Red, White and BOOM in Carlsbad 2022and Other Celebrations Summer and the July 4th holiday are here. So of course you can expect celebrations and fireworks in and around Carlsbad, along with private festivities, cookouts, and picnics. And of course beach time! Now that schools are out, the summer crowds have picked up, restaurants are busy, and public parking at the beaches, and in the Village, will be harder to find, especially this holiday weekend. But what a great time of year!  Red, White and BOOM at LegolandThis popular annual celebration with fireworks is at Legoland California in Carlsbad on July 4th. Here’s the Event Guide for more details about what to expect. There is fun for all ages, with rides, live performances, relay races, and a picnic! Why not come dressed for the holid... 07/01/2022

Brush Fire North of Carlsbad Village ~ June 25, 2022 ~ Yesterday afternoon was a bit scary, especially for some residents, with a brush fire at the Buena Vista Lagoon just north of Carlsbad Village. About 1:00 pm we noticed what appeared to be a low marine layer moving in quickly at our house. But it was clearly smoke, and there was ash floating around in the light ocean breeze. I couldn’t find anything immediately online and there were no emergency alerts on my phone. But there was clearly a fire burning somewhere nearby to the west. Turns out there was a 10-acre brush fire at the Buena Vista Lagoon just north of Carlsbad Village and a residential area on the lagoon. Here’s a video from CBS-8 San Diego on YouTube. There were a number of evacuations given the location, along with a numb... 06/26/2022

The 2022 Flicks at the Fountain Are Back July 7 in Carlsbad Village Summer is in full swing in Carlsbad, with some pretty nice weather, and plenty of outdoor activities. This is a friendly reminder the popular Flicks at the Fountain series kicks off on July 7th. This year there are 5 movies, instead of 4, and movies are on Thursdays instead of Fridays. It's nice to not conflict with the ongoing TGIF Concerts in the Parks on Fridays from June 24 through August 19. Some people no doubt want to attend both events. The Flicks at the Fountain run through August 4th, hosted by the Carlsbad Village Association. The movie titles were decided by popular vote. Here’s the movie schedule:Encanto – July 7Goonies – July 14Sing 2 – July 21Top Gun – July 28The Greatest Snowman – August 4 You’ll find th... 06/26/2022

TGIF Concerts in the Parks Series Begins June 24, 2022~ Volunteers Needed ~ Many now know the annual TGIF Concerts in the Parks series is back for 2022. The first concert is TONIGHT, June 24th, at Stagecoach Park. Tonight will feature the Back Pocket Whiskey Fellas and the Bayou Brothers. Volunteers are needed for the concert series for a variety of tasks. These may include greeting attendees, handing out programs, helping with opportunity Drawing Tickets and perhaps more. Volunteers hours are 3:30 to 7:30 but they are happy to have people to help for less time, too! Those interested can sign up at the Carlsbad Friends of the Arts website. The TGIF Concerts in the Parks are a highlight of summer in Carlsbad, and is perhaps the best summer entertainment available in North San Diego Count... 06/24/2022

The Story Behind my AR Summer Profile I imagine we all have different reasons for posting the particular profile photos we use on AR. And perhaps changing them up now and then, say at Halloween or the Christmas holiday. There are professional ones, of  course, and those that might show off our more personal sides. And every now and then you see one that makes you wonder. I started a tradition about 12 years ago, posting this profile photo for summer. I have to admit it does not always happen on the first day of summer, nor does it disappear promptly when fall arrives. And I missed a year or two – hard to believe that could actually happen. I don’t have a good excuse, and it wasn’t a calendar reminder. Some may remember noticing this photo before at least once. Maybe not. I took this sel... 06/22/2022

What’s the Value of My Carlsbad Home? Carlsbad Market Report for May 2022 The Carlsbad real estate market continues to change, with shifts from last month and 1 year ago. The statistics do not include private sales, mobile homes or multi-family housing (the numbers are derived from the MLS and believed to be accurate when reported but are not guaranteed). Media reports speak in general terms, and do not reflect our local Carlsbad housing market conditions. Up-to-date information, and analysis, about the local market conditions benefit you so you can make informed selling and/or buying decisions about Carlsbad homes for sale. READ MORE ABOUT CARLSBADCarlsbad Village by the Sea 119 homes sold in Carlsbad in May (92008, 92009, 92010 and 92011), 6% fewer than in April! Here are the details:... 06/04/2022

Buyers It’s Time to Communicate You achieved that very coveted goal…getting your offer accepted by the sellers. The listing is pending on the MLS and you are on your way, heading to closing. Now it’s get ready, get set, and be prepared to communicate. A lot! Buyers are often surprised at how much communication there is in a real estate transaction. The first several weeks after the contract is agreed on by both parties can be pretty intense. This can vary depending on the closing time frame agreed on, if you are a cash buyer or getting a loan, the general process in your state, and possible problems that may arise. And some agents, and lenders, communicate more than others. What communication method do you prefer? I’ve found people vary in their communication preferences – it may be ema... 05/30/2022

