City: Alpine, CA

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (619) 659-5967

Address: 2952 Victoria Drive

Description: This bed-and-breakfast inn is small (just four rooms), and Insiders believe that’s what makes it inviting—along with the fact that it’s in the mountains and off the beaten path. The Victoria Rock Bed and Breakfast Inn, owned by Darrel and Helga Daliber, is not to be missed if you love staying in intimate inns sans children and pets. The rooms are lovely, bright, and fresh. One Insider says his favorite has to be the South Seas room with a strong nautical theme. The room has a full bath as well as an Enchanted Grotto Shower. That’s Victoria Rock talk for an 8-foot waterfall/shower. Breakfast is hearty and scrumptious. On the day one Insider stayed at the inn, breakfast was the specialty of the house, Southwest-style eggs Benedict. “This recipe was once a secret, but that’s not so now since so many guests have asked for my recipe,” says Darrel. Smart guests book well ahead for holidays and longer-than-weekend stays.

City: Alpine, CA

Category: Nightlife

Telephone: (619) 445-5400, (800) 847-6537

Address: 5005 Willows Road

Description: As this ultrapopular Viejas Indian casino says, “We’ve got more fun,” and when you go for entertainment, you won’t be disappointed. Shows vary from season to season, but the club often offers blues bands on Friday after 8:00 p.m. and Big Band music for early evening dancing on Sunday. Neither show has a cover charge or a drink minimum, and the DreamCatcher Showroom is renowned for its excellent acoustics. Of the three major East County Indian casinos, this is the only one that sells alcohol. The summer concert series, with names like Bill Cosby, B.B. King, and Jackson Browne, is held on the grass at the outlet center across the street.

City: Alpine, CA

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (619) 445-5400

Address: 5000 Willows Road

Description: For everything you can expect at this ultra-popular casino, be sure to read our entries in the Nightlife and Attractions chapters. You can also expect casual dining and fine dining, in very easygoing surroundings. Check out the Harvest Buffet (a smaller version of those seen in Las Vegas or Atlantic City). There’s also the China Camp for Asian foods, the dignified Grove Steakhouse, and other 24-hour restaurants to make your gaming experience complete. Restaurants are open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

City: Alpine, CA

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (619) 659-2070

Address: 5005 Willows Road

Description: Landscaped with massive rocks and rushing water features among bronze statues and structures made to resemble those of a Native American village, this outlet center has a unique look that makes shopping a relaxing affair. There are nearly 60 retail store outlets, including Gap, Big Dog Sportswear, Liz Claiborne, Jones of New York, Eddie Bauer, and Perry Ellis. Shop for gifts and accessories, jewelry, and books, or pop into one of eight footwear outlets. In the evenings around 9:00 p.m. (earlier in winter months) there often is some form of free musical or laser-light entertainment. Those needing a break from the slot machine and bingo at the Viejas Casino across the road can sit down to pizza, ice cream, sushi, fast food, or tacos at Rubio’s Baja Grill. This is also the home of San Diego’s East County Visitors Bureau office, (619) 445-0180 or (800) 463-0668.

City: Alpine, CA

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (619) 445-5400, (800) 847-6537

Address: 5000 Willows Road

Description: As this ultrapopular casino says, “We’ve got more fun.” They really work at the fun portion, too, and include high-stakes poker, video tournaments, satellite wagering, and Indian blackjack; there’s a nonsmoking area. Like other area casinos, it’s open 24/7. San Diego Union-Tribune restaurant critic Leslie James raved about Viejas’s Grove Steakhouse but was unimpressed by the ho-hum Harvest Buffet. Food and drinks are served throughout the gaming rooms. Across the street, an outlet center offers shops selling housewares, apparel, gifts, and shoes as well as restaurants such as Subway and Rubio’s Baja Grill.