Have you been to Legoland lately or visited Leo Carrillo Ranch? There are some exciting things going on at these two Carlsbad attractions.

Legoland just opened the Star Wars miniland which features a scene from all six movies built entirely of Legos. It is very cool. I don't know about you but I saw the very first Star Wars movie in the theater and when I saw what Legoland had created I felt like a kid again. Sea Life Aquarium will be unveiling a new exhibit as well. It's called Octopus Garden. This exhibit will be interactive and will introduce families to the fun world of cephalopods. That's all things with tentacles for the rest of us. This exhibit is set to open on April 15, 2011.

Last week I went to Leo Carrillo Ranch for the first time. I've lived in Carlsbad since 2000. I was floored that we have this very tranquil and peaceful oasis here in bustling Carlsbad. The ranch is set on 27 acres. In his heyday Leo Carrillo owned approximately 25oo acres and ran the property as a working cattle ranch.

Today it's a lot quieter except for the peacocks roaming the grounds. I spoke with Kevin who runs the place and he told me they are working on restoring the barn that will eventually be a movie theater and the new site for the welcome center. Stay tuned to our Facebook page as we'll announce when the grand opening will be.