5 Must-Know Tips For Gator By The Bay Festival 2024

Gator by the Bay is one of the largest Cajun festivals outside of Louisiana and a must if you love live music, good food, and everything Southern. This year, Gator by the Bay takes place May 9-12, 2024, so go get your tickets now.My husband and I just went to Gator by the Bay for the first time in 2022 and loved it. As newbies to the festival, we made a few mistakes and thought it might be helpful to share our top tips for visiting Gator by the Bay Festival with you, so you can be more prepared than us. Come Early To Get In FastGator by the Bay opens at different times each day. Here is the schedule: Thursday, May 9:4:30 – 10:30 PMFriday, May 10:3:30 – 10:30 PMSaturday, May 11:10:30 AM – 8:20 PMSat Night Dance 9 PM – MidnightSunday, May 12:10:30 AM – 7:40 PMGet there early anyway to avoid long lines at the entrance. Yes, the line moves quickly, but you don’t want to waste time standing in line. That way, you can walk around, get a lay of the land and see where the stages are, and hatch a plan of which concerts you want to see. Another advantage is that parking will be a lot easier as well.Bring Chairs or a BlanketYou will find only limited seating at Spanish Landing Park, so I highly recommend bringing some camping chairs or at least a blanket to set up a base during the festival. We brought our older camping chairs and left them unattended for several hours at a time, and no one messed with them. Of course, do this at your own risk.Setting up a base is great if you are visiting Gator by the Bay with multiple people and plan to split up to see different concerts. Greg and I went with Greg’s mom, her boyfriend, and one of our neighbors and it was a great way to easily reconnect and find each other again. Dress AppropriatelyGator by the Bay is a Cajun festival and is also nicknamed Mardi Gras in May, and if you feel like dressing for the theme, try to find some fun outfits or accessories like these here. However, whether you prefer to dress up for the festival or just wear a regular outfit, I highly recommend dressing in layers. San Diego weather in May can go from cool and overcast to sunny and hot in a matter of an hour. If the wind from the bay hits and the sun goes down, it can get uncomfortable fast if you are dressed too summer-y. Greg and I had to cut our Saturday evening at Gator by the Bay short because we were freezing, even in our sweaters. Learn from our mistakes!Pro Tip: Wear comfy shoes! The festival is pretty large and you’ll be doing a lot of walking between stages, food booths, restrooms, as well as getting to and from the festival. Parking & Getting To Gator By The Bay FestivalGator by the Bay is a popular festival and parking is limited. There is a dirt parking lot when you turn from Harbor Drive to Harbor Island and it costs $20/day. It fills up fast, so get there early. I recommend using public transportation to get to Gator by the Bay if you can. From downtown, you can hop on bus 992. Alternatively, you can take the trolley to Old Town and then take the free airport shuttle and just walk over. It is about a 1/2 mile walk though, so wear some comfy shoes.Try All The Food!!!I have to say, the food was one of my favorite things about Gator by the Bay. Yes, the music and atmosphere were great, but eating my way through my favorite Cajun foods was simply the best. Some of my favorite foods of the weekend were spicy crawfish (twice!), alligator gumbo, fried frog legs, shrimp creole, fried catfish, jambalaya, red beans and rice, andouille sausages, more gumbo, and, of course, beignets. Oh man, it was a feast!!!Pro Tip: Bring more people with you to Gator by the Bay so you can share food and try more dishes!!!Gator by the Bay Festival is definitely going to be a yearly thing for me and Greg moving forward. We had such a fantastic time and can’t wait to go back. Disclaimer: I received complimentary tickets for 2 days to cover the event and research this article.  My opinion is my own and not influenced by this invitation.Last Updated on May 10, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post 5 Must-Know Tips For Gator By The Bay Festival 2024 appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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Enjoy Rancho Bernardo Inn for Your 2024 Staycation

I’d visited a friend who was in town for a conference in 2023 and staying at the Rancho Bernardo Inn. After joining her for dinner there, I was so impressed with the 4-star hotel that I told my husband that even though the inn is in our hometown of San Diego, it would make an ideal staycation. After all, who can pass on some well-needed relaxation and respite in a gorgeous setting away from all the stress and busyness that life can bring?Check Pricing & Availability NowLocation of the InnRancho Bernardo Inn is tucked away among the rolling hills of San Diego’s North County, just 23 miles north of San Diego in a well-known, popular retirement community of Rancho Bernardo. The inn is surrounded by a very popular award-winning 18-hole championship golf course. It is also conveniently located next to the historic Bernardo Winery, the