Destination ~ South Park, San Diego

[Linda Kissam]

I love finding the hidden jewels of big city destinations…how about you? It’s great fun to immerse yourself in the unsung areas that don’t have big promotional budgets to entice you to discover them. So it was quite a delight when quite by chance, I was introduced to the South Park district of San Diego by a fellow cruise ship traveler. Seriously, there I was floating in the Caribbean, when Jennifer Thompson from Monkey C Media gave me the 411. Now I am passing it on to you. Read on!

The South Park area is perfect for locals and visitors. It’s located, south and east of San Diego’s famous Balboa Park and is just a few minutes from Old Town. It sports a Boho Chic feeling spread over two main shopping areas. It definitely reminds me of some great small neighborhoods in Seattle, WA. The Freemont district comes to mind.

Now this travel diva loves her wine, dine and shopping finds, and believe me, this district has something for everyone…and it is dog friendly on steroids My suggestion to you is to try to combine your visit with one of their “Walkabout’s.” There’s one for each season. The summer one is up on July 17, 2010. I attended the spring one, and I have to say – impressive!

The Concept

The South Park Walkabouts are four FREE fun and festive evenings where shops and businesses throw open their doors from 6 PM – 10 PM to engage and impress visitors. They’re a combination of food, drink, music and visual stimulation. Each of the many stops (35+) finds a special treat of some kind, be it food, wine, art, music, or a cool souvenir to share with visitors. Since there are two distinct areas to explore, the merchants host a free trolley that you can hop on and off of to see everything without having to park twice.

My Picks

First let me say, that every stop is worth your time. Most stops welcome the old, the young, and the four-legged. It’s truly a remarkable sight. Go here to download a Walkabout map, set your GPS and you’re ready to roll –with or without Fido.

Now for my top 8 favorites.

Stop 1: mCm Gallery
Monkey C Media Design Studio
and Art Gallery
3011 Beech St.
San Diego, CA 92102
www.monkeyCmedia.com

Art, design, photography and more. Loved their live music, killer red velvet cupcakes and red wine combo.

Stop 2: Halcyon Tea
619.450.4224
3009 Beech St.
San Diego, CA 92102
www.halcyontea.com

A nicely focused selection of quality teas, tea ware, and select items related to tea culture, travel and design. Serene and thoughtful. Definitely an ahhhhh moment. Loved their two sample selections so much, I bought both AND also sent some off to my daughter in Palo Alto.

Stop 3: Studio Maureen
619.233.6679
2963 Beech St
San Diego, CA 92102
www.studiomaureen.com

Studio Maureen and The Next Door Gallery offer multiple artistic experiences and affordable art. The shop and gallery are filled with exquisite items made mostly by San Diego artists. There was an artist event going on that intrigued the heck out of me. The artist’s explained they were trading small miniature works of art amongst themselves. Described as a practice originating in Zurich, the ladies described the event as “absolutely fun, absolutely refreshing.” I got to look at some of their art-card scrapbooks. I’d add the words absolutely beautiful to their remarks.

Stop 4: Grant’s Marketplace
619.231.0524
2953 Beech St. (corner of Beech & Dale)
San Diego, CA 92102

A very retro deli featuring organic espresso & coffee, Julian Pies, Assenti Pastas, nostalgic sodas, specialty groceries, craft beers, excellent wines, free wifi, beautiful sidewalk dining. The treat offered here had us sipping on some new iced coffee drinks. Refreshing and not overly sweet. Think I am in love, because I spent a whole lot of money in the wine section. Don’t be afraid to engage owner Joe Grant in a little wine talk. Trust his suggestions. I did and came home with a bunch of winners.

Stop 5: Rebecca’s Coffee Shop
619.284.3663
3015 Juniper Street
San Diego CA 92104
www.rebeccascoffeehouse.com

You have to stop and linger in this “original styled” coffee haven. Big, bold and 70’s beautiful aptly describe this place. Fabulous coffees and treats. This is the type of coffee place we used to enjoy in our college days before the big guys came in and gentrified us.

Stop 6: Daily Scoop on Juniper
619.624.0920
3004 Juniper St
San Diego CA 92104

Die and go to heaven is all I can say. Throw out the calorie counters, ‘cause this ice cream is all natural, all handmade, all good. You must try the Cabernet Sorbet, the Lemon Custard and the Chocolate Ale. And hey! They even offer doggie ice cream. According to the owner, they sell a ton of it in Banana and Banana P-Nut Butter. I heard that several dogs have their very own ice cream accounts so the dog walkers can treat their clients on their daily “Walkabout.”

Stop 7: Clarity Soap and Candles
619.640.5903
3022 Juniper St
San Diego CA 92104
web.mac.com/claritysoap

The trolley guy said not to miss this place. Glad we listened! Quality handmade soaps, candles, bath and skin care products since 1998. They are huge recyclers, and many products reflect that commitment to earth and community. I stayed long enough to blend my own bath salt mixture. Heavenly scents of lemon, lavender and vanilla in my bath now remind me of this bliss filled shop.

Stop 8: South Bark Dog Wash
619.232.7387
2037 30th St
San Diego, CA
www.southbark.com

Home of the Blueberry Facial, this is a one stop shop for every man’s (and woman’s) best friend. South Bark offers a self-serve pet wash, full line of retail dog and cat products, and a training center. This placed was packed. Treats were canine friendly.

Resources

2010 South Park Walkabouts
Spring – March 27
Summer – July 17th
Harvest – October 2nd
Holiday – December 4th

Main Web Site
www.southparkscene.com

Who Should Attend?
Out- of- towners and locals. Probably best suited for date night, singles having fun, couples of any kind, stroller friendly…and a great op to stroll with your dog.