Check out the volcano in Carlsbad
A volcano in San Diego? You bet ‘cha!! Mount Calavera is located in Carlsbad, less than 5 miles from the beach. Many of us drive by Mount Calavera every day on our busy state route 78 and never even notice it. It's located in Preserve Calavera just south of the highway between the College Blvd and Emerald Ave exits. When molten volcanic rock emerges from underground, it cools, and then becomes a solid. When the volcano becomes inactive, and over time, the surrounding the earth erodes, as rain and sun have their effect on the soil and rock. What remains is the solid volcanic rock which is visible. There are only three volcano plugs in Southern California. I highly recommend an outing to the Preserve Calavera -there are many trails to hike, jog and/or ride your bike while visiting the volcano.
Take a botany hike and learn about native plants 
Let's stick with Preserve Calavera for a second time, there is an amazing display of native plants and flowers to be admired there (and lots of critters, too). I recently went on a botany hike led by a member of the California Native Plant Society, James Dillane, and I was surprised to see how many colorful flowers were in bloom this year at the preserve. As our group walked more than 4 miles to admire the display of many different plants and flowers, James graciously answered our questions as we oohed and aahed over the splash of color on every slope and in every meadow. The native plants in California are quite spectacular and unique, but are often overlooked, because our climate allows almost anything to grow here. Non-natives sometimes get all the attention; but in addition to being beautiful, native plants promote healthy gardens and require a lot less water than non-natives. With our current water shortage in Southern California, planting natives is a great alternative to planting other types of gardens that require a lot of water. (Keep in mind the best time to see wildflowers is in spring.)
See a live performance at the Moonlight Amphitheatre
Right here in North County we have a lovely outdoor amphitheatre in Vista's Brengle Terrace Park. It is a relaxing venue where there are many live plays and other events. Moonlight is a place where you can bring your lawn chairs, a picnic lunch/dinner, and some fine wine; and then kick-back as the sun is setting and enjoy the outdoor experience. One of my favorite shows to see at the amphitheatre is the annual free concert that precedes the Scottish Highland Games. In past years, we've seen great Celtic performers like the Wicked Tinkers and Alasdair Frasier, as well as traditional Celtic dance performances. It's a great show, and did I mention it's free? In July, the performances will be Guys and Dolls, as well as, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Enjoy a delicious meal at a great restaurant and brewery
The top five would not be complete without mentioning a good food hang-out in the area--this place has much more than a fabulous menu! The Stone Brewery Co. located in Escondido, is quite impressive in many ways. Some of the features at the restaurant and brewery are the unique architecture, and exquisite grounds that include a Koi pond. This beautiful outdoor area is perfect for a before or after meal stroll. There is so much to share about this remarkable establishment. The ingredients used in their meals are primarily locally grown and mainly organic products. Their meats are 100% naturally raised. Almost everything on the menu is organic. They pride themselves on providing quality, and an atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy your meal. Enjoy a P, B & J sandwich-peanut butter & jelly? No, it's pistachio butter and apricot jam with Delice De Bourgone cheese. How does a grilled Buffulo burger sound? The menu is truly unique and it changes regularly. In addition to the great food, they have a store where you can pick up novelty items, t-shirts, beer mug, hats and more. Oh, did I mention the beer (and wine)? They make beer there... yummy beer...world famous beer! You can drink it there, and you can buy it from their store to take home. I asked my son, Jonathan, who is a server there, what his favorite thing is about Stone--He said, hands-down "it's the beer!" If you stop in, please say hi to him! Great atmosphere, food, beer, wine, shopping and movie nights, too. You gotta check them out!
Listen to jazz in the park
The City of Carlsbad presents a free concert series in the park each year-June through August. The free concerts have been very popular for the last 23 years-in fact, it was reported that 3000 people attended each of the concerts last year. This year, every Friday evening, from 6-8pm, at the Stagecoach, Pointsettia or Calavera Hills Park, folks can bring their chairs and picnic dinners, and enjoy the live music. The music is diverse and is reportedly going to be great to dance to (as in years past). On the 4th of July, Ruby & the Red Hots will be performing at the Stagecoach Park venue. It's a fabulous way to end the work week (well, for those who work M-F). Even if your work week doesn't end on Friday, it's a wonderful way to break up the monotony of the week.
There's so much more "going on" in the North County... but this is a good start!! Enjoy the summer....
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Hi Deborah!
Beautiful post! I don't understand why you have the yellow circle with the cross through it....this is only used if the post is not your own or if you have not written it. I'm assuming you did write it since you're entering it in the contest?
Also, please add it to Localism in your area in order to be eligible for the contest. If you're unclear how to do this please ask me and I'll guide you through it.
I hope you enjoy the concert tonight!
Jo