Historic South Park

I spent a good part of today in South Park, an historic neighborhood just east of downtown San Diego. Fran and I took a wanderers group there for a little bit of history, lunch and of course shopping. The group of 20 women enjoyed a beautiful fall day in an area most had never seen before.

Just east of downtown and bordering Balboa Park Golf Course, is the several blocks that make up South Park. The area was first developed just after the turn of the century. Most homes were built between 1908 and 1920. It's the most eclectic group of houses you can imagine. Craftsman, Victorian, California Bungalow, and just about anything else you can think of. Many of the original owners came from the midwest or east, and they built their homes in the style they were used to. Our guide was a longtime resident of the area and an expert in all things relating to her neighborhood. Today, many of the homes have been beautifully restored, some are listed as historical landmarks, but others are in real need of TLC.

It's an artsy community, with a pottery shop and classes in one store, and lots of local handmade jewelry and crafts in other shops. One shop of note is the The Grove. It's a bookstore/knittingshop/clothing store/ gift store. It really has appeal to everyone, and many in our group made purchases here.

Lunch was at Vagabond, a very eclectic restaurant. The owner has travelled around the world and chosen his favorite recipes from his travels to Asia, Europe and South America. I had the Asian appetizer platter, with Vietnamese rolls with a peanut dipping sauce, and spring rolls which are wrapped around lettuce, mint, and cilantro. Delicious. Others had the butternut squash, a favorite, and mixed green salad. Also on the menu was a Cuban pulled pork sandwich and fries, a caprese sandwich, mussels in wine sauce, chicken curry dish over rice, and several nice salads. Most entrees were between $8.50-$11. The service was good and very prompt. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone in the area, or to anyone that wants a little out of the way adventure. Dinners are excellent and they also serve a brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

As if we hadn't eaten enough, right across the street is an ice cream strore selling fresh, handmade ice cream. It's called The Daily Scoop. It was delicious and very creamy. I had the cookies and cream, but they had almost as many flavors as 31 Flavors, and this was rich and creamy ice cream. Rebecca's Coffeehouse is on the other corner, and although I haven't eaten there, it is a wonderful, warm, coffee house, with couches and tables, arranged to make you feel like you're in someone's living room. It's the kind of place you could bring your laptop, and work for hours. Many people did.

So someday when you're in the mood for something just a little different, drive down to South Park. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.