Tag: fun

More fun artwork discovered in Little Italy!

Cool sunglasses reflect images from Little Italy.
Cool sunglasses reflect images from Little Italy.

Early yesterday morning I enjoyed a long walk through the streets of Little Italy. I discovered some fun artwork that I hadn’t previously photographed!

An owl watches over India Street.
An owl watches over India Street.
Devils roll some very tempting donuts.
Devils roll some very tempting donuts.
A sculpted cherub balances a potted plant atop its head.
A sculpted cherub balances a potted plant atop its head.
A half-painted dumpster.
A spray painted dumpster.
Awesome street art on one corner of a Little Italy building.
Awesome street art on one corner of a Little Italy building.
The San Diego Trolley has arrived in dynamic Lil Italy!
It appears the San Diego Trolley has arrived in dynamic Lil Italy!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

A nautical Christmas in the Model Shop!

Step inside the Steam Ferry Berkeley of the Maritime Museum of San Diego and you’ll see nautical Christmas decorations in the Model Shop!

A bright Christmas tree is ornamented with ships, boats, signal flags and lighthouses. It even appears that Santa Claus has been repairing and cleaning one model ship in the small workshop. I guess his elf helpers are busy making toys up at the North Pole!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Help create San Diego’s new Comic-Con Museum!

Someone enters the Federal Building in Balboa Park during December Nights. This will be the future home of San Diego's Comic-Con Museum!
Someone enters the Federal Building in Balboa Park during December Nights. This will be the future home of San Diego’s Comic-Con Museum!

Look what I discovered today! You can help create the new Comic-Con Museum in San Diego!

For only fifty dollars, anyone can become a Tier Two charter member of the highly-anticipated Comic-Con Museum and receive tons of amazing perks, including special previews, member-only event invitations, an e-newsletter, exclusive live streamed programming (including panel discussions, talks, and creative classes), and exclusive merchandise . . . plus the ability to contribute ideas and feedback concerning potential exhibits . . . plus free admission to the museum for an entire year once it opens, and a couple of guest passes!

Your contribution will be used help fund the creation of the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park!

If you’d like to contribute an amount other than fifty dollars, there are several tiers that you can choose in the Comic-Con Museum’s Charter Membership Program.

You can pay-whatever-you-want, which has lots of great benefits, including being entered on an immortal Honor Roll of Charter Members. You can also chose the most generous tier, where you receive a special invite to Comic-Con Museum’s Inaugural Gala in 2019 and your name is permanently recognized inside the museum.

Here’s the Comic-Con Museum website, where you click “Become A Charter Member” to learn more and sign up!

Not only do I live within easy walking distance to the future museum, but I just became a Charter Member!

Lots of fun ahead!

The San Diego Hall of Champions once occupied the Federal Building. In the future it will be a dynamic place where visitors can explore the popular culture!
The San Diego Hall of Champions once occupied the Federal Building. In the future it will be a dynamic place where visitors can explore the popular culture!
At every tier, people who became a charter member of the new Comic-Con Museum get special benefits, including live streamed programming and an e-newsletter.
At every tier, people who became a charter member of the new Comic-Con Museum get special benefits, including live streamed programming and an e-newsletter.
An artist's rendering of what the entrance to the Comic-Con Museum will appear like when it opens in San Diego!
An artist’s rendering of what the entrance to the Comic-Con Museum will appear like when it opens in San Diego!

UPDATE!

Woohoo! Look what arrived in the mail! A Comic-Con Museum Charter Member lanyard and pin!
Look what arrived in the mail! A Comic-Con Museum Charter Member lanyard and pin!

 

Art, crafts and fun at December Nights!

I spotted a Santa Claus with a beard made of white yarn at 2018 December Nights!
I spotted a Santa Claus with a beard made of white yarn at 2018 December Nights!

Another year, another wonderful December Nights in Balboa Park!

I headed across the Cabrillo Bridge at noon today, just as the second day of San Diego’s big annual holiday event got underway.

I prefer to wander through December Nights in the early afternoon. The sun is out, the air is warm, and the feeling is unhurried and carefree. I miss the magical Christmas lights after dark, but I also avoid the hectic press of huge crowds.

