Old Town San Diego

Our first trip out here to Old Town San Diego was
short, with an overnight stay at the Historic
Heritage Park Inn, a 100 year old Victorian mansion
turned into a lovely Bed & Breakfast. After a
memorable stay that left us longing for another
night, or two, we walked up down Heritage Park
Row admiring the preserved buildings that have
long since passed the 100 year mark, some are
used for offices and others for gift shops.

We were regretful that we hadn't heard of Mrs.
Burton's Tea Parlor directly across from The
Heritage Park Inn. The gift and antique shop had a
room in the back where ladies were busily
preparing for a fancy fare of Afternoon Tea ($18 per
person). Needing a reservation we moved on for
lunch in the heart of Old Town.

Mexican heritage is everywhere with Mexican
restaurants on every corner. We chose a festive
looking one, Fred's Mexican Cafe, sharing a quick
bite to eat. After a stroll we stopped into The Living
Room, a unique coffee shop, decorated after it's
name, making patrons feel right at home. Their
menu was very gourmet offering a wide variety of
selections including Chicken Wellington, Baked Brie
in Puff Pastry and Quiche Lorraine. This seemed to
be the fare we were looking for earlier. There is so
might hindsight if you don't plan ample time here.

We came across a cemetery that was dug up and a
memorial plaque read on the gate's entrance,
"Remembering the more than 13 people, mostly
children, who lie buried beneath Linwood Street.
These graves were discovered with the use of
ground penetrating radar in 1993. REST IN PEACE."

A section of Old Town is roped off, restricting cars.
Here part of the town has been preserved with
businesses left much like they were over 100 years
ago. The old dentist office displayed the
instruments from the period and some FYI to make
you glad you didn't live back then.

Festive music drew us to Rancho Nopa Restaurant.
The live band playing on the patio inspired us to sit
for a spell and enjoy a margarita, but we couldn't, it
was time to hit the road.

With so much more to see and do, we decided then
and there, we had to come back, a one night stay
wasn't nearly enough time.