The De Portola Wine Trail in Temecula family cordially invites wine aficionados to the 2019 Big Red Fest tasting event to be held 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, April 28. The event, often called “The Nirvana of Wine Tasting” for Southern California, will feature foods from nine local artisan chefs, each offering their specialty. Every sample will be expertly paired with three red wines from each winery. Participating wineries include: Cougar Vineyard & Winery, Danza del Sol Winery, Fazeli Cellars, Frangipani Winery, Gershon Bachus Vintners, Leoness Cellars, Masia de la Vinya Winery, Oak Mountain "Cave" Winery and Robert Renzoni Vineyards. The five-mile stretch of picturesque trail on the Southern part of Temecula's Wine Country passes through Valle de los Caballos - the Valley of the Horses. This road less traveled has nostalgic country charm. Do not be surprised if the winery owners themselves greet you at the door! De Portola's family of wineries appreciate fine wine, great food and good company. Early Sale Price is $59.99 (per person, plus tax); $69.99 per person plus tax after April 10. Tickets

Celebrate spring and the blooming of cherry trees in the Cherry Tree Grove at Cherry Blossom Week presented by the Japanese Friendship Garden March 18-24. The festival includes cultural performances, traditional food, unique local vendors, children’s arts and crafts area, a beer garden for adults, and more! Guests may partake in Hanami, the traditional custom of appreciating the beauty of cherry blossom flowers. New this year are special evening programs! Cherry Blossom Festival. Learn more about the Japanese Friendship Garden here.

Enjoy flavorful Mexican fare around San Diego County at Diane Powers’ collection of colorful restaurants. At Bazaar del Mundo Shops, a beautiful entry to San Diego’s Old Town community, experience sun-splashed days and chile-inspired nights at Casa Guadalajara. The venue is famous for sizzling fajitas, tantalizing handmade tortillas and birdbath margaritas. In North County’s Carlsbad, Casa de Bandini welcomes guests onto its lush patio or inside its vibrant dining room. Enjoy award-winning seafood dishes, traditional combination plates, creative and healthy Mexican salads, and much more. At Casa Sol y Mar east of Del Mar, homemade dressings, salsas and sauces are prepared daily, along with hot corn and flour tortillas made by hand, right in view of delighted patrons. And in East County’s La Mesa, life is always a fiesta at Casa de Pico, which echoes the vibrancy of Old Mexico with its splashing fountains, beautiful patios, strolling mariachis and festive décor. Savor these San Diego favorites, open daily. At Casa de Pico, enjoy $5 off your $25 bill or $10 off your $40 bill here

Gather with friends and neighbors at this pretty, polished winery tucked away in a Carmel Mountain Ranch business park. At Koi Zen Cellars, high-quality grapes sourced from Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Lodi and Lake County are crushed, fermented, barreled and aged onsite. Sip and savor Pinot Noir, Merlot, Malbec and more by the glass, flight or bottle along with live music on weekends. Also toast to the venue’s cool painting and craft classes, community fundraisers and popular wine clubs. The winery is closed Mondays. Koi Zen Cellars

Spring Into Art as ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station hosts its monthly Friday Night Liberty from 5 to 9 p.m. March 1.
• Highlights include:
• DANCE | San Diego Ballet showcases a FREE sneak peek of their upcoming show
• ART INTERACTIVE | Theatre Arts School of San Diego invites guests to The Bully Wall, an art installation by Courtney Corey and theatre artists creating a space for interaction and expression about bullying
• ART MAKING | Expressive Arts Foundation invites you to make your own Artist Trading Cards
• And much more!
This is San Diego’s most unique, fun and authentic event to find locally made art and gifts. Visitors can start their stroll at the Dick Laub NTC Command Center, 2640 Historic Decatur Road, and pick up a monthly program and District map. Friday Night Liberty 

Take your fun to new heights at Belmont Park — a historic oceanfront amusement park where visitors still ride the Giant Dipper, an original wooden roller coaster dating back to 1925. This seaside attraction for families, carnival lovers and romantics features bumper cars, rock-climbing, mini-golf, a zip line, an arcade and more. Two of its newest attractions are Coconut Climb, where visitors can scale a palm tree to ring the bell at the top, and Jungle Gems, which invites guests to sift for real crystal, topaz, ruby, opal, emerald and even shark teeth in a man-made ravine. Also enjoy Belmont's full-service beachfront restaurants — Cannonball, Draft and Beach House — offering breathtaking ocean views for upscale and casual bites. For $5 off an Unlimited Ride Wristband, click here: Belmont Park Coupon

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day (Sunday, March 17) at Kaiserhof Restaurant & Biergarten. Enjoy corned beef and cabbage, green beer and Happy Hour all day in the bar and biergarten! Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.and dinner from 5-10 p.m. Call (619)-224-0606 or visit Kaiserhof Restaurant & Biergarten online.