I’ve blogged December Nights for so many years now, I thought I’d try for a new angle in 2018 and focus on all the holiday art and crafts one can see while walking around. As usual, however, I ended up taking photos of anything fun that happened to catch my eye.

Many fun holiday crafts and decorations can be enjoyed throughout Balboa Park during December Nights.
Many fun holiday crafts and decorations can be enjoyed throughout Balboa Park during December Nights.
Jeff, the super cool Spanish Village Art Center historian, holds a drum and greets visitors with a huge smile!
Jeff, the super cool Spanish Village Art Center historian, holds a drum and greets visitors with a huge smile!
I was taking a photo of glass Christmas ornaments in Spanish Village when I got photobombed!
I was taking a photo of glass Christmas ornaments in Spanish Village when I got photobombed!
A happy elf was lurking near one of the Spanish Village artist studios.
A happy elf was lurking near one of the Spanish Village artist studios.
Some of the carved wooden animals of the Balboa Park Carousel were wearing elf and Santa hats.
Some of the carved wooden animals of the historic Balboa Park Carousel were wearing elf and Santa hats.
I learned Santa Claus would be hanging out in front of the Starlight Bowl.
I learned Santa Claus would be hanging out in front of the Starlight Bowl.
I noticed The Old Globe Theatre's gift shop was well stocked with nasty green Grinches, and his adorable dog Max, too!
I noticed The Old Globe Theatre’s gift shop was well stocked with vile, nasty Grinches, and his adorable dog Max, too!
People take a break during December Nights by sitting near cheerful red poinsettias in the Botanical Building.
People take a break during December Nights by sitting near cheerful red poinsettias in the Botanical Building.
A big Santa hangs from the Point Loma Garden Club's colorful tree, one of many fantastic Christmas trees inside the Casa del Prado.
A big Santa hangs from the Point Loma Garden Club’s candy and cookie bedecked tree, one of many fantastic Christmas trees inside the Casa del Prado.
Another Christmas tree at the Festival of Trees was decorated by the Friends of Balboa Park with many happy dreams.
Another Christmas tree at the annual Festival of Trees was decorated by the Friends of Balboa Park with many happy dreams.
The San Diego Womens Chorus sings holiday music at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during 2018 December Nights.
The San Diego Womens Chorus sings holiday music at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during 2018 December Nights.
A group of children called Let's Dance for Fun! performs at the small December Nights stage near the Botanical Building.
A group of children called Let’s Dance for Fun! performs at the small December Nights stage near the Botanical Building.
Santa, a guest of the House of Finland, was checking to see if children have been good at Balboa Park's International Cottages.
Santa, a guest of the House of Finland, was checking his list to see if children have been naughty or nice at Balboa Park’s International Cottages.
Holiday traditions and music from around the world are celebrated at the International Cottages during December Nights.
Holiday traditions and music from around the world are celebrated at the International Cottages during December Nights.
The House of Sweden always has lots of Christmas crafts and fun holiday stuff on display.
The House of Sweden always has lots of Christmas crafts and fun holiday stuff on display.
I headed over to the Starlight Bowl and spotted a happy snowman atop the outdoor amphitheater's roof.
I headed over to the Starlight Bowl and spotted a happy snowman atop the outdoor amphitheater’s box office roof.
These friendly folks with Save Starlight are looking for people to help support the restoration of a cherished San Diego performance venue, Balboa Park's Starlight Bowl.
These friendly folks with Save Starlight are looking for people to help support the restoration of a cherished San Diego performance venue, Balboa Park’s Starlight Bowl.

If you love Balboa Park, and would like to help restore the beloved Starlight Bowl, please take a moment to visit the Save Starlight website here!

I poked my nose inside the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater and noticed there's going to be a fun Merry Christmas Show coming up!
I poked my nose inside the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater and noticed there’s going to be a fun Merry Christmas Show coming up!
I discovered lots of holiday art, crafts and fun at another wonderful December Nights!
I discovered lots of holiday art, crafts and fun at another wonderful December Nights!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

Fun holiday decorations appear in Old Town!

Many creative holiday wreaths have appeared throughout Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Lots of fun holiday wreaths have appeared throughout Old Town!

A period of rainy weather is coming to San Diego, so I left home this morning earlier than usual, to enjoy a nice, long walk before the first storm arrives.

