The Quartyard in East Village has moved to this new location at the corner of Market Street and 13th Street.
During my walk around East Village yesterday I swung by the Quartyard, a cool container park where neighbors can gather to eat, drink, talk and enjoy live events.
About half a year ago the unique container park moved a couple blocks east from its old location, to the corner of Market Street and 13th Street. While the new space is a bit smaller, it’s a friendly, cozy nook just perfect for neighborhood gatherings.
A bit of colorful artwork can be seen inside Quartyard. I learned more art is planned for some of the surrounding containers.
In addition to Burgers and Bites by the small live event stage, Quartyard features picnic tables and this outdoor bar.Colorfully painted utility boxes just outside Quartyard.This small fenced area in one corner of the container park Quartyard is perfect for dog lovers who live in the neighborhood.A beautiful mural by local artist Gloria Muriel just inside the entrance to Quartyard in East Village.A quick snack or drink can be purchased at the Seahorse Coffee shack out on the sidewalk.Look at the super friendly people you’ll meet!
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The new Piazza Giannini, at the corner of India and Cedar Street in downtown San Diego.
A new public space opened last month in downtown’s Little Italy neighborhood. Piazza Giannini, located at the corner of India Street and West Cedar Street, is a community gathering place that pays tribute to a famous Italian American who invented many of the conveniences of modern banking.
Born in San Jose, A.P. Giannini was a big believer in California. He started the Bank of Italy in San Francisco, and dedicated it to ordinary middle class Americans and hardworking immigrants that other banks wouldn’t serve. Believing in equal access to all, the Bank of Italy opened hundreds of branches throughout the state. Eventually it became Bank of America.
A sign at Piazza Giannini explains how donors can purchase plaques in this new public space.Amadeo P. Giannini was born in San Jose to Italian immigrants. He believed California and its citizens could lead the country to prosperity.. . . we should bend increasing efforts to demonstrate the equality that underlies the American philosophy.. . . No man actually ever owns fortune–it owns him.Serving the needs of others is the only legitimate business today.A streetlamp banner in San Diego’s Little Italy pays tribute to Amadeo Giannini, father of modern banking.A banker should consider himself a servant of the people, a servant of the community.The bronze bust of Amadeo Pietro Giannini at Piazza Giannini in Little 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!
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!
A lush linear park on Cortez Hill, called Tweet Street, has become more and more beautiful with the help of community volunteers!
People who live in downtown San Diego up on the top of Cortez Hill are lucky. We live next to a wonderful refuge: a garden-like linear park called Tweet Street, which runs along several blocks of Date Street and a couple blocks of Tenth Avenue.
Since my last blog post concerning Tweet Street Park, many improvements have been made. And it’s even more beautiful.
Much of the credit goes to the Friends of Tweet Street Park, a group of community volunteers who work to maintain and improve this neighborhood gem. I often see members of the organization out landscaping, raking, pruning, planting flowers, watering, removing litter, and enjoying San Diego’s sunshine as an added bonus.
Thank you.
If you live on Cortez Hill or simply love San Diego, you might want to check out the Friends of Tweet Street Park page on Facebook by clicking here.
You might also want to visit their brand new Go Fund Me page by clicking here. Your tax deductible donation goes toward buying plants, mulch, decorative bark, gardening tools and other necessary items.
I’d like to share some of that new beauty that I enjoy on many of my walks. Here are a few photos which I took today…
A small section of Tweet Street Park near Eighth Avenue and Date Street which has been improved recently.The hard work of the Friends of Tweet Street Park make this neighborhood garden a more inviting place!A bit of beauty planted with human hands.Here’s another improved area along Tenth Avenue, near Cedar Street. This was finished just this weekend!A generous heart and a little bit of muscle make the world a better place for all.
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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!
The baseball windglyphs of local artist Lisa Schirmer fly above diners under umbrellas at Lane Field Park.
I was walking along the Embarcadero today when I saw a whole bunch of activity over at Lane Field Park. I soon discovered that today was the debut of a weekly “artisanal showcase of the creative food, drink, art and craft scene in San Diego”, otherwise known as Lane Field Park Markets.
