JULIANA O ORTIZ

This year you can venture down that rabbit hole from the great story of Alice in Wonderland as the theme for 2016 is “Mad About The Fair” and it’s sure to include lots of tea dueling, painting of the roses and visits with the Queen of Hearts. The new food to try will be the Grilled Sloppy Joe Frito Crunch, Waffle Sunrise Grilled Cheese Chicken or the Waffle Grilled Cheese. When you’re done with the beer festival, remember that every night, on the Heineken Grandstand Stage, a different internationally known artists will perform with most concerts being fairly priced or free if you don’t mind not having a reserved seat. When it’s all said and done the San Diego County Fair is one of the most entertaining things to do during the summer, whether you have kids or you are just going on a date there is always something to enjoy.

Scheduled for June 4th and 5th 2016 this is the world’s dirtiest party featuring the most challenging 10K and 5K runs in the world. The Del Mar Mud Run 5K at the historic Del Mar Fairgrounds is coming in the Fall of 2016. This run includes an official 2016 participant shirt, the 1st beer FREE, 12 mud & fun filled obstacles, sponsor hookups and a chip timed wave option (Extra Fee) + timing clock. You’ll run between crashing waves and gorgeous cliffs on hard-packed sand with tons of aid station treats, course entertainment and then you’ll cross the finish line & receive one of the best race metal in the industry.

Though they aren’t your typical tourist attractions you may be used too, you will find that they are some of the best and most colorful outdoor activities that you will find in San Diego. The fields hold several special events and attractions throughout the six to eight weeks that they are open which include open-air concerts, an orchid and bonsai show, antique tractor wagon rides and other fun activities. Carlsbad Strawberry Company has been a fixture in the Carlsbad landscape since 1948, growing mouth watering strawberries for over half a century each year the family owned farm opens it’s doors to the public so they may have the opportunity to pick farm-fresh strawberries. Farm attendants have a kiosk at the entrance of the fields which allows you to purchase a container so that you are free to pick and choose strawberries till your hearts delight, well at least until your container is full.

With its various diverse communities, you can find anything from famous surf breaks like Swamis to an early 20th century theater by the name of La Paloma. You can always begin by taking a walk into the small coastal community of Leucadia where not only will you find some great galleries but will discover art all over the walls of the city. Though its beautiful the art is meant to evoke conversation and dialogue, each piece or mural that you encounter tells a story that one can interpret in his or her own way. Then when you really want to have a foodie fest make sure to check out the Annual Taste of Mainstreet where you will be able treat your taste buds to food and drink samples from 40+ restaurants and enjoy wine and local craft beer served at 20 Sip Stops.