oldest, continuous-operating winery in Southern California. History of the InnRancho Bernardo Inn opened its doors with 30 rooms in 1963, established as a luxurious retreat amidst the picturesque landscapes of San Diego. Additionally, the Resort Course opened with 18 championship holes. The inn was designed in a style that blended Mediterranean aesthetics with California influences. Despite the renovations, growth and enhancements throughout the years, the inn still retains its charming Mediterranean appeal, a testament to its timeless elegance and hospitality.I was especially drawn to the old photos in a showcase showing what the inn looked like when it first opened. These pieces of nostalgia tell such a story within themselves.Walking into the lovely lobby is a treat in itself with its multiple inviting seating areas, fireplaces and an ambiance that exudes warmth, welcome and character. The pleasing aroma in the lobby was so enticing and enchanting that I had to ask the staff what it was so I could purchase it or order it. The Neroli Lumiere scent will now be diffusing in my home.Accommodations at the InnToday, Rancho Bernardo Inn sports 287 guest rooms and suites recently refreshed in late 2022 and divided among three floors in four buildings. This alone gives the inn a much more boutique feel. Rooms and suites offer golf course, pool and resort grounds views. Suites range from studios and one-bedroom kings or queens to presidential suites featuring three bedrooms, living rooms, and outdoor patios. All offer either a patio or a private balcony.Rooms are impressively spacious and all accommodations include a spacious bathroom with elegant new room furnishings. Beds are extremely comfortable, offering luxurious soft bedding. We were thrilled with our king Premium Golf View room. The views of the golf greens, stream, and fountains couldn’t have been better. The 398-square-foot space could sleep three with a twin sofa bed.Whether you’re a golfer or not, just waking up to the sound of the birds and the golf swings is pleasant. Occasionally, however, you’ll hear a golfer yell “four,” meaning a ball is headed in the direction of someone else on the green. To our surprise, every night, we were lulled to sleep by the croaking of hundreds of tree frogs. Bottom line, we slept great here.Of note to families with dogs: your precious pups under 30 pounds are more than welcome to accompany guests in a room with a non-refundable $150 deep-cleaning fee, though this covers the entire stay.Resort AmenitiesForbes Travel Guide 2024 named the four-star inn a U.S. News ‘Best Hotel” Gold Badge. Besides the multitude of 19 handmade fountains imported from Europe and the many picturesque winding paths, hotel amenities on the 265-acre property include:Two impressive pools (one adult and one family)JacuzzisCabana RentalsFull-service spa and fitness centerHigh-speed internetDriving range useVariety of lawn games, including cornhole, croquet, and oversized chess setTennis and pickleball reservationsBasketball courtOne-hour per day complimentary bicycle rentalIn-room coffee, tea, and waterAdditionally, upon check-in, guests will receive a complimentary cocktail and brochure highlighting the seasonal experiences. These may include dive-in movies at the family pool, weekend yoga, one-on-one golf instruction, night sky exploration, serenity, and wellness offerings, along with a variety of specialty San Diego excursions. Golfing at Rancho Bernardo InnGolfing at Rancho Bernardo Inn offers a unique experience that blends challenge with relaxation. It is an ideal spot for both seasoned players and casual enthusiasts. We didn’t get to hit the green during our staycation, but it is on our must-do list for our next stay. The course is well-regarded for its meticulously maintained fairways and greens, alongside a layout that challenges you to use every club in your bag. One of the best tips for enjoying your round here is to make use of the early morning tee times. Not only will you enjoy cooler temperatures, but the course is also generally quieter, allowing for a more relaxed pace of play.The course, which hosted PGA as well as LPGA tournaments, features several water hazards and strategically placed bunkers, so accurate shot placement is crucial. Additionally, the pro shop at Rancho Bernardo Inn is staffed with knowledgeable professionals who are ready to help improve your game. Whether you need advice on club selection or adjustments to your swing technique, don’t hesitate to ask for their expertise. Utilizing these resources can greatly enhance your golfing experience, making your time at Rancho Bernardo Inn not just a game but a chance to hone your skills under the guidance of seasoned experts.Resort Fee and ParkingA $40 daily resort fee includes most amenities except for San Diego tours. Overnight parking runs $48 per night for valet and $40 for self-parking. The inn also offers electric vehicle charging stations.Dining at the InnAnother reason to book a stay at this incredible resort is its impressive dining scene.AVANTAVANT, the resort’s signature restaurant, is sophisticated, romantic, and steeped in elegance and culinary artistry, thanks to