Every Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, look for the tents and happy people inside Lane Field Park at the corner of Broadway and Harbor Drive!
Lane Field Park Markets debuted in downtown San Diego near the waterfront today.Lots of people were enjoying the sunny, grassy, outdoor farmers’ market-like setting.I saw tasty food to eat and lots of crafts and other good stuff.Kids liked checking out the Dang Brother Pizza fire engine.Those look pretty yummy!A guitarist provided live music, too!
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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!
Children gaze at the beautiful fountain and sculpture Woman of Tehuantepec by Donal Hord, in the courtyard of Balboa Park’s House of Hospitality.
It’s difficult to find words that adequately describe Balboa Park. Endless scenes of beauty open up everywhere. Every walk is a different voyage through wonder.
Many of these photos were taken recently. A few have been residing in my computer waiting for the perfect moment.
There Are Places I’ll Remember All My Life. A colorful banner near door to the Balboa Park Visitors Center.Gigantic bubbles form like magic in the Plaza de Balboa.The House of Charm’s tower rises above the Alcazar Garden.A twisted, wonderful Australian tea tree on Balboa Park’s West Mesa.Walking through the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages.Wedding photos are taken at one end of the beautiful Lily Pond, or reflecting pool.Sunlight reveals natural beauty at the House of Hospitality.People head up toward the Casa del Prado’s outdoor courtyard to enjoy another special event in Balboa Park.I took this striking photo yesterday at the San Diego Fern Society Show inside the Casa del Prado.People relax and picnic on the lawn near the Botanical Building.A scene of great natural beauty in the Japanese Friendship Garden.Visitors to Balboa Park head toward the Plaza de Panama.Walking along. More things to see.Gazing toward Balboa Park’s Pepper Grove from a pathway inside the Japanese Friendship Garden.Abundant beauty at the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden.Resting at tables in the Plaza de Panama near the front of the San Diego Museum of Art.San Diego sunshine highlights arches inside the Casa del Prado.Sitting along the colonnade at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during an outdoor concert.Walking past the magnificent facade of the Casa del Prado Theater.Flowers brighten a window at the International Cottages.A leisurely stroll through Spanish Village.The amazing tile dome of the California Building, home of the Museum of Man.The Bea Evenson Fountain lit at night.Balboa Park contains endless scenes of amazing beauty.
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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!
Hundreds turn out for the Festival of Yoga in Waterfront Park by the County Administration Building.
I saw on the television news this morning that Pilgrimage of the Heart was hosting a free Festival of Yoga at Waterfront Park.
I happen to know a few of the people who work at Pilgrimage of the Heart. They are all super friendly, always smiling. Sending out good vibes.
Naturally, I had to begin my walk along the Embarcadero today at Waterfront Park, to see the big yoga festival.
Today is the United Nations International Day of Yoga. Look at all the people!
Pilgrimage of the Heart is the place to go if you want to learn or practice yoga in San Diego!Lots of booths were around the central grassy area. Colorful yoga mats were everywhere.An energetic instructor poses on a platform, helping to lead the many yogis.Sujantra is always smiling and super positive.I prefer walking to stuff like yoga, but I confess it does look like fun!Speaking of fun, I took this photo of the Festival of Yoga from the deck of the historic ship Star of India!Arms stretching skyward. Spirits in flight.
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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!
The 45th Annual San Diego Scottish Highland Games gathers the clans and the public together for a weekend of fun at Brengle Terrace Park in Vista.
This morning I headed to the 45th Annual San Diego Scottish Highland Games and Gathering of the Clans. The big Southern California event is held every year in Vista, in San Diego’s North County, at Brengle Terrace Park.
This was my first visit to any sort of Scottish Highland Games, and I wasn’t sure what to expect.
What an absolutely amazing experience!
How can I adequately explain what I saw? When I arrived I quickly reviewed the thick program, put it in my jeans pocket and just wandered about. The many sights and sounds were almost more than my brain could absorb. There was laughter, smiles and good times in every direction. There were exciting athletic games, traditional Scottish music and, of course, tasty food. And lots of history and culture, too!
