Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler

What to Do in Escondido

We thought it would be fun to ask some elected civic leaders about the special places in their cities. We want to know, in their own words, what they think visitors ought to explore.

It's a given that elected officials represent all the people and all the businesses in their jurisdiction, but we wanted them to let loose and not feel compelled to mention every single establishment or venue. In other words, tell us what they enjoy doing during their time away from City Hall.

The first city in San Diego County that we are highlighting is the City of Escondido located in the northeastern part of San Diego. The name Escondido comes from the Spanish word that means hidden. After reading what Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler says about her city, there is nothing hidden about Escondido any longer!

We think you will agree that Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler is a great sport! We posed the question and she answered.

Q. Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler, you're the Mayor of Escondido. What special places do you think visitors should know about in Escondido?

"Here are the places I love to play. I hope they don't sound like I have a narrow focus in my life. There is balance.

Before you drink the night away, you should attend a performance at the Center for the Arts. If you would prefer to have a drink as you watch a performance then go see a performance at Theatrx, an award winning little theater. If you like great quality theater, try Patio Playhouse which has been in existence for over 40 years. In fact, the first play I attended was at Patio Playhouse. We saw "Ten Little Indians." I was about 12 years old, and when they shot a gun I think I fell off the seat.

Great restaurants, all of them on Grand Avenue. They are unique restaurants, mostly chef-owned. Tango has a piano bar. Joe's Italian has been there forever - great food. Vincent's has spectacular French food. Bistro 221 has a great quartet on Saturday nights. 150 Grand was the first restaurant to take a chance on Grand Avenue after the Civic Center opened - but it closed in 2009. Vinz Wine Bar is a great place to sit and watch what is happening on the street - great selection of wine and beer and the food is excellent.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Unfortunately, 150 Grand closed this summer.

Personally, I love to go the Sand Crab. The Sand Crab is a hard to find place in the industrial area, but actually not too far from Nordahl and Hwy 78. They do a great seafood boil. I thought my father-in-law was going to get up and leave when they came out and threw the food on the table from the big pot. In truth, I just thought "more for me!" All the shrimp, lobster and crabs right in front of my eyes, ready to be eaten, with a nice cold beer.

All of this eating and drinking is, of course, after I have spent the day bicycling or hiking in Daley Ranch. This is our 3,000 acres of open space. Lots of hills to get good exercise and it seems most everything is uphill both ways. The trip is uphill to get into the Daley Ranch and the return is up uphill to get out of Daley. You definitely know you have exercised.

When I want to think about the world seriously and get the understanding that the world is not so big, I like to go to Kit Carson Park and visit the Nikki de St. Phalle's Queen Califia's Garden. Queen Califia's Garden is a world class sculpture donated by Nikki de St. Phalle to the City of Escondido. It is over 100 feet in diameter with Queen Califia rising from the middle. She is surrounded by many other totems. Quite the place."

We know Mayor Lori had a great time coming up with her list of great finds in Escondido. We thank her for taking the challenge and opportunity to show off "her" Escondido. Keep a look out for Mayor Lori Holt Pheiler on the trails or at the Sand Crab. Give her a 'shout out' if you see her.

Lori Holt Pfeiler has served on the Escondido City Council since 1992 and has been the Mayor of Escondido since 1998.