Carlsbad Real Estate News and Views

We took part of the day on Friday (on one of the most beautiful afternoons we have seen in a while, with temps in the low 90s due to the Santa Ana winds) to visit Julian California, about 50+ miles from Carlsbad in the mountains just outside the Cleveland National Forest.

Julian is an old gold rush mining town (there are still mines you can visit) and it retains much of the charm, the old homes and buildings, and the atmosphere of those times (there's even a couple of horse drawn buggies to enjoy).

At the same time, however, it has also become quite the tourist attraction for folks from all over Southern California.

At 5000 feet above sea level, Julian feels dramatically different from coastal Southern California, with lots of pine trees, and the town is known for its apples and the famed Julian Apple Pie Company, with multiple orchards and a popular winery.

There is the Main Street, and a number of side streets which offer an array of shops (e.g., Mustang Sally's), eateries (The Julian Grille is a favorite) and services, along with the famous pie company outlet, and the town is small enough to easily walk in its entirety in 1 day.

There are several charming and popular hotels and B and Bs which make a stay in Julian overnight well worth the trip through the mountains. Know that it can get quite warm in the summer but during the winter temps can get cool enough for snow and frost.

October is the busiest time, especially on weekends because of the Apple Days Festival and other events (the high school homecoming and parade was happening when we were there), and it can take time to get into the heart of town and park at peak tourist times.

Being a REALTOR, I couldn't help but stop by the windows of some of the local brokerages to check out the real estate - prices are better than at the coast, but not actually inexpensive, depending on what you want. There is quite an array of property for sale in the area, from cabins to luxury homes with dramatic mountain views, ranging in price from about $45,000 up to almost $3 million.

If you are looking for a fun place to visit and explore in the mountains, or have a hankerin' to buy (or picl) apples, head for Julian California.

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

The country's largest air show, the MCAS Miramar Airshow, will be here in just a few days.

Featuring the famed Blue Angels commemorating the 63^rd anniversary of the U.S. Air Force, and, this year, the 9-plane Canadian Snowbirds, this air show has been a tradition for more than 50 years. There are both ground and air demonstrations, along with the opportunity to talk with military personnel, check out military equipment, memorabilia and, of course, the usual refreshments.

The MCAS Miramar Air show will be held at the base on Miramar Road in San Diego. Parking is free.

If you have never seen the Blue Angels, well, they are something to see AND hear (I last saw them at Hanscom AFB in the Boston area). Visit the official Blue Angels website for more information and tickets. [photos courtesy of the Blue Angels official website]

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If I can provide more information about San Diego real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Ah, the dog days of summer. Ever wonder where that phrase came from?

Terrific weather is here in SoCal in full force. We have left the June Gloom marine layer behind (except for some early morning gray near the coast which is to be expected), the vacationers have arrived, and summer events (concerts, outdoor movies, art fairs) are abundant.

READ MORE:  

Summer is Here in Carlsbad (just a sampling of stuff to do)  

Carlsbad Area Things to Do This Summer

For some dogs, these really ARE the dog days of summer. Pop by Dog Beach in Del Mar to take your pooch for a romp on the beach - you will be in good company.

But what really inspired this post was my visit to the Torrey Pines Gliderport today - perfect weather, great breeze, lots of paragliders in the air, AND a very special dog who loves paragliding with his owner. 

Enjoy the pics - they will inspire you, especially the ones of Fido. Of course I took some pics of the area and other paragliders, too!

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If I can provide more information about San Diego and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Opening night for the latest exhibit, the annual Invitational Show, at the Cannon Art Gallery in Carlsbad was last night.

Four well-known area artists, selected by the gallery director/curator, Karen McGuire display a diverse set of works in various media including assemblages: 

Joseph Bennett

David Fobes

Tara Smith

Duke Windsor 

These artists were selected from among those who exhibited in the 2009 Juried Biennial Exhibition.

The exhibition will be on display from June 27^th through August 16^th, 2009. 

The popular family open studio, which allows families to create works of art related to the current exhibition, will be on Saturday July 25^th in the courtyard outside the Carlsbad Library and the Cannon Gallery from 11 am until 2 pm.