After I got off the trolley at the Old Town station, crossed Congress Street, and entered Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, my eyes began searching for holiday decorations.

My eyes were not disappointed!

More colorful wreaths with a little bit of Mexican culture added, at the entrance to Fiesta de Reyes.
More wreaths, made colorful with bits of Mexican culture, at the entrance to Fiesta de Reyes.
A simple but delightful little Christmas tree near the entrance of Seeley Stable.
A simple but delightful little Christmas tree near the entrance of Seeley Stable.
I discovered green and red wreaths at every turn as I walked about Old Town.
I discovered traditional green and red wreaths at every turn as I walked about Old Town.
Looks like three Christmas carolers up on the balcony of La Paloma!
Looks like three Christmas carolers up on the balcony of La Paloma!
Old Town Trolley Tours wishes everyone Joy with their bright banners.
Old Town Trolley Tours wishes everyone Joy with their bright banners.
Looks like Frosty the Snowman has a friend outside the Specialty Shops of Old Town Market.
Looks like Frosty the Snowman is hanging out with a happy friend at the Specialty Shops of Old Town Market.
Poinsettias on an old-fashioned cart, and a window wreath decorate one corner of Toby's Candle and Soap Shop.
Poinsettias on an old-fashioned cart, and a window decorated with a wreath. A beautiful holiday display at Toby’s Candle and Soap Shop.
The annual Christmas tree has appeared near the flagpole at the center of Old Town's historic plaza.
The annual Christmas tree has appeared near the flagpole at the center of Old Town’s historic plaza.
Celebrating the holiday season with a little Mexican flavor in Old Town!
Celebrating the holiday season with a little Mexican flavor in Old Town!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Christmas trees appear in downtown San Diego!

A bright, happy Christmas tree has appeared inside the Donut Bar.
A bright, happy Christmas tree has appeared inside the Donut Bar.

Many colorful Christmas trees have suddenly popped up all around downtown San Diego!

Step into the lobby of any elegant hotel or large office tower and you’re sure to be dazzled!

This morning and evening I walked through downtown searching for Christmas trees to photograph. A couple of my photos turned out a bit grainy due to dim lighting, but hopefully you get the sense of how amazingly beautiful many of these trees are!

I also got pics of some fun ornaments in shop windows!

One of the slender Christmas trees adding holiday cheer to the north entrance to the 701 B Street office building.
One of the slender Christmas trees adding holiday cheer to the north entrance to the 701 B Street office building.
A large Christmas tree has appeared in the lobby of the Wells Fargo building. When I dropped by in the morning it hadn't been decorated yet.
A large Christmas tree has appeared in the lobby of the Wells Fargo building. When I dropped by in the morning it hadn’t been decorated yet.
A beautiful, shining Christmas tree in the grand lobby of One America Plaza.
A beautiful, shining Christmas tree in the grand lobby of One America Plaza.
One of several creative, elegant Christmas trees in the lobby of The Sofia Hotel.
One of several creative, very elegant Christmas trees in the lobby of The Sofia Hotel.
San Diego sand dollar and disco ball ornaments inside the window of Best of Gaslamp.
San Diego sand dollar and disco ball ornaments inside the window of Best of Gaslamp.
One of the dazzling Christmas trees in the posh lobby of the historic US Grant Hotel
One of the dazzling Christmas trees in the posh lobby of the historic US Grant Hotel.
A simply magnificent Christmas tree in the lobby of Symphony Towers.
A simply magnificent Christmas tree in the lobby of Symphony Towers.
A gorgeous Christmas tree inside the luxurious Westgate Hotel.
A gorgeous Christmas tree inside the luxurious Westgate Hotel.
A snowy Christmas tree inside the west entrance of the 101 W. Broadway office building.A snowy Christmas tree inside the west entrance of the 101 W. Broadway office building.
A snowy Christmas tree inside the west entrance of the 101 W. Broadway office building.
A funny surfing Santa ornament in the window of San Diego Trading Company!
A funny surfing Santa ornament in the window of San Diego Trading Company!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

House in Little Italy celebrates Thanksgiving!

This morning during my walk to the Little Italy trolley station I was drawn to a couple of newly painted houses on State Street.

