Celebrate Howl O’Ween in Encinitas – Has Halloween Gone to the Dogs?

The 3^rd Annual Howl O’Ween is being held in Leucadia (the northern-most community in Encinitas) October 29^th for the benefit of the Rancho Coastal Human Society.

Howl O’Ween will be held from 3 to 6 pm (earlier than in the past) with a Pet Parade and a Pet Costume contest, with participating businesses doing the costume judging.

The results will be announced after people and the pets finish parading along the Coast Road/Route 101.

There is a $5 entry fee is donated to the Rancho Coastal Human Society.

All you have to do is sign up, then bring your pooch in costume with their “trick or treat” bag to all of the participating business (about 16) for judging and collect tickets indicating your pet’s costume is a 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd place winner.

Howl O’Ween winners will be announced at The Leucadia Floral and Plant Lady at 1114 N. Coast Highway/Route 101 in Leucadia (Encinitas).

Pick up Howl O’Ween forms and Trick or Treat bags at the following locations from now until the 29^th: And may the best costumed pooch win!!

• Pup Planet and Leucadia Floral & Plant Lady, both located at 1114 N. Coast Hwy 101
• Pink Peloton, 466 N. Coast Hwy 101 (in Gold Coast Plaza)
• Leucadia 101 Main Street, 386 N. Coast Hwy 101

Judging by past reports and photos, this year’s Leucadia Howl O’Ween should be another winner for pooches and their owners.

Leucadia New Homes for Sale -  New Homes for sale in Leucadia at the Leucadia Collection

There haven’t been many opportunities to buy new homes in Encinitas, and where there have been the communities are quite small.

The Leucadia Collection is a new community of only 19 homes to be built in the heart of this surfing community in the northern part of Encinitas and west of the 5 freeway.

Phase 1 of the new homes for sale in the Leucadia Collection have just been released and construction is beginning.

The Leucadia Collection offers:

• 6 floor plans
• Living Areas ranging from 2,718 SF to 3,215 SF
• 3 – 4 bedrooms
• Pricing (at least in Phase 1) from $930,000 to $1.2 million.

The other great thing about this small community is that there are multiple single story homes available...a real rareity in ne housing in the area.

Lots are large by new home standards in this price point and in the general area, ranging from over 9000 SF to a little over ¼ acre.

One affordable home will be offered as required by law and marketed separately because of the city requirements.

HOA fees at The Leucadia Collection are estimated to be about $142 per month and Mello Roos only $800 per month (as compared to some new home communities where they run well into the thousands).

You will have to buy these new homes in Leucadia (offered by City Ventures) based on floor plans, architectural renderings, and faith since no models will be built. By early November framing should be done as well as much of the drywall.

You can expect options around granite, hardwood and tile flooring, cabinetry and appliance, with home designs that are different from the typical "tract" homes we see - separate casitas, upper decks, guest suites, and more.

Occupancy is expected for mid to late February 2012.

The new homes for sale in The Leucadia Collection offer homeowners the opportunity to enjoy town life along the Coast Road (restaurants, shopping) and live not far from the Encinitas beaches below the bluff.

READ MORE:

Encinitas - An Eclectic Seaside Community

Leucadia- Surfers' Beach Community in Encinitas CA

If you are interested in resale homes in Leucadia or Encinitas, or 2 other major areas of Encinitas - Encinitas Ranch and Olivenhain - you can follow the links below and find everything you need.

Search for Encinitas homes for Sale

Search for Leucadia Homes for Sale

Search for Olivenhain Homes for Sale

Search for Encinitas Ranch Homes for Sale

Beacons-Leucadia New Homes for Sale - New Homes for Sale at Beacons-Leucadia in Encinitas CA 

Encinitas has not had many new homes for sale in recent years, the small collection of homes at Quail Ridge being one exception.

But now there are new homes for sale at Beacons-Leucadia in the Leucadia area of Encinitas. 

