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During your San Diego vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Villa Montezuma
This exquisite mansion just southeast of downtown was built in 1887 for internationally acclaimed musician and author Jesse Shepard. Lush with Victoriana, it features more stained glass than most churches are blessed with; windows depict Mozart, Beethoven, Sappho, Rubens, St. Cecilia (patron saint of musicians), and other notables. The striking ceilings are of Lincrusta Walton -- pressed canvas coated with linseed oil, a forerunner of linoleum, which never looked this good. Shepard lived here with his life companion, Lawrence Tonner, for only 2 years, and died in obscurity in Los Angeles in 1927. The San Diego Historical Society painstakingly restored the house, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, and furnished it with period pieces. The neighborhood is not as fashionable as the building, but it's safe to park your car in the daytime. If you love Victorian houses, don't miss this one for its quirkiness. Join the 45-minute docent-led tour, which begins every hour on the hour (except the last tour, which starts at 3:45pm).
Four Seasons Resort Aviara Golf Club
Uniquely landscaped to incorporate natural elements compatible with the protected Batiquitos Lagoon nearby, Aviara doesn't infringe on the wetlands bird habitat. The course is 7,007 yards from the championship tees, laid out over rolling hillsides with plenty of bunker and water challenges. Casual duffers may be frustrated here. Greens fees are $195 (including mandatory cart) during the week, and $215 Friday through Sunday; afternoon rates start at 1pm in winter, 3pm in summer. There are practice areas for putting, chipping, sand play, and driving, and the pro shop and clubhouse are fully equipped. Golf packages are available for guests of the Four Seasons.
Stuart Collection
Consider the Stuart Collection a work in progress on a large scale. Through a 1982 agreement between the Stuart Foundation and UCSD, the still-growing collection consists of site-related sculptures by leading contemporary artists. Start by picking up a map from the information booth, and wend your way through the 1,200-acre campus to discover the 15 highly diverse artworks. Among them is Niki de Saint Phalle's Sun God, a jubilant 14-foot-high fiberglass bird on a 15-foot concrete base. Nicknamed "Big Bird," it's been made an unofficial mascot by the students, who use it as the centerpiece of their annual celebration, the Sun God Festival. Also in the collection are Alexis Smith's Snake Path, a 560-foot-long slate-tile pathway that winds up the hill from the Engineering Mall to the east terrace of the spectacular Geisel Library (breathtaking architecture that's a fabulous sculpture itself); and Terry Allen's Trees, three eucalyptus trees encased in lead. One tree emits songs, and another poems and stories, while the third stands silent in a grove of trees the students call "The Enchanted Forest." Allow at least 2 hours to tour the entire collection.
Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
This sophisticated hotel is characterized by its great location directly across the Convention Center and at the gateway to the trendy Gaslamp Quarter Historic District. By mixing modern urban design with very attentive service and impressive amenities, the San Diego Hilton Gaslamp Quater is the intimate alternative to large convention hotels. Entering the lobby, one is impressed by the daylight streaming in through the 30-foot ...
Marriott San Diego Del Mar
Please note the patio and swimming pool at the San Diego Marriott Del Mar are under renovation through May 21st 2007. The pool and whirlpool will be closed April 3-22. * Located seventeen miles north of downtown San Diego near the coastal community of Del Mar, the San Diego Marriott Del Mar is just three miles from Del Mar Race Track and the renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course. This full-service hotel offers deluxe accommodations including concierge level rooms, health club and outdoor ...
Holiday Inn Select SAN DIEGO NORTH MIRAMAR
Business and Leisure travelers will enjoy excellent accommodations and attentive staff at the Holiday Inn Select North Miramar Hotel. We make traveling for business easy with our free shuttle service to and from the airport and to companies (5Mi. Radius). Airport drop off is by scheduled appointments for our corporate guests. The hours of operation for the free shuttle service are 5:30am-9:30pm Monday through Friday and 7:00am-9:30pm Saturday and Sunday. We now offer free high speed ...
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