I recently visited a shop that I have been to dozens of times and, once  again, found the  incomparable dripless, beeswax candles so desirable for elegant dining  service.  Located on Via de la Valle is the Knorr Candle Shop, which has been operated by successive generations since 1950 and carries a dizzying array of traditional style and every other design of candle.  According to their website,  “160,000 bees must travel 150,000 miles collecting nectar to produce 60  pounds of honey that yields only 1 pound of beeswax.”    Yikes, that redefines “busy as a bee.”  Lucky for us that we have to travel just a very short distance to purchase the highest quality beeswax candles available today.

http://www.knorrbeeswax.com/

One of the most charming and unique shopping experiences in Rancho Santa Fe is visiting The Country Friends Consignment Shop.  This shop, located in the heart of the Covenant Village is stocked with merchandise received either from estates or individuals, either donated or consigned. Within its beautifully displayed rooms are furniture, silverware, crystal, china, antiques (and nonantiques) and all manner of other items of interest.  All staff are volunteers, and The Country Friends’ proceeds are given to human care agencies throughout San Diego County.  In addition to the Consignment Shop, The Country Friends hold 2 annual events that are great fun and are worth a look: The Appearance of Autumn Fashion Show and the Del Mar Day at The Races. Plan to have some fun–visit the Consignment Shop  and come home with a treasure or two  (or more), check out the date for the Fashion Show, or make that date to go to Del Mar  for a good cause!

www.thecountryfriends.org/

6/17/10 The special Summer Salon Series edition of Culture & Cocktails includes Brian Dick and his Museum Mascot Project, a preview performance by choral group Sacra/Profana, and Art Tap Out – a live art critique in which critics and artists get in a ring together for a heavy debate – presented by Kevin Freitas, Richard Gleaves and Art as Authority.

Whether it is your destination after a day at the Del Mar Fair, or your well-deserved reward after work, there is magic in relaxing on the terrace at the Del Mar Plaza.  Take in the breathtaking views of a Pacific Ocean sunset, book dinner at Il Fornaio, or enjoy delectable appetizers and wine at Enoteca Wine Bar. A great place to take out-of-town guests!

Just outside of Rancho, heading west, and oh, so convenient to visit after a day at the Del Mar Fair, is The Samurai Restaurant.  Sit at the Sushi Bar or enjoy a true Teppanyaki Experience!

Rancho Heads to Del Mar for Music Nights!  Take advantage of fabulous  beaches in summer and listen to live local music.  Enjoy  the summer concert series at  Powerhouse Park in Del Mar!

Always fun and the entire family can participate…see the running of the grunion on the beach. What are grunion? They are small silvery fish about 5 inches long that come on to the shore to lay eggs and then return to the sea, but the sight of all the fish on shore, generally at night, is quite a spectacle! Check website for schedule. Persons over the age of 16 are required to have a Fishing license to catch them.

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/grunionschedule.asp

This year experience “Red Baron Bash/Biplane Fly-in” on opening day, June 12 from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm to kick off the first day of polo season, a tradition for more than 20 years at the polo fields.  Feel the excitement of the “sport of Kings” in the warm San Diego sun, on the gorgeous polo fields, minutes from the Del Mar beach and just outside  of Rancho Santa Fe.  Or, for the more adventurous, try it for yourself.  The first lesson is FREE!   http://sandiegopolo.com/

It’s that time of year again!  Enjoy  the famous Del Mar Fair with  free concerts, rides, games and exhibits the whole family can enjoy!  This year, it runs from June 11 thru July 5, closed Mondays.  Be sure to visit the flower exhibits, my personal favorite.  Local growers and nurseries put together spectacular displays where you can get a great landscaping idea for your living space!

http://www.sdfair.com

Pizza Port! A Short Trip from Rancho Santa Fe

Pizza Port!  If you have never hung out with the local crowd at this Solana Beach favorite, you are missing out.  Casual style benches let you mingle with surfers and locals while eating some of the best pizza in town and sharing a cold pitcher of great locals beer.  Much of their selection is brewed right on premises and some are named after local beaches or hot spots.

http://www.pizzaport.com/