The small enclave of 10 single family detached homes in being built along a narrow 2-block long street just west of the Coast Road/Route 101 and east of Neptune, which offers some of the most expensive waterfront homes for sale in Encinitas, perched on the bluff.

Beacons-Leucadia new homes for sale will feature homes from around 1930 SF up to 3150 SF with pricing beginning in the $900,000s. 

Imagine being able to walk out your door from your new home at Beacons-Leucadia and hit the Mozy Café (Caribbean-Mexican) less than 2 minutes away, or stroll down the 101 to enjoy restaurants, shops and all that Leucadia has to offer. 

Better yet, you can get to the beach (Beacon's, the namesake of this new home development) easily - know that due to the bluff there are significant steps down. (Photo below is from the parking lot at Beacons Beach in Encinitas).

If you want to walk out on a beach you will need to drive to Moonlight Beach (video) near downtown Encinitas. 

Beacons-Leucadia new homes offer an extraordinary opportunity close to the beach in Encinitas, in an area where new construction is generally only individual custom homes. The new homes at Beacons-Leucadia are expected to be ready for occupancy this summer.

Search for Leucadia Homes for Sale 

Search for Scenic Property in Encinitas

The Leucadia 101 Streetscape is Changing

It's true...literally. The Leucadia 101 streetscape, as they call it, IS changing.

So what DOES this mean? 

Leucadia is a funky, eclectic beach town (the northern-most community in Encinitas, just south of Carlsbad) with a strong surfing history and feel.

Terrific beaches, a lack of glitzy retailers and boutiques, and an amazing array of housing from apartments to trailer parks to multimillion dollar beachfront homes combine to create an environment reminiscent of years ago but tiptoeing into the future. Folks like it that way.

Indeed, bumper stickers that shout "Keep Leucadia Funky" are commonplace. 

READ MORE: Leucadia - Surfers' Beach Community 

Leucadia is also home to some of my favorite haunts - Le Papagayo for terrific food and music, and the Builder's Candy Store, to name a few.

Some of that Leucadia streetscape is about to change. In a major way. And not without some bumps along the way.  As one would expect there have been lots of controversy over the planned improvements, what they should be, whether they are needed, have the appropriate studies been done, etc.

The landscape, including the main thoroughfare...the historic 101 Coast Highway...will be undergoing major changes over the new few years.

And thus, the Leucadia 101 Streetscape, the name coined for the massive undertaking for remodeling the stretch of road through Leucadia (the coolest part of Encinitas, IMO).

Here's a briefing on what will be happening:

• 2 northbound lanes of the Coast Highway will become 1
• 5 round-a-bouts (rotaries, for you New Englanders)
• Adding 900 trees for a total of 1,111 with 8% removed
• Additional parking (both diagonal and parallel)
• A Northbound bike lane and a walking trail

There will be multiple phases as these changes are implemented - I envision some major traffic issues, but that's my traffic pessimism talking perhaps. And the fact that is it changing significantly has me a little worried. Seems this can help many of the restaurants and retailers, and the landowners. That's good. I'm taking a wait-and-see approach.

Visit the Encinitas website for more information and to sign up for email alerts when the page is update. 

FAQs are at the bottom of the main page of the Leucadia 101 Streetscape site.

********************************

WANNA GOOGLE ME?

Subscribe in a reader

If I can provide more information about Encinitas and Leucadia 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 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2010 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

After writing about the Arts Alive Banner Project 2010 in Encinitas (the 11^th year) the other day, I had to stop in at the actual unveiling to see it for myself this afternoon. 

The 101 banners (get it? The Coast Highway is Route 101) were hanging on the railings, windows and walls of the now-empty Cabo Grill atop the bluff in Leucadia (Encinitas) with terrific ocean views - prime real estate for sure.

The kick-off was at 2 so I arrived early - good thing, since the parking lot was almost full and I walked into the restaurant filled with folks milling around, easily 200+. 