I’ll let my many photos do the talking. Read the captions to learn more. If you can, head to Brengle Terrace Park tomorrow, because the weekend event continues through Sunday!
The event attracts people from around Southern California. Visitors are immersed in Scotland’s unique and colorful culture.Dozens of Scottish clans participate in the yearly gathering. Their proud history is on display in many tents on the grass.These friendly Celtic beauty queens smiled for a photo at the information tent.Gentlemen in kilts enjoy their Scottish heritage and each other’s company.The Scottish Clan and Tartan Information Center had different tartans on display, many with ancient origins.The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society was present. I forgot to go watch the dancing in the park’s Recreation Center. I’ll remember next time!Sweeney’s was selling some Irish Soda Bread and Scones, freshly baked!These friendly ladies are the Sassenachs of San Diego. They are big Outlander fans and have a cool blog! Check it out at sass3journey.comMusicians performing on the Main Stage include The Ploughboys.Strong athletes compete on the Brengle Terrace Park’s baseball field. The Scottish Heavy Athletics include Weight Toss, Weight Throw, Hammer Throw, Braemar Stone and Caber Toss.Heaving a heavy stone as far as he can!The athletes talk and rest before each takes their turn.Another stone flies! The ancient sport–Braemer Stone Put–was used for challenges of strength by early Highland Chieftains.World Champion and multiple record holder Vern Alexander lets fly! Many champions are participating in the 2018 San Diego Scottish Highland Games.A seal at the Scottish American Athletic Association table. Strive for Perfection. Settle for Excellence.This guy was retrieving a hammer that he’d thrown far across the baseball field.Here comes another attempt at a record!Some of the hammer throws nearly went over the outfield fence!Not far away, someone checks out the tent of Clan MacLellan.The Scottish American Military Society was present for the annual gathering.I saw many maps of historical Scotland, some showing heraldic coats of arms.Many beautiful crafts bore images of Scotland and the Scottish people.Real men wear kilts! Instructions show how you can make your own Scottish style Great Kilt.A Scottish drum major practices on the field, with flags flying in the background.The 42nd Black Watch Color Guard is the official guard for the San Diego Scottish Highland Games.Gentleman at the Scottish Plant Badge Society tents answers the question of a curious visitor.Different native plants are used by the Scottish clans as badges, or emblems.Some rousing entertainment draws an audience to the stage inside the beer garden.Lots of Scottish food could be enjoyed, including authentic meat pies.Two gents stride across the grass to another area of the park, where pipe bands, drummers and bagpipers compete.Different age groups compete in solo piping, drumming, and drum major for trophies.Someone stands in the distance practicing. The distinctive sound of bagpipes could be heard all around the park!The House of Scotland Pipe Band from Balboa Park joined many other groups from around Southern California for the annual competition. (I love it when they perform at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.)Good times everywhere I turn!A small group practices on the green.This larger group has just finished their practice up on the hillside.Elsewhere in Brengle Terrace Park, people were watching Sheep Dog Trials!A shepherd uses a whistle to command a sheep dog to herd four sheep.People sit on the grass and watch the fascinating herding competition. Some dogs were really good; others seemed a bit confused.Four sheep are successfully directed into a pen!Back at the athletics competition, I saw men attempting to toss a 42 pound weight over a pole vault bar, and women doing the Sheaf Toss over a bar with a pitchfork.A female contestant readies to toss the sheaf with a pitchfork.Another lets fly!This tough looking guy is going to try to fling that heavy weight over a bar high above him.I don’t recall if this guy made it!As women compete in the Braemer Stone Put, the Caber Toss competition is beginning!Those big wood poles are called cabers. They’re tossed with the objective of flipping them end-over-end, landing as straight as possible.That looks super heavy. One guy went backwards when he lost his balance.A caber goes flying. I saw one successful flip, but I don’t recall which photo shows it.Guys retrieve the heavy caber after an attempt on the baseball field.There goes another caber!A young generation of Scots keeps history alive at the San Diego Scottish Highland Games.Good memories, conversation and fellowship.Drummer for the Wicked Tinkers gets the crowd enthused as he works his way through the beer garden.A wonderful time is had at the 45th Annual San Diego Scottish Highland Games.
