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🧳 We’re heading east
The most unique places to stay in San Diego
We’ve got vacation on our mind, and there are many truly unique destinations in San Diego County’s easternmost parts. If you’re planning a memorable getaway, we’re touring five must-see places to stay spanning the East County mountains and Mountain Empire.
Banner Ranch Julian | Julian This “rustic hideaway” is surrounded by mountains and lets visitors enjoy Julian’s natural elements. The accommodations might make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time, including covered wagons, tiny homes, and campsites. It’s 12 minutes from Julian’s Main Street.
Jacumba Hot Spring Hotel | Jacumba At this hotel, you’ll find various types of lodging, dining, and entertainment. But it’s really built a name for itself thanks to its mineral pools that are filled with natural water from the Jacumba Hot Springs.
Tiny House Block | Mt. Laguna If a trip to Mt. Laguna makes you want to get outside, you may not need a lot of indoor space. That’s the idea behind the Tiny House Block, just south of Laguna Mountain Lodge. Only some of the homes are short-term vacation rentals — like “Big Blue - Pura Vida Tiny Home Mountain Retreat.”
Julian Gold Rush Hotel | Julian This historic hotel was built by Albert Robinson — a freed slave and prominent figure in Julian — and his wife Margaret in the late 1890s. Both came to San Diego during the Gold Rush and this restored Victorian building pays homage to that time period. Nowadays, guests aren’t likely to find gold, but they will discover everything Julian has to offer.
The Palms at Indian Head | Borrego Springs Originally built in 1947 and rebuilt in 1958 using California modern style with Mondrian influences, this hotel attracted Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe, Will Rogers, and Bing Crosby. It was restored in 1993 to maintain its mid-century charm, and it remains an oasis with its Olympic-size pool.
Fly Eagles Fly: Revenge Game Watch Party | Monday, Nov. 20 | 5-8 p.m. | TORO, 672 Fifth Ave., San Diego | Free | Eagles fans, cheer for your team as they face the Kansas City Chiefs in this Super Bowl LVII rematch.
Princess Chelsea | Monday, Nov. 20 | 8 p.m. | House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., San Diego | $19 | The musician, producer, and visual artist from New Zealand takes the stage.
Echo & the Bunnymen | Monday, Nov. 20 | 8 p.m. | The Observatory North Park, 2891 University Ave., San Diego | $75+ | The post-rock band, known for “The Killing Moon,” performs live.
Tuesday, Nov. 21
Cafecito Business Networking | Tuesday, Nov. 21 | 8-9:15 a.m. | Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe, 10755 Scripps Poway Parkway, San Diego | $8 | Have a cup of coffee at this networking meet-up while supporting North County’s business community.
“Friendsgiving” Trivia Night | Tuesday, Nov. 21 | 7-9 p.m. | Johnny WAHOO Golf Bar, 527 Fifth Ave., San Diego | Free | It’s “The One When You Test Your Knowledge of the Besties from New York” — with drink specials, to boot.
Wednesday, Nov. 22
María José | Wednesday, Nov. 22 | 10 a.m. | Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego | $45-$150 | The Mexican singer and TV personality brings her “Libertad” tour to town with hits like “Adelante Corazón” and music from her new album.
This holiday season shop for unique gifts from our small business partners. | Photo by 6AM City
Our online shop (Six & Main), a site that celebrates small businesses locally and in our 25 sister markets, is dishing out major deals this holiday season. From coffee to artwork and apparel, there’s a gift for everyone.
Black Friday
30% off items included in our gift guides for her + him
The National Weather Service is predicting a warm, windy start to the week. Temps will approach 80° along the coast and inland today and tomorrow, and Santa Ana winds could bring 30-55 mph gusts. A Wind Advisory is in effect for the San Diego County valleys through 2 p.m. tomorrow. (National Weather Service)
Edu
It’s official: Arizona State University will offer four-year degree programs at Southwestern College, part of a longtime effort to advance higher education opportunities in South County. Courses will start in fall 2024, but the university has not announced which degree programs will be offered. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Travel
Amtrak is preparing for a holiday rush. To accommodate an influx of travelers, advanced reservations are required on Pacific Surfliner trains starting Wednesday, Nov. 22, through Monday, Nov. 27. The company is also reinstating checked baggage services through Tuesday, Nov. 28.
Real Estate
The median price of a single-family home in San Diego County was $964,000 last month, down 3.6% from September 2023. However, finding a home to purchase is getting harder: The number of single-family home sales has declined 3% since September. (Times of San Diego)
Sports
The San Diego Mojo hit us with news: Viejas Arena will be the new volleyball team’s home for their inaugural season come February 2024. Starting Friday, Dec. 1, fans will be able to make $50 deposits so they can score season tickets to watch the women’s pro team play next year.
Coming Soon
LEGOLAND California Resort is building excitement for 2024 — its 25th anniversary — with two new additions. In the spring, Dino Valley will open, including dinosaur-themed attractions and two new rides. Then, LEGO World Parade will start marching in the summer.
Zoo
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has shared some ribbiting news: It helped release 70 mountain yellow-legged frogs into a lake in the San Bernardino Mountains. The effort is a collaboration with the Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to help conserve the endangered species.
Trending
Hip-hippo-hooray. Hannah Shirley — North America’s oldest pygmy hippopotamus in managed care — celebrated her 50th birthday with a party at San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center. The hungry, hungry birthday girl chowed down on a cake made with watermelon, papaya, and spaghetti squash. (City News Service via NBC 7)
Travel
✈️ Destination: Thanksgiving
San Diego International Airport expecting a busy Thanksgiving
If you’re heading to SAN, expect it to be busy. | Photo via @r4_g9_naru
Thanksgiving is this Thursday, Nov. 23, and AAA estimates 4.69 million Americans will be flying for the holiday (Wednesday, Nov. 22-Sunday, Nov. 26). This would be the greatest number of Thanksgiving fliers since 2005, and the first time air travel will exceed pre-pandemic numbers.
If you’re traveling out of San Diego International Airport, expect it to be busy, especially with ongoing New T1 construction. The first phase of the project is ~40% completed, but travelers will experience impacts:
A new vehicle entrance to Terminal 1 is now open heading westbound on North Harbor Drive; it comes up sooner than the prior entrance.
A Black Friday deal on the ultimate gift: A Bwine F7 GPS Camera Drone. They’ll have fun flying it and capturing incredible footage. Get it for $529.99 $370.99.
Good morning, San Diego. Monday mornings always make me feel tired, so I have a recommendation for you — especially as we enter the holiday shopping season. I love Communal Coffee in South Park for its outdoor space and vintage coffee cart. The location also has a store inside that is filled with great gifts, and it places an emphasis on local and SoCal-based goods.
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