Band UpdatesCarlsbad TGIF Concerts in the Parks 2022 Many no doubt now know, and are pleased, the annual TGIF Concerts in the Parks series is back for 2022. The concerts were canceled in 2020 and were virtual last year. These free TGIF Concerts in the Parks are a highlight of our Carlsbad summers, and have been for several decades. In fact this concert series could be the best summer entertainment available in North San Diego County!  The bands were just announced for 2022, with some crowd favorites returning: Stagecoach Community ParkJune 24 – Back Pocket Whiskey Fellas & the Bayou BrothersJuly 1 – The Corvelles Poinsettia Community ParkJuly 8 – The Mighty UntouchablesJuly 15 – Phat Cat Swinger Calavera Hills Community ParkJuly 22 – High Tide SocietyJuly 29 – The Ryan Hiller Band Alga ... 05/27/2022

Carlsbad Village Flicks at the Fountain for 2022 Summer is not far off, which means a number of popular events in Carlsbad are headed our way. One favorite is the annual Flicks at the Fountain series hosted by the Carlsbad Village Association.  This year the Flicks at the Fountain will be on 5 consecutive Thursday nights, not Fridays as in the past. The series starts July 7th and ends on August 4th. Movies were decided by popular vote, but the formal schedule has not been announced. Movies are all rated PG.EncantoGooniesSing 2The Princess BrideThe Greatest Showman The Flicks at the Fountain are held on a big screen in the parking lot by the Fountain. If you are unfamiliar with the area, the parking lot is at the corner of State Street and Grand Avenue. Seating begins at 6 pm and movies ... 05/26/2022

Taking the Kids Out for a Bite to Eat We have a fair amount of wildlife, including birds, where we live, many of whom hang out in the canyon south of our house. The quail are always fun to watch although there are periods of time when we don't see or hear them. I saw a pair the other day with all the kids for the first time (about a dozen), and spied them again today out for a bite to eat. That's a lot of little ones to keep track of, but they were pretty good about staying near Mom and Dad. They were pretty far away so it was tough getting a decent photo, but you get the idea.  05/20/2022

Makers Market is June 4, 2022Carlsbad Village The 3rd of 4 Makers Markets for 2022 takes place Saturday June 4 from 9 am until 4 pm., once again hosted by the Carlsbad Village Association. This is the 6th year for the Carlsbad Village Makers Markets with multiple events each year. As in the past, the Carlsbad Village Makers Market will be held on the campus of St. Michael’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church. St. Michael’s Church is at 2775 Carlsbad Boulevard just south of McGee Park. Attendance is free, and 50 or so artisans will showcase their creations. Don’t forget those credit cards and/or plenty of cash for shopping!   The Makers Market Crafter’s Showcase is a wonderful shopping opportunity, with self-designed and handcrafted items from local and regional artisans. With Father’s Day comi... 05/19/2022

Colorful Pots at Armstrong Garden Center Armstrong Garden Center is a popular nursery and landscape vendor in Carlsbad near the Carlsbad Premium Outlets Mall. It's also conveniently located by the Carlsbad Flower Fields off Palomar AIrport Road and the 5. We've spent plenty of money there and at the store in Encinitas over the years. We stopped by today for some flowers for the pots on our patio and the place was quite busy. In addition to shoppers, the Flower Fields were open for their final day and plenty of people were likely biding their time while they waited to enter the Fields. I thought these blue pots (my favorite color) were quite striking and would certainly brighten up anyone's yard, garden or patio, with flowers or without.Or perhaps these?   05/15/2022

 2022 Carlsbad 5000 is May 21 and 22 There are several premier athletic events held during the year in Carlsbad. The Carlsbad 5000, on May 22 and presented by National University, is reported to be the world’s fastest 5K race. Several world and US records have been set, and broken, over the years, and runners will likely attempt this again! [photo is of runners from a different event in Carlsbad] There’s still some time to register online for the 5K and the Junior Carlsbad. The All Day 20K, consisting of four 5-K races, has sold out! There are multiple races on Sunday the 22nd. Junior Carlsbad race for kids ages 4 to 12; either a ½ mile (ages 4 to 6) or 1 mile (ages 7 to 12).The big race, the Carlsbad 5000 (5K).The All Day 20K (four 5-K races) with 4 categories of runners.The Elite Invi... 05/11/2022