As I got nearer I noticed a fun display on one porch that celebrates Thanksgiving!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Another colorful walk around East Village!

The final words of the famous poem Invictus, outside the entrance to Invictus Fitness. I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.
The final words of the famous poem Invictus, painted near the entrance to Invictus Fitness. I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.

I enjoyed an aimless walk around East Village on Saturday. My camera found a variety of cool sights! Some old and some new!

As you can see, there are all sorts of new high-rises under construction in this dynamic part of downtown San Diego.

I walked past the Quartyard at its new corner on Market Street. It’s a couple blocks east of where it used to be. I’ll be posting those fun photos shortly!

Colorful banners along the side of Urban Discovery Academy in East Village.
Colorful banners along the side of Urban Discovery Academy in East Village.
Abstract cat on a sidewalk chalkboard.
Abstract cat on a sidewalk chalkboard.
A cool new mural by Michael Brooks Chandler on the side of a building at 13th Street and J Street.
A cool new mural by Michael Brooks Chandler on the side of a building at 13th Street and J Street.
The 23-story K1 San Diego luxury apartment building is currently under construction just east of the downtown Central Library.
The 23-story K1 San Diego luxury apartment building is currently under construction just east of the downtown Central Library.
Mission Brewery has been located in the old Wonder Bread Building for years now.
Mission Brewery has been located in the old Wonder Bread Building for years now.
This odd, rather memorable mural has also been on the north wall of the building at 1400 L Street for many years. I know nothing about it!
This unusual, humorous mural has been on the north wall of the building at 1400 L Street for many years, too. I know nothing about it!
Pinnacle on the Park rises above the south entrance to Fault Line Park.
The recently completed Pinnacle on the Park rises above the south entrance to Fault Line Park.
Colorful new residential high-rises beyond one of the two silvery spheres at Fault Line Park in East Village.
New residential buildings rise beyond reflections in one of the silvery spheres at Fault Line Park.
An artistic blonde peers out from a shop window in East Village!
A blonde peers out from a shop window in East Village!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Art along Park Boulevard in University Heights.

A small sign with ostrich welcomes those walking up Park Boulevard to University Heights.
A small sign with an ostrich welcomes those walking up Park Boulevard in University Heights.

Last weekend I walked along Park Boulevard in University Heights. I headed north from El Cajon Boulevard to Adams Avenue, then back south on the opposite sidewalk. I saw all sorts of fun art during my journey!

Why so many ostriches? University Heights has adopted the ostrich as a unique and memorable symbol. Back in 1903 this neighborhood was the home of Harvey Bentley’s ostrich farm, where visitors could ride the large birds!

Artistic mural painted on south wall of Park Blvd Artworks.
Artistic mural painted on south wall of Park Blvd Artworks.
Wall painted by New Zealand artist Cinzah for the PangeaSeed Foundation informs passersby that each year 100,000,000 sharks are killed for their fins.
Wall painted by New Zealand artist Cinzah for the PangeaSeed Foundation informs passersby that each year 100,000,000 sharks are killed for their fins.
Electrical box street art near the Diversionary Theatre.
Electrical box floral street art near the Diversionary Theatre.
People walk up the Park Boulevard sidewalk toward the University Heights landmark sign.
People walk up Park Boulevard’s sidewalk toward the University Heights landmark sign.
Some small colorful tiles in a stucco wall.
Some small colorful tiles in a stucco wall.
Transformer box painted with an image of The Pavilion at Mission Cliff Gardens.
Transformer box painted with an image of The Pavilion at Mission Cliff Gardens.
Street lamp banner with ostrich proclaims University Heights - Founded in 1888.
Streetlamp banner with ostrich proclaims University Heights – Founded in 1888.
Faded flowery street art on a utility box.
Faded flowery street art on a utility box.
A small, peaceful sculpture in front of Buddha's Light Bookstore.
A small, peaceful sculpture in front of Buddha’s Light Bookstore.
Spiritual image above front entrance of San Diego Buddhist Association's Hsi Fang Temple.
Spiritual image above front entrance of San Diego Buddhist Association’s Hsi Fang Temple.
Part of a cool mural painted on store wall at the corner of Park Boulevard and Monroe Avenue.
Part of the cool mural painted on a store wall at the corner of Park Boulevard and Monroe Avenue.

