Glorietta Bay Inn

You've seen quite a few photos of the Hotel Del Coronado on my blog, but the Glorietta Bay Inn is another historic treasure in Coronado that is a pleasure to visit.   

Originally the John D. Spreckels mansion, it was built in 1908, designed with the simple, classic lines of Italian Renaissance.  Spreckels, having survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, insisted this home be built with reinforced steel and concrete.

In 1975 the mansion was purchased by its fourth and current owners, who opened the Glorietta Bay Inn as an independent hotel, in order to retain its unique, timeless charm.

The Mansion was designated a Historic Coronado Landmark in 1977.

Sunset Over Point Loma

Today was sunny and chilly in Coronado, but here you can see the remains of yesterdays heavy rains on Coronado Beach.

I shot this photo just after sunset tonight, when the last glimpse of fiery color could be seen over Point Loma in the distance.

Rainy Day At Low Tide

Woke up to the sound of rain this morning, and decided to stroll around looking for photo opportunities. 

The tide was quite low when I walked around the bay at Centennial Park, so I hopped down on the sand to see the bay from a different perspective.

In the second photo you can see rainwater run-off flowing into the bay, something we don't see too often.

In the last shot it looks like I could walk across the bay, the tide was so low!  It's interesting to see parts of the island from a new angle, but by the last photo I was soaked and ready to go back inside.

Just A Nasturtium

I found this little Nasturtium growing wild along the bayside, and decided its quiet tenacity deserved a post!

Sunset On The Bay

This is the San Diego Bay, about twenty minutes ago.  Don't you just love the sunset colors this time of year?

Today is my father-in-laws birthday, so Happy Birthday Bill!!

Day After Christmas

The day after Christmas is cloudy here in Coronado, but no worries; it's still a lovely place to be this holiday weekend!

I hope you got everything on your Christmas wish list.  I find that with each passing year, I hanker less for material gifts, and more for "experiences"... relaxing by the fire with my family and dogs, or tromping through the snow together in some far-flung location are at the top of my list!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

The presents are wrapped, and a plate of cookies waits by our island Christmas tree.

I hope you have a joyous Christmas with the ones you love!

Rainbow After The Rain

As the rain diminished this afternoon, a rainbow popped out of the clouds over San Diego.  Children could be heard laughing and calling out to each other to come out and see the rainbow.

It's true; every cloud does have a silver lining.

Rain, Rain And More Rain

It is pouring rain outside, and that can make Southern Californians nervous.

Due to our sunny, dry climate, most drivers here have no idea how to adapt to wet roads.  I just drove home on the I-5, and it was ugly out there.  Having lived nearly half my life in the cold, snowy North, my advice is slow down!

Moo Time Creamery

Moo Time Creamery is a Coronado institution.  They handcraft all their own ice creams from scratch, and the result is out of this world good.

We usually go to the location on Orange Avenue, but I took these pictures at the Hotel Del Coronado location Saturday night.

Ice Skating At The Hotel Del Coronado

This was the happy scene last night at the Hotel Del Coronado's temporary ice skating rink.  Skating by the Pacific Ocean beneath swaying palm trees is just one more sublime pleasure of living in Coronado. 

A line of patient skaters waited to enter the rink, while the rest of us sipped hot cocoa or a glass of wine, enjoying the magical holiday scene.  And yes, there were a few people wearing shorts, although I wore a sweater and jeans in the evening chill.

Oenology

Oenology is the science of wine, as well as the name of the wine bar at the Hotel Del Coronado.

My husband and I stopped in for an after dinner treat this evening, and ordered a flight of three chocolates with dessert wine.

It was a sweet start to the evening before joining a small crowd watching ice skaters on the Del's temporary ice skating rink, and strolling down the boardwalk by the ocean in the moonlight.

I'll post more photos tomorrow. 

Happy Holidays!

Morning Golf

This threesome is enjoying a mellow Friday morning on the golf course.

Christmas At Loews Coronado Bay

This is the first thing you see when you walk into the Loews Coronado Bay Resort.  I'll let you imagine the rest; but trust me it's a pleasure to visit!

I met friends here for breakfast this morning, and had to snap a couple of pics to share with you.  Only nine days until Christmas!  Oh my, so much to do... 

Christmas By The Bay

We may have sand instead of snow at Christmastime in Coronado, but it's beautiful anyway!

