've picked it up twice now for a dinner on these hot nights when I just couldn't bear to cook and it was just one of the kids and me.

For the younger crowd (meaning not middle aged like us)...this is really a good date place and friend spot. Wet Wednesdays seem especially fun and affordable.

Call for reservations: 760-633-2223 or takeout. Enjoy.

Duke Boyd to Be Honored at California Surf Museum's

October 4, 2009
Enjoy a Luau, music & dancers in Oceanside next week.

Duke Boyd to Be Honored at California Surf Museum's Annual "Legends Day" | SURFLINE.COM

President Hoover Lives! at La Jolla Playhouse San Diego

What: "Hoover Comes Alive! Not a play. Not a musical. A presidential rock concert."
Where: La Jolla Playhouse
When: September 8-13, 2009
How Much: $25
Purchase Tickets by calling 858-550-1010 or www.lajollaplayhouse.org

This production is part of the Edge Series at the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego. The Edge series is designed to bring the freshest, most adventurous work to the stages of La Jolla playhouse.

Dancing Trolleys? or Trolley Dances? San Diego

What: 11th Annual Trolley Dances
When: September 26, 27 and October 3, 4
Site Specific Dances with 6 Guided Tours Daily:
10 am (bilingual), 11 am, 12noon, 12:45pm and 2:15pm.
Where: Begin at BayFront/E Street Trolley Stop in Chula Vista
Performances at unique locations along trolley line at E street, Palomar Street, San Ysidro Transit Center on US side of border. Take Blue Line from Old Town - plenty of Free Parking.
How much: $15-$30 including FREE Trolley Pass, Under 5 and wheelchair patrons Free.
To Purchase Tickets: Call 619-225-1803 or www.sandiegodancetheater.org

Features and international slate of choreographers and dancers.

---

Update for San Diego Trolley Dances:
My teenage daughter and I went to the September 27 Trolley Dances in south San Diego to fulfill a live performance requirement for her high school dance class. Since the Coaster doesn't run on Sundays, we drove to the Old Town transit center, parked for free on the street (the lot was full with San Diego Chargers fans), and took the trolley to the first stop: E Street Chula Vista. Note that had we driven to Chula Vista we wouldn't have had to pay the small trolley fare...but we preferred to relax. We enjoyed six different dances at several different locations along the trolley stops, but our favorite by far was the one we call "The Bus" and the choreographer called "Chico"-this was a joyous and innovative piece of dance with a current sound. Besides, when a yellow VW Bus is a prop, how could it not be fun. Tips: Bring water, wear comfortable shoes & sunscreen. Enjoy some innovative, outdoor dance in San Diego...but now you'll have to wait until 2010 for the 12th annual Trolley Dances.
---VacationMamma

Concerts, Theater, Racing, Shopping: Fun Things to Do in San Diego Found in CITYBEAT Magazine

While at Jitters Coffee Pub(a great indie coffee house with free wifi) and Kindred Journeys (a metaphysical bookstore with cool jewelry) in Oceanside CA today, just south of Surfrider on Coast Highway my teenager picked up the San Diego Citybeat free magazine and "Summer Guide." I stopped picking these up a while ago because I never seemed to find the time to leaf through the eclectic mix of cool things to do and the ads for things I'd rather my 13 year old didn't think were so funny (you'll have to stop by Jitters and look at it to see for yourself).

Here's Some Fun Links and Items I found - picked just because they appeal to me:

1. Did you know there are 5 American Apparel retail locations in the San Diego area including Gaslamp, Fashion Valley, and La Jolla? Why does this matter...well we first discovered American Apparel 3 years ago while shopping in LA. Everything there seems to be stretchy and we were up there to celebrate a 13 year old's birthday. The girls had the best time trying on metallic lamé bikinis. Not everything in the store is as tacky as those bikinis, but everything in the stores are made right in downtown Los Angeles, and more importantly are SWEAT SHOP FREE. We recently picked up some great basic long sleeve cotton tees and a light weight rain coat in Seattle for a mountain climbing trip. Learn more about this company here: American Apparel.

2. While I'm on birthday parties, one of the best ones my older daughter ever went to was at an indoor go kart facility. There's one in Carlsbad that I'd like to take the kids to: K1 Speed - the ad is buy one get one free and it's great for teen birthdays and they say for corporate events & bachelor parties too.

3. I love music. San Diego has a thriving music scene. I'm a child of the 70's for the most part raised with older siblings with their revolutionary 60's music, and parents with a passion for classical and opera. I'm raising two kids who are music crazy, and not just pop...so I've been to more concerts as a chaperone in the last 3 years than in the last 15 before that: Warped Tour, KROQ concerts, sat outside some scary place in Riverside and waited for Atmosphere to end, and I've been the chauffeur to Street Scene, and banned from Coachella because I'm just not cool to a 16 year old. Anyway I'd love to go to: Endless Reggae Summer Jams at The World Beat Center (looks like it might even be all ages - even middle age like me) with three dates in June, July, and August. Then there's a ticket that's already sold out and a band I like and a city I love...Metric and Oceanside: Independence Jam at the Pier June 7. Here's a secret: don't worry about not having a ticket. The Oceanside amphitheater is on the beach, and you can hear the sounds for free on the beach. Starts at 4 pm.