Watch Grammy-nominated rock band "Daughtry" perform live on the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum for its annual Freedom Benefit Concert on Friday, May 24. Proceeds from this concert will support three local organizations that provide support to military families, to veterans and to first responders. The USS Midway Museum is San Diego’s most-popular attraction features an extensive collection of restored aircraft, theater, and self-guided audio tours for adults and families narrated by former Midway sailors to more than 60 locations. Receive one FREE youth pass (ages 6-12) with purchase of one paid adult admission here.

The public is invited to the "San Diego Sings! Festival 2019" from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Hear 22 diverse choirs each give their own performance, plus all 1,000 singers together conducted by Dr. Arlie Langager. San Diego Civic Organist Raul Prieto Ramirez joins the event on the mighty Spreckels Organ. Participate in two audience sing-alongs! Information tables and opportunity drawing prizes all day long. All FREE! The event is presented by the Choral Consortium of San Diego and Spreckels Organ Society. 

Join Cougar Vineyard & Winery for the 8th Annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K & 15K in beautiful Temecula! Walk or run through country roads and vineyards and wind your way to the finish line where you will be awarded with a well-deserved glass of green bubbly! Race entry includes optional "Sunday Funday" T-shirt or tank, a glass of bubbly (21+), a collectible stemless flute, custom race bib, and the cutest succulent you’ve ever seen (in lieu of a medal because it's green, get it!?). This is a challenging, hilly course, so be prepared for an exhilarating morning. All ages welcome! Register here Also enjoy Craft Night at the winery from 4-6 p.m. March 20! On regular visits, Enjoy a Two-for-One Wine Tasting here

Soar over San Diego and enjoy high-flying fun for the whole family with San Diego Parasailing Adventures in Mission Beach! Experience two tours in one: a thrilling offshore powerboat ride, and an amazing Parasailing Sky-Tour! San Diego Parasailing Adventures offers “winch-direct” parasailing, allowing passengers (up to three at a time!) to take off and land from on board the boat. A top San Diego attraction since 1989, this adventure of a lifetime is located in Mission Bay near Sea World. Ask about their new 800-foot SkyRider Flight and GoPro Video/Photo Package. San Diego Parasail Adventures Coupon

Call Catrina Russell, Coldwell Banker’s top real estate agent in San Diego County. A longtime resident of the Ocean Beach/Point Loma area, she has received the Customer Service Business of the Year Award by the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association four years in a row. Dedicated and professional, Catrina consistently exceeds her clients’ expectations. For a free, no-obligation home evaluation, or if you are considering selling or purchasing a home, contact her at Catrina@CatrinaRussell.com, call 619-226-BUYS(2897) or visit Catrina Russell online

Discover immense talent and exceptional stage productions in the intimate setting of North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach. The Rep’s 37th season continues with "Gabriel" running through March 17. The play is a powerful World War II drama by British playwright Moira Buffini; For ticket information, call (858) 481-1055 or book online here Also, don't miss Variety Nights ("LA Noir Unscripted" - March 4; "Men Are From Mars – Women Are From Venus LIVE!" - March 5; Randy Noojin in "Seeger" - March 18; and “Monty Python’s Spamalot — Young@Part Edition” presented by North Coast Repertory Theatre School from March 28-31. The story centers on King Arthur and his search for the Holy Grail. Tickets

Enjoy a spring-inspired luncheon at Danza del Sol Winery in Temecula from 1-4 p.m. March 10. Relax and sip on newly released wines while dining on fresh, locally sourced culinary creations. Wine Club Quarterly Packages will be available for pick up after the event. $68 (+ tax) - Wine Club Members; $72 (+tax) – Guests. RSVP to n.pierce@danzadelsolwinery.com or purchase online. Danza del Sol Winery

