Plus, hot temps, new late-night food, and holiday sips.
 
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🚐 They see you rollin’

Nomad Be Happy van rental company expands to San Diego
SD Nomad Be Happy van rentals
The Hiney Hauler is ready to roll in San Diego. | Photo via Nomad Be Happy
The van life camping trend has been rolling strong for the past few years. Now, a Chattanooga-based van rental company that recently expanded to San Diego is hoping to keep the pace going in our neck of the woods.

Nomad Be Happy offers rental vans custom-built by VanDoIt. The seats, bedding, and features can be accommodated to fit each renter’s needs to best suit their adventure.

Owner Robby Eskridge told SDtoday he launched his company’s first expansion in San Diego earlier this year. A local family is currently renting their Hiney Hauler, a 2022 Ford Transit van that can seat up to eight travelers and sleep four.

Eskridge said the vans are designed to be roomy enough to travel comfortably, but small enough to easily drive all over cities — from campgrounds to downtowns — so travelers can fully explore what a region has to offer.

“It’s a cool way to get to know a city,” he explained.

SD Nomad Be Happy Chattanooga Van

The company that began in Chattanooga has traveled west.

|

Photo via Nomad Be Happy

And being local is key. The company partners with restaurants, breweries, and small businesses to create “swag bags” filled with camper-friendly products like craft beer, coffee, and sunscreen. The goodies are included with each van rental and are meant to highlight the best of each city.

In San Diego, Nomad Be Happy has started partnering with brands like Ultreya Coffee and Tea, Be Kind Vibes, Live Sunny, Aromalee Shop, and Zerom Zero Waste. The company also held an open house event at Ultreya this month where locals could tour the inside of a van, and Eskridge said more events like this are coming down the road.

OK, ready to get movin’? Check out the SD van rental option. If you’re a local business that wants to partner with Nomad Be Happy, email Eskridge.

Happy travels, friends.
 
Events
Wednesday, Oct. 18
  • Chunky Yarn Pumpkins Workshop | Wednesday, Oct. 18 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Mike Hess Brewing Ocean Beach, 4893 Voltaire St., San Diego | $45 | Patchwork presents a crafty fall activity while sipping pints.
  • “The Addams Family” | Through Sunday, Oct. 29 | 7-10 p.m. | San Diego Musical Theatre, 4650 Mercury St., San Diego | $30-$70 | “They’re creepy and they’re kooky”... this musical comedy follows the story of the wickedly dark and funny family.
Thursday, Oct. 19
  • 2023 REAL SIMPLE Weekend | Thursday, Oct. 19-Sunday, Oct. 22 | Times vary | Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, 9700 N. Torrey Pines Rd., San Diego | $150+ | The editorial brand hosts this event featuring cocktail receptions, curated culinary experiences, author readings, yoga classes, interactive panels, and historic walks.
  • The Cutwater LaBARatory Speakeasy Experience | Through Saturday, Oct. 28 | 7 p.m. | Cutwater Tasting Room, 9750 Distribution Ave., San Diego | $25 | Experience a spooky speakeasy (if you dare) filled with experimental cocktails created by twisted mixologists; your ticket includes a welcome cocktail in a 150ml keepsake glass.
Friday, Oct. 20
  • San Diego Gulls vs. Ontario Reign | Friday, Oct. 20 | 7 p.m. | Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego | $25+ | The Gulls hit the ice for their home opener.
  • Festival Of Laughs | Friday, Oct. 20 | 8 p.m. | Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego | $59-$125 | A star-studded lineup of comedians including Sommore, Lavell Crawford, Bruce Bruce, and Joe Torry join forces to bring the funny.
Saturday, Oct. 21
  • University Heights Fall Festival | Saturday, Oct. 21 | 1-5 p.m. | Alice Birney Joint-Use Field, Meade Ave., San Diego | Free | This community celebration features pie-making contests, sack races, DIY flower crown-making, food, and live music.
  • Nikki Glaser | Saturday, Oct. 21 | 7 p.m. | Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego | $36-$42 | The comedian, host, and podcaster performs “The Good Girl Tour.”
Sunday, Oct. 22
  • Fleetwood Max | Sunday, Oct. 22 | 8 p.m. | The Music Box, 1337 India St., San Diego | $15 | The Fleetwood Mac tribute band lives out its “Dreams.”
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
Biz

