Out with the Old, in with the New!

Hi all- Changes are a comin'!  I am phasing out the old blog (it's WAY past time), so this blog and the email blasts associated with it will be no more. I will now be getting a new blog up and running on my newly designed site at www.barbaroundthetown.com. I'm sorry that there will be no more email updates, but everything will all be conveniently located on the new page. Thank you so much to Michele Talbot of MTC Web for all the help and conversions. Give her a lookup if you need help with your site. She listened to me and came up with something that was my style and worked for me. Please visit my new site and tell me what you think.

The Wave Waterpark Prepares to Open for The Season Plus Special Events

 The City of Vista’s Wave Waterpark offers two special event days during its first week of its 2019 summer season. On Mon., May 27, The Wave hosts its first Military, Fire, and Law Appreciation Day from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Active or retired military, fire, or law enforcement officers enjoy complimentary admission as thanks for their service. Valid active duty or retired ID must be shown at the gate to receive one free admission for each ID and up to six additional tickets for $9.95 with each valid ID. Dependent ID's are valid for discount admission only.

On Thurs., May 30, The Wave hosts Home School Day from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. with discounted admission tickets for $9.95. Students can present their report card at the gate to receive one discounted ticket for themselves and their parents.

The Wave Waterpark is open daily from May 25 through Sept. 29. Hours vary and are available on the Wave’s website or by phone. Admission is $20.95 for visitors 42” and taller, $16.95 for under 42”, seniors age 60 and over are $13.95, Happy Hour for all heights and ages is available the last two hours the park is open for $9.95, ages two and under are free, military with I.D. is $13.95. Season passes are available for $74 per person, or $69 per person for a family of four. For more information, visit thewavewaterpark.com, or call (760) 940-9283.

More on THE WAVE WATERPARK 

The Wave Waterpark is the City of Vista’s popular summertime attraction featuring a slide tower, flow rider, rip tide slide, floating river, competition pool, and spray park. Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Wave also offers camps, swim lessons, junior lifeguard program, scout programs, CPR and water polo classes, and group and birthday programs. During non-season, the Wave is open for lap swimming and rentals. The Wave is recognized for its extensive safety training programs and safety records. The Wave is a Five Star recognized facility by Star Guard Elite, an industry organization providing comprehensive lifeguard training programs for the waterpark industry.

Taylor'd Skin Studio and The Acne Spot San Marcos for All of Your Skincare Needs

The Acne Spot opened over 7 years ago in the heart of San Marcos, offering corrective skin care and facial services alongside a growing Acne Program.  With the success, they quickly became the place in San Diego for acne-sufferers to go for Clear Skin! They also opened a second location just last year in Temecula. Owner and operator Nicole's history with acne began not as a teenager, but as an adult. After becoming a Licensed Esthetician, she sought out the best treatment for her own acne-prone skin and became a Certified Acne Specialist with the Face Reality Acne Program- the first in San Diego County! She found that she could clear all forms of acne in about 3-6 months- no pills, no doctor’s visits, no harmful medications.  They provide a complete topical treatment plan with products that not only benefit the skin but go to work to eliminate breakouts without all the dryness and discomfort of medical treatments.  They educate their clients on how their diet effects their skin and acne; and educate about lifestyle considerations that could be effecting their skin; they also educate about sun damage and caring for your skin at all ages. The Acne Spot loves to celebrate when their patient's skin clears (a 95% clear rate).

As the business grew, they saw a need to add services that would benefit all clientele.  Their recent renovation and expansion added a whole new service menu and guest experience.  They are now a dual-branded skin care clinic: The Acne Spot and Taylor’d Skin Studio! Taylor’d brings the spa experience to the brand. Their Relaxation Lounge is a quiet waiting area for our Taylor’d clients to decompress and enjoy a beverage and a warm, relaxing neck wrap while they wait for their facial service. Their menu of services includes a variety of treatments for all skin types and skin concerns: aging, sun damaged, pigmented, uneven texture, fine lines, or relaxation and maintenance. Beyond their targeted and results-oriented services, Nicole knows that what makes their business truly special is their team and company culture. It is full of talented, knowledgable and caring Estheticians and Acne Specialists. They are a family of dedicated professionals that care about our clients and their success and I know that passion comes through in each client interaction.

Please look them up for all of your skincare needs!  I also want to thank Taylor'd Skin Studio AND The Acne Spot for being community partners with Around The Town and sponsoring my May 1st, 2019 Super Supporter Giveaway!

Riddle Routes- A Fun, Inventive, New Entertainment Option Hits Carlsbad

I want to introduce you to a newer North County business, Riddle Routes. Started in Bend, Oregon, with three routes, you can now find them in California with routes in Carlsbad, Big Bear and Palm Springs. 

I took the Riddle Route challenge starting my quest in Carlsbad, totally unsure what the experience would be like. Suggested teams are 2-4 people, so we double-dated and made it a team of 4. The routes are designed to be about 2 miles of walking, 2 hours of time with 22 stops. You purchase the package online for $38 (this fee covers the whole team), which I feel is very reasonable and certainly less expensive than going to a movie. Once you pay you are given a link to access your route, using your smartphone to get your clues. 

The whole thing was put together very cleverly, and you can tell the designers of Riddle Routes are teachers. Let’s just say I was thankful for the help of my teammates when the riddle involved math!  As you go from point to point you are looking for specific things, solving riddles and problems and doing a lot of teamwork. We saw some points of interest that we knew about and others that we were learning about for the first time. After you get to each destination and solve your riddle, you’ll learn some fun facts about that specific location or business. So, with Riddle Routes you are having fun, exercising and getting fresh air, working with others, using your brains and learning new things about the area you are in.

