Around San Diego: Tiki Inspired

Locating tiki could be right under your nose, if you truly looked for it.  There is so much tiki or tiki inspired buildings all over San Diego county, but you just need to be looking for it.  I never really realized that until Derek waltzed into my life.  Since then, we've been discovering small San Diego tiki gems left and right.  I am a huge lover of all things tiki, from art to mugs to music.  So, here are some great San Diego tiki inspired places for you to check out when you get a moment.

I've only been to the Bali Hai Restaurant on Shelter Island a few times.  But I love it regardless.  The wait staff was very nice and the atmosphere was more swank than it was kitch.  But it was still a great time.  While you're there visiting, make sure you pickup a Mr. Bali Hai mug for your collection and check out the Goof spinning on top of the roof of the restaurant.  The Bali Hai Restaurant is located at 2230 Shelter Island Drive San Diego, CA 92106.  And as a plus, the Bali Hai is usually the Thursday night kick off for Tiki Oasis to start.

Bali Hai Restaurant
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For the best rum in all of San Diego, check out Trader Mort's Liquor store located at 2904 Shelter Island Drive San Diego, CA 92106.  Trader Mort's is one of a few tiki inspired liquor stores.  But the outside is completed with tikis and lit tiki torches.  And it's also on the way to the Bali Hai, so don't blink, because you might miss it.

Trader Mort's Liquor Store
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The Crowne Plaza in Mission Valley as you head into Old Town is also home to the world famous Tiki Oasis [TO] Weekender, as I mentioned above.  I've been attending TO for several years now and every year and I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the tiki cultures most amazing people through TO.  The Crowne Plaza located at 2270 Hotel Circle North San Diego, CA 92108 has a great tiki feel to it (make sure you check out atrium while you're there).  And it was once the Hanalei, a polynesian infused hotel.  Don't forget to book your room early for TO!

Crowne Plaza (Do you see the Moai statue by the pool?)
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Tiki Oasis 2013

Here is a great article by KPBS featuring our two pals, Jason Lee & Matt Reese.  We've been able to enjoy both Matt and Jason's homes during both tiki crawls we went on last year, click here for my blog entry on the North County Tiki Crawl and photos of Jason's home.  Enjoy!

Until next time, lovelies!
Miss Hell