The banners were all covered as you can see in the photos, and I caught the actual unveiling on video. Danny Salzhander, President of the 101 Artists'Colony who spearheads this annual fundraising event, was the MC. The speech was short, the countdown began at 5, and 101 banners were simultaneously unveiled to an enthusiastic audience. 

Folks can bid on each banner, starting at $150, with all the proceeds being shared 50/50 by the artist and several organizations:

• 101 Artists' Colony in Encinitas
• the Cardiff 101 Chamber of Commerce
• and the Leucadia 101 Mainstreet Association.

The banners will now all be hung along Route 101 on the lamp posts, and the final auction will be held at the Cardiff Town Center in Cardiff on May 23, 2010 at 2:00 PM with Rich Houk, Auctioneer. 

You can download the Auction Catalog at Arts Alive Encinitas (2010 edition to be posted soon)

Enjoy the photos and the video!!

********************************

     Subscribe in a reader

If I can provide more information about Encinitas and 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 © 2010 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

I was out touring homes and taking photos and realized that these  will be the LAST photos of the year 2009, and I suppose the decade.

These photos were taken at Grandview Beach in Leucadia (Encinitas), a favorite place to visit which always makes me think about that I really enjoy about being here - great weather, palm trees, the ocean, and wonderful views. I hope YOU enjoy them too, wherever you are!

I want to wish all my ActiveRain friends...those I know and those yet to come...the happiest of New Year's Eves and Best Wishes for 2010.

A Video Tour on the Historic Coast Highway 101 Through Leucadia (Encinitas) California

Leucadia is a funky, laid-back beach town just south of Carlsbad on the North San Diego County coast, and one of my favorite communities.

Leucadia has a long surfing history, and as a seaside community retains much of the feel from days gone by - which most people like about the community.

This town is part of Encinitas but with a different feel and look. You won't find high end shopping here, nor 5 star dining (but check out Le Papagayo and Auggie's House of Crab for great eating and atmosphere), and folks like it that way just fine.

READ MORE:  Leucadia - Surfers' Beach Community

Encinitas - An Eclectic Seaside Community

Despite the funkiness, and the presence of tattoo parlors, surf shops, trailer parks, lots of apartments and vacation rentals, Leucadia is not inexpensive, being located along the beach. Many homes and condos are within walking distance to the beach, and while you can buy mobile and manufactured homes for under $100,000, you can easily spend $3 to $8 million for a bluff top/ocean front home just a block or two away.

READ MORE:  Encinitas Real Estate - Encinitas Real Estate Market Report for November 2009

Enjoy the video tour down the historic Route 1010 coast highway through Leucadia. Unfortunately it was not a bright sunny Southern California day, but you get the idea. If you would like more information about the area, including Leucadia real estate, please let me know.

********************************

     Subscribe in a reader

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 "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

If you are a dog lover (whether you have one or not), don't miss Leucadia Nights Howl O'Ween on October 24^th in Encinitas for the benefit of the Rancho Coastal Human Society.

These after-hours walk for folks and their pooches takes place from 5:30 - 8:30 PM with participating business staying open late. 

There will be a Pet Parade and a Pet Costume contest; the $5 entry fee is donated to the Rancho Coastal Human Society. 

All you have to do is sign up, then bring your pooch in costume with their "trick or treat" bag to one of the participating business for judging. Winners will be announced at The Grateful Dog at 802 N. Coast Highway/Route 101 in Leucadia (Encinitas).

Pick up forms and Trick of Treat bags at the following locations from now until the 24^th: And may the best pooch win!!

Grateful Dog,  802 N. Coast Hwy 101,   760-943-Woof

Embellishments, 466 N. Coast Hwy 101,   760-633-1440

  Leucadia 101 Main Street Office, 386 N. Coast Hwy 101

 ********************************

     Subscribe in a reader

If I can provide more information about Encinitas and Leucadia 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

We attended the opening of the newest show at my favorite of the Leucadia Galleries, The Andrews Gallery in Encinitas California, Saturday July 18 with some friends. 

