If you've driven along North Coast Highway 101 in Leucadia and wondered when the roadwork would finally be finished, you're not alone in wanting a clearer picture.

The city is carrying out a substantial streetscape and drainage project between Jupiter Street and La Costa Avenue.

Some downtowns are easy to forget once you've driven through them. Encinitas has spent decades trying to make sure its stretch of Coast Highway 101 isn't one of those places.

The historic corridor brings together independent shops, sidewalk cafés, restaurants and older architecture in a setting that feels more like a neighborhood than a shopping center.

A good trail can make outdoor time look effortless. The path is there, the route is inviting, and most walkers are busy thinking about the view.

What doesn't always get noticed is the work involved in caring for a public trail system.

Carlsbad's coastline gets plenty of attention, and understandably so. But there's another side to the city that doesn't require a beach towel.

The city reports approximately 67 miles of trails, including routes through open space and neighborhoods.

The Carlsbad Village Street Faire returns Sunday, November 1, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with hundreds of vendors, food, entertainment and family activities.

Plan ahead for crowded downtown streets and consider the free shuttle service from The Shoppes at Carlsbad or the Poinsettia COASTER station.