Now that fall is officially here, there’s a certain excitement in the air. The weather is crisp and cool, football season is in high gear and our favorite holiday, Halloween, is just around the corner. What more could we ask for?
This month, there are all sorts of fun things happening from a hilarious comedy show at the House of Blues to an exciting Halloween themed Road Rally. Trust us, you won’t be bored.
In the East Village, there’s a unique place called Venissimo Cheese near 8th and G Street. We recently discovered this place while we were on our way to do one of our Downtown walking tours. What a hidden gem! This cool cheese shop claims it has the perfect cure for the Monday blahs. It’s called “Bubbly Costume Party” and it kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, October 29.
“We’re very excited about this party,” said Rob Graff, Venissimo’s event specialist. “Guests will learn all about the history of champagne, sparkling wine and cheese. It’ll be a very visual presentation and guests will sample our favorite pairings in a fun, relaxed environment.” Not only that – guests are encouraged to dress up in costume. As a matter of fact, the best costume will win a prize. Tickets are $50.00 and they’re limiting the class size so don’t procrastinate. Venissimo also has a shop in Mission Hills on West Washington Street. For more information on all their events, visit venissimo.com
Speaking of cool events, party-goers will want to head over to Balboa Park after the sun goes down. “The Park After Dark,” series of events happens all month long. “Science on the Rocks: The Sweet Science of Chocolate” is something that we find especially intriguing. With a title like that, how can we resist? The event will be held Thursday, October 18 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. We hear guests will sample an array of sweet desserts and specialty cocktails. And if that’s not enough, scientists will be on hand using quick-cooling liquid nitrogen to make chocolate ice cream. Now, you’re talking.
For those of us who enjoy being outdoors, here’s an event that’s a must see. The Oktoberfest Walkabout is just up the hill in South Park and it’s a great event whether you’re with family, friends or just want to explore on your own. It’s a wonderful way to see all the shops and colorful cafes from Kalmia to Beech Streets. When we first attended this event a couple of years ago, we were amazed at how much is happening in this unique neighborhood. This year’s Oktoberfest will be held Saturday, October 6 from 6 to 10 p.m.
You know the saying “laughter is the best medicine?” Well, whoever coined that expression, knew exactly what they were talking about. Humor is a good thing. Just ask comedian Mark Lawrence who will emcee a special comedy night at the House of Blues on Wednesday, October 10 at 7 p.m. Other comedians are Mike Mitchell, Tony Colobrese and the headliner, Kevin Johnson, who does a quirky, unique ventriloquist act.
And finally, save the date. On Sunday, October 28 from 2:30 to 6 p.m., Where You Want To Be Tours will debut its Halloween-themed Road Rally. Teams will kick off the county-wide Scavenger Haunt in the Gaslamp Quarter, winding their way through the beach areas, up to North County and back to Downtown. Teams who dress up in costume will earn extra points. Gift certificate prizes to local restaurants, movie theatres, spas and other surprises will be awarded to the winning team. For more information, visit wheretours.com
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Take a water taxi or Ferry Boat over to island time -Attend the Taste of Coronado on October 17 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and take a creative picture with a plate of food and one of the restaurant’s bartenders. Send the names and the picture by October 25th for a chance to win tickets for up to five people, to the October 28 Halloween Road Rally (mentioned above). For more information on Taste of Coronado, log onto atasteofcoronado.com/
Marc & Darlynne Menkin are the co-owners of “Where You Want To Be Tours.” Many of their tours and team-building scavenger hunts feature secret Downtown areas. They can be reached at [email protected]. For more info about their walking, bicycle and bus tours of San Diego visit www.wheretours.com