In addition to a lively and diverse crowd, always the case at one of director Drew Snyder's openings, Andrews Gallery festivities included a talented jazz trio, In Motion, all the more impressive because of their young age (someone mentioned one of the members is only 16, but I don't know if that is fact or rumor). 

I had a wonderful conversation with Susan Snyder, a well established artist in her own right (and Drew's aunt), whose work was also being exhibited as part of this group show. Having both been art gallery owners in the past (Snyder, in San Diego's Gaslamp District), it was fun to compare notes. And of course her colorful abstract work, which I have enjoyed in the past, was a pleasure to experience - a trio of small pieces in brilliant hues. Her featured show at Andrews Gallery some months ago was stunning! 

Another well known artist, sculptor Sander Rosenberg, was there, with two pieces (a colorful bracelet with beads embedded with LEDs, and a contemporary chandelier to match) as part of the promotion of the San Diego Museum of Art's "Little and Large." Artists for that show were asked to create a piece of jewelry and a corresponding piece of sculpture. Rosenberg's work displayed at The Andrew Gallery is but one of many artists in 41 venues around San Diego County participating in the San Diego Visual Arts Network collaboration to promote this new show at the San Diego Museum of Art. 

And of course I should mention the work of Ron Tomlinson who hails from Boston originally but now works in Fort Worth, Texas. I think of his work as somewhat impressionistic, and some pieces are particularly well executed in terms of brush stroke, composition, light and color. But then I just know what I like, or don't. And it was a pleasure to discover an artist whose work was unfamiliar. 

The Andrews Gallery in Leucadia continues to grow in popularity and to explore a broad range of artistic talent, with many artists outside the local, or national arena. The North San Diego County art scene truly has a winning combination in Leucadia's Andrews Gallery and Director Drew Snyder.

*****************************

Subscribe in a reader

If I can provide more information about Encinitas and Leucadia 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

Encinitas restaurant Le Papagayo remains at the top of our list of favorite places to dine along the coast. The atmosphere is always friendly, lively and comfortable and a reminder of dining in the islands - a-come-in-your-shorts-and-flip-flops type of place, and the food is varied and presented well. Yes, the trains roar by on the other side of the Coast Road now and then, but for a casual, fun place with great prices, a respectable wine list, and a colorful interior (lots of original artwork), Le Papagayo is well worth a visit.

Read a recent review in the North County Voice on Le Papagayo

Owner Francois Patanchon, who hails from the Bordeaux region of France, is charming, and goes out of his way to make sure customers, whether new or old friends, are well taken care of. I don't think I have even been there and not seen him greeting friends, checking on people's experiences, or just stopping by to chat about what is going on with his enlarged outdoor dining area where the liquor license is still, unfortunately pending (as he did last night).

But have no fear, you can wine and dine in the main dining room or at the bar where the music plays, on their outside deck to watch the activity on the Coast Road, or in the "Blue Room" a few steps down from the main dining area.

The music varies throughout the week (see the Le Papagayo website for the music schedule, although I find it can change from what's listed from time to time) - Flamenco Nova on alternating Thursdays is a favorite.

Le Papagayo can get a bit noisy, depending on who is playing and the crowd (it was jammed last night) so I suggest dinner earlier, say 6, so you can enjoy talking before the music starts when chatting becomes more difficult, at least in the main dining area.

It's not bad idea to make reservations, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights, and especially in the summer when it is the most crowded. If you have to wait, you can hang around outside or pop into the Andrews Gallery next door.

 Some other great reasons to checking out this terrific Encinitas Restaurant Le Papagayo - Cuban Night (Thursdays), Happy Hour, Happy Hour all night Tuesdays, outdoor dining, brunch on the weekends...

Le Papagayo is located at 1002 N. Coast Highway 101 in Leucadia (Encinitas) on the west side of the road between Leucadia Blvd. and La Costa Avenue (760) 944-8252

*****************************

Subscribe in a reader

If I can provide more information about Encinitas 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