A Night Out in San Diego

As I mentioned previously, I met a handful of people while on my “work-cation” in San Diego. I kept in contact with most of them while I was still in San Diego but one of the guys I met was a tremendous host, venturing out during a week of work, midterms, and preparation for Spring Break to show us some of San Diego’s nightlife.

We ventured out on the town starting in Midtown/Little Italy, at a trendy little bar called Starlite. This place was close I-5, so it was surprising that it was so cool inside. Having eaten already I did not get anything to eat, but was told the food was excellent. I did, however, try the Starlite Mule, which was their signature drink and frankly, one of the best cocktails I have had in my life.

Next, we headed back down to the heart of Little Italy and stopped for a beer at Craft & Commerce. This place was newer (I still can’t find it on Google Maps) and a small space, but it definitely made up for it with the atmosphere. The décor was designed around literature “craft” and they even played Books on Tape in the bathroom.

Lastly, we went to Syrah Wine Parlor down in the Gaslamp Quarter. This place was probably my favorites. The entire place is decorated in an Alice and Wonderland theme, with the steps down to the door giving you the feeling of falling down the rabbit hole; complete with a trick door and all.

Not only did we go to really cool places that were something different from the norm here in Lexington, but I had some of the best conversation I had in awhile. He was an inspiring individual that has moved around a bit, just making it work. We had a lot in common in terms of the expectations for life and it was really refreshing to meet someone who has felt what I am feeling in terms of wanting more out of life. I have only met one other person that truly understood or had insight into what I am feeling.

Our conversation that evening has left me asking myself “Why on earth am I in Kentucky if I’d rather be elsewhere?” – A question that I am trying to answer, but is so much more complex than simple geography.

San Diego

Recently, I was fortunate enough to have been sent to San Diego for a training conference for my job. I love travelling and have a continual zeal to explore new places, so I was pretty excited to go and arranged to fly out early and even take off a day of work to explore and get to know ‘America’s Finest City’ a little bit.

I flew out on a Friday after work and was able to have free time until my conference started on Tuesday. Arriving exhausted, I picked up my car for the weekend, went to check-in at my hotel, and instantly became energized about being in a new and energetic city. I got in the car and drove to the neighborhood of Hillcrest. A lady from my office grew up in San Diego, and she told me this would be a great place for me to go given its culture, nightlife, and shops. While out for a beer (or two) that night, I wound up meeting a few people that I wound up spending some extra time with during my trip; but that’s a separate blog entry.

Saturday was a little dreary, but it wound up being a gorgeous day. My close friend and her fiancée from Orange County were down for an anniversary party in northern San Diego County, so we started the day off meeting up. We drove up to Pacific Beach enjoyed the beach a little bit. With advice from my cousin (and maybe copying her—A LOT) we walked the boardwalk, watched the surfers from Crystal Pier, and ate a late lunch at the awesome PB Shore Club.

 (Trying to copy my cuz on Crystal Pier)

(Surfers in Pacific Beach) 

After lunch we drove over to Old Town Historic Park which is supposedly the earliest part of San Diego. This area was neat to see with historic buildings and a genuine effort to feel the history, but ultimately reminds me of Colonial Williamsburg with automobiles driving around and nothing but restaurants. Soon after we headed out, tired after walking and decided to call it a day. My friends headed back to Orange County and I went to dinner and out to Hillcrest (again) for a drink or two and some dancing.

 (Old Town, San Diego)

Sunday I woke up to a misty morning with the anticipation of heavy showers for the day, which being my luck does not happen frequently in Southern California, so I decided to drive to see my friend up in Orange County and where she lives. I took my time getting up there, driving along the Pacific Highway visiting La Jolla which has a gorgeous beach front park, a bay of seals, and a different feel than the rest of San Diego. I continued up the Pacific Highway along the ocean and eventually got on the freeway and headed to Orange County. Once I arrived, my friend and I didn’t do much but lounge around, talking about life, her wedding, watching movies and just enjoying our friendship. We went out to dinner at an amazing restaurant ‘Yard House’ for what turned into a little birthday celebration for me.

 (Sealsbay in La Jolla, San Diego)

 (Birthday dinner at Yard House)

Monday was my last day of freedom in Southern California before my conference and I decided to go for a hike. I went up to Black’s Beach, north of La Jolla, which is a notorious nude beach, but also one of the most beautiful beaches I have been to. I intentionally saved this for a Monday with hopes to avoid any nudists, thinking they all work on Mondays. The hike was quiet a chore, but well worth it. Once I reached the bottom, I spent a couple hours just sitting on the beach enjoying the sound of the ocean, enjoying the sun, and just soaking in the beautiful setting.  

(View on the hike to Black's Beach)

After my hike, my coworker arrived and I turned in my car and much of the exploring of larger San Diego ceased. We spent the rest of our days in the Gaslamp Quarter for our conference, exploring the restaurants, shops, and nightlife. The Gaslamp is a cool area and very different from the rest of San Diego. It is oriented for the many people that come to San Diego for conferences and for dining out, but with a few historic jewels sprinkled throughout (old houses, warehouses converted into shops, restaurants, nightlife, or hotels).

  

(San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter)

 (San Diego Convention Center)

It was a good trip. I love being in a city that has many neighborhoods to explore with different vibes to each of them. I met a few people, learned a lot about a new city, worked, ate amazing food, and thought about a little more of where I want to go with my life, which is after all an non-stop adventure. 

(California Sunset)

San Diego Snippets

This week I have been at a conference for work in San Diego. I flew out early for a little vacation and wanted to share some of the sights...

(Mission Beach Park)

(Gaslamp Quarter)

 (Black's Beach)

I've had blast exploring all the neighborhoods and enjoying Southern California. Will share more details and thoughts soon!