Chef de Cuisine Sergio Jimenez. The restaurant is open for dinner and a Sunday brunch buffet. You can enjoy seasonal menus with fresh ingredients from the farm, sea, and garden.Though the menu isn’t extensive, it’s well-planned and well-executed. Our favorite dishes included Hokkaido Scallops and Grimaud Farms Aged Duck Breast. Save room for dessert however! The New York Cheesecake is unlike anything we’ve ever tasted, almost deconstructed with sable, berries and meringue. Perfect for sharing.Veranda Fireside Lounge & RestaurantVeranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant, the more casual al-fresco dining experience, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and views overlooking the verdant links are amazing. We love the open-air seating on the picturesque patio with firepits, an outdoor fireplace, olive trees and gardens. Request a seat near the fireplace, though even if it’s a cool San Diego evening, the restaurant has plenty of warmers. Featuring Mediterranean cuisine with a California twist, Veranda offers everything from light bites to main entrees. Bolognese Rigatoni and Pan-Seared Salmon were impressive. A diner at a table next to us also raved about the Lamb Lollipops.The BarIf you’re looking for happy hour, The Bar is a great option. Guaranteed you’ll find a lot of golfers here just coming off the course. The Bar offers small plates and libations at very reasonable prices. It is also open for lunch and dinner casual dining.Café GrenadaLooking a coffee, breakfast, or a snack before heading out to the golf course or a San Diego excursion? Café Grenada has you covered, opening at 6 am with Starbucks coffee. If you forgot to pick up a bottle of wine to share on your patio, you’ll find a great selection.Other dining options include lunch at the Spa Pool or ordering in-room dining. Rancho Bernardo Inn Final VerdictAfter a stay at the inn, I totally understand why this is a favorite destination for golf lovers, those seeking a relaxing getaway, or even planning a corporate event or wedding. The property is stunning, cuisine is incredible and you’ll look far and wide to find better customer service than Rancho Bernardo Inn provides. Add in those magnificent golf courses that are extremely popular with the locals, and you’ve got all the ingredients for an impressive and memorable North County San Diego stay.Check Pricing & Availability NowThis Rancho Bernardo Inn Review was written by Noreen Kompanik for San Diego Explorer. As customary in travel writing, the resort provided the stay and experiences free of charge. This has not influenced their opinion and the content of this article.Last Updated on May 7, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post Enjoy Rancho Bernardo Inn for Your 2024 Staycation appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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Check Out This Delicious Mexico City Itinerary for Foodies

Where is the best food in Mexico? This question is impossible to answer. What makes Mexico City my top recommendation as foodie destination in Mexico is that you can find food from every corner of the country in this city and experience a culinary “road trip” as you eat your way around the city. I recently returned from a press trip to Mexico City with Cross Border Xpress (CBX), the Tourism Board of Mexico City, and AeroMexico, where I experienced some of the scrumptious food this amazing city has to offer. Our 2.5 day itinerary was filled with delicious treats and foodie adventures, from food tours and fine dining to street food and a farm-to-table experience. If you love Mexican food and are planning a trip to Mexico City soon, this Mexico City itinerary for foodies might be helpful for you.Day 1: Food Tour in Colonia Roma We flew out of Tijuana (so easy with CBX and much cheaper than flying from the US) in the morning and arrived in Mexico City in the afternoon. We hit the ground running and joined a walking food tour around Colonia Roma with Sabores Mexico Food Tours. This 4-hour food tour with Alma was the perfect way to dive into the food scene of the city. Colonia Roma is such a cool neighborhood. Here, you will find tree-lined avenues that invite you to stroll under the trees and dozens of unique restaurants on every corner. Alma shared with us a little of the history of the neighborhood and showed us some of the stunning art deco houses, but most importantly, the best places to eat in Colonia Roma.The 5 restaurants and 1 coffee shop we visited were unique and different, yet they all had something in common: an owner who followed their passion for sharing good food with the people in their community. Many of them came to Mexico City with nothing and started with a little food stall or restaurant offering a comida corrida – a simple, home-style set menu that changes every day or a small selection of specialties from their home region. The competition between small eateries and food stalls in Mexico City is fierce, so they had to stand out and provide delicious food every single day. Some of the restaurants we tried have been open for several decades, so you know they passed the test of time and the