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.

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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!!

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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

I am a big fan of art, as folks who know me can attest. AND a big fan of The Andrews Gallery in Leucadia, the newest, and brightest, addition to the art scene in North San Diego County. My opinion. But I think others agree. And it's right next to Carlsbad.

The Andrews Gallery opened, with quite a bit of fanfare, last October 2008 (here's my post from the opening reception).

Drew Snyder, curator, owner, and artist, continues to bring excitement and vision to the art community in North County, and the latest show (I missed the opening reception, being out of town) featuring never-before-seen collage works by Susan Snyder, is a visual treat.

A well-known and established artist for years, Snyder uses bright colors, intriguing images, and even 200-year-old paint chips from her home in Mexico to create a visual, and playful, experience incorporating Mexican imagery unlike anything I have seen before.  This show is absolutely worth a visit for any art lover. 

I also had the opportunity to view some of Drew's new work in progress and he takes off in a somewhat new direction, without losing the style and the vocabulary that is his. Alas, my photos did not turn out well, and do not do justice to this new work, so you will just have to stop by in person which is always better. 

I continue to be so impressed with what Drew Snyder is creating at The Andrews Gallery. Having been a gallery owner myself, and understanding the vision, time, energy and creativity it takes to continually challenge, and step outside the mundane and the predictable, I appreciate even more Drew's ambitious and varied exhibits that showcase  artists who are emerging and established, local and national. What will the future bring at The Andrews Gallery? Time will tell, but you can bet it will not be mainstream, boring, or lacking in talent. And it will not disappoint.

Read The Andrews Gallery Blog

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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 © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Environmental and internationally-known artist Kirkos (Kirk Van Allyn, a long-time Leucadia resident) is known for his elaborate designs in the sand along the Encinitas/Leucadia coastline, usually at Stone Steps Beach.

Today's event was especially interesting - a meditation labyrinth at the base of Stone Steps beach drew a large crowd on a misty, foggy, cool wintry New Year's Day. There was an article on-line announcing the creation in process encouraging folks to stops by and bring environmentally sensitive/biodegradable objects (e.g., flowers) to add to the maze. Visitors also brought candles (hard to see in the photos) that will be removed before the tide washes the labyrinth away. We elected to stay up top to look, but you can enjoy the photos.

READ MORE: Art on the Beach in Leucadia from a previous, and less elaborate sand design several months ago.

Leucadia is a community in the northern part of Encinitas, clustered along historic Route 101 (the Coast Highway), right next door to Carlsbad. The community stretches for over a mile along the road (on the west side only; to the east are the railroad tracks) with retailers, business services and other commercial enterprises bordering the densely built residential area between the 101 and the ocean just a couple of 2 blocks away 

READ MORE: Leucadia - Surfers Beach Community

Leucadia offers an eclectic mix of retail and dining, the sort one would expect in a small beach town with a strong surfing history and a resistance to becoming gentrified and upscale.

 Want a tattoo or need acupuncture? No problem. Places to buy pet food or have your dog groomed. Got it. Mexican markets and Hair salons? Yep, they're there. Love donuts?  Try the famous Leucadia Donut Shop. Old fashioned liquor stores? You'll find them too. There are a bunch or surf shops (to purchase or have them repaired) and places to buy the touristy t-shirts. There are several art galleries (one, the new Andrews Gallery) and a number of clothing and gift stores (check out Sanctum). Need building materials? The Builders Candy Storer is sure to please.

Restaurants along this scenic stretch of road provide a casual mix of seafood, California, Mexican, Japanese, Thai and more. Want raw food? Try The Greenery. There's the Mozy Café, Le Papagayo (my personal favorite, with live music and their fun Cuban Night on Thursdays), Calypso, The Sake House, Robbie's Roadhouse, and another personal fave, Auggie's House of Crab (celebrating their 1^st year in town). A casual, beach-town ambiance is obvious in all, and jeans and sandals are perfectly acceptable. Good food, a lack of pretension, and a pleasant mix of residents and visitors allow for an enjoable way to have brunch, lunch or dinner. The Pannikin is a favorite breakfast place in the old railroad depot closer to the downtown area of Encinitas.

The beaches in this part of town are some of the best in the area, with surfing and places to watch the sunset. Because of the bluff all are located well below so stairs are the only way down, and up. Be prepared for some significant climbs, but the views are amazing. Favorite Leucadia beaches include Grandview (at the north end), Beacon's, and Stone Steps.

Leucadia real estate is some of the most eclectic around, in part due to the town's history and growth as a popular surfing destination and vacation area. The dense residential area to the west of the coast road to the edge of the continent overlooking the ocean is a mix of bungalows, mobile homes, vacation rentals, small motels, condos, apartments, and ocean-front homes. Since the stretch of road is over a mile, some homes in this area will have more limited amenities within walking distance than others, depending on where you are located.

Other homes, some newer, are located to the east of the coast road and the railroad tracks. Whether they are truly walkable to the commercial area is debatable, since only two roads cross the tracks over a mile or so span of road; walking across the tracks is the only way to get there quickly BUT fines for crossing the track, if caught, can run $1000 since it's considered trespassing.

There are 11 Leucadia homes for sale (detached) in the Somewhat Walkable to Very Walkable category, ranging in price from $605,000 to $7.3 million (for an ocean-front home on Neptune Avenue, of which there are several). In contrast some of the least expensive housing can be found in Leucadia as well - manufactured/mobile homes at The Sands in the heart of Leucadia and 2 blocks to the beach range from $69,500 to $142,000 (with land leases) with several other similarly priced manufactured homes on nearby streets within walking distance of Leucadia amenities. Attached homes, several of which are ocean-front, range from $379,000 to $2.495 million.

Here are the previous articles in the Walkable Neighborhood Series:

Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Near Rancho Santa Fe Village

Solana Beach Real Estate on the Coast

Del Mar Real Estate Near the Village

 Carlsbad Village Real Estate in Carlsbad, California

Downtown Encinitas

Cardiff Real Estate in The Walking District in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Carlsbad Homes for Sale in La Costa, Carlsbad

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