Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Summer in San Diego Series: Old Town

(you can click on images to see larger version)

Welcome back to Summer in San Diego!! For those of you just joining in, I'm taking all of you on a tour of my hometown where I was born and raised. Today I take you to Old Town, located a few minutes north of downtown San Diego. Not only is this a historic place with awesome buildings, but I have many memories coming here for field trips when I was younger.

A Little History
 Old Town San Diego is considered the "birthplace" of California. San Diego is the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in California. It was here in 1769, that Father Junipero Serra came to establish the very first mission in a chain of 21 missions that were to be the cornerstone of California’s colonization. Father Serra’s mission and Presidio were built on a hillside overlooking what is currently known as Old Town San Diego. At the base of the hill in 1820’s, a small Mexican community of adobe buildings was formed and by 1835 had attained the status of El Pueblo de San Diego. (source)



Cool huh? I haven't been there in a few years, so I forgot about the relaxing, cultural atmosphere in Old Town. You are surrounded by 150 shops, 17 museums and tons of Mexican restaurants (aka Margaritas!!) Some of my favorite shops are Cousin's Candy Shop and The House of Jerky & Root Beer Store, the latter is where I stopped for a treat. 


(Note: A one handed self-portrait with a DSLR is not any easy feat!)

I also stopped into Hacienda de las Rosas Winery. Right when I walked in, I was offered a free sample of Sangria. Umm, yes please and thank you!! The decor and seating in that room was a vintage dream. I think I'll have to go back there for their wine tasting specials. 



This is the first school house in San Diego. I remember coming here in 2nd grade and being in awe at the type of desks the used. We got to sit in them and pretend we were in school.


Some sources call the Whaley House the most haunted house in America.....I've been in it and would have to disagree. But many pay admission to experience it for themselves. There's also an old cemetery near by so you can get the whole ghostly experience. This place is especially popular on Halloween. 



What it use to look like


The Seeley Stable holds all the old stage coaches and wagons used back then. It's a huge barn with antique galore!! 




There are many places to sit with a cool drink and enjoy the mexican music playing in the background. The variety of seating and all the desert plant life gives the place an inviting feeling.  


Hope you enjoyed the tour of Old Town! Missed the first Summer in San Diego? Don't fret! Here is Balboa Park Part 1 and  Balboa Park Park Part 2.


11 comments:

  1. I will have to go check this part of San Diego out. I have been there many times and have never seen this area before. I love history so this type of stuff is right up my alley.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh how fun! I love how it is so colorful there! I would be so excited about that candy shop too! And winery tours are so interesting!

    ReplyDelete
  3. CANDY STORE! That looks so fun. Obviously it got me excited. lol.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow, soo many beautiful photos! This looks like such an interesting place. Those stick candies are the best!

    xo katie elizabeth
    ohheyylife.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a great post! I've been all over the world, and have spent a ton of time in CA, yet somehow I've never been to San Diego. I've always wanted to go, but the road had never led me there. Maybe now it's time! Looking forward to more of the series.

    Your blog is super cute... Just discovered it, and I'm now your newest follower.

    xo,
    melissa

    ReplyDelete
  6. I LOVE that old school house! So neat!

    ReplyDelete
  7. looks like such fun! my husband and i took a little road trip down the west coast last autumn and we stopped just short of san diego. who knew the beauty and wonder we missed? it's gorgeous and chock-full of history. thanks for sharing:)

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a lovely blog you have! And such a sweet post, I'm in the mood for some candy, especially jellybeans. :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Yum I love old fashion rootbeer. That ghost tour sounds neat but I would be scared to death

    ReplyDelete
  10. Breeanna, this is a wonderful way to capture all those memories and to make those of us who haven't been there feel like we have! Thank you!
    :) Anna

    ReplyDelete
  11. hi< thanks for visiting :) I'm loveing your blog. I'll be your newest follower! And now off to check out your Etsy! It's a minefield isnt it!? I havent really got a clue what i'm doing haha!!

    ReplyDelete

I love hearing what you have to say! Thanks for taking the time to share!