When winter catches us in its grip and it’s time
to plan an escape to warmer destinations, and San Diego is on the top of the
list. Along with warmer weather, San Diego is home to world-class attractions,
and 70 miles of sparkling beaches under sunny skies.
Among the festivities to enjoy on your trip is the
San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, which the region’s largest wine and
culinary event. It takes place in Mid November, and is held at venues throughout
downtown San Diego. The festival includes gourmet food, celebrity chefs, wine
tasting, an elegant Reserve & New Release Tasting event and more. (www.worldofwineevents.com)
Another culinary favorite that is held in Mid
January is the San Diego Restaurant Week . Approximately 180 of the region’s top
restaurants offer prix-fixe, three-course dinner menus, at just $20, $30 or $40
per person, so you can sample the signature cuisine and sophisticated style that
makes San Diego’s dining scene one of the region’s top attractions. (www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com)
Sports fans are not forgotten on the escape, and
can join the NCAA college football post-season action in Mid December at
Qualcomm Stadium in Mission Valley for the San Diego County Credit Union
Poinsettia Bowl (www.poinsettiabowl.net).
For a post-season college football game you can
head to the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl at the end of December. Festivities
begin with the Big Bay Balloon Parade starting at 10 a.m. along downtown
San Diego's waterfront. The parade is the country's largest balloon parade
featuring floats, giant inflatable balloon characters and national marching
bands. The following evening, two top college teams from the PAC 10 and Big 12
square off at Qualcomm Stadium in Mission Valley. (www.holidaybowl.com)
Stick around for the San Diego's oldest marathon;
Carlsbad Marathon & Half-Marathon, (www.carlsbadmarathon.com)
in Mid January, which travels along a scenic course that hugs the Pacific
coast. And later in January, Golfers will gather for the Century Club of San
Diego Invitational (www.buickinvitational.com)
at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla. This event features top players from
the PGA Tour, and Pro-Am and practice rounds. (www.buickinvitational.com)