Planning a getaway or business trip? McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad is a gateway to and from San Diego's North County. A convenient alternative to San Diego International Airport, it saves more than one hour of commute time to business and technology hubs, recreational amenities, and tourism attractions in North San Diego County. The airport is easy and efficient for travelers to use, and has a restaurant, car rental services and $5 overnight parking. Learn more here

Planning a trip to Mexico? Try the quick and easy CBX Cross Border Xpress. CBX is an enclosed pedestrian bridge exclusive for Tijuana International Airport passengers crossing the U.S./Mexico border. Spanning 390 feet, the CBX skywalk is the first ever to connect a facility in the U.S. directly into a foreign airport terminal. Passengers check in on the U.S. side of the U.S.–Mexico border, walk the pedestrian/passenger bridge across the border, clear Mexican immigration and customs, and catch their flights at the Tijuana International Airport. Passengers arriving in Tijuana are equally able to cross the pedestrian/passenger bridge into the Otay Mesa passenger terminal, clear U.S. passport controls and U.S. Customs, and exit on the U.S. side. You will find Starbucks and a food truck patio at the terminal. Parking, shuttles, Uber, Lyft, taxis and car rental are all available as well. CBX Online

Get up close and personal with reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods at EcoVivarium, an educational nonprofit living museum home to over 200 rescued and donated animals. Thirty to forty Ambassador Animals are featured in the museum each day, so every visit offers new animal encounters! Guests of all ages can touch and hold snakes and lizards of all sizes, meet a tarantula and other exotic creatures at this amazing Escondido Living Museum. Educational guides are on hand throughout guests' visits. The museum also offers scouting, classroom, and assembly programs, plus corporate events and birthday parties that make for a thrilling and memorable experience. Learn more about EcoVivarium online

The San Diego Archaeological Center presents March events including:
• “Archaeological Investigations and Reconnaissance of the Coronados Islands,” presented by Joseph McCain, at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2019, at 1 p.m. The event will be held at the center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido. Admission is free and open to the public. Register here
• “Introduction to Flintknapping with James Bowden” on Saturday, March 30, from 10 a.m.-noon. This is a great workshop for those who have always wanted to try making stone tools or are curious how it is done. No experience required. Ages 12+. Minors must be accompanied by a paid adult. Register here
• "Advanced Flintknapping with James Bowden” on Saturday, March 30, from 1:3-5:30 p.m. This workshop is for experienced flintknappers who are already able to make stone tools such as projectile points. Register here

View current exhibits and activities here

The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum presents an exhibit on Military Working Dogs through June 30, 2019. Learn all about Marine Corps dogs in warfare from World War II to the present, and the dogs used on MCAS Miramar base. Learn more  about the exhibit here

Take a springtime stroll through the Marston House Museum & Gardens, a beautiful historic site preserved by the nonprofit Save Our Heritage Organisation, or SOHO. Explore the grounds and canyon pathways in the shade of towering pine, eucalyptus and oak trees. Learn about one of San Diego's most prominent families and the master architects and landscape designers who worked with the family to create one of the region's most important estates. The Marston House Museum & Gardens is open year-round. Buy One Ticket, Get Another Free at SOHO Museums and Historic sites here

Imagine waking up in the morning to a beautiful view of San Diego Bay from your balcony and being within walking distance to downtown San Diego’s attractions, restaurants and shops. Stay San Diego has dozens of beautifully designed, fully-furnished properties for corporate, extended stays and vacation rentals. Choose from luxury condos with swimming pool and downtown views to urban retreats with access to the Trolley — or both! Let knowledgeable professionals help you with sales, leasing or property management. Stay San Diego is located in downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Stay San Diego

Break bread with friends and family at Gregorio’s Italian Restaurant, situated on the second level of the seaside shopping plaza Village Faire in Carlsbad. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Gregorio’s robust menu features everything from pasta primavera to specialty thin-crust pizzas, plus soups, salads and sandwiches. Seafood, chicken and grilled items such as the artfully prepared filet mignon round out the menu. The restaurant's new lunch menu is offered 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (760) 720-1132 or visit Gregorio’s online.