Quail on the Lookout We have lots of birds at our house which backs up to a canyon - some are around all year (finches, hummingbirds, scrub jays, mockingbirds, thrashers, hawks, warblers, woodpeckers, mourning doves, towhees, vireos), while others are migratory (orioles, grosbeaks and others).  We particularly enjoy seeing the quail...sometimes as many as 10, and on rare occasions with little ones. They make a variety of different sounds which the grandkids enjoy mimicking.  Sometimes they make it up to our yard, but they are pretty skittish and the slightest noise sends them flying back to the safety of the bushes in the canyon. This one was out the other day apparently keeping on the lookout for danger, and enjoying our beautiful spring weather. 05/08/2022

What’s the Value of My Carlsbad Home? Carlsbad Market Report for April 2022 The Carlsbad real estate market continues to change, with shifts from last month and 1 year ago. These statistics do not include private sales, mobile homes or multi-family housing (the numbers are taken from the MLS and are believed to be accurate at the time they are reported but are not guaranteed). Media reports speak in general terms, and do not reflect local Carlsbad housing market conditions. Current data, and analysis, about the local market conditions will benefit you so you can make educated buying and/or selling decisions about Carlsbad homes for sale. READ MORE ABOUT CARLSBADCarlsbad Village by the SeaWhy I Like Living in Carlsbad 127 homes sold in Carlsbad in April (92008, 92009, 92010 and 92011), 2... 05/04/2022

Jacarandas are Blooming in Carlsbad One of the prettiest blossoming trees (my opinion) is now blooming in Carlsbad, adding a bright violet amidst the greenery. Jacarandas are a semi-tropical tree from south-central South America that typically bloom in late April into May.  While pretty as a stand-alone, I like the clusters of trees we see...the Plaza Real Shopping Center in South Carlsbad (corner of El Camino Real and Aviara Parkway) has a particularly nice collection. They are pretty to look at, but falling blossoms can be kinda messy on the ground - don't park your car underneath if you can help it.  I thought these views with the Flag were interesting.  05/03/2022

April 2022 Carlsbad Art Wall The 2nd mural of 2022 for the Carlsbad art wall, now in its 8th year, is up and it’s a beauty. Plus it’s interactive…more on that in a moment.  The most recent Carlsbad Art Wall was completed recently by children’s writer/illustrator/artist Janell Cannon. Ms. Cannon may be best known for her award-winning children’s book, “Stellaluna (1993).” The book is about a young fruit bat who is separated from her Mother and finds her way to a nest of birds. They adopt her and she learns some bird behavior, yet retains some of her bat tendencies. It’s a very clever book and beautifully illustrated. Cannon’s mural is called Hang with the Bats, for obvious reasons.  Now for the interactive part! Viewers are invited to have their photo taken while standing in front of the... 05/02/2022

4-Bedroom Homes for Sale in CarlsbadMarket Update 4/29/2022  Some Carlsbad home buyers desire, or need, more space than a 3-bedroom single family detached home can provide. This could be for a variety of reasons - a growing household, multi-generational living, need for an at-home office, or extra room for regular guests. A 4-bedroom (or more) home can provide that much needed space.  Here’s the most recent market report for Carlsbad at What’s My Carlsbad Home Worth - Carlsbad Home Sales for March 2022 for a summary of the market conditions including recent sales, inventory, and average/median sales prices. As of this report, there are 20 days of inventory of 4-bedroom single family detached homes, based on the rate of sales for the last 3 months, a very strong sellers’ market. 4-bedroo... 04/29/2022

Carlsbad Alley Art Wall in Carlsbad Village Carlsbad’s public art scene has a new, and special, addition in our community. The Carlsbad Alley Art Wall, conceived and curated by well-known Carlsbad artist Bryan Snyder, was recently dedicated in the Village.  You’ll find the Carlsbad Alley Art Wall at 550 Grand Avenue, on the Tyler street alley wall adjacent to the former Café Ground Up. The Café has closed and a new restaurant, the Village Kabob Mediterranean Grill, will be taking over the space.  This public art wall consists of 17 murals by different artists, the latest completed in January 2022. There is also a large Recreation Mural Space where aspiring muralists…mainly kids…can practice their painting. It’s ever-changing space, so stop by to see what’s been created, or to watch kids... 04/26/2022

Carlsbad Art in the Village 2022  Carlsbad art lovers will be pleased the 24th Annual Art in the Village Fair is back for 2022. The fair was canceled in 2020 and was virtual last year. This annual and popular fine art event showcases local and regional artists, and takes place Sunday June 26th.  The fair runs from 9 am until 5 pm and is free. Art in the Village takes place along State Street and Grand Avenue covering about 4 blocks. [photo is from a prior art fair].  Art in the Village is sponsored by the Carlsbad Village Association, and you’ll find both new and returning artists. Artists are jury-selected so you can expect high quality, and all artwork is handcrafted and unique. Carlsbad is well known for its 1-day art fairs. Whether you are an art lover and collector, or not, strolli... 04/23/2022