Local's Guide to Summer

By Hattie Foote

Hello sweet summer, we have been waiting for you! May gray and June gloom, be gone! Just a few weeks ago I was at the end of year open house and my kids were so proud to show me everything they had been working on all year. My son showed huge progression in kindergarten from the beginning of the year, he had learned to write his name in a sensible size, drew a few questionable pictures and some masterpieces, and even learned some Spanish along the way! My daughter really discovered her passion for reading (my bookworm heart was beaming) and started math that had me googling how to solve the problems. My dad was a brilliant mathematician and I resent the fact I was not passed down any of those genes. I can’t tell you how many times my husband Chris and I asked each other what parents did before the internet, because some of that homework had us sweating! One project the kids worked on stood out to me and inspired this month’s column. The class studied Coronado history and wrote reports about what they learned, and they were incredible, hysterical, and so pure. I thought what better guide to a Coronado summer, than a group of local experts?

Hi! I’m Lux, and some of you may know me or maybe not. As you may know, we are writing about our community, Coronado! My class got interviewed (by my mom) and are going to say some things that they love about Coronado, but first, let me tell you why Coronado is special! Here are some fun facts about Coronado: Imagine this, you are in the 1940’s and you needed to go to San Diego. Well, the bridge was not built until the 60’s. So, you had to take the Ferry! The Ferry was built to hold 600 cars and 600 people, it would take you over the bay near by Petco Park! It’s funny, now we take the Ferry to go to Padres games! We say Nado For Machado! My favorite restaurant on the island is Saiko Sushi it’s the BEST, their miso soup is a must have. My brother loves Garage Buona Forchetta, he eats so much it’s so funny. Holland’s Bicycles is my favorite because I can torture my dad to get me a new bike. (Still have not gotten the bike!) Let’s hear from my classmates!

I asked Rise Cooley’s third grade class for some recommendations, but fair warning if you are looking for exotic cuisine suggestions this in not the group to ask. If you are craving burgers, pizza, and dessert, then they have you covered! Gavin likes to start his morning at Starbucks, while Lux is headed straight to the new Better Buzz Coffee. Zoe loves Night and Day Café for breakfast with her dad. Luke loves Coronado Brewing Company and Ashton thinks Village Pizza is perfect to grab and eat at the beach. Lucy says the Tavern is the perfect date night spot. Hayes loves Moo Time or Gelato Paradiso for a sweet treat, while Pippa says Claytons is her dessert go to. Megumi and Nicole can’t get enough of the gummy sushi at Fuzziwigs Candy Shop, Isabella thinks a hamburger and fries at The Henry are the perfect fancy night out, while Jack loves the chicken strips and fries there after a long day playing baseball. Still speaking of hamburgers, Curran loves Burger Lounge after a day at the beach. Max can’t choose a favorite because “they are all good.”

Paul had some advice for Concert in the Park, “I would say bring a blanket, football, and cooler for drinks and snacks. It’s crowded so stay by your area, so you don’t get lost.” Speaking of parks, James loves Spreckels because of the playground and grass area. William says, “I like to play baseball at one of the small parks, like Star Park or Sunset Park, and they are good places to watch the sunset. There are always a bunch of friendly neighbors outside.” Chris thinks bikes are the best way to get around town and Alejandro recommends the Hotel del Coronado for a walk around the beach and getting ice

cream. Liv’s go to shopping is Gepettos and Francais and Evie loves long walks around town. If you want a change of scenery Molly says to check out The Midway or La Jolla to see the leopard sharks in August. Sadly Charlie is moving to Japan this summer and he said “I’m going to miss baseball and my friends.” To sum it up, Elizabeth said “Coronado is special because in a lot of places there is a lot of trash, but like if you look around Coronado people take really good care of it, and I think that’s nice.”

There you have it, straight from the horses mouth, these kids know how to live. I hope you take some of this advice and have a footloose and fancy free summer! Have a wonderful Fourth of July and enjoy some downtime!