Tips for Whale Watching Tours- It's Prime Season in San Diego

Whale watching is big this time of year in San Diego. Prime season is December though April in San Diego.  The U-T Tribune put together a nice list of helpful suggestions for when you take your tour.
Dress for cold and wind. Layer with long pants and rubber soled shoes.

• Bring: sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera, binoculars and hats if they are secured to head.
• Be prepared: Be at the boat at least 15 minutes early, and use the bathroom before you sail. Dramamine is a good idea if you tend to get motion sickness.  Ginger ale and crackers can also help a sick stomach.
• Check your individual boat for dining options or if they allow you to bring snacks/lunches.
• Deals- there are always deals available for whale watching tours. Check your daily deal sites and entertainment books for coupons. Occasionally if your trip spots no whales, they will offer a return trip at no extra cost.  Check with your individual ship for guarantees.

Also, please check out this U-T posted writeup on whale watching from the perspective of a mom, it's so helpful!

Book Place Vista Giveaway Awarded

Thank you to Book Place, Vista for sponsoring Around The Town's latest giveaway to celebrate it's 3rd anniversary in business this week! Congratulations!  Deborah Beccar was the winner of the $25 gift certificate drawing on Wednesday the 26th! Woo hoo! Book Place Vista is a great place to shop gently used books in the Shadowridge neighborhood of Vista. It's a clean, well-organized store with low-priced books for all ages and tastes. It's also a great place to recycle books you are done with for a store credit. Please read more about their business "In The Spotlight" on Around The Town's web page (see link). 

Discounted Wine Tasting for 2 or 4 at Mattucci Winery in Oceanside

Buy a discounted wine tasting package for either 2 or 4 people at Mattucci Winery in Oceanside. $18 for 2, or save even more and pay $30 for 4.  http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-4368919-10872943?url=http%3A//www.groupon.com/deals/mattucci-winery-1

Discounted Gift Card Packs at Costco Combined With Coupons for Big Savings

So you all are probably more Costco savvy than me (I don't go all that often), but was delighted to pick up some restaurant gift packs last week. The ones I grabbed were for Sammy's Woodfired Pizza, Daphne's and Jamba Juice. Through Costco, you can purchase $100 worth of cards for only $79.99.  That's a $20 savings. All 3 of these businesses frequently offer coupons for up to $10 per visit, so combined with this gift card savings, it's really quite the deal!  Around The Town often posts these printable coupons on our Facebook page. There is a coupon up for Daphne's at this very moment. Check it out!

Family Tours of Wild Wonders Animal Preserve Only $39 (Bonsall)

Interact with up to 150 kinds of exotic animals, under the supervision of zoologists and trainers in this guided, interactive tour of Wild Wonders animal preserve in Bonsall.  With this Groupon special, 2 adults and 2 kids can take the tour for $39.  Sounds like a fun family activity! 
http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-4368919-10872943?url=http%3A//www.groupon.com/deals/wild-wonders

Free Tours Daily at Orfila Vineyards and Winery in Escondido

Did you know that Orfila Vineyards and Winery gives free tours every day?  Educating people about fine wines is a delightful part of their job! At 12 noon daily, you are invited to a complimentary tour that details the process of winemaking from the vineyard to the cellar. The 30-minute tour is the perfect prelude to a a tasting.  Reservations are not required. Please wear comfortable shoes.

Only $15 For Online Driver's Ed Course with DMV Certificate of Completion

For only $15, teens earn a DMV certificate of completion with this online driver's ed class, which is the first step to obtaining a learner's permit.  This is the lowest pricing I have seen yet for this course and represents a $65 value.  Purchase now, but teen must be ready to start the class process by March 2014.      http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-4368919-10872943?url=http%3A//www.groupon.com/deals/my-california-permit-com-11