I photographed the above mural four years ago. See more images of this street art here!

Some more cool but faded street art.
Some beautiful but faded street art.
Silly faces!
Silly faces!
Love Your H2O, a mural painted by local artist Gloria Muriel for the Sea Walls: Murals for Oceans project.
Love Your H2O, a mural painted by local artist Gloria Muriel for the Sea Walls: Murals for Oceans project.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

Solve Who, world’s first interactive crime scene simulator!

A crime scene at Solve Who titled Murder at PROstate Farm. A team of detectives gathers clues, watches video interrogations of three suspects, then deliberates to determine who the murderer is.
A crime scene at Solve Who titled Murder at PROstate Farm. A team of detectives gathers clues, watches video interrogations of three suspects, then attempts to determine who the murderer is.

A unique and very cool attraction recently opened in downtown San Diego. It’s called Solve Who!

Neither an escape room, nor murder mystery dinner theatre, Solve Who offers would-be detectives something far more immersive and realistic. Solve Who is the world’s first interactive crime scene simulator!

Enter the front door of Solve Who and you suddenly become a detective investigating a detailed crime scene using your wits, a notepad and pen, and a variety of forensic tools. Groups of up to ten people operate as a team, collecting clues, watching short video interrogations of three suspects, then deliberating to determine the identity of the murderer.

Questions one might ask during the investigation include: Was the crime premeditated? Who had the motive to commit murder? Was there a break-in? Was there a struggle? What was the murder weapon? Are any fingerprints that you find with an ultraviolet light relevant? What is the meaning of a series of emails that periodically appear on one computer? Is any object at the crime scene out of place?

I was given a little bit of a preview this evening and I must say this entertainment concept is absolutely unique and brilliant! The super friendly guys behind Solve Who have worked hard to make the experience very realistic–they have even worked with law enforcement experts to ensure this fully interactive crime scene simulator is very close to authentic. With some crazy humor injected for fun!

It seems to me that Solve Who would be an ideal place for corporate team building, having a night out with friends, or for simply meeting new people. Right now they offer one scenario titled Murder at PROstate Farm, with three new, completely unique crime scenes to appear in the future. Solve Who will also offer beer and wine to participants in the near future.

Check out the Solve Who website here and perhaps make a reservation. You’ll be one of very few people in the entire world to have experienced a realistic interactive crime scene simulator!

A brief video introduction explains how each team of detectives can work together to logically deduce which suspect is guilty of murder.
A brief video introduction explains how each team of detectives can work together to logically deduce which suspect is guilty of murder.
The funny, satirical brochure of PROstate Farm. The insurance agent was murdered, and his three employees are suspects.
The funny, satirical brochure of PROstate Farm. The insurance agent was murdered, and his three employees are suspects.
Inside the mock insurance office. PROstate Farm has policies to protect the insured against icebergs, apocalypse, zombies, talking apes and much more.
Inside the mock insurance office. PROstate Farm has policies to protect the insured against icebergs, apocalypse, zombies, talking apes and much more.
Some of the tools used by participants at Solve Who include forensic lights, magnifying lenses, string for trajectory pinpointing, and more.
Tools used by participants at Solve Who include forensic lights, magnifying lenses, string for trajectory pinpointing, evidence markers, and more.
The crime scene includes many clues--a few are critically important. Deductive reasoning and acute observation are required to identify the murderer.
The crime scene includes many clues–a few are critically important. Deductive reasoning and acute observation are required to identify the murderer.
An overturned chair and a big blood stain on the carpet.
An overturned chair and a big blood stain on the carpet.
Blood splattered on the wall!
Blood splattered on the wall!
Detectives at Solve Who will watch as three suspects are interrogated. It is important to listen to words and watch body language.
Detectives at Solve Who will watch as three suspects are interrogated. It is important to listen to words and watch body language.
Solve Who is a very cool new attraction in San Diego, located at 1570 Fifth Avenue. It is the world's first interactive crime scene simulator!
Solve Who is a very cool new attraction in San Diego, located downtown at 1570 Fifth Avenue. It is the world’s first interactive crime scene simulator!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!