Thursday, October 30, 2014

Surf's Up at the SpringHill Suites in Oceanside

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.
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.
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.
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.
A cool place to eat

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.
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!

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.
Day is done

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Thursday, January 1, 2009

Architectural Photography



Architecture is one of my favorite photographic subjects. It doesn't squirm. It doesn't need make-up. It is always in a good mood. I like the mathmatics of architecture and its multitude of fuctions in our culture. Whether it's the old relics of Europe, or the modern skycrapers of New York, I find the angles and curves mesmerizing, much like viewing a beautiful woman or a well-chisled man.