A view of the Pacific + Crystal Pier | Photo via Michael Beausoleil + SDtoday
‘Tis the season to join the family around the table for holiday meals and chatter. This can be fun, so long as the conversations don’t get too personal + passionate. We recommend these lighthearted discussions — so the only thing that gets heated is the food on the table.
🍴 What is the ultimate San Diego side dish?
Apparently, mashed potatoes is the most popular Thanksgiving side dish in California, but other states enjoy dishes specific to their region. What could you serve that screams San Diego? And does it include avocados?
👻 Is the Whaley House really haunted?
If ghosts aren’t real, how did this historic Old Town site become “America’s Most Haunted House?” We’ve all heard stories about the Whaley House — but they’re just stories, right?
💧 What’s the best way to spend a rainy day in San Diego?
It doesn’t rain too often in America’s Finest City, so when it does, we need to get creative. Talk about your favorite ways to have fun, even if the sun isn’t shining.
🌯 Is the California Burrito a burrito?
We know how to eat this handheld delicacy, but there’s no denying it breaks the mold of standard burritos. So, can we really call this a burrito? And what fillings get wrapped into the perfect California Burrito?
🎁 What’s your favorite local holiday tradition?
After the Thanksgiving feast, we’re getting ready for festive fun + lights galore. Discuss the celebrations you’re most excited about — whether it be the food at December Nights, seaside ice skating, or the light shows like the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights.
Pro tip: Check out our winter events guide and come prepared with dozens of suggestions.
🏖 Which local beach is the best?
OK, this one could get a bit heated — but that’s because we love all of San Diego’s beaches. Just remember, there are no wrong answers, and we’re thankful we have enough options to allow this conversation.
A Very Furry Christmas Celebration | Wednesday, Nov. 23-Sunday, Jan. 8 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Sesame Place, 2052 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista | $54-$105 | The “Sesame Street”-themed attraction transforms into a winter wonderland for the holidays — with a Christmas parade, dance party + other seasonal surprises.
Annual Turkey Calling Show | Wednesday, Nov. 23 | 12-1 p.m. | UC San Diego Geisel Library, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla | Free | Learn about the turkey’s presence in European art.
Cannibal Corpse | Wednesday, Nov. 23 | 6:30 p.m. | The Observatory North Park, 2891 University Ave., San Diego | $85 | A metal show to die for, featuring guests Dark Funeral, Immolation + Black Anvil.
GoodJokes Drinksgiving Comedy Show | Wednesday, Nov. 23 | 7-11 p.m. | Goodbar, 1872 Rosecrans St., San Diego | Free | Get your ha has before your gobble gobbles.
Thursday, Nov. 24
Bayside Thanksgiving Day Dining | Thursday, Nov. 24 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Bahia Resort Hotel, 998 West Mission Bay Dr., San Diego | $50-$110 | A Thanksgiving champagne brunch with a buffet + water views.
Thanksgiving at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar | Thursday, Nov. 24 | 12-8 p.m. | Fairmont Grand Del Mar, 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego | $98-$240 | Executive Chef Bryn McArthur has created a tasty three-course holiday menu at Amaya and a delightful family-style menu at the Manchester Salon.
Friday, Nov. 25
Thankful for San Diego! | Friday, Nov. 25 | 10 a.m. | Balboa Park, 1549 El Prado, San Diego | Take a moment to give thanks for everything you love about San Diego.
Plaid Tidings | Friday, Nov. 25-Friday, Dec. 30 | 8 p.m. | SDMT Stage, 4650 Mercury St., San Diego | $35-$65 | A special holiday edition of “Forever Plaid.”
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
480,000. That’s how many travelers are expected to pass through San Diego International Airport for the Thanksgiving holiday. If you’re taking off this week, SAN encourages you to plan ahead — there’s ongoing construction and it’s impossible to predict when terminals will be the busiest. ✈️ (Fox 5)
Announced
The Vegan Food Pop Up — a meatless meetup that’s been in Encinitas since 2019 — held its first market at North Park Mini Park this past weekend. The event attracts up to 50 vegan-friendly vendors and will return to North Park on the second Saturday of each month, meaning it will be back on Dec. 10. 🥦 (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Travel
Hitting the road for Thanksgiving might be a little less expensive than expected. Yesterday, the average cost of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in San Diego County dropped 5.5 cents compared to Monday’s prices, bringing the average to $5.244 — that’s 22.3 cents lower than a week ago. ⛽ (AAA)
Edu
The UC San Diego Alpha Stem Cell Clinic was awarded an $8 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to study medical uses of stem cell therapy. The treatment shows promise when applied to many diseases, and the Alpha Clinic serves to bridge the gap between research and clinical usage. 🧪 (UC San Diego Health Newsroom)
San Diego State University has created the Center for Tobacco and the Environment, a multidisciplinary space for tobacco-related research. The center will analyze areas impacted by the substance’s consumption, how problems are created, and potential solutions. 🚭 (KPBS)
Environment
SDG&E is encouraging residents to lower their charges as winter months approach. Locals may be eligible for rebates on energy-efficient products as part of the Golden State Rebates program, and can verify their eligibility online before making a purchase. 🔌 (Fox 5)
Ranked
Let’s raise a glass to these local dive bars that ranked among the 10 best in California, according to Yelp. Pop’s Liquor Cabinet in the Gaslamp Quarter earned the No. 5 spot + Sidecar in Bay Park came in at No. 7, both earning recognition for being “well-worn” and their inexpensive drink selections. 🍺 (Fox 5 + Yelp)
Stat
63% of first time homebuyers admitted to bidding for a homethey didn’t really want.That’s nearly two in three homebuyers. Here’s why that may be.*
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Thanksgiving isn’t all about stuffing yourself. Before you sit down for your holiday feast, consider adding one extra activity to your agenda. Many local communities host turkey trots to welcome the holiday with a sweaty start.
You can still sign up — though you’ll want to act fast because registration deadlines are approaching. These runs might leave you exhausted, but you’ll also be grateful you participated because most of the events benefit local nonprofits.
Here’s a sample of Thanksgiving Day trots you can add to your agenda:
Editor’s pick:Happy (early) Thanksgiving, San Diego. This holiday is all about gratitude, and I am so thankful to be part of the San Diego community and to be able to write this newsletter. I also appreciate all the locals who can’t take the day off because they work essential jobs. It’s fairly common because health care is a major industry, and these people deserve special thanks this holiday.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We took a spin around local ice skating rinks.
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