San Diego

So, about a month ago, Matt and I went to San Diego for my birthday trip :)  I know, I know.... sooooo late on the post. But, we've been busy - I've been getting used to my new work schedule and still trying to manage school (I've just recently been able to have a day off without feeling like a walking zombie all day!), we moved to Santa Monica (that'll be another post), been dealing with all the tasks that come along with moving and just basic life busyness.  Anyways, here's the post about our San Diego trip ;)

Saturday

On the way in to town, we stopped by a local brewery (of course, you know us ;)). On this trip, we learned that San Diego is quite the brewery town; they are everywhere. We went to Modern Times Beer (the Point Loma location), which was recommended by one of Matt's colleagues, and it was pretty cool. I have to say, I wasn't a huge fan of the beer, but the brewery had a certain cool factor with its comic book wall and MJ wall. It was a fun place to sit, sip and hang out.

Fun beer flight

Comic book wall

Brewing vats and paraphernalia

MJ wall and bar area

After the brewery, we headed into the Gaslamp Quarter, which is the 'cool' place to be (or so we are told) and where our hotel was located, The U.S. Grant Hotel. This hotel was awesome!!! (Good job, Matt Pharr, on booking!) It was so luxurious and grand. Plus, it was very walk-able to everything we wanted to see and do.

Small ocean view from the room

View of downtown and Gaslamp Quarter from our room

That night we did some exploring of the Gaslamp Quarter and Balboa Park. It was a little wet and humid, so not the most comfortable walking experience, but it was good to get the lay of the land.

Fun Things Discovered in the Gaslamp District

Yummy gluten-free cupcake

Awesome Road House reference

Balboa Park

City view from the park

Ocean view form the park

Back at our hotel, we had my birthday dinner at the Grant Grill, which was pretty amazing.

Some really yummy looking bread that I couldn't have, but Matt said was super good and soft (jealous!)

Beet salad - I always get beet salad when it's available - yummy!

Matt's duck - it was very tasty

My lamb - AHmazing!

Sunday

The next morning, we had brunch at a lovely little spot in the Gaslamp Quarter, the Florent. I had an awesome duck confit hash. SOOO good :) Even Matt's healthy breakfast was delicious :)

Yummy duck confit hash :)

Matt's very healthy and super good breakfast

After brunch, we explored the Gaslamp Quarter some more, which has lots of cute shops, restaurants, bars, galleries, etc. In fact, we had time to stop off for a beer at a very cool place, The Blind Burro, before heading off to the Padres game. I had a super awesome local brew at The Blind Burro - The Belching Beaver Peanut Butter Milk Stout. I am totally going to that brewery next time we are in San Diego!

Padres Game
So, besides my birthday, one of the main reasons to make this trip was to add another baseball park to our list! The Padres stadium, Petco Park, was very nice. I like when a stadium is right in the middle of the downtown area; it gives it a certain atmosphere that you don't get with stadiums that are on the outskirts of town. It was a lovely day, and on Sunday home games, the Padres salute the armed forces with an opening ceremony and wear special uniforms. That was cool to see and made me feel very proud that America's favorite past time is supporting our armed forces. Plus, the game was a really good one with the Padres winning in the 10th inning!

Such a fun experience! I am looking forward to our next trip to San Diego :)