Driving Down Orange Avenue

Today's photos were taken as I drove down Orange Avenue this morning.  I thought these {very} casual photos of Coronado's main drag would give you a feel for our seaside village.

Coronado Village Theater

Village Theater is scheduled to reopen in April, after renovations are complete.  It will be a treat to see a movie only walking distance from our home!

Coronado Boathouse & The Bridge

This is the lovely view you see on Avenida Del Sol, near Orange Avenue.  The historic building with a red shingled roof is the Coronado Boathouse, and you can see the Coronado Bay Bridge rising in the distance.

I get many of my beach photos at the end of Avenida Del Sol, behind the Hotel Del Coronado.  It's a favorite hang out for surfers and beach walkers.  I recommend riding a bike or going there on foot, as the parking is very limited.

It is so nice to be back home in sunny Coronado!

Coronado Flower Lady

The Coronado Flower Lady is a local gem, brightening Rotary Plaza at the corner of Orange and Park Avenue daily.

I peddled by for a photo this morning as the stand was being set up - there are many more flowers on display when they are open for business.

This is a great spot to rest your feet and take in life in Coronado as it passes by.

Meet Cotton The Dog

I'd like to introduce you to a dog named Cotton.  Actually I just met him an hour ago myself on Orange Avenue, but his kind owner Bill allowed me to shoot Cotton's photo to share with you.

Cotton is a mature 13 years old, but he's still spry and game for his walks.  I forgot to ask, but I'm pretty sure he's a Bichon Frise.

It's almost time for the Super Bowl, and the sound of chips and salsa crunching can be heard through my house.  I'll watch sporadically, but the Super Bowl commercials are my favorite part. 

May your team win!

Sunrise on Orange Avenue

At 8:00 this morning it was pretty quiet on Orange Avenue, Coronado's main street.

The Coronado Museum and Tent City

The Coronado Museum of History and Art shares a lovely old triangular building with Tent City Restaurant, on the corner of Orange Avenue and Park Place. 

This is a convenient pairing since you can tour the Museum, shop at their adorable store, then stroll a few feet into the restaurant, which is where my family and I had lunch today.

Bliss.

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!

Lunch At Burger Lounge

The salads at Burger Lounge on Orange Avenue are both tasty and healthy.  You can't go wrong.

I like to sit outside and people watch.

Orange Avenue In The Rain

Orange Avenue in the rain... it's pretty quiet this weekend.

Blustery Day In Coronado

It will be a rainy weekend here in Coronado, and I for one am enjoying the change!  Rarely do we encounter wet, windy days with autumn leaves blowing on the ground.  It gives me something new to photograph for you. 

This photo was taken in front of the Coronado Historical Association, on the 1000 block of Orange Avenue.

Patty Schmidt's Memorial Garden

Have you ever noticed the gorgeous little gardens that are planted in the Orange Avenue median?

I've walked past one of these little gems on Orange and Second for years before discovering the story behind it.  This garden was sponsored by Dr. John Schmidt in 2003, and dedicated to his wife, Patty Schmidt in honor of their 40th wedding anniversary, and in recognition of her sixteen years service as a member of the Coronado City Counsel.

These gardens are traditionally memorial gardens dedicated to people who have passed away, but John tells me "Patty didn't want to wait that long", so John made arrangements with Main Street Limited to sponsor the design and planting of the garden in Patty's favorite colors; red, white and blue.  She loved it.

 

Patty passed away unexpectedly on August 21st, 2010, leaving a large gap in our community that will be hard to fill.  She kept an eye on this island, and wasn't afraid to speak up when necessary.  And it was necessary fairly often.  She was the mother of four grown children, grandmother to seven.  She was also my neighbor, and she will be missed.

One Cool Chicken

I discovered Chicken Man advertising snow cones one warm afternoon this week near Orange Avenue.  The sales strategy of a hot chicken selling cold refreshment made me smile.