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If You're Ever In Carlsbad, California...
By Jill Weinlein
The seaside community of Carlsbad, Calif., is a wonderful day trip or family weekend getaway. Carlsbad is home to the Museum of Making Music, Legoland, great restaurants and the Flower Fields.
The museum is located less than two hours from Los Angeles and is in the headquarters of National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). Inside are five exhibits depicting the growth of America's music industry. With over 450 vintage instruments and hundreds of music and video clips, it is an educational adventure for everyone.
In the 1890s, the piano became popular. Women were considered more marriageable if they could play and teach their children. During this era, pianos were manufactured at a rapid rate. Impostors stenciled "Steinway" on pianos and sold them to na buyers. The Piano Dealers of America (changed to NAMM in 1901) eventually ended this illegal practice.
During the Jazz Era (1910-1929), the radio box appeared. Women were cautioned to refrain from excessive dancing that could "ruin a girl's reputation." The Swing Era (1930-1949) saw a decline in instrument production. During World War II, manufacturing facilities produced wartime goods. More than a thousand "GI Steinways" were commissioned by the government to entertain the soldiers. Few were ever found after the war.
The Rock 'n Roll Era (1950-1969) saw the birth of television. Not only could you listen to music, now you could see the performers. Elvis and The Beatles were the idols of American teenagers.
The MTV era (1970 -1989) ushered in the explosion of commercialized rock music. Here, a mini-stage with the rock group KISS as a backdrop had electronic instruments with headphones available for visitors to play.
Throughout the tour, Bob, a docent tour-guide, had us pushing buttons to hear particular instruments and songs from each era. It was a hands-on trip down memory lane.
Nearby is the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort and Hotel, our "home away from home" for one night. Located next to Legoland, this lovely hotel has 90 rooms decorated to match the colorful family amusement park's primary color theme. Large families may prefer the vacation villas with their full kitchens, dining areas and up to three bedrooms with connecting baths.
All rooms overlook Legoland or the Pacific Ocean. There are two pools. The adult pool is ideal for swimming laps or sitting in the warm spa. Children enjoy the family pool area with its water activity park, game arcade and game room with ping-pong and pool tables. The resort provides a full fitness center with lockers and a sauna for adults.
The on-site restaurant is the award-winning Karl Strauss Brewery Restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner they offer excellent steaks, fish, pasta, sandwiches and salads for adults and a kid's menu.
For those families who stay overnight at the resort, a nearby gate provides quick walking access into Legoland. You can be among the first guests to enter the park in the morning. Created by a Danish toy manufacturer, it is the only park of its kind in the United States. Your family will enjoy Miniland, USA, with its detailed models of major landmarks in Washington D.C., New Orleans, New York City, San Francisco and Los Angeles at 1/20th the actual size. Over 20 million Lego bricks were used to create these meticulously-detailed replicas. Children, ages 3 to 13, will enjoy the family rides, shows and hands-on, interactive building tables.
For a shopping treat, visit the Carlsbad Company Stores located below the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort and next to the famous Flower Fields. This outlet center represents more than 60 retail designers and manufacturers. "Ultimate Savings" cards are available at the customer service office and may be presented at any store to receive special discounts.
If stomachs are grumbling, Ruby's Diner is perfect for cheeseburgers, salads, fries and rootbeer floats. From early March to May, the Flower Fields are covered with bands of red, yellow, orange and pink ranunculus. Visitors can leisurely stroll on designated paths among these rainbows of flowers and purchase seeds and plants from the nursery.
While driving home, reminisce about your youth. Share with your children the first instrument you played, favorite bands, songs and your first dance with your spouse. It is important to keep these memories alive for our children. It was a different era then, an era that should be remembered.
For more information on Carlsbad, log on to www.carlsbadca.org