By Christine Davis Program Manager Carlsbad Village Association

Spring has sprung in Carlsbad Village, and we are gearing up for a lovely season. With daylight saving time beginning Sunday, March 13, the Village will begin its spring transformation. This one little hour makes such a difference.

With the time change, stores will begin staying open later for extended shopping hours. You will also start to see the curb and sidewalk cafés in the Village packed to capacity, especially as the season heats up. You can also enjoy longer hours at the State Street Farmers’ Market as it will run from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. following the time change. Did you know that in addition to fresh, local vegetables and fruit, that there are also dining options at the market? Do a little produce shopping but plan on staying a while to listen to live music while enjoying freshly made Indian naan and samosas or authentic Thai food and western barbeque.

With the longer days, the Carlsbad Village Association is pleased to announce the return of a much beloved event. Originally called Thursday at the Coast, the new Carlsbad Village Art Walk will take place on the fourth Thursday of every month, beginning March 24. This self-guided tour will introduce you to the stores, galleries, and even restaurants throughout the village that feature art by local and regional artists.

Participating merchants will feature artwork ranging from sculpture to oil painting to photography to mixed media, and everything in between. With brochure in hand you can stroll the village and visit as many or as few stores as you’d like, enjoy meeting the artists and learning about their talent. Merchants will be offering snacks and refreshments as well.

Cruising the Art Scene, hosted by the Village Faire, also takes place the fourth Thursday of the month. With an art gallery, an art league and a sculptor’s studio all within the Village Faire, you are sure to enjoy meeting the artists, watching art demos, and listening to music with refreshments in hand. And do not forget the Foundry, a unique and innovative artist’s studio at New Village Arts. With 16 resident artists, each with his/her own individual artist style, the Foundry has become a haven for the creative process. They are a perfect stop on your Art Walk.

While strolling the streets, you can also take a visual journey of the Village’s rich culture and artistic talent through the lens of nearly a dozen murals adorning numerous buildings. From large playful pieces seen from the center of the Village to hidden works adorning alley walls, read about the tales behind the art, including the people, places and artists themselves, in the self-guided tour brochure.

March is shaping up to be a beautiful month in the Village. Come shop, dine and play with us in the heart of Carlsbad.