INTRO: Many of the auto manufacturers unveil new vehicles to the press in and around Borrego Springs National Park. The twisty, rollercoaster roads are lightly trafficked, the weather is excellent year round, and the scenary is spectacular. It’s also easily accessible from San Diego. Armed with the 198mph-capable Corvette Z06, it seemed an ideal playground for a romp.

San Diego reminds one of Denver with an ocean; the classic Gaslamp Quarter’s revitalized storefronts, bars and restaurants stand cheek-to-jowl with brand new—and distinctly modern—condos and lofts. A slightly stodgy image (in comparison to the rest of SoCal) trying hard to become hip. Brutal traffic, peaking with total gridlock during sporting events, and a temperate, pleasant climate year-round.

Flying in and out of San Diego airport you have direct access to the interstate, and since our steed—a 505hp Corvette Z06 impatiently paces in a nearby stable, we waste no time in feeding it full of high-octane oats and heading for the hills.

There are several interstates which offer access to our preferred state routes, Highways 78 and 79. Now the fun can begin. Swooping and cresting through the outlying foothills, which bask in warm spring sunshine, and don’t draw breath until we’ve managed to break free of the campers and four-wheelers heading for their own playground in the deserts and dunes ahead.

You only realize how high you’ve climbed into the San Ysidro range when you begin the 4000ft drop down the ‘Glass Elevator’ to the Anza-Borrego desert floor; taming switchbacks while snatching brief glances at the astonishing vista laid out before you. Brief is indeed the operative word: if you get it wrong here you’ll probably by the entire farm, not just a few acres. While the driver is (semi-) comforted by the rock walls to the left, right seat occupants have a dizzying, uninterrupted view down to the desert floor thousands of feet below.

We make it without undue drama, due in no small part to the ZedVette’s amazing chassis composure and monster brakes. Now it’s time for both me and my passenger to enjoy the scenery, without worries that this will be our last sunset. Father Sol sinks into the west, behind the mountains, and the desert glows gold. The scenery is broken not only by the muted browns of boulders and the vibrant greens of the desert flora, but also by the quite startling red ocotillo cacti that brings people from all about to photograph and paint.

We’ve come to the town of Borrego Springs for two reasons: two safely unleash at least some of our mount’s potential, and to stay at the 69-year old La Casa Del Zorro resort. I imagine that this is what places like Palm Springs must of felt like back in the day. The peace and solitude; the far horizons of one of the largest swaths of National Park extant, the oddball locals, and the sense that you’ve escaped the confines of Orange County (and its entirely different class of oddballs) entirely. The oasis that is the Zorro is a cosseting haven from the rush and furor that define the SoCal lifestyle, and it is obvious why it has thrived for so long: impeccable landscaping, first-rate food, and professionally friendly service all combine to make it the trip worth taking, even if a charity foot race the next day nixes our chances for sportscar fun and games.

Back to San Diego, and we stable our steed, thankful that my license shows no marks, and choose the more appropriate shank’s mare in the search for good victuals. Top of the list is the San Diego Palm, where we meet old friends from my racing past. Flawless service—including the recommendations of just the right local wines—help define a dinner made memorable by monster three-pound lobsters flayed open to reveal all their secrets and NY Strips seared to perfection. Our final night in San Diego we venture out on our own, and stumble on a terrific Indian joint, Mazala, that’s only been open three weeks. Wickedly well-detailed interior design choices combine with interesting martinis and great appetizers (made that much better by a sauce change recommendation from an ethnic-Indian patron) set us up for a terrific main course.

Lodging is split between the Manchester Grand Hyatt, which offers unmatched 270-degree views of the bay and Coronado Island from its almost 500ft high tower, and the Omni, which was less in-your-face than, say, the W, yet equally intriguing in its classy and modern design details. It’s also ideally situated to offer easy tramps to the Gaslamp Quarter’s great coffee houses, bars, and shops.

Nightlife in San Diego is fairly tame, even compared to Denver. Young folk head for the rooftop bar atop the W, where heated sand and ocean smells combine with terrific downtown vistas. But in truth it’s still a fairly conservative, quiet town.

LODGING:

1. La Casa Del Zorro
3845 Yaqui Pass Rd, Borrego Springs, CA 92004; Ph-1-800-824-1884; www.lacasadelzorro.com

2. Manchester Grand Hyatt
One Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101; Ph-619-232-1234; www.manchestergrand.hyatt.com

3. Omni San Diego Hotel
675 L Street, San Diego, CA 92101; Ph-619-231-6664;
www.omnihotels.com

FOOD & STUFF:

1. San Diego Palm
615 J Street, San Diego, CA 92101;
Ph-619-702-6500; www.thepalm.com

2. Masala Spices of India
314 5th Avenue; San Diego, CA 92101;
619-232-INDIA; www.masalarestaurant.com

GOLF:

1. Grand Del Mar Golf Club & Manchester Grand Hyatt “Stay & Play: Night of lodging at hotel and round at the Tom Fazio-designed course with its Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired clubhouse. Reservations at 800-233-1234 or 619-232-1234.

MISC:

1. Molly’s Secrets of Cheese & Wine Pairing: a terrific chance for non-oeonophiles to learn how to at least look competent…Molly’s Restaurant: 333 W. Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101; 619-230-8909; www. mollysfinedining.com

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