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It’s Mellow, It’s Exciting, It’s Del MarWhere The Surf Meets The TurfBy Valerie Summers
Del Mar’s history dates back to 1937 when Hollywood celebrity Bing Crosby himself stood at a turnstile collecting tickets on the first day the track opened. From the beginning, the idea of a place where founder Crosby, who had been bitten by the racing bug, and his pals could play all day and party all night and leave the cares of the world behind drew Hollywood’s major players. It is still considered one of the jewels of the American racing scene. The years have been marked by memorable successes including Seabiscuit’s win over Ligaroti in 1938 and in 1956 when John Longden became the world’s “winningest” rider on Labor Day when he rode his 4,871 first place finish. His record was shattered 14 years later by Bill Shoemaker when he booted home Dares J for his 6,0334nd victory.
Directly across the street from the track, the Hilton San Diego/Del Mar offers a world of comfort and convenience to racing fans during the summer as well as serving as a year ‘round California resort for both the leisure and business traveler. I checked into the hotel before heading over to the track, via the complimentary shuttle, excited about my first visit to Del Mar in many years. After a thrilling day of rooting for my picks and actually coming away with more money than I started with by choosing the winning horses by their names, I headed back to the Hilton to enjoy cocktails on the terrace. A lively band played in the background while I chatted with friends. Later I feasted on a delicious meal at the hotel’s California casual Silks Restaurant. Next morning I headed for the fitness center, and then dived into the Olympic sized pool before enjoying a hearty breakfast back at Silks. There were so many excursion options and activities in the area to choose from. Hilton guests have use of the nearby tennis courts, golf course, driving range, spas and water sports. They may take a ride in the sky in a hot air balloon or spend the day whale watching or visiting the town’s galleries and festivals. For the true golf enthusiast, a short drive north will take them to Callaway’s golf performance center where a custom golf club fitting can be arranged. This is not a place to purchase clubs, but a fitting expert will write a prescription for one’s custom irons and woods according to an individual’s swing, height and physical build. Advance appointments are necessary. Even though I am not much of a golfer, two of my sons are, so I checked it out for their next visit. Maybe I’ll get more serious about the sport. Adjacent to the track, the Del Mar Fairgrounds present a variety of events after race season throughout the remainder of the year. Home shows, antique shows, pet shows and the Holiday Mart are among the fair ground exhibitions. The annual Scream Zone is a Halloween happening which runs on several days during October. Throughout the Christmas season, the Holiday of Lights, the largest animated drive through light show on the West Coast features more than 350 sparkling, twinkling, lively displays located all around the racetrack beginning in late November. Equestrienne events are popular and one of the largest county fairs in the country, the Southern California Exposition, held annually in early summer, draws hordes of people to enjoy the festivities. Del Mar offers a potpourri of entertainment and activities year ‘round but is also the perfect place for a relaxing escape. More information: Callaway Golf Performance Center Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Hilton San Diego/Del Mar |
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TM
Twenty miles north of
California’s second largest city, the area designated San Diego North seems
thousands of miles away from any metropolis. Along the coast, between La
Jolla and Oceanside, lies the aptly named village of Del Mar, a beachside
resort world famous for its thoroughbred race track. The motto here is true
fun in the sun “where the surf meets the turf.” Del Mar more than meets
this criterion with its white sandy beaches, charming town, world class
racetrack and exciting annual Southern California Exposition.
Each summer, from
mid-July to early September, the racing season begins with the traditional
One & Only Truly Fabulous Hat Contest sponsored by the Barona Valley Ranch
Resort & Casino. Even if they choose not to participate in the contest, a
majority of the opening day crowd wears some sort of hat. It’s a charming
tradition that adds to the sport of kings already glamorous image. In
addition to racing, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club also presents summer
concerts in the infield showcasing both fledgling artists and top acts prior
to the opening of racing season.