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Carlsbad is Everything but Bad

If you're looking to cleanse your soul, there's no better place to seek such a recluse than Carlsbad, California. Carlsbad was founded based upon the virtue of purity, for in 1882 a former sea captain, one John Frazier, struck mineral water while digging a well for his farm. Science proved this mineral water closely resembled the healing waters of a well-known spa in Karlsbad, Bohemia, hence the birth of Carlsbad, California. Carlsbad (often deemed the most ideal climate to live in) and the neighboring towns in the San Diego area sport an average summer temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and an average winter temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Vacationing is about satisfying an appeal to the senses. Vacationing also tends to center around the idea of relaxation. That's precisely why a visit to The Flower Fields in Carlsbad, CA isn't merely suggested…it's damn near necessary. The Flower Fields are one of the few places in the world where visitors are invited to meander through walkways illuminated by millions of brilliant hues of Ranunculus blossoms. These fields are responsible for producing ninety percent of the world's flowering poinsettia plants. It's located on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and it couples magnificent scenery with inevitable fantastic fragrances. Visitors may also purchase these flowering beauties at a fraction of retail price. The New England and Mediterranean style architecture that encompasses the beachfront add to the romanticism Carlsbad has to offer.

Carlsbad is most certainly a place where romance is fancied; however, it encourages fun for the family as well. It houses one of the most unique attractions for children aged 2-12. This attraction, the only one of its kind in the United States, is called Legoland. There are forty plus major rides and activities (most of which are kid-powered) that are decorated by bright Lego colors and toys. The park's aim is to provide fun and educational experiences for families with young children. The Carlsbad Children's Museum also caters to young minds. Here, children can get a taste of history, science, and the arts through exhibits that include (but aren't limited to) a marketplace, a solar-powered train, and a fishing boat. Carlsbad is also the home of K1 Speedway, the largest Go Kart racing facility on the west coast.

After experiencing one of the many attractions Carlsbad has to offer, a little rest may be in order. The La Costa Resort & Spa is the epitome of relaxation. Within its confines one can experience the healing traditions of the renowned Holistic guru Deepak Chopra at his facility, Chopra Center for Well Being. The La Costa Resort recently underwent a successful multi-million dollar renovation. Renovations include comfortable guest rooms, a new lobby, and the addition of an expansive Athletic Club. Two PGA Championship 18-hole golf courses span across the resort's grounds. These courses play host to the World Golf Championships. The La Costa Resort also houses a magnificent tennis facility. This facility offers clay and hard court playing surfaces, and hosts both the Acura Classic Tennis Tournament, as well as the Accenture Match Play event. An enjoyable restaurant, called Legends, is also on site. It offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Splash Pool Bar and Café straddles one of four swimming pools in the resort.

A couple of other ideal resorts in Carlsbad include The Tamarack Beach Resort and The Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort. Both resorts are within tens of feet of the beach, and only a few blocks from dainty little shops, boutiques, restaurants, and side-walk cafes. Both resorts also offer rooms with private balconies that afford visitors an unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean.

Carlsbad isn't merely a daytime fantasy. It's just as full of life in the evening hours too. Niemans Restaurant and Night Club offers a wide array of exquisite seafood in a 112 year-old Victorian Mansion. Once dinner is over this restaurant transforms into a musical masterpiece. The fabulous sound system bumps beats of reggae, salsa, swing, jazz, rock, and hip-hop. Visitors are encouraged to move their feet accordingly on the humongous dance floor. If such an evening is too energetic for your liking, you can relax at the restaurant Le Passage. This restaurant offers a French cuisine and its atmosphere invokes a romantic Parisian feeling. It's a rustic building that has stone floors. Background music of Edith Piaf and an accordion flirt about your ears while dining at your table for two. This place is truly faux.

If you're one of those people that aren't ready to grow up just yet, you can recapture your teenage years by visiting Coyote Bar and Grill. Here, people can enjoy great food, while being coddled by an open fire-pit and live rock music.

In early November, Carlsbad erects its fall fair. It presents visitors with over 800 booths of international foods and novelties, live entertainment, and various activities.

Carlsbad, California caters to all the senses of the prospective vacationer. Relaxation is a bound, as is an energetic atmosphere. A vacation here offers insight to every walk of life, indulging visitors with ample amounts of shopping, sporting, dining, and of course…beach bumming.

Written by Ronnie Bickel.