The William D. Cannon Art Gallery is located in South Carlsbad at 1775 Dove Lane adjacent to the Carlsbad City Library.

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If I can provide more information about Encinitas, Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

One of my favorite things to do in the summer, besides spending more time at the beach when I have a free moment, is attending the Carlsbad TGIF Jazz in the Park Series.

And judging by the crowds, this event is popular with many folks. And for good reason. 

• The weather is always terrific
• The concerts are free
• The music is great with lots of variety
• It's  a wonderful way to spend a few hours on a summer eve with friends and family enjoying music and outdoor dining in one of Carlsbad's many beautiful parks (Stagecoach, Poinsettia, and Calavaera Hills) 

It's hard to believe that jazz time is almost here again. But the 24^th season of this growing event begins June 19, just 4 weeks away. The Jazz in the Park series is the major fundraiser (by selling raffle tickets for numerous donated prizes) for the Carlsbad Friends of the Arts, which provides a wealth of arts-related activities to the town, including the Cannon Art Gallery exhibitions and the concert series. 

Here's the line-up (links are to websites so you can check out the music): 

Stagecoach Park

June 19 - Canned Heat (blues)

June 26 - Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas (creole dance music)

July 3 - Big Time Operator (big band swing) - 11^th appearance

July 10 - Bill Magee Blues Band (blues) - 9^th appearance 

Poinsettia Park

July 17 - Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca (Cuban, Afro-pop) - 3^rd appearance

July 24 - Lowrider Band

July 31 - Roddie Romera and the Hub City All-Stars (Louisiana rhythm and soul) 

Calavera Hills Park

August 7 - The Screaming Primas

August 14 - Tinsley Ellis (rhythm and blues)

August 21 - Coco Montoya (blues rock) - 2^nd appearance 

Oh, did I mention these concerts ARE FREE? 10 free concerts in the summer in Carlsbad - What could be better??!!

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Memorial Day is fast approaching, which means it is time for the annual San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival in the famous Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego. (LOGO links to website)

Saturday May 23 is the date, and the setting is two stages of non-stop smooth jazz headliners (e.g., Boney James, Gerald Albright, Kurt Whalum, Norman Brown), national and local, hosted by KIFM Smooth Jazz 98.1. In addition to the 2 main stages, there are over 20 other venues for live music throughout the festival area between 4^th and 6^th streets. Music starts at 12:30 PM with performances until 10 PM. 

This is the largest all-day jazz festival in San Diego and there is sure to be music to please you. Be aware that the area is roped off with tough security, and you will not be able to get past the gates without your tickets (which are $29 in advance). Restaurants are open during the festival. It gets crowded, parking is a challenge, and it's noisy, but what a great time of year for outdoor smooth jazz music. (Note: If you are planning to dine within the district, check with the restaurant on how to get in - we had a major problem 2 years ago because we were not attending the festival but had reservations at a local eatery.) 

Visit the Gaslamp website for more information on this famous area of San Diego and events and happenings throughout the year.

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Carlsbad is the proud host, twice a year, of one of the largest outdoor street fairs in the country - not bad for our little coastal town.

These fairs typically bring in over 100,000 visitors, over doubling Carlsbad's population, to the 900+ vendors, many of whom return year after year. The relatively quiet streets of the downtown Carlsbad Village area will become a teeming mass of people and activity.

This year's Carlsbad Village Street Faire, the 35^th, hosted by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, will be held on Sunday May 3, from 8 am until 5 pm. The array of things to buy is always impressive - clothing and accessories, household products, jewelry, art work, antiques, gifts, and on and on. 

READ MORE:

Carlsbad Village by the Sea

Carlsbad Village by the Sea - A Tour of Downtown

Carlsbad, California and Historic Route 101 - The Coast Highway (A Video Tour)

There will be a beer and wine garden, sponsored by the Rotary Club, that will include entertainment by live bands and a large screen TV. The food court, with more than 50 different booths, will offer just about every kind of food you could want. Or enjoy the famous pancake breakfast served every year at the Carlsbad railroad depot by the Kiwanis Club 

Children, who might get bored with all the shopping, will be able to enjoy the children's area, with rides, games, a super slide, a bounce house (there is hardly a fair around that doesn't seem to offer one of these), arts and crafts, a rock climbing wall, face painting and more. Hmmm, wonder if they provide baby-sitting? 

