Grand Pacific Palisades Resort & Hotel. Banner image above: The Flower Fields

Carlsbad Charm

At Ranch & Coast we strive each issue to bring you the latest and greatest finds about San Diego. There are so many towns with long-running histories and also newly-emerging communities that we’ve introduced a new series in 2008. Each month we spotlight a different neighborhood and explore just what makes it a part of America’s Finest City.

Contemporary Carlsbad dates back to the 1880s, when a sea captain settler named John Frazier dug a well for fresh water. He sold his natural refreshments to thirsty train travelers at the nearest whistle stop. A second well turned up mineral water similar to that at the famous Karlsbad healing spa in the Czech Republic, which gives the city its name. Today, Carlsbad is one of the most expensive zip codes in the country. The historic village where Frazier once struck water retains its Old World charm with windmills and gabled shops. It’s a popular tourist destination, but even the most seasoned locals can enjoy its offerings.

The Flower Fields
It’s hard to describe what 50 acres of blooming Tecolote Ranunculi look like in person. Breathtaking comes close. For ten weeks every spring — this year from March 1 to May 11 — 150,000 visitors flock to see the rainbow of blooms that blanket the ocean-view hillside in Carlsbad. It’s one of San Diego’s most beloved attractions. Flower lovers can peruse poinsettias (past, present, and future, according to The Flower Fields) in the poinsettia greenhouse, and the botanically curious can also explore a garden where ranunculus cultivars are test-grown. But petal power isn’t all this yearly event has going for it. There’s a fragrant sweetpea maze, as well as outdoor concerts and the Blue Grass Festival. Then again, you can’t go wrong just soaking in the sun and spectacular views. (760/431-0352, www.theflowerfields.com)

Norte
Nearly everyone adores Fidel’s Norte (even though they inexplicably changed their name to simply Norte), a cozy and colorful Mexican restaurant cum neighborhood landmark. Owned by the Montanez family, who’ve lived in San Diego for four decades, the pueblo-style restaurant is next door to what was once the Royal Palms Inn, where the Hollywood movie crowd hobnobbed in the 1930s. Norte serves classic Mexican fare like chile rellenos (so light and fluffy) and nopales (cooked cactus, an acquired taste). The atmosphere is casual and the waitstaff friendly. Locals love the happy hour, as well as the addictive chips and salsa. (760/729-0903)

Grand Pacific Palisades Resort & Hotel
The Grand Pacific Palisades offers 90 luxury hotel rooms and 161 condos for members of the timeshare network RCI. Situated on 12.2 lush acres, the resort overlooks the Pacific and the world-famous Carlsbad Flower Fields. It’s one of the most family-friendly places in North County, with an interactive water park and game room. While the little ones are entertained with scheduled activities like water balloon tosses, gum-chewing contests, and ice cream socials, grown-ups can enjoy the Olympic-size pool, fitness center, and three spas. The rooms and condos are appointed in colors that mimic the dazzling hues of the nearby ocean, from teal to cerulean, while the hotel’s exterior mirrors the sandy bluffs for which San Diego’s coastline is so famous. (760/827-3200, www.grandpacificpalisades.com)

State Of Shopping
Dozens of shops and eateries line State Street (and nearby side streets too) in Carlsbad Village. Antiques lovers will have a field day browsing the aisles of the antique district between Grand Avenue and Carlsbad Village Drive. It’s a treasure trove of collectibles: china, glassware, furniture, lighting, books, and memorabilia of every variety. There are contemporary shops, as well. Beach lovers can load up on bikinis at Kobo Beach Headquarters. The Poached Pear is a beautifully scented home accessories shop carrying cookware, candles and more. And fashionistas can stock up on key pieces from BCBG Max Azria, Ernest Sewn, Ella Moss, and more at The M Collection Boutique. A name change — from Madison to Fairen Del — hasn’t affected the quality of the leather goods and bijoux that Irina Rachow carries at her welcoming boutique. Look for handbags and accessories by Brighton, Francisco Biasia and Junior Drake, among others, as well as jewelry by Pandora and Sophie & Chloe.

Carlsbad Village Street Faire
Shopping takes to the streets twice a year at Carlsbad’s biannual Street Faire, which started 34 years ago. Catch the spring event on May 4, from 8am-4pm. More than 900 vendors will sell everything from jewelry to clothing and household products. An international food court keeps bellies full, and sugar-addled kids can get their kicks with rides, games, a bounce house, super slide, rock climbing wall, and always-fun face painting. The Rotary Club of Carlsbad will host a beer and wine garden, along with a large-screen TV and live bands. And the Kiwanis Club of Carlsbad will get the morning started with a pancake breakfast at the railroad depot. With 100,000 people attending, the Street Faire is the largest in the country. (760/931-8400, www.carlsbad.org)
— AnnaMaria Stephens