I love to travel. In particular I love going when it is
off-season, because you get more for your money, and the crowds have
dissipated.
I had heard about a new property down in Oceanside, and
since I’m a sucker for views of the Pacific, we decided to plan another
excursion. Boy, were we in luck!
SpringHill Suites by Marriott just opened in February, and I’ve
got to tell you, this is a real bargain for being by the ocean. Many places
that I visited in Southern California are far more expensive.
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| A roomy suite with a great view of the ocean |
This stylish surf inspired retreat offers a coastal casual
vibe. The rooms are finely appointed with a beachy decor, and modern amenities
that discerning travelers expect.
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| View from the roof |
Step outside and you have panoramic views of the Pacific and
a long lazy pier that welcomes your attention. There was even a triathlon going
on while we were there, and we both enjoyed the plethora of hard bodies
traipsing through the hotel.
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| Kick back and enjoy the twilight |
Nearby, Oceanside’s sunset market was in full swing. This
street fair takes place on Thursday from 5 to 9 PM but it’s advisable to get
there early because this place gets packed. I gobbled a few samples before
heading off to dinner and I was wowed.
For dinner we dined at Hello Betty Fish House adjacent to
the hotel, a seafood inspired hangout, with that cool coastal vibe. Dan, our
server, was as bright as a 200-watt light bulb, and gave us a nice tour of the
menu. We settled for a variety of seafood dishes with accolades going to their
halibut with a citrus lime sauce. Gaze out at the Pacific and be thankful. What
a way to end the evening.
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| A cool place to eat |
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| Enjoy the complimentary breakfast |
The following day we headed out to Bates Nut Farm, a
wonderful place for children or the young at heart. Enjoy a hayride, a petting
zoo, or simply stroll the grounds for a leisurely afternoon. There is also a
wonderful gift shop with all types of goodies available for purchase.
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| Got any food for me? |
Thanks to Ellie at the front desk, we were able to obtain
detailed directions to the farm. In fact in general, the hotel staff was
impeccable in their level of service and attention to detail. Clearly they’re
doing their best to encourage business and make travelers feel welcomed.
If beer is your thing you won’t be disappointed with the
offerings in Oceanside. Oceanside’s craft beer scene is booming and in the last
year alone almost a dozen new venues have popped up. There are even pub-crawl
itineraries available showcasing hot spots that offer both sensational beers and
delicious local eats. In particular Bagby Beer Company looked promising, and I was
sad that we had had made other plans for dinner. The place was packed.
Surfers know Oceanside for its outdoor activities, and they even have a Beach Bum Package available to encourage visitors. The hotel's beach bum package includes overnight accommodations, daily breakfast buffet, two drinks per stay from the hotel's market, a souvenir beach towel, a beach bag and a $25 gift card to Hello Betty Fish House. Such a deal!
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| Enjoy all the surfers as you stroll the pier |
Oceanside is still one of the more affordable beach
destinations in Southern California, and it’s known for its many outdoor
activities that everyone can enjoy. But as you look around you can see that the
density of fine dining options and things to do are on the rise, so plan a
visit soon and enjoy the fact that your wallet will be happy as well.
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| Day is done |
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