The San Diego History Center in Balboa Park boasts a beautiful grand atrium and eight different galleries ideal for corporate events and wedding receptions. The museum also houses the Thornton Theatre and Conference Room, perfect for meetings and lectures. The Junípero Serra Museum, located in Presidio Park, is an ideal setting for a stunning and unique holiday social event. The mission-style building was constructed in 1929 as museum, not a mission, and is located above San Diego’s historic Old Town. Centrally located in San Diego, the museum boasts spectacular city and ocean views. The rustic outdoor terrace and the intimate interior gallery create a perfect historical atmosphere for any special gathering. Call (619) 232-6203 or learn more about booking your event at these venues here. The center is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

Your one-stop-shop for all printing, mailing and basic marketing needs is at the Ocean Beach Business Center. As a FedEx®, UPS® and USPS® center, you can buy boxes, pack, ship and track just about anything, anywhere in the world as well as rent personal mailboxes for your residence or business. The state-of-the-art equipment and staff expertise allow your creative juices to flow when it comes to creating marketing materials, posters, fliers, brochures, bulk mailers, binding, lamination or even custom design orders. Business center hours are Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sat.9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Call (619) 222-4876 to discuss your next project or visit the Ocean Beach Business Center online

For authentic Mexican cuisine, head to Fiesta de Reyes, a shopping and dining venue where frosty margaritas, tasty tacos and succulent seafood dishes tempt the palate at three diverse restaurants: Casa De Reyes, featuring a garden setting, fire pits and a fiesta with lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch; Barra Barra Saloon, a friendly watering hole serving Californio Mex fare and an extensive list of tequilas; and the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant, which invites patrons to dine outdoors on the Orchard Terrace or indoors in the more formal Grand Sala while enjoying Mexican favorites, American grill and fresh seafood. At Fiesta de Reyes, mariachi bands and beautiful folklorico dancers entertain visitors every day of the week. The surrounding courtyard also has 19 specialty shops selling everything from Mexican desserts to ghost tours. Fiesta de Reyes

Join Fazeli Cellars Winery in Temecula for Salsa Night on Saturday, March 23. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with a 45-minute salsa lesson. Admission is $20 for non-members (plus tax) and $15 (plus tax) for wine club members, and includes a glass of sangria. Wine, beer, food available for purchase. Tickets

An exhibition of paintings by artist Carol Lindemulder will be on view at the San Diego History Center from Feb. 9 – May 5, 2019. Her vibrantly colored depictions of the urban and rural landscapes of San Diego County, southern California and the Southwest are based on the merging of many views and details from photographs that document her travels. An opening reception will be held 4-6 p.m. Feb. 16 at the center. Learn more about the exhibit here
 

Discover a bargain-hunter’s paradise and find unique treasures at Kobey’s Swap Meet, open from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday! At Kobey’s, you never know what you’ll find and every weekend is a new adventure. Shop for fresh fruit, flowers, toys, antiques and collectibles and so much more. Kobey's Swap Meet at the Sports Arena is San Diego's biggest outdoor market, drawing close to 25,000 shoppers and 1,000 sellers weekly. Admission is only $1 on Fridays and $2 Saturdays and Sundays. Children 11 and under get in free! Enjoy $1 OFF a shopper's admission Saturday or Sunday only here

Enjoy a concert by Creosote, an accordion duo, at the Museum of Making Music at 7 p.m. Friday, March 22. The duo of Jamie Maschler and Gabriel Rodrigues play a dynamic array of original and world music. Expect to hear clever yet elegant versions of new and old Brazilian and world music tunes. The evening will also feature a performance by jazz accordionist Frank Petrilli. Based in Los Angeles, Petrilli is highly active in both the accordion and wider jazz communities on the West Coast, and throughout the US. This event is presented in conjunction with the "Accordions: Expanding Voices in the USA" special exhibition. Tickets The museum is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays year-round. For $1 off regular admission, click here: Museum of Making Music Coupon

Make your ice cream dreams come true at the coolest shop in Ocean Beach! Lighthouse Ice Cream features 39 flavors (both traditional hard scoop and soft serve), plus yummy shakes, malts, sundaes and flurries. In addition to plain, sugar and waffle cones, Lighthouse offers specialty cookie cones and crispy pretzel cones. Not to be missed is the store’s showstopper, the Hot Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich, especially with bacon! With so many options, guests might be frozen by indecision, but Lighthouse is sure to please the palate. Open at 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Call (619) 222-8600 or visit the shop online