This was shot at First and Orange Avenue, with a peek at Centennial Park, the San Diego Bay, and San Diego Skyline in the distance.  The large white building across the bay is the San Diego Convention Center.

Moonlight On The Bay

I shot this last month when the moon was full, softly illuminating the San Diego Bay.  A stroll down the bike path near the Coronado Ferry Landing is romantic and inspiring any time of the day.

Coronado Lifeguard Station

The Coronado Lifeguard Station is manned year round, which is fortunate for our winter visitors.

The beach was almost warm when I shot this around 10:30 this morning, but the water is cold.  Still, not bad for December weather!

Sign Of Christmas

One of my favorite perks of the holiday season in Coronado is no parking meter fees.  That's right, you park free while doing your Christmas shopping, or sipping your egg nog latte!

The Attic Girls thoughtfully reminded me that there is a two hour parking limit, so remember to move your car every couple hours!

Island Bikes

Doesn't this bamboo bike look like a prop from Gilligan's Island?  Perfect for our neck of the woods!  I would be thrilled to find any of these bicycles under the Christmas tree.

Mike, I hope you're reading this!

Christmas Treats

Tis the season for yummy baked treats, and Clayton's to-go window has got the goods.  This take out window opened last summer and quickly became popular with tourists and locals.

Bay View Park

Bay View Park on First Street is a hidden jewel, with its cozy seats and panoramic view of downtown San Diego.

I decided to focus on the trees today and let the San Diego skyline be a backdrop for a change.

Morning Mist

The island was misty this morning when I woke up, so after school drop off, I headed over to the beach for some photos.  Apart from a couple of joggers, I had the ruffly edge of the Pacific Ocean all to myself.  Very peaceful.

I was reminded that walking on the beach is better exercise than walking on solid ground... maneuvering on sand uses a broad range of muscles.  Should really do this more often!

Coronado City Hall

Coronado's City Hall was rebuilt a few years ago,  and has an easy-going architectural style.  Located South of the Hotel Del Coronado, the back of City Hall looks out on Glorietta Bay.

Tent City Postcards

Tent City was a popular tourist destination in the early 1900's.  Located South of the Hotel Del Coronado, visitors could rent tents by the beach, and enjoy a carefree vacation near the ocean.

The last of the tents were torn down around 1940.  The Shores condominium complex is now located on the site.

This tile representation of Tent City postcards sits next to Coronado City Hall.

Christmas Parade

You know it's Christmas in Southern California when you see Mary and Joseph cruising by on Segways!

I spotted this pair tonight at the Christmas parade in Coronado tonight.

The Gondola

Have you ever taken a gondola ride?  We're fortunate to have The Gondola Company here in Coronado, offering gondola rides around the Coronado Cays with Italian singing, warm cozy blankets, and treats to nibble on. 

My husband and I get a sitter and go every December, when the homes and boats at the Cays are decorated with Christmas lights.  Very romantic!

My Back Yard

The old lemon tree



Magnolia tree

  

Hibiscus



Okay, I'm lazy today... these photographs came from my backyard.

When we woke up this morning it was extremely cold (for Southern California), and fleece was the fashion of the day, however this afternoon it's bright and sunny, just as you expect off the coast of San Diego.

I took these pictures to remind myself that although its cold (yes, we had to wear long pants and shoes!), Coronado living is pretty good.

Let's Go Shopping

If you've ever visited Coronado, you know part of its charm is its selection of gorgeous locally-owned shops, most of which are walking distance from the beach.

The newest in town is Cotier, a home decor store with a seductive mix of coastal style and french country sensibility.  Here's a little peek inside.  Isn't is lovely?

Thanks Pat, for letting me shoot these photos for my blog!

The Ghost Of Kate Morgan

Do you believe in ghosts?  

On November 29th, 1892, the body of Kate Morgan was found at the Hotel Del Coronado on an exterior staircase.  The San Diego coroner ruled the beautiful young woman's death a suicide, but rumor and speculation persist to this day.

For the past 118 years, the ghost of Kate Morgan has been said to haunt the hotel, occasionally surprising guests and employees with harmless mischief.  Books have been published on the subject.

I don't think I believe in ghosts, but the mystery surrounding this unfortunate young woman's death and the public fascination it still holds is intriguing.

Sunrise Over San Diego

I shot this sunrise photograph earlier this month - the palm trees, bay, Coronado bridge and hills of San Diego remind me why I feel so blessed to live here.

Photo was taken at the SDG&E park on First Street in Coronado.