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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!
What a crazy week. I was so busy tracking down Comic-Con trolley wraps, I didn’t have time to sort through photographs I took in Balboa Park last Sunday.
When I finally reviewed the photos this morning, I noticed they all had a wonderful something in common: simple sunshine and happiness.
Balboa Park never grows old.
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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!
Colorful public art is now located at Ruocco Park, right next to Tuna Harbor on San Diego Bay.
During my early evening walk along the Embarcadero today I noticed that four Urban Trees sculptures owned by the Port of San Diego have recently been moved from the front of the Cruise Ship Terminal to Ruocco Park.
I was taking photos of the play of sunlight on boats and buildings, and snapped a few pics of these public sculptures as I walked past them. At the time it didn’t occur to me that I’d devote tonight’s blog post to these images. But I like how they turned out!
Perhaps you recognize these sculptures. I’ve shown them two or three times over the years on Cool San Diego Sights. The Port of San Diego acquired a number of these Urban Trees sculptures for their public art collection, and they are moved about every so often. Urban Trees was a series of public art exhibitions along the Embarcadero years ago, before I began to blog.
Smiley face on a pedicab heads toward four Urban Trees just before sunset. These unique Port of San Diego public sculptures were recently moved from the Cruise Ship Terminal to Ruocco Park.Orange Tree, by artists Guy and Ellen Mayenobe, 2007. Originally exhibited on the Embarcadero during Urban Trees 4.Photo of late sunlight reflecting from section of A Different But Loving Pair, by artist Cecilia Stanford, 2005. Originally exhibited during Urban Trees 2.
For a more complete look at A Different But Loving Pair, click here.
A dog plays with someone near the base of Fish Tree, by artists Zbigniew Pingot and Toby Flores, from the Urban Trees 2 waterfront exhibition years ago.
Like crystals shining in the sun. Looking up at Tap Root and Growth, by artist Christopher Lee, originally exhibited during Urban Trees 3.
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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!
The Rockademy performs on the main stage at 2018 Fiesta del Sol in Solana Beach.
Today I rode the Coaster train from downtown San Diego up to Solana Beach to experience the annual Fiesta del Sol street festival!
I’d never been to Fiesta del Sol, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. What I found was a lot of family fun, live music, a tasty chicken quesadilla, and a perfect bench overlooking the event where I could read and gaze out at the beach and Pacific Ocean!
This cool event continues through the weekend. You’ll find it just off the Pacific Coast Highway, right next to Fletcher Cove Beach Park!
Fiesta del Sol, presented by the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce, takes place beside Fletcher Cove Beach Park. The street festival continues through the weekend.Thousands turn out for a fun community event on a spring day in Solana Beach.Lots of tasty food could be found.Lots of art, too.This guy recycles surfboards.GC Dance Company performs at Fiesta del Sol.Photo of Fletcher Cove Beach Park from Overlook Park. I found a nice bench where I sat and read a book. (After visiting the food trucks to grab a mouthwatering lunch!)I wandered down to Fletcher Cove and looked north along the cliffs. Not many people were on the beach this overcast, slightly chilly day.A stand up paddle surfer was out on the Pacific Ocean waiting for the perfect wave.Walking back up from the beach toward the colorful festival.A cool Solana Beach sign above the tops of tents at Fiesta del Sol.Some people checked out some old school music for sale.Another vendor had all sorts of unique wooden items, including awesome model ships.The Solana Beach Civic Historical Society had a fascinating display of old photos. I learned about their Heritage Museum in La Colonia Park, which I’ll visit someday!Teenage rock band The Elements gets ready to perform at another stage near Pacific Coast Highway.More food!This artist surrounded by cool surf images displays his artwork at various festivals. I remember seeing him at the Ocean Beach Street Fair.These super long skateboards are Blue Murphy’s original Wonderboards! Murphy was a very friendly guy!On my way back to the Solana Beach train station to catch the Coaster, I spied this friendly stiltwalker. She was inviting people to a gallery down the street in the Cedros Avenue Design District.Lots of folks were having a great time today at Fiesta del Sol in Solana Beach!
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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!
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