Fashion Valley (13) at 7007 Friars Rd. (619-688-9113) is the largest and ultimate shopping destination in San Diego County! It has more than 200 specialty shops and restaurants, 50 exclusive stores and six department stores including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale's.

Farther east on Friars Road is one of the newer shopping centers in the valley, Fenton Marketplace (16). Anchor stores include Costco, IKEA Home Furnishings and Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse. Complementing these stores is a host of places to eat.

Also located in Fenton Marketplace is Oki Ton Japanese Bistro (16) (619-284-8036). Traditional Japanese and Asian-influenced entrées are served in a captivating and contemporary atmosphere. Their specialty is Ton Katsu. They also have a very inviting sushi bar. Healthy lunch specials are served daily, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and they're open nightly for dinner till 10 p.m. And don't miss their happy hour 4:30 p.m.–7 p.m. daily, with reduced prices on selected sushi, beer and cocktails.

This frontage road, which parallels Interstate 8, runs in an east–west direction. Westfield Shoppingtown Mission Valley (17), 1640 Camino del Rio North (619-296-6375) is a major shopping center featuring almost 150 stores, shops, a food court and restaurants.

Don't miss dining at Bully's East (12) at 2401 Camino del Rio South (619- 291-2665). It continues its over 40-year tradition as the best restaurant and bar for prime rib in San Diego. With a wonderful selection of daily specials and a variety of fresh seafood, they have what you're looking for. Other reasons for dining here are their weekend brunch Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; early bird dinner specials Mon.–Fri., 4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.; and happy hour Mon.–Fri., 4:30 p.m.–7 p.m. and 10 p.m.–12:15 a.m.

A popular place for breakfast is Adam's Steak n' Eggs (20) at 1201 Hotel Circle South (619-291-1103). For lunch and dinner, choose Mission Valley's favorite dinner house, Albie's Beef Inn (619-291-1103), which is next door and also at 1201 Hotel Circle South in front of the Travelodge Hotel. This steak and seafood restaurant legend offers live entertainment in their piano bar starting at 7 p.m., Tues. –Sat. and a fantastic happy hour Mon.–Fri., 3:30 p.m.–7 p.m. If you dine in the piano bar, ask for booth 4.

For a glimpse into the fascinating way of life of the Franciscan missionaries who first colonized San Diego back in 1769, visit the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá (33), 10818 San Diego Mission Rd. Contact the Visitor Center (619-281-8449) or Parish Office (619-283-7319). An excellent mapped, self -guided tour of the grounds and building is available. Suggested donations are ($3) for adults, ($2) for students and seniors and ($1) for children 12 and under.

A really delightful must-see store is City Lights Year 'Round Christmas & Collectibles Emporium (10) at 1212 Knoxville St. (619-275-1006). Imagine 40,000-sq. ft. of everything you could ever want for Christmas and more. The moment you walk in the door you'll be mesmerized with glittering ornaments, holiday decor and jolly Santas. Use their coupon to receive a free San Diego ornament.

For the best Cuban cuisine this side of Miami, dine at Andre's Cuban and Puerto Rican Restaurant (24) at 1235 Morena Blvd. (619-275-4114). Andrés has been a favorite for 28 years for their savory Cuban and Puerto Rican dishes served in an atmosphere of tropical plants, romantic background music and attentive service. Also be sure to visit Andrés Wine and Tapas Bar next door.

A fabulous dining destination near Mission Valley is Kearny Mesa, which is San Diego's answer to Chinatown in other cities. Here you'll find fabulous cuisine from China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Plus, you'll find some of San Diego's favorite American restaurants here, too.

A great restaurant on the dining scene is China Max (1) at 4698 Convoy St. (858-650-3333) in Kearny Mesa, serving outstanding Cantonese seafood cuisine. You'll be impressed with their healthful cooking style and delicious entrées like their award-winning pan-fried lamb chops topped with a spicy black pepper sauce. Adding to their acclaim are rave reviews from the San Diego Union-Tribune and San Diego Magazine. Visit China Max and see for yourself why they were voted “Best Chinese” three years in a row by Channel 10 News A-List.

For fantastic pancakes served daily, look no further than The Original Pancake House (5) at 3906 Convoy St. (858-565-1740). Their name says it all! Here you can enjoy house specialties like the oven-baked apple pancake with a cinnamon glaze or the Dutch baby which is served with butter, lemon and powdered sugar. Also featured are wonderful crêpes, waffles and omelets made with farm fresh grade AA eggs.

A block farther down Convoy Street at Aero Drive is Emerald Chinese Seafood Restaurant (3) at 3709 Convoy St., Suite 101 in the Pacific Gateway Plaza (858-565- 6888). Diners flock here for their superb dim sum delicacies, fresh seafood and an incredible array of main course selections prepared Hong Kong style.

Another local favorite is Sunrise Buffet (5) at 3860 Convoy St. (858-715-1608). They offer more than 100 entrées. Diners come for their great food, and come back because of their affordable prices.

A few blocks north is Phuong Trang Vietnamese Restaurant (4) at 4170 Convoy St. (858-565-6750), which is the most recommended Vietnamese restaurant in San Diego. They have received accolades from the Channel 10 News AList and the San Diego Union-Tribune, as well as praise from San Diego Magazine, The New York Times and Fodor's. Their specialty is delicious-tasting Vietnamese cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood and healthy vegetarian entrées.

Another local landmark is Studio Diner (6) at 4701 Ruffin Rd. (858-715- 6400). This retro-themed diner was featured on the Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives for its extensive menu of American favorites. Their selection includes eggs Benedict, prime rib and everything in between, including hearty burgers, savory soups and no less than 18 sandwiches to choose from. Plus, they are open 24-hours a day so you can have a great meal at any time.

And a shopping treasure located on Aero Drive is Canyon Pottery Company (7), at 8575 Aero Dr. (858-279- 2600). They have the largest and most impressive collections of outstanding planters and architectural accent pieces in Southern California at 40 percent discount prices on most planters and accessories! Gainey Ceramics, Talavera planters, architectural supplements, handcrafted Italian terra cotta and ceramics and Raku vases, along with wonderful rustic planters are just a few of the many beautiful pieces you'll find at this 2 -acre showroom warehouse. Present their coupon and receive $10 off your purchase of $50 or more of retail prices!

The Town and Country Resort Hotel at 500 Hotel Circle North (619-291-7131), has been in Mission Valley for over fifty years. They offer luxurious accommodations, countless amenities, and our devoted attention to vacationers and convention delegates alike.

The Handlery Hotel and Resort at 950 Hotel Circle North (619-298-0511), boasts 217 lodging accommodations many with a balcony or patio, including five one-bedroom suites. Some of their rooms are poolside while others have spacious Mission Valley views.

The Doubletree Club Hotel at 1515 Hotel Circle South (619-881-6900), features 219 new guest rooms with pampering, world-class amenities, casual sophistication and conveniences to make your travels stress free. Each deluxe room provides the ease of a personal office, the comforts of home and extra touches such as private balconies and panoramic views.