Tag: gifts

The amazing Bill of Rights kiosk in Chula Vista!

An incredible tall ship makes its home in Chula Vista. Walk along the Chula Vista Marina and you’re bound to see the beautiful Bill of Rights at her dock.

Nearby, a kiosk is operated by the South Bayfront Sailing Association, which maintains and operates Bill of Rights.

The Bill of Rights is a historic, 136 foot gaff rigged schooner launched in 1971. Here’s their website. The tall ship is open to tours, charters and is often used to train U.S. Navy Sea Cadets, members of Navy Junior ROTC, and other youth organizations.

Last time I walked along the marina, I noticed the tall ship’s kiosk was open. So I took a peek inside!

Look at all the amazing stuff I discovered! In addition to lots of great gifts, there’s an art gallery featuring the work of local artists. As you might imagine, a nautical theme prevails.

I was greeted by the smile of Susan. She informed me the kiosk is open from 9 to 11 am, Tuesday through Sunday. It is operated entirely by volunteers. (They welcome new volunteers, too!)

I encourage a visit. The “Gallery & Gifts” kiosk is located at 604 Marina Parkway. By purchasing a souvenir or beautiful art, you’ll be supporting the educational programs of Bill of Rights, too!

My final photograph shows the October, 1971 issue of Sailing magazine. That’s Bill of Rights on the cover!

…

To follow my blog, find the “Follow” box in this website’s sidebar. Or bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

(If you’re viewing this on a phone, open my website’s sidebar by tapping those three parallel lines at the top of the page.)

Chinese brush painting event in Balboa Park!

An exhibition and sale of Chinese brush paintings continues tomorrow, Sunday, March 1, 2026 in Balboa Park. To view some very beautiful artwork, step into Room 101 of the Casa del Prado between 11 am and 4 pm.

The event features original Chinese brush paintings by members of the Lung Hsiang chapter of the American Artists of Chinese Brush Painting. Admission is free. Most of the pieces on display are for sale.

Visitors get to meet the artists, view a painting demonstration, and even try their own hand at brush painting! If you’re looking for gifts, you’ll find framed and matted paintings, and hand painted cards and crafts.

I visited the exhibition today and am pleased to share a few photos.

When I asked one artist the difference between traditional Chinese brush painting and Japanese brush painting, I was told the Chinese style has more “pop” and more chi, or vital energy. To me, generally speaking, the Chinese style seems a little more bold and colorful than Japanese brush painting, which appears more delicate and impressionistic.

All that I saw was exquisite and very beautiful.

2026 is the Year of the Horse!

For curious eyes, there’s much to discover. I was shown the historical evolution of the Chinese pictograph for horse. The three strokes represent a horse’s mane and legs.

Visitors can learn how to paint it!

…

To follow my blog, find the “Follow” box in this website’s sidebar. Or bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

(If you’re viewing this on a phone, open my website’s sidebar by tapping those three parallel lines at the top of the page.)

Have a blind date with a book in Oceanside!

In Oceanside, it’s easy to arrange for a blind date . . . with a book!

For your blind date, simply head over to Jane & Evie’s Used Books at 323 North Coast Highway and choose one of the plainly wrapped packages pictured above.

Beneath the mysterious wrappings you’ll discover a book!

Will you fall in love with it?

You can’t judge a book by its cover. Particularly in this instance. Fortunately, there are written clues on the wrappings that provide an idea of what you might find inside. (You get a beautiful bookmark, too!)

Every five dollar purchase helps to fund the Oceanside Public Library. What’s not to love?

…

To follow my blog, find the “Follow” box in this website’s sidebar. Or bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

(If you’re viewing this on a phone, open my website’s sidebar by tapping those three parallel lines at the top of the page.)

Love a historic ship for Valentine’s Day!

We in San Diego are so fortunate. Our city is home to one of the world’s most famous tall ships, Star of India, and one of our nation’s top maritime museums. Why not show your love for these San Diego jewels with a Valentine’s Day gift?

The historic ships of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, like all ships exposed to time and outdoor weather, need continuing maintenance and repair. With love in your heart, you can help out!

Here’s a wish list that supports the museum’s fleet, including Star of India, H.M.S. Surprise, Californian, Pilot boat and San Salvador.

To learn more, or perhaps make a loving donation, send an email to membership@sdmaritime.org.

…

To follow my blog, find the “Follow” box in this website’s sidebar. Or bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

(If you’re viewing this on a phone, open my website’s sidebar by tapping those three parallel lines at the top of the page.)

Mission Hills bookstore supports San Diego libraries!

A new independent bookstore opened in Mission Hills two days ago! It’s called the Library Shop Mission Hills.

The bookstore is operated by the Library Foundation SD. It’s located in the old Mission Hills Branch Library building (925 West Washington Street), which had been vacant for about five years. Sales from this beautiful new bookstore support all 37 branches of the San Diego Public Library!

I visited the awesome store today!

As you can see from my photos, it’s spacious inside and a very welcoming place. There are shelves and shelves full of new books for children and adults, plus oodles of gifts for book lovers. There are places where you can sit down and read, a Library Shop Scavenger Hunt, games to play, Storytime and LEGO art on Saturdays, and a whole lot to do and see!

Sign up for the Library Shop Email Newsletter by clicking here!

This week, December 1 to 7, 2025, Library Shop Mission Hills is celebrating its Grand Opening. Learn more here. During Booked For the Holidays: 7 Days of Celebration & Deals there will be author events, games, and exclusive bookstore discounts for library lovers to help with your holiday shopping.

At the front desk, during the Grand Opening, make sure to grab a handout concerning the great discounts you can enjoy!

