The dog days of summer may be upon us, but San Diego has lots to offer those looking to make the most out of the last weekend in August. There’s plenty of ways to immerse yourselves in art, music, excellent food, and possibly some air conditioning.
You can start out on Saturday, August 25th with the 4th annual San Diego Metal Swap Meet 2012. The swap meet will take place at the Queen Bee’s Art & Cultural Center in North Park, from 11:00am to 5:00pm. According to the website, this year offers more space, more beer and more metal. There will be lots of vendors from every metal genre and a special guest band will be closing out the swap meet. For those who want to continue the vibe into the night, there will be an official after-party at The Ruby Room on University Ave., that starts at 6:00pm.
While you're in the beautiful North Park neighborhood enjoying the swap meet, you may want to grab a bite to eat and partake in some delicious craft beers at Tiger! Tiger! Tavern. They open on Saturdays at 11:00am and close at 1:00am. Any time of day, it’s a great place to relax and cool off.
Also on Saturday the 25th, at The Spot Barrio Logan gallery from 5:00pm to 10:00pm, is the 1st annual “The heArt of LUCHA” art show. This exhibit has something for all ages and promises to be the largest lucha libre art show in California, with over 100 artists. The show will also feature music by DJ Beto, the San Diego Renegades girl’s roller derby, and live lucha libre wrestling luchadores.
Before or after The Spot Barrio Logan art show, there’s a great restaurant on Imperial Ave., El Paisa Mexican Grill, or as some know it, Tacos el Paisa. This family owned restaurant has been around for 15 years and has an extensive assortment of fantastic tacos to choose from. They open everyday at 8:00am and on Saturday nights they’re open until 3:00am.
A great family outing this weekend is a trip to Encinitas and The San Dieguito Heritage Museum’s free weekend program, Families Make History. This Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4:00pm they have “Games through the Ages” and visitors can play Native American, Rancho, Pioneer, and even those not so distant in the past, 20th century games. 21st century kids can learn to play marbles and hopscotch, to name a few of the games offered. Also, the museum’s website promises a hula hoop battle.
During your visit to Encinitas and the museum, you can lunch or brunch at the 3rd Corner Wine Shop and Bistro. Saturdays they open at 11:30 and have great cheese plates, salads, sandwiches, pasta, and seafood. Sundays they have a lovely brunch that starts at 10:00am and the brunch menu offers a selection of unique entrees. I know that the brunch I had at the 3rd corner even had some wonderful chocolate bread that accompanied the meal.
Whatever you decide to immerse yourself in this weekend, keep cool and... Enjoy!
