I went to this year's Art Splash in Carlsbad today, just one of the many things to do here. - I'm sorry I missed previous years of this terrific outdoor art-focused event for folks of all ages (but I have only been here for a couple of years). This is the 5th year for this event and it just keeps getting better.
Carlsbad has a number of festivals and outdoors activities (2 major arts fairs, a business expo, the 10-concert series TGIF Jazz in the Parks in the summer, to name a few), more so than any other town I have lived in, and it is great fun to experience the diversity of activities that are available throughout the year. Unless you buy something they are all FREE and very well attended.
We did not make it to the Taste of Carlsbad, which was held in conjunction with Saturday's portion of the 2-day festival (yesterday). But I understand from good friends that this was a true gustatory adventure - there are so many good restaurants and creative foodies around here, and the $20 goes to benefits art programs in Carlsbad (I know we are not yet making into Gourmet or Bon Appetit as a food capital like LA or San Francisco but we are well on the way).
Being a foodie myself, I really appreciate the opportunity to try new foods and learn about new places to explore on behalf of my stomach (who, I must admit, has some fairly discerning tastes). So I'm sorry I missed the Taste of Carlsbad this year- but there is always next year. And I can still enjoy the many restaurants in town.
The chalk art was AMAZING. There are just no words to express what I saw, so you will have to just enjoy the pictures. There were violin makers, sand sculptors, dancers, musicians, lots of art vendors, plenty of food, an art petal mural being created, rock balancing and so much more, plus great views of the Carlsbad area below as you look toward the ocean.
There are a lot of photos, so the show takes a few minutes - just warning you!
;)
;)