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News Notes
Weather
  • Fall or still summer? Temperatures are expected to hover 8-16° above normal today and tomorrow across San Diego County — reaching the 90s inland. The hottest day will be tomorrow, but a cooling trend should move in by Friday west of the mountains and continue through the weekend. (National Weather Service)
Civic
  • The City of San Diego is running its Consolidated Plan Survey to gather feedback from locals on how to invest $135 million into communities over the next five years. Results will help SD leaders identify needs and priorities — from affordable housing and services, to sustainability and job opportunities.
Development
  • SANDAG has given the City of San Diego $4.8 million to help accelerate much-needed housing initiatives. The funding will go toward five plans, including $2.5 million for the Development Impact Fee assistance program and $650,000 for the Affordable Home Development Master Plan. (NBC 7)
Open
  • Late-night spot Döner Döner Kebab Kitchen has debuted at Mission + Garnet in Pacific Beach, open daily, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. It’s the food hall’s eighth eatery; the menu features Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes including bowls, wraps, and salads with falafel, gyro meat, chicken, or shrimp. (Eater San Diego)
Coming Soon
  • We do believe in miracles. The holiday pop-up bar, Miracle, will take over Belmont Park’s Draft restaurant Friday, Nov. 17-Sunday, Dec. 31. Patrons can expect festive decorations galore, plus themed cocktails like the Chrismapolitan and Snowball Old-Fashioned.
State
  • The IRS has once again postponed tax filing and payment deadlines for California taxpayers, now to Thursday, Nov. 16. The extension — originally set for Oct. 16 — was granted based on FEMA disaster declarations throughout the state, including San Diego County, after last winter’s strong storms, flooding, and landslides.
Sports
  • San Diego’s new MLS team will unveil its name, crest, and colors this Friday, Oct. 20, at Snapdragon Stadium, and the club appears to be dropping hints on its Instagram feed. Fans have spotted red hues and hashtags like #WovenIntoOne and #18SomosUno — nods at San Diego County’s 18 cities.
Announced
  • San Diego Beer Week will officially go down Friday, Nov. 3-Sunday, Nov. 12. The 15th annual celebration of the local craft beer scene will feature the release of the new Capital of Craft West Coast IPA and beer-centric events at breweries throughout the county.
Cause
  • Volunteers are needed to help clean up graffiti and litter from streets, parks, and neighborhoods at the 20th annual Beautify Chula Vista Day on Saturday, Oct. 21, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. The event takes place at Chula Vista Animal Care Facility and Memorial Bowl at Memorial Park. Sign up.
Transit
  • SANDAG will host a virtual webinar tomorrow, 6-7:30 p.m., about the LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project and its impact on rail transit and the Del Mar Bluffs. The agency will also host in-person workshops on Monday, Nov. 6, and Wednesday, Nov. 15, where locals can learn about potential railway routes.
Arts
  • WNDR Museum will offer free admission on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., in honor of International Artist Day. Make your reservation to check out the museum’s 20+ interactive, immersive artworks by artists, collectives, and designers from around the world.
Finance
  • One card, all the perks. A $200 welcome bonus, unlimited cash back, and 0% interest into 2025 (all with no annual fee) almost sounds too good to be true — but this card has it all.*
Development

✨ You glow, Del

Hotel del Coronado will spend $160 million to restore historic Victorian building
SD Hotel Del Coronado new Victorian rooms 2023
A mock-up of what the renovated Victorian rooms will look like when they debut in Spring 2025. | Photo via Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton
Hotel del Coronado recently wrapped up its lengthy, $400 million makeover — including last year’s debut of Shore House — but the glow up isn’t quite finished.

The landmark resort announced Blackstone Real Estate will invest an additional $160 million into “reimagining” the historic, red turreted Victorian “neighborhood” — The Del’s original (and most recognizable) building since its 1888 debut.

All 367 Victorian guest rooms and event spaces, including the Crown Room, will be upgraded to “usher in a new era of elegance,” while preserving its history and 1800s flair. The building’s entrance and grand lobby were completed in earlier phases of the ambitious project.

The Del said the Victorian building will temporarily close in January 2024 and should reopen by spring 2025. Guests will be able to stay in the hotel’s four other “neighborhoods.” This will mark the property’s final phase of its redevelopment, now totaling $550+ million.
Shop
 
Drink
  • Get cozy and indulge in the unique flavors of Matcha Nude’s organic matcha, perfect for the cooler months.
Seasonal
  • Stay cozy this season with the French Terry Crewneck from Kennedy Gray. With this soft fabric, it’s the perfect piece to keep you warm.
Tech
  • Why upgrade to smart light bulbs? Set your lights to custom timers, turn lights off when you’re not home, and set the mood with different colors — all from your phone.
Home
Travel
  • First class flights don’t have to come full price. Shop an Elite Going membership, get 40-90% first class flights, and fly to your next vacation in style.
 
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The Wrap
 
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Today’s edition by:
Monica
From the editor
Hi, friends. Michael and I love creating guides to all things good in San Diego. Check out our website’s City Guide page for roundups on everything from local landmarks and the history of street names, to golf courses and unique places to stay in SD.

Also, if there’s anything you’d like us to cover in a guide in the future, drop us a note — we love hearing from you.
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