discerning taste of the local community.This food tour was a fantastic way to dive into the Mexico City food scene and a perfect way to walk and eat our way through the beautiful neighborhood of Colonia Roma. I highly recommend it. With full bellies and a fabulous first impression of Mexico City, we made it to our hotel Galeria Plaza Reforma and after a quick night cap, we called it an early night. Day 2: Boat Tour & Organic Farm To Table Adventure in Xochimilco After a delicious breakfast buffet at our hotel, we drove about 45 minutes to Xochimilco. Xochimilco is an area south of Mexico City that consists of over 47 square miles of canals and floating islands. These floating farms are called chinampas and were man-made in 919 A.D.. They became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 because of their cultural importance as one of the most efficient and sustainable ways of cultivation.When I first saw this on the itinerary, I wasn’t really looking forward to it, as it’s known as a party boat destination. Locals and tourists go there to rent boats, drink, and party as they float down the canals. Not really my cup of tea. But then I found out that we were doing an eco-tour with Rutopia instead. This tour included a visit to a floating farm, picking our own veggies for lunch, and learning about the famous Axolotl amphibian. That definitely was more my jam.We got onto one of the colorful wooden gondolas and started drifting down the main canal. As it was a weekday, it was a lot less busy than on weekends or holidays. There was also a small festival going on. Boats were tied together in a huge flotilla surrounding the floating stage in the middle. We saw a row of girls dressed in traditional, colorful costumes participating in a beauty pageant and people clapping to Ranchero music in the background. Vendors on boats were floating by selling mouthwatering snacks, delicious drinks, and stunning handicrafts. It reminded me a little of the floating markets in Thailand. A kaleidoscope of colors, smells, and sounds.We passed the celebration and continued down the canal into a more quiet part of the canal system. The party boats were replaced with boats carrying locals and their goods to and from their floating farms. It was so quiet and peaceful. We saw quite a bit of wildlife as well, including pelicans, herons, egrets, and ducks. It was almost surreal to think that we were technically still inside the city limits of a city with almost 9 million people.After a while, we docked at a farm and met a local farming family. We learned about how the chinampas were built and how they have been farming on them for over 1100 years. They grow organic fruits and vegetables and we got to pick our own veggies for our lunch. This farm is also one of the first places, where the famous Axolotl amphibian was successfully rehabilitated in the wild. Isn’t this just the most adorable creature?This file is from Pixabay, where the creator has released it explicitly under the license Creative Commons Zero (see here). File ID: 2193331Then, the family prepared a fantastic traditional lunch for us with the veggies we had just harvested. It doesn’t get fresher than that. We had rice, beans, a beautiful salad, and amaranth fritters. Everything was simple yet so delicious. The ingredients spoke for themselves and were the star of the lunch. As a foodie, I love seeing where the local food comes from and the traditional ways of farming and preparation of the ingredients. If you love nature and have an interest in where your food comes from, I highly recommend this tour.After our boating adventure, we drove back to the city. Due to rush hour traffic, it took a little while, but we got to see some iconic spots of the city along the way, such as the stunning University of Mexico City. After that, we had a little free time. We came across a Bavarian Beer Garden inside a BMW Motorcycle repair shop. I guess you can take the girl out of Bavaria, but you can’t take Bavaria out of the girl Dinner that night was at Cardenal Restaurant San Angel, a restaurant that opened in 1969 and combines traditional Mexican dishes with a French bistro atmosphere. The historic building adds to the restaurant’s charm, and the service was on point. My favorite dish was a thin black bean soup with vermicelli noodles. It was so unique and flavorful. I will have to try to recreate this dish at home! Day 3: Frida Kahlo Art & Food TourSometimes, when you travel, unexpected things happen and you just have to make the best of it. On our last full day in Mexico City, we were supposed to follow in Frida Kahlo’s footsteps and learn more about the famous artist, her life, her art, and her favorite foods on this fabulous tour with ViveFrida. However, there was a strike affecting many museums in the city, so our tour organizers had to pivot at the last minute. They did a fantastic job, considering the short notice and we still had a fabulous day. We started our tour at the main square of Mexico City, called Zócalo. At first, the main square looks exactly like many main squares in capital cities: A basilica, the president’s palace, and other government buildings around an empty