We all agreed that it was a lot of fun and interesting as well. I would wholeheartedly recommend that everyone do this with their family or friends. It was a great day followed by a nice dinner in The Village. I did not take pictures (whaaat?) as I don’t want to give away the route. I want it all to be new and fresh when you give it a try.

Does this sound like something you would want to do? For more information and to purchase your Riddle Route go to: http://riddleroutes.com/product/carlsbad-route/.  Be sure to use code: BARB$10 to save $10!

Mother's Day Gift Ideas with Support Local in Mind

Mother's Day is right around the corner and I have a list of gift ideas for you that also support local businesses, makers and venues.

1. You can NEVER go wrong with a candle. My locally-made favorites are Aura Candles and Oceanside Candle Company (available all over town including Metaphor Boutique in Vista, Eclectic Vintage Design and Sea Hive both in Oceanside. They both make beautifully scented soy candles with the very best ingredients. 

2.  Take Mom on a picnic at the beautiful Alta Vista Gardens in Vista. It's so serene and they have tables available for you to use.

3. Sign yourselves up for a makers class at Eclectic Vintage Design in Oceanside. They offer all kinds of crafting opportunities in a group setting. See website for schedules.

4. Grab a gift certificate from one of the many local shops that support local vendors and artisans. Some of my favorites are: Metaphor Boutique, Lotus Moon Market, Sea Hive, Eclectic Vintage Design, Lotus (formerly Leaping Lotus), The Artist Collective at The Succulent Cafe.

5. Take Mom to a show!  Moonlight Amphitheatre and Moonlight Stage Productions have music and theatre options year-round and the setting is phenomenal!

6.  Take Mom out to High Tea at my favorite tea spot, The Grand Tea Room in Escondido!  It's fun to get a little dressed up (if you want), throw on a hat (if you want) and enjoy some of the yummiest and most extraordinary teas around! Louisa will take good care of you!

7. Take Mom out for a meal somewhere that is very quaint- my best suggestions are: Shorehouse Kitchen (Carlsbad),Claire's on Cedros in Solana Beach, The Veranda at Grand Traditions in Fallbrook, Myrtle Creek Botanical Gardens in Fallbrook, and Stratford Court  and Flower Child (sit on the patio) in Del Mar and Decoy on beautiful Lake San Marcos.

8. Grab Mom a pampering gift certificate at Active Mobility Chiropractic Rehabilitation Group. Right now they have a gift card special that runs through May 11th, with special pricing just for moms.   Choose from either a 50 minute massage for $49.50 (reg. $78) or a 50 minute massage,  30 minute stretch therapy and Chiropractic exam/treatment package all for $69.50 (reg. $230).

9. Take Mom on a Walking Food Tour with Carla and Linda's Walking Food Tours. These are so fun and you get to try food and drink from 4 local establishments. 4 routes to choose from- 3 in Oceanside and 1 in Vista. *Use code: barb at checkout to save $10 on each ticket!

10.   This Mother’s Day weekend, experience the sweeter side of Oceanside. On Saturday, May 11, from 2-5 p.m. treat Mom to dessert and beverage pairings at Sweet Stops throughout Downtown Oceanside while you shop for her and make her day. Bring the whole family to this new Eat & Shop Local Oceanside Program tasting and shopping event with a discounted family ticket and enjoy sidewalk chalk fun for the kiddos and sweets while you walk. Tickets, at $20 per adult, $10 per child or $45 for a family pack (for two adults and two kids), are available now at mainstreetoceanside.com

11. Say I love you with a sign from North County Yard Greetings. Lindy will help you find the perfect words to convey how you feel. So fun and different.

12. Do some shopping with local artisans this weekend at Artifact Vista!  It's a vintage fair in downtown, historic Vista and showcases many talented vendors.  Shop 10-4 on Sunday the 28th.

13. Take a mother/daughter yoga class at the fabulous Sugar Sweet Farm. Nothing brings you together more than sharing a laugh together. Such a fun, joyful class in a beautiful setting! *Use code: BARB20 at checkout and save 20% on your registration!

14. Take a cooking class together at Treehouse Kitchen. They have an eclectic variety of class offerings in an intimate atmosphere. Your hosts, Stan and Mary, are the GREATEST!

15. There is always an Spring Arts and Crafts Fair at Bernardo Winery Mother's Day weekend and it's the best. Love the winery and the entire setting. 

The Flower Fields Grace Carlsbad Hillside through May 12th

The Flower Fields are back in bloom and beckoning you for a day of visual enjoyment! Barb's tips:  If you can, go on a weekday for more manageable crowds and parking. Wear your sunscreen, layer for comfort and wear shoes that you don't mind getting dusty and also ones that will take you up and down the dirt hills in comfort.  Please check their website for more information about pricing, hours and special events.

Taste of Vista- Wednesday, June 19th

Taste of Vista has become one of my favorite events to attend each year. Come out with me and experience the 11th Annual Taste of Vista, Wednesday, June 19, 2019 from 5:00pm-8:00pm. Enjoy food and drink from Vista restaurants, breweries, wineries and distilleries, all while enjoying live music scattered throughout the Historic Downtown. The Food & Beverage ticket holders will receive a taste cup. Plan early and scoop your tickets up now.  You can purchase here.