A New App: The San Diego Essential Guide

If you're looking for a great San Diego app for your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, my friend Alison DaRosa has just completed The San Diego Essential Guide for Sutro Media.

The inaugural edition of the app includes 177 entries and more than 2,000 photos. It's got insider tips and money-saving suggestions including links to discount coupons. The app is easy to use; it can be sorted by category (kid friendly, nightlife, lodging, reliable eats, touristy, day trips etc), by cost, neighborhood and distance from the user's present location.

There are 18 La Jolla entries -- and more to come. Current La Jolla entries range from La Valencia Hotel, George's (restaurant) and The Marine Room to Harry's Coffee Shop, La Jolla Kayak, Surf Diva and the Gliderport to La Jolla Music Society, MCASD La Jolla, and the La Jolla Playhouse.

In a recent message, Alison added "I did a looong entry on La Jolla Beaches (from Blacks to Windansea) and included my favorite LJ shopping stop: Pomegranate."

She would "love to know" what else you would like her to include on updated editions. Just leave your suggestions as comments to this post.

Alison is a native San Diegan and spent most of her career at the SD Union-Tribune - first covering the city, then as Travel Editor/Writer/Photographer.

"The bottom line is," Alison aded, "I know San Diego - and know travel. On the app I show travelers (and locals) around my favorite city."

The app costs $2.99 at the iTunes store. It's downloadable to iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Buyers get all updates free forever. http://sutromedia.com/apps/San_Diego_Essential_Guide

Holiday Activities at La Valencia Hotel

Lots of San Diego hotels get gussied up for the holidays, but none do it better than La Jolla’s La Valencia. (Yes, the Hotel del is renowned for Christmas decorations, but it’s in Coronado – not San Diego.)

I met a friend for tea in La Valencia’s lovely La Sala Lounge last week and enjoyed the decorated tree and profusion of poinsettias nearly as much as the ocean view framed by a huge picture window.

If you are visiting San Diego during the holidays, try to make time to at least take a look at La Valencia. This elegant hotel has been a landmark in our community since 1926. The traditional décor and heritage ambience, which are always charming, are really special at this time of year. The "La V" also makes a great retreat if you get caught in a shower while you are shopping in the village. While our weather is usually cooperative, it's always a good idea between December and March to have a rainy day back-up plan.

Here are a few of La Valencia’s special holiday happenings:

Dec 20 – Dec 23, 2 - 4pm – HOLIDAY TEA in La Sala Lounge at La Valencia Hotel. A selection of teas will be served with traditional tea sandwiches, scones, and petit four. $35 per person. Reservations required.

Dec 20 – Dec 23, 5 - 7pm – KIDS FESTIVAL in La Sala Lounge and Galeria Room at La Valencia Hotel. The fun includes photos with Santa, gingerbread house decorating, and reading of holiday stories at 6 and 7 pm. $15 per child. Reservations suggested.

Dec 22, 23, 24 6 – 8pm and Dec 25, 3 – 6pm. FULL MEASURE CAROLERS. La Valencia Hotel.

CHRISTMAS EVE DINING. Guest can choose between the Mediterranean Room, the Ocean View Terrace, and the Whaling Bar & Grill. Reservations required. See the hotel’s website for details.

CHRISTMAS DAY DINING. There will be a buffet from 11am to 7pm in the Mediterranean Room and the Whaling Bar & Grill and two seatings for a 5-course meal in the Sky Room. Reservations required. See the hotel’s website for details.

Dec 26 – 27, 6 -10pm. BARRY LEVICH will entertain on the piano in La Sala Lounge.

Dec 29, 5 - 9pm. MEDITERRANEAN NIGHTS. Enjoy a special night of tapas, sangria, and flamenco guitar. $32 per person.

Dec 30, 6 - 9pm. RICK ROSS will perform on the piano and saxophone.

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINING. Choose between the Mediterranean Room, the Whaling Bar & Grill, and the Sky Room. Reservations required. See the hotel’s website for details.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY, 9pm - 1am, La Sala Lounge. Wayne Foster’s 7-piece band will provide entertainment. $50 per person. Reservations required.

NEW YEAR’S DAY BUFFET, 11am - 3pm. $75 per person. Reservations recommended.

La Jolla's grand “pink lady” is located at 1132 Prospect Street (858-551-3773).

Cheers!

Photo: ADAMS / HANSEN STOCK PHOTOS.

San Diego's Best Secret Gift Shop

Like other areas of San Diego, La Jolla has a plethora of stores – but there’s one very special place in our community that I’m afraid you might overlook: The St. James Gift Shop, located in La Jolla's cultural district, under the bell tower of St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 743 Prospect Street (858-456-1105).

This darling little spot displays museum quality art, jewelry, paintings and prints from around the world and sells them at affordable prices. Most of their colorful handcrafted folk art is purchased directly from the artists. The mission of the church is to make the non-profit shop a place for artists worldwide to showcase their work.

On display during the holiday season are nativities, angels, ornaments from around the world, Advent calendars, Christmas stockings, and candles to “bless the season of light.”

If you’re still looking for gifts, check out their books, children’s toys, leather goods, Oaxacan wood carvings, dinnerware, textiles, and clothing.

Normal hours are Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Holiday Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. On "Champagne Thursdays," they stay open until 8:00 p.m.

Lunch across the street at The Museum Café and a browse through this shop are the perfect pairing for an afternoon of fun in La Jolla.

Photo: ADAMS / HANSEN STOCK PHOTOS