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By Miriam Raftery
February 5, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) -- Looking for some creative ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your special someone? East County has some great getaways and romantic rendezvous retreats, winetasting events, adventures to remember and culinary experiences to savor.
Rent a kayak for two or a boat at Lake Cuyamaca
Rent a kayak for two, rowboat, motorboat pedal boat to explore Lake Cuyamaca in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Rates range from $20 an hour to $50 for all day, depending on the type of craft. View watercraft rental options. The lake is full after recent rains, so this is a great time to visit. You may also wish to fish or take a hike around the lake. You may glimpse wildlife, from mule deer to bald eagles, during your visit. You can pack a picnic, or dine in the Pub at Lake Cuyamaca. Want to stay longer? Camping and cabins are also available to rent.
View desert wildflowers
Why give your Valentine a bouquet of flowers when you could bring your beloved to see entire fields bursting with colorful blooms? An abundance of winter rain should bring beautiful blooms to the Anza-Borrego Desert—perhaps even a superbloom.
For up to the minute information call the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park® Wildflower Hotline (760) 767-4684. Here are some sites to check for updates on this year’s wildflower viewing opportunities:
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25723
https://www.desertusa.com/wildflo/ca_abdsp.html
https://www.abdnha.org/pages/03flora/reports/current.htm
https://www.facebook.com/BorregoWildflowers/
Take a Guided Trail Ride
Although the Warner Springs Ranch Resort is closed, its Warner Valley Horse Riding Stables are open. Their guided trail ride will take you back in time with a true flavor of the Old West. The 90-minute rides take you past historic sites, through old oak groves, and across a variety of terrain likely including flowering fields this time of year. You may even spot wildlife, such as deer, coyote, bobcat and hawks. The rides are offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting, for all levels from beginning to experienced horseback riders. Reservations are required for this adventure your Valentine is sure to remember.
Savor a romantic dinner for two
East County has many cozy dining options. These restaurants have sent us their Valentine’s Day special dining option.
Prime Cut Steakhouse and Seafood at Jamul Casino (14145 Campo Rd., Jamul) will be featuring a lavish five course pre-fixed menu for $140 a guest. The celebratory evening begins with a platter of different delectable cheeses and bread followed by a seafood centric starter featuring either oysters or poke. Guests will then enjoy a crisp salad before choosing from one of four luxurious entrée options including steak and lobster, seafood linguini, poached jumbo prawns and ribeye, or dancing quails in lemon beurre blanc. Sweet endings for desert include neart-shaped Napoleans or pastry creme with chocolate covered strawberries and merengue heart cookie. View full Valentine menu. The picturesque culinary adventure in a restaurant with a view will be completed with a dessert made for two.
Terra American Bistro (7091 El Cajon Blvd. in San Diego, just east of La Mesa) will offer a four-course Valentine’s dinner featuring Smoked Gouda Fondue to share plus choice of appetizer(lemon-ricotta ravioli w/chardonnay cream sauce or "Panzanella" Salad w/garlic-herb crouton, grapefruit, gorgonzola, arugula & baby kale, grapefruit vinaigrette or Asparagus Bisque w/truffle oil drizzle), choice of entrée(Filet Medallions w/orange-mushroom demi glaze, potato gratin, roasted tromboncino squash or Fennel Dusted Local Fish w/blood orange-olive salsa, "red" couscous & roasted carrots or Balsamic Chicken breast w/Florentine cream, Yukon mash, asparagus or Grilled Tofu w/mushroom-leek ragout, "red" couscous & vegetables) plus luscious dessert options(Pear Tart to share with graham, creme anglaise & macaroons) at $69 per person. Make reservations.
El Torito (which has a La Mesa locale ) invites you to treat your sweetheart Feb. 14-17 to a three-course Valentine special for two ($55), featuring options for tortilla soup, Caesar salad, entrées of fajitas, salmon or Macho Combo (pasilla chile relleno, chicken & sour cream enchilada, beef barbacoa taco & chicken tamale). Finish with shareable dessert of mudd pie, deep fried ice cream or cinnamon-crisp cheesecake.
Valentine’s events in County parks
From a star party to a “hogs and kisses” animal encounter, from a sleepover in the woods to yoga and a waterfall park, San Diego County Parks offers these suggestions at parks in our inland region:
- Saturday, Feb. 10, 5:30 – 7 P.M.
STAR PARTY AT OAKOASIS: Arrive early to hike the full trail, which is just under 3 miles, and pack warm layers and hot cocoa for the star show.
Oakoasis County Preserve Learn more by calling the park at 619-561-0580 - Sunday, Feb. 11, 11 – 11:45 A.M.
HOGS AND KISSES: Be sure to take selfies with animal ambassadors to share with your friends and family.
Potrero County Park Learn more by calling the park at 619-478-5212 - Friday, Feb. 16, 6:30 – 7:30 P.M.
NIGHT HIKE: Here's another change to plan a sleepover, this time in the woods.
Dos Picos County Park Learn more by calling the park at 760-789-2220 - Saturday, Feb. 17, 8 - 9 A.M.
YOGA AT PQ: .After a good stretch, consider a nice hike to the waterfall!
Los Penasquitos Ranch House Learn more by calling the park at (858) 484-7504
Sip drinks in a tropical setting
Paradise Breeze, Tropical Cruise, and Mai Tai cocktails are among the exotic drinks served up at Anthony’s Fish Grotto in La Mesa, which also has a full bar and restaurant menu. Sip a Singapore Sling or Hurricane outdoors at umbrella tables beside a private lake with fountain, tropical landscaping, and music to set the mood.
Share sweets with your sweetheart
Sultan Baklava (165 East Main St., El Cajon) has much more thank Baklava—including luscious tarts, beautifully decorated cakes and pastries galore to satisfy your Valentine’s sweet tooth. Take out treats to go, or take a seat on a round, red upholstered bench.
Winetasting events
Some local wineries are offering Valentine’s themed events. Three Hills Winery in Ramona is hosting a Feb.10 Valentine’s lunch by a lake featuring wine, appetizers, catered lunch and dessert—all for just $30 (or $10 for wine club members).
San Pasqual Winery’s tasting room in La Mesa has two-for-one sparkling wines Feb.12-16 with option to purchase charcuterie.
Stay at a secluded getaway
Our “Backcountry Hidden Pleasures” special section has a wealth of creative getaway ideas in all areas of East County—including many unique lodging opportunities. Find cozy inns and lodges in our mountain region, luxurious casino resorts on Native American reservations, bed and breakfasts in our wine region, a hot springs retreat in Jacumba, and desert resorts in Borrego Springs. Your lodging options in our inland region also include campgrounds, tipis, cottages, vintage '50s trailers, and cabins afloat on a lake.
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