I also suggest any of the San Diego Symphony's Summer Pops events. I was lucky enough to go in 2007 and even the venue is worth the price: right at the Embarcadero Marine Park near the old Navy Yard and Petco Park (hint if you are at a Padres game, you can see the fireworks from the concert series from some of the seats). I want tickets to Music of the Beatles: Classical Mystery Tour on 8/14 & 8/15. I was never a huge Beatles fan, but thanks to the film "Across the Universe" my young teen has made me re-examine their music. Paul is my favorite Beatle.

4. A Wine Cheese and Chocolate Festival to benefit the Women's History Museum in Balboa Park on May 29. YUM! Need I say more? Yup: just $30/1 or $25 when you buy two or more tickets to the event.

5. Don't miss: the races at Del Mar (and free Friday concerts after the races Friday nights in the summer). July 22-September 9 just $6! Kids free. Saw local band Pinback here last year. The track facility is just stunning. If you want to stay a week and enjoy all of San Diego, I recommend our two newest vacation rentals in South Carlsbad just across from Carlsbad State Beach.

6. My younger daughter recommends The Old Globe Theatre's Summer Shakespeare Festival. She wants to see Cyrano de Bergerac. Balboa Park: June 13 - September 27.

Now, why on earth do I ever leave this paradise of surf, sun, sail, and sand? Feel free to add your own events!

Love is...On Your Bed!

Who needs the Four Seasons anyway?

We've had the great fortune to work with Sue Strandberg of The Final Touch in Oceanside CA. She came to us this fall just when we were in search of a sort of quality control and detail person for our vacation rentals at the beach in Oceanside. Sue's attention to detail was just the missing piece we were looking for to help make the promise of a "BETTER" Vacation Rental come to life. What do you think? Has she done it? Here are some photo of Sue'stowel origami (she taught herself from a YouTube Video) that she leaves for our guests.

Won't get that at the local hotel or an ordinary vacation rental!

Reserve a private condo for your next memory making holiday at 1-800-277-2734 or at BETTER Vacation Rentals where you can reserve online or talk to a real (cheerful) person. Let us know if you want some towel origami, and we'll make sure you are treated to Sue's Final Touch!

On Your Mark-RAAM and RAW Start in Oceanside, CA June 17, 2009

On you mark, get set, go! Race Across America and Race Across the West are set to start in Oceanside CA between the Oceanside Harbor and Pier on June 17, 2009. Come to Oceanside as a spectator, cyclist, or support team and see what all the buzz is about.

Need a place to stay? Why cram into a hotel, when you can stay within walking distance of the race start at resort-like North Coast Village, in your own private one or two bedroom condo on the beach for the same or less? Inquire or reserve now with BETTER Vacation Rentals. Bike storage is available on site!

For the complete press release see:The Ultimate American Bicycle Racing Event - The Race Across America (RAAM) Here is an excerpt: "Unlike the Tour de France, RAAM cyclists are not allowed to draft or ride in a peloton. Also, RAAM is not broken down into stages. The official race clock starts on the shores of the Pacific Ocean and runs until the racers reach Chesapeake Bay, MD. These are some of the reasons why the Race Across America is considered the World's Toughest Bicycle Race and one of the toughest challenges on Earth. In the 2006 Mt. Everest spring climbing season, 470 people summited the fabled peak, but in 27 years of RAAM less than 200 soloists have finished the race. Austrian adventurer, Wolfgang Fasching, who summited Mt. Everest and won solo RAAM three times is often quoted as saying that he found RAAM much harder."

Hang Ten Holiday - CoastalLiving.com

Dreaming of a White Chritmas? Not me, and not the Mattisons of Oceanside CA apparently. If I want a bit of the white stuff a trip to the mountains is in order, but if the "white stuff" is surf foam...it would be a trip to the beach, here in Southern California. We make new traditions...

"Visions of sugarplums have been replaced with dreams of the perfect wave at the Mattison home in Oceanside, California. On Christmas morning, the presents under the tree can wait. Stockings stuffed with goodies can hang out a little longer. Breakfast? Maybe later. This clan makes a fast break to the beach as soon as the sun comes up."

Did someone say beach?

See:Hang Ten Holiday - CoastalLiving.com for the full article.

Oceanside: A Strategy for Saving Money When Visiting San Diego?

Everyone is looking to stretch the dollar (US or Canadian), Euro, and GBP these days, so it's time to think outside the box. We all know about Priceline, and kayak, bookingbuddy and other internet sites that help us save money, but how about just staying somewhere "else?"

According to: Strategies for booking hotels on a budget - USATODAY.com: "Visitors to urban centers may save by booking outside main tourist areas. For San Diego, for example, 'you could stay in Carlsbad or even up as far as Oceanside,' said Joe McInerney, CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association."

So take a look at the next "big city" trip and consider if there may be a smaller city nearby without the name recognition that will save you significant amounts of money. Who knows, you may just discover the some hidden treasures in the new locale.