When autumn arrives in Coronado, sunsets glow in vibrant fall colors of yellow, orange and red, and refreshing bay and ocean breezes sweep over the island complementing the Crown City's pleasantly warm temperatures, welcoming vibe and relaxed pace. As the beach crowds diminish, visitors can enjoy a cornucopia of fun-filled fall activities, from Navy ship tours and exciting classic car races to a colorful arts festival, entertaining theater performances, "spook"tacular gatherings, Thanksgiving feasts and more.

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GARDEN DELIGHTS

• During the 21st Annual Coronado MainStreet Garden Party on September 8, visitors can explore the gardens of one of Coronado's most picturesque historic homes, "The Baby Del," known for its resemblance to the landmark Hotel del Coronado. Guests can also enjoy wine tasting, craft beers from the Coronado Brewing Company and hors d'oeuvres from local restaurants. Tickets are $75 per person with proceeds supporting the beautiful median gardens along Orange Avenue, Coronado's charming main thoroughfare.

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ART & SOL

• Coronado Art Walk on September 15-16 at the Coronado Ferry Landing is the city's annual celebration of the arts, featuring outdoor exhibits of paintings, photography, ceramics, hand-crafted jewelry and other mediums by over 100 artists from around the country, plus musical entertainment and interactive art activities for guests of all ages. Admission is free, and a complimentary shuttle transports guests along Orange Avenue with a stop at the popular Art-in-the-Park exhibit in Spreckels Park.
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• The Coronado Museum of History & Art presents its new exhibit, "Kingston Trio Legacy," November 12, 2012 through March 31, 2013. This melodious exhibit profiles the popular musical group from the 1950s-1960s and explores the important bridge they developed between American traditional and contemporary music, and their ties to Coronado and San Diego. Admission is free.

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CURTAIN CALL

• Lamb's Players' Theatre, Coronado's award-winning, year-round professional theater company with a resident stage on Orange Avenue, presents two fall productions. During August 10 – September 23, Lamb's presents the comedy hit, See How They Run, a hilarious caper set during war-time Britain and filled with extraordinary characters, mistaken identities and unexpected visitors.
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  During October 5 – November 18, the World Premiere play, Around the World in 80 Days, takes the stage, bringing to vivid life Jules Verne's wild and exciting tale about circling the globe in just 80 days.
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• Coronado Playhouse presents two fall shows at its 100-seat cabaret-style theatre overlooking Glorietta Bay: the 16th Annual Free Shakespeare production of Twelfth Night, the bard's famous comedy of a shipwreck, mistaken identities, disguises, pranks and love, August 31- September 23, and the Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, a comedic romp based on the legendary Texas brothel known as the Chicken Ranch, October 26 - December 2.
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• Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA), the island's public arts conservatory for high school students, presents the popular musical Singin' in the Rain, October 26-28 and November 2-3. Visitors are in for a treat as they discover a new wave of creative and theatrical talent on par with Coronado's professional theater ensembles.

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DINE AROUND

• Guests can enjoy "island fare in the ocean air" during the popular annual Taste of Coronado from 5:30-9 p.m. on October 17, featuring several local restaurants. Shuttles transport guests between restaurants; tickets are $35 per person in advance and $40 day of, with proceeds benefitting military families.

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DRIVE IN

• During September 22-23, guests can enjoy fast-paced fun during the 15th Annual Fleet Week Speed Festival at Coronado's Naval Air Station North Island. Held in conjunction with San Diego Fleet Week, the thrilling vintage auto "Race at the Base" features more than 200 classic cars racing a 1.6 mile course along North Island's runways. Spectators can also stroll through a bustling Vendor Village and Car Show.

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GO NAVY!

• Also held in conjunction with San Diego Fleet Week, guests are invited to the NAS North Island Open House on September 23, the only Navy open house on the West Coast. This rare glimpse at the birthplace of naval aviation features free U.S. Navy Ship Tours, including the USS Boxer, USS Halsey and USS Momsen, flyovers, performances by the Navy SEAL Leap Frogs parachute jump team and a multitude of military displays, including Navy jets and helicopters, vintage aircraft, boats and hovercraft.

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FRIGHT NIGHT

• Home of famous resident ghost Kate Morgan, the Hotel del Coronado gets into the spirit of the season during its 3rd Annual Hallo-Wine and Spirits Party on October 27. On The Del's ghoulishly-decorated Garden Patio, guests can enjoy grown-up trick-or-treating, DJ music and dancing, along with a variety of wine, cheese and chocolate tastings from the hotel's ENO wine bar.

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TURKEY TIME

• Guests can enjoy an elegant Thanksgiving buffet dinner on November 22 at the Hotel del Coronado's oceanfront Ballroom and magnificent Crown Room, featuring all the trimmings and live musical entertainment. Also during Thanksgiving weekend, the Del kicks off its holiday programs, including seaside ice-skating and the illumination of thousands of white lights adorning the grand Victorian structure.
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• Guests can give thanks at a lavish Thanksgiving buffet dinner from 2-7 p.m. in the upstairs Constellation Foyer of Loews Coronado Bay Resort. Cost is $75 for adults and $35 for children ages 12 and under; champagne is included.

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SPORTING GOOD TIME

• The 34th Annual Superfrog Triathlon jumps into action on September 30. Starting at Silver Strand State Beach, this challenging long-distance triathlon includes a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike course and 13.1-mile run along one of the most scenic stretches of Southern California coastline.
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• During the 13th Annual Silver Strand Half Marathon and 5K on November 11, visitors can run, walk, rollerblade or roller-skate from Coronado to Imperial Beach along the scenic Silver Strand. Handcyclists and wheel chair participants are also welcome to participate.

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Happiness is calling in Coronado. For more information on fall activities and events in Coronado and the entire San Diego region, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority's website, www.sandiego.org and www.sandiego.org/coronado, or call 619-236-1212.

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