square. But then you turn around the corner, and all of a sudden, you lay your eyes on a full-size Aztec pyramid. That definitely is something special. Unfortunately, our next stops, the Convento de San Juan Bautista, Jardín de los Coyotes, and the León Trotsky’s House Museum, were closed that day due to the strike. But we were lucky and the two (in my eyes) most important stops on the itinerary were still on: Lunch and the Blue House. Our lunch consisted of a multi-course meal with Frida’s favorite foods. Frida loved to cook and entertain and learned most of her cooking skills from her husband’s first wife. Some of her favorite dishes were moles, fried grasshoppers, and other traditional Mexican dishes, washed down with a generous helping of Mezcal. It was delicious!After our lunch, we walked through the quaint Coyoacán neighborhood to the famous Casa Azul, the private residence of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. The museum leads you through various aspects of Frida Kahlo’s life and you get a much better understanding of who she really was. It is heartbreaking to learn about her health struggles throughout her life and the devastation she felt when she could not bear children. But it also shows her resilience and strength, her passion for art, fashion and food, and her love for Diego. Explore the Local Street FoodOf course, I can’t write a Mexico City Itinerary for Foodies without mentioning Street Food. This city is the Street Food Capital of North America and if you want to explore the food scene of this city, you have to eat your way through the booths and stalls of small vendors. I wish we had done a dedicated street food tour, but I tried to sample as much in between our scheduled itinerary as I could. Luckily, most of those treats are just a bite or two, so there is always room for a little sample. Usually, each food stall has a specialty and they don’t have a large menu. They do one thing and they do it well. While in San Diego, many taco shops have a little bit of everything, these food stalls are very niche. There is one stall that sells only Al Pastor tacos, another one sells Chilaquiles, and the next one has a big bubbling pot of stewed meats, including my favorite: Suadero. My favorite spot I tried street food was in the Coyoacan neighborhood. Just off the main square is a street where you will find one street food stall after the other. Bring cash and be prepared to practice your Spanish (or download Google Translate). Just follow your nose and try what looks good to you. Don’t forget the golden rule of Street Food: Only eat at stalls that have a long line of locals. Next time I am in the city, I will definitely join a dedicated street food tour, though, and I can’t wait!Tips for Traveling to Mexico CityHow to Get ThereGetting to Mexico City from San Diego is super easy. Of course, you can fly out of San Diego, but I highly recommend flying out of Tijuana, using Cross Border Xpress. Not only is it a lot cheaper but also so much easier. You simply park your car, show your CBX ticket and boarding pass, walk over the covered bridge into Mexico, go through immigration and then you are in the Tijuana Airport and can check your bag. It usually takes me about 25 minutes from parking to my gate, including checking a bag. And the best part? You are done with immigration and don’t have to wait in long lines at your destination.We flew AeroMexico and you can definitely feel the difference between this airline and other, more budget-focused airlines. The seats were more comfortable and definitely wider than on other airlines, and you also had decent legroom. There was free onboard entertainment and refreshments. Where to StayWe stayed at the Galeria Plaza Reforma right in the heart of the city. The stunning Angel of Independence Column was just one block away, and the hotel is located in the corners of the neighborhoods Colonia Roma Norte and Juarez, and the fabulous Zona Rosa, the colorful LGBTQIA+ neighborhood of Mexico City, was all just a short walk away.Mexico City is usually just one big traffic jam, so I highly recommend staying as centrally as possible. That way, you don’t waste your precious time stuck in traffic when you could be eating delicious treats. The Galeria Plaza Reforma is a 4 star hotel and was perfect for our quick trip to Mexico City. The rooms were spacious and spotless and had everything you needed. Unfortunately, our Mexico City itinerary was so jam-packed that I didn’t have time to check out the rooftop pool. But those pictures look absolutely dreamy, don’t you think? I hope this Mexico City itinerary for foodies helped you get inspired for your Mexico City foodie adventure. If you have been to Mexico City, please share your favorite spots to eat, so I can put them on my list for my next trip!Pin for Later:Our trip was hosted by Cross Border Xpress, Secretaría de Turismo de la Ciudad de México, and Aeromexico.Last Updated on April 17, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post Check Out This Delicious Mexico City Itinerary for Foodies appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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