Here’s a question for all the wine connoisseurs. Would you rather spend three hours driving to Temecula in heavy traffic on the 1-15 or stay in the 92101 ZIP Code enjoying all the new and cool wine bars? As tour guides, we’re always ecstatic when people take our advice and choose the hip downtown scene. Here’s a look at some unique places. • The next time you head out to happy hour, bring your four-legged friend. At Porto Vista Hotel, check out the Ripassi Woof Top (you heard us right. That’s woof top, not roof top!) for their monthly Yappy Hour. The dog-friendly event is held the first Friday of every month from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at 1835 Columbia St. July 2 is the next one, so make sure you dress up your pooch in red, white and blue. • Another popular outdoor dog-friendly delight is Hotel Indigo’s K-9 Cocktails. It’s held on The Terrace Bar, 509 Ninth Ave. The ninth floor lounge has a super cool view of Petco Park. The next event will be June 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. and will feature $4 drink specials, a brand new appetizer menu and a Padres theme. “Our K-9 Cocktails are so much fun and now that summer is here, the event is really growing,” said Kelsey Shull of Hotel Indigo. Before you head upstairs, be sure you look at the beautiful glass sculpture at the top of the building. It’s a true hidden gem that’s often overlooked. “Indigo Waters” was created by local artist Lisa Schirmer. • If you prefer to leave Fido behind, Vin de Syrah has a friendly and casual wine tasting event on Fridays and Saturdays. Sommelier Adam Stemmler is excellent at entertaining and delighting the crowd in a fun, informative way. On a recent visit, we loved the Fruit/Aguijon de Abeja and Cantine Valpane. We also had light appetizers to complement the vino. Our group had 15 people and we all sat around a large table in comfy chairs. This is a great event for both novice wine drinkers and connoisseurs. • The Summer Pops have affordable options that many locals don’t know exist. For $17, guests can bring in food, a small cooler with non-alcoholic drinks and low-to-the-ground lawn chairs. A grandstand seat is only $20. We’ve gone to the concerts and it’s a great way to spend the evening. This year, we want to see Kool & the Gang, Michael Cavanaugh’s tribute to Elton John and Latin band Tiemp Libre. Be sure to stick around for the post show fireworks around 9:20 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Our tip: If you have a small boat or kayak, time your voyage so you catch the end of the show and see the fireworks! Marc and Darlynne Menkin are the co-owners of Where You Want To Be Tours. Many of their tours and teambuilding Scavenger Hunts feature secret downtown areas. www.wheretours.com