(By the way, do you recognize this old Branch Library building? I posted photographs of community members lining Washington Street, passing its library books by hand several blocks to the new Mission Hills-Hillcrest/Harley & Bessie Knox Library! See those historical photos here.)

…

If you’d like to see San Diego through my lens, find the “Follow” box in the sidebar to receive new posts in your email, or bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

(If you’re viewing Cool San Diego Sights on a phone, you can open my website’s sidebar by tapping those three parallel lines at the top of the page.)

Holiday Photo and Book Sale at San Diego History Center!

A rare opportunity for history and book lovers is coming soon!

On the last weekend of November, the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park will be hosting their special Holiday Photo and Book Sale!

Several local authors will be present for book signings, including:

Elsa Sevilla
(Saturday and Sunday)
Emmy-nominated journalist, filmmaker, and host of San Diego’s Historic Places on KPBS; author of Camera Ready: From Hardship to the Spotlight.

Dr. Sandra Bonura (Saturday only)
Historian and award-winning author of The Sugar King of California: The Life of Claus Spreckels and Empire Builder: John D. Spreckels and the Making of San Diego.

Maria Garcia (Saturday only)
Educator and author of We Made San Diego, highlighting Latino contributions to the region’s growth and identity.

Richard L. Carrico (Saturday, possibly Sunday)
Archaeologist, historian, and author of El Presidio de San Diego: Alta California’s Lost City.

There will also be the opportunity to purchase frameable prints of fascinating historical photographs, and past volumes of The Journal of San Diego History!

In addition, the San Diego History Center’s big annual Christmas tree made of live poinsettias should be ready to view, too!

The Holiday Photo and Book Sale will take place inside the San Diego History Center at 1649 El Prado (the Casa de Balboa) on November 29 and 30, from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. Admission is free!

…

I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

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

Feel free to share!

Making traditional crafts in House of Sweden.

What you see here is a traditional Swedish Dala horse. It’s one of many crafts created by members of the House of Sweden in San Diego’s Balboa Park.

I stepped into the House of Sweden‘s cottage today when I noticed it was open. Even though it’s Tuesday and most of the International Cottages are closed during weekdays, a few were open because school students were having a field trip in the park.

Inside the cottage I was greeted by a group of friendly ladies sitting around a table, hard at work crafting small gifts that will be sold during the House of Sweden’s Midsummer Festival later this year. Among other items, they were creating yarn dolls and flower wreaths!

The ladies call their group Pysselgruppen, which in Swedish means “Craft Group” or “Activities Group.” They invited me to join them, but sadly I had to say no. My efforts would be a disaster!

…

I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

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

Feel free to share!

Fun holiday photos in downtown Oceanside!

Did one of the Planet of the Apes movies have a Santa Claus? He seems to have turned up in Oceanside, California!

It’s the holiday season! Have fun checking out some photographs that I took during a walk around downtown Oceanside today!

The above Santa gone ape was in a window at Goblin Shark Emporium.

Next, a couple festive photos taken on the Amtrak train platform at the Oceanside Transit Center…

A fun Happy Holidays street banner I noticed while walking up Coast Highway…

Shelves full of Season’s Greetings, gnomes and lighthouses inside Jane & Evie’s Used Book Store…

Merry Christmas decorations by a street corner…

Now I’ve entered the Oceanside Civic Center Library, where, as you’ll see, dinosaurs and the holidays seem to go very well together…

Window graphics include ornaments at the entrance to the Oceanside Museum of Art…

Need some artsy presents for Christmas? You definitely should check out the gift shop at the Oceanside Museum of Art. They’ve got lots of beautiful handmade gifts for sale…

Back outside, in the nearby Artist Alley, local Oceanside businesses were selling holiday crafts and wares. Today is Small Business Saturday! Santa would arrive later in the afternoon…

Do you plan to spend some time in Oceanside this holiday season? Read the following sign for special events. Or visit this website!

…

I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

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

Thank you for sharing!

Oceanside’s holiday Crafty & Big Book Sale!

Look what’s coming next Saturday, December 7th in Oceanside! A big, holiday craft and book sale that benefits the Oceanside Public Library!

Need some special Christmas gifts? From 10 am to 4 pm, the Civic Center Library’s community rooms and courtyard will be bursting with hand-crafted items for sale that were donated by volunteers and library staff. And there will be hundreds of books and DVDs for a mere $1 each!

There will also be a silent auction for a local Airbnb stay and much more, all donated by local Oceanside businesses!

The event is being put on by the Friends of the Oceanside Public Library.

Finish up your holiday shopping in one easy trip! (And, while you’re there, check out the library’s dinosaur Christmas tree and other super fun decorations!)

…

I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

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

Thank you for sharing!

Spanish Village in Balboa Park readies for holidays!

Many of the studios in Spanish Village Art Center in San Diego’s Balboa Park are ready for the holiday season! Other artist studios will be getting ready soon!

I walked through Spanish Village late this afternoon and found wreaths, ornaments, and other fun decorations inside studios, on doors and in windows!

Need a unique Christmas gift for a special person? This is the perfect destination!

Peeking into Studio 41 the day before Thanksgiving.

Come on into Studio 34.

Wreath near art outside Studio 23, Southwestern Artists Association.

Santa says Believe when you step into Glass Blowing Studio 19.

Holiday wreath on yellow door of Studio 18, the Spanish Village office.

Wreath and silver stockings hang on door of Studio 10.

Welcome to a snowy forest scene.

At Studio 6, which jolly old elf is the REAL Santa Claus?

A beautiful little Christmas tree in Studio 2.

Studio 2 has several white snowy wreaths with red cardinals!

Come visit colorful Spanish Village Art Center during the holidays. Make sure to drop by during December Nights!

…

I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

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

Thank you for sharing!