As you can imagine, parking can be a challenge with this many people, so getting there early is a good idea. But despite that, it can get real ugly (I know, having attended in the past). Shuttles will be provided every 20 minutes from two locations - the Poinsettia Coaster Station (on Avenida Encinas just off Poinsettia to the south), and the NW corner of Sears at the Westfield Plaza to the east, near Route 78 and Jefferson. 

If you enjoy outdoor fairs, this one is a DON'T MISS. Remember, Sunday May 3 from 8 until 5. Shop until you drop...or run out of money.

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

The spring weather has been fabulous and we are starting the parade of outdoor fairs and festival that are so popular here in America's Finest City and surrounds.

Encinitas is a seaside town about 25 miles north of San Diego and will be hosting its annual street outdoor fair this coming weekend. April 25^th and 26^th. The Encinitas Street Fair is a terrific event, attended by thousands of folks who appreciate the many vendors and activities in the downtown area of Encinitas along the famous Route 101 from D to J street. Like the huge fair in Carlsbad, they expect about 100,000 folks to descend on the town to enjoy 450 vendors with an amazing array of things to look at and buy. 

This is the 26^th Annual Street Encinitas Street Fair, and well worth your visit. You can expect some parking issues so plan to arrive early and expect to walk. Or, if you prefer, take The Coaster train - the train station is in the heart of Encinitas 1 block to the east of Route 101 and the downtown area.

READ MORE: Downtown Encinitas Dining and Shopping Extravaganza

Next weekend looks busy with buyers and open houses but you can bet I will be at this event if I can make it happen.

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If I can provide more information about Encinitas, Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

The Del Mar Fair Grounds will be, once again, the site for one of our area's many expos, this time FOR WOMEN ONLY (I suppose the guys could go but...). About 10,000 visitors are anticipated at the 6^th anniversary of this event. 

Friday, April 17^th, Saturday April 18^th and Sunday April 19^th you and your friends can explore over 200 vendors, see a Fashion Show, treat yourself to all sorts of food and see some well-known area chefs in action in Del Mar. The weather is supposed to be fabulous - in the high 79s - so it'll be a great weekend for an outing. 

You can visit the Head to Toe Women's Expo website for all the details but here are some highlights. 

• Fashion Show on the weekend days
• Learn how to dress up the dining table, by Dining by Design author Olga Krasnoff
• Chef Elizabeth Harris (my fave - she owns Elizabethan Desserts in Encinitas) will host a dessert demo on Saturday at 1 pm
• Well-known gardening expert Tiger Palafox will demo how to create and maintain a cottage garden 

There will be demonstrations by several other area chefs, a choral show by Sweet Adeline's Chorus, and a ton of inspiration, education and entertainment. Plus dozens of vendors for shopping. The list of stuff to see and do goes on and on.

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Subscribe in a reader

If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

The Cannon Art Gallery, a city-owned gallery in Carlsbad, is well known for its quality exhibits and diversity of styles and mediums. The latest show, which opened last night with a reception sponsored by the Friends of the Arts, is no exception.

CARDINAL POINTS: Puntas Cardinales"

opened last night and runs through May 8, 2009.

This wonderful exhibit showcases works from the Sprint Nextel collection with a focus on contemporary Latino and Latin American Art.

55 works from the last 2 decades illustrate the creativity, themes, cultural identities, history and values of well-known artists. The best known, according to the gallery write-up, include Laura Anderson Barbata, Jose Bedia, Andres Serrano, Carmen Lopez Garza, Enrique Chagoya, Graciela Iturbide, Patssi Valdez, Solomon Huerta and Marcelo Pombo.

The Cannon Art Gallery is open during the week from 11 am until 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday, and from 1 - 5 pm on Sundays.

The Family Open studios, where you can have fun on art projects related to the theme of the show, will be on Saturday March 28 from 11 am until 2 pm in the gallery courtyard adjacent to the Carlsbad Library entrance.

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If I can provide more information about Cardiff, Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits