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Happy Anniversary!

Cocktails in Historic San Diego has been going strong for TWO YEARS now. In that time we’ve met some great people, visited some beautiful places, and had much too much fun. This month we return to the scene of our very first crime, visiting two – count them, TWO! – of San Diego’s most historic, and most haunted locations.

October always boasts our most spine-tingling event. This year will be no exception. Please join us at 6:00pm on Thursday, October 29th for no-host cocktails and socializing in the Palace Bar of the Horton Grand Hotel. We will learn about the fascinating history of this local landmark and its famous and infamous guests . . . some of which apparently never left.

Double-Feature!

A special private tour of the William Heath Davis House across the street will begin at 7pm for a measly $5 donation. This is the oldest surviving structure in downtown or “New Town” San Diego. It now houses the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation Headquarters, their museum, and several, shall we say, less corporeal inhabitants.

Cocktail attire is requested, preferably black in honor of the dearly departed who may choose to join in!

We look forward to seeing you there,

-- Kristine and Paul

This month, Cocktails in Historic San Diego joins the Balboa Theatre Foundation for the premier performance of the newly restored Wonder Morton Organ. This is a once-in a lifetime opportunity to actually be a PART of an historic event. I so hope you can join us.

The Balboa Theatre Foundation promises that we will all be "among the first to hear the vibrant sounds of this extremely complex instrument that has become 'the heartbeat of the Balboa Theatre'."

"Only four of these Wonder Morton Organs remain in existence
and ours has been brilliantly restored to its original 1929 condition.
Experience how one instrument can capture the sounds of a full orchestra.
From jazz to Broadway to classical and more, you'll hear the versatility of
this spectacular gift that the Balboa Theatre Foundation has given
to the people of San Diego."
-- Balboa Theatre Foundation Website

The Balboa Theatre Foundation requests that you please submit your RSVPs/ticket orders by September 8th! Concert tickets are available at several price points, so you can choose the price that fits your budget at the link above. Please reference Cocktails in Historic San Diego, when you RSVP.

POST CONCERT:

CIHSD members are invited to attend a post-concert, no-host happy hour three blocks away at Lincoln's Bar and Grill in the Courtyard Marriott (formerly the historic First National Bank building). Event will begin between 4:15 and 4:30 to give me time to walk over in heels. You will find the Marriott is located at 530 Broadway. Tours of the building begin at 6pm, and include a peek at the fabulousold safe deposit vault with it's 2 1/2-foot thick door!

Awfully exciting, isn't it?

-- Kristine and Paul
Cocktails in Historic San Diego

In the midst of what is being called "The Great Recession", our notably uptown group goes downtown for a recession-proof, but no less historic cocktails event.

This place has been serving local fishermen and local drinkers for generations, and from what I hear, they make a mean burger. As per usual, we will be learning about the history of the place, and the stories behind some of the intriguing items adorning the walls.

Fair warning, the place will probably be pretty jam-packed, but as they say, "misery loves company". You might as well come down and commiserate over the current economy at one of the friendliest places in town.

Watch this space for additional details in the coming week.

See you there!

-- Kristine and Paul

This month we welcome the imminent arrival of SUMMER by holding our event bayside! Please join us for bayview no-host cocktails and an brief overview of how Mission Bay evolved from "ill-smelling and unattractive mud flats" to the gorgeous, fun-filled tourist destination it is today. We will be literally steps from the water, so bring a wrap in case it gets chilly!

This month's Swellegant Cocktails in Historic Places event will take place at a jewel of the San Diego skyline. Now dwarfed slightly by some of its much taller neighbors, the El Cortez hotel once towered over San Diego as far back as 1927. Since its conversion to condominium homes, this once active hub of San Diego society, political giants and hollywood icons is no longer open to the general public, BUT - -

This one night, for one half an hour, it will be open for us.

Please join me on Thursday, February 26th at 6:00pm for no-host cocktails at Sole Luna Cafe and a peek inside this enduring landmark. You will find Sole Luna at street level hugging the southwest corner of the El Cortez. Please note that the tour must begin promptly at 7:30.

As always, Cocktail attire is requested, and vintage cocktail attire heartily encouraged!

-- Kristine

PS - Many, many thanks to Ben for helping to coordinate our return to this very special location!