San Diego's hottest arrivals in shopping, nightlife, dining, entertainment, attractions, museums, theater, culture, sports and recreation. MAPS of San Diego

MUSIC
DOWN BY THE BAY
In the summertime, everyone in San Diego suddenly develops a kayaking habit—that’s because people paddling around the bay on balmy summer evenings have the added benefit of being able to overhear the musicians performing at Humphrey’s by the Bay. The bayside amphitheater’s annual summer concert season includes performances by the likes of jazz chanteuse Diana Krall, the eclectic Portland-based orchestra Pink Martini, the latest incarnation of the Beach Boys, the Indigo Girls and more, plus comedians like Jim Gaffigan, Carlos Mencia and The Soup’s Joel McHale (see p. 58 for a more complete listing). The near-nightly performances run through October at Humphrey’s by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island, 800.745.3000.

AIRPORT ART
Terminally hip
For too long, killing time before your flight meant browsing Danielle Steel in the airport bookstore or downing overpriced cocktails at the terminal bar. But thanks to a new cultural program at San Diego’s Lindbergh Field, travelers have a more enlightening option. The just-opened WestEnd Gallery, an art space near the second-floor security checkpoint at the westernmost end of Terminal Two, will feature an exhibition of 10 Mexican artists now through September 18. Keep your eyes open for other airport initiatives including live dance, music and theatrical performances near the baggage carousels.

SPORT
Track stars
The Del Mar Racetrack celebrates its 70th anniversary July 22-Sept. 9. Founded by Bing Crosby, the track continues to draw celebrities and local horse enthusiasts alike. Highlights of this year’s season include the $1 million Pacific Classic race on Sept. 6, free admission every Wednesday, a beer festival and chili cook-off on Aug. 1 and post-race concerts on Fridays. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, 858.755.1141. Map X22

SHOPPING
The Bra Whisperer
That’s what they call Susan Nethero, whose ability to put women in just the right over-the-shoulder-boulder-holders earned her airtime on Oprah, The Today Show and What Not to Wear. Asserting that 85 percent of women are wearing the wrong-sized bra, Nethero entered the lingerie market with a mission not to divide and conquer but rather lift and separate, giving women a bustline fit for a queen (literally: Nethero apprenticed under the Queen of England’s royal bra fitter). For years, Nethero’s cup-wise counsel was only available to women living east of the Mississippi, but she recently opened her very first West Coast boutique, Intimacy, at San Diego’s Fashion Valley mall. There, shoppers can make appointments to be measured by expert fitters and purchase all manner of underthings, from delicate European styles to cozy sleep bras, from sports bras to camisoles with built-in support. Find it at Fashion Valley Mall, 7007 Friars Road, Mission Valley, 619.894.8835.

PHOTOGRAPHY
NATURE BOY
When it comes to capturing the poetry and awesomeness of untamed nature, Ansel Adams did with photography what the Hudson River School did with painting a century prior. Today, even 25 years after Adams’ death, there is no photographer more synonymous with the American West than he. A new retrospective at the Museum of Photographic Arts, Ansel Adams: A Life’s Work, pays homage to the baron of the black-and-white with more than 80 pieces, both well-known and obscure, on view ‘til Oct. 4. 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.238.7559. Map O17

NEIGHBORHOOD
East Village West
Three thousand miles away from the New York neighborhood made famous by Keith Haring, Rent and CBGB, San Diego’s own East Village has developed into one of the city’s most happening'hoods since the construction of Petco Park baseball stadium in 2004. If you’re heading to or from a Padre game this summer, take time to check out some of our favorite neighborhood spots. For pre-game grub, we love the gourmet burger-and-beer bar Neighborhood 777 G St., East Village, 619.446.0002. Map Q16) for casual outings and the charming French bistro Cafe Chloe for elegant dishes like moules mariniere (721 Ninth Ave., East Village, 619.232.3242 Map Q17). Cowboy Star, meanwhile, serves up savory steaks in a Wild West setting (640 10th Ave., East Village, 619.450.5880. Q17). Post-game, locals head for Basic Urban Kitchen (410 10th Ave., East Village, 619.531.8869. Map Q17) for square pizzas and brews in an industrial warehouse setting, or lace up rented shoes at East Village Tavern and Bowl (930 Market St., East Village, 619.677.BOWL. Map R17).

DINING
In the neighborhood
Good food, good vibes, good people: that’s the secret recipe at Alchemy, a low-key neighborhood joint in South Park, east of downtown. The kitchen’s conjured up a small, ingredient-forward menu of tapas like grilled asparagus with romesco sauce, Berkshire pork-stuffed piquillo peppers and a killer cheese plate. Don’t miss innovative cocktails like the Japanese 75 and the Dirty Pickle, a martini garnished with a crispy cornichon. 1503 30th St., South Park, 619.255.0616. Map K12