the capistrano dispatch
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Best Of 2010TRANSCRIPT
DiningBest Breakfast • 2Best Lunch • 2Best Appetizer • 2Best Dinner • 2Best Dessert • 2Best Ambiance • 2Best Outdoor Patio • 2Best Cup of Coffee • 3Best Taco • 3Best Salsa • 3Best Pizza • 3
NightlifeBest Nightspot • 4Best Margarita • 4Best Bartender • 4Our Local “Cheers” • 5Best Spot for a Glass of Wine • 5Best Wine Selection • 5
LivingBest Shopping Plaza • 5Best Hair Salon/Barbershop • 5Best Spa or Gym • 5Best Manicure • 6Best Car Repair/Service • 6Best Dry Cleaner • 6Best Jewelry • 6Best Clothing • 6Best Flowers • 6Best Home Décor • 6Best Spot for that “Perfect Gift” • 6Best Vet • 6Best Art or Framing Shop • 8Best Nursery • 8Best Customer Service • 8
OutdoorsBest Trail • 8Best Park for Kids • 8 Best “Illegal” Spot for Dogs • 8Best Stables • 8Best Picnic Spot • 8
History and HeritageBest Historical Spot • 10Best Capistrano Tradition • 10Best Place to Spot the Swallows • 10Best Example of “Preserving the Past to Protect the Future” • 10Best Reason to Live in San Juan Capistrano • 10
Showing OffBest Place to Take Out-of-Towners • 10Best Place to Take Children • 10
C O N T E N T S
t’s a pretty exciting time in San Juan Capistrano, in a town that doesn’t always cotton to excitement so much. Regency Theatres re-opened the long-closed movie house on Verdugo Street, Ruby’s has Sky Ranch now and new auto dealerships are opening on Camino Capistrano. At the south end of town, meanwhile, Costco is preparing for its expansion, which will also add gasoline
sales to the warehouse store. Sure, some favorite old stores, such as Regalo in Mission Promenade, fell by the wayside in 2010, but all-in-all business is looking up. Merchants around the movie theater say they’ve seen a 30 percent bump in business. And while we saw some changes in this year’s Golden Horseshoe awards, it’s clear that Capistrano residents are out and about more than ever, shopping in town and staying loyal to the places that provide a good product, good service, a good price. Some of the winners were repeat honorees, but new stores that had the right combination of those things were also welcomed with open arms. Residents ap-preciate good businesses, and we appreciate those of you who voted and who are willing to stop in someplace new because you see a Gold or Silver Horseshoe on the door. Because one thing that hasn’t changed over the years we’ve done our informal survey: The People are still what make Capistrano special.
Congratulations to newcomer Hot Lunch Lady for taking gold in the “Best Lunch” category. Photo by Jonathan Volzke
BEST OF 3rd AnnualPEOPLE ’S CHOICE HORSESHOE AWARDS 2010
SAN JUAN
SUNDRIED TOMATO CAFE31781 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.1167
Sundried was a Silver Horseshoe fi nisher last time around, Sundried’s unique and varied menu was sure to lead to gold someday. The category is for the appetizer—you’ve got to have the Sundried Tomato soup, of course—but the restaurant has remodeled to create a premiere space in which to enjoy an appetizer, too. If you’ve tried the soup, go for the Crispy Blackened Chicken Spring Rolls, with a cilantro-pesto sauce.
CEDAR CREEK INN26860 Ortega Hwy., 949.240.2229
A previous Golden Horseshoe winner, the Zuni Rolls are still a top choice.
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Dining...BEST BREAKFAST
MOLLIES FAMOUS CAFÉ32033 Camino Capistrano, 949.240.9261
A winner every year, we’ve asked residents where they like to eat breakfast. The answer doesn’t change probably because Mollies doesn’t change too much, either. You still get great healthy por-tions of good food for a good price. The breakfast menu includes everything from steak to country-style gravy and a breakfast sandwich that’s the best in town. Another thing that isn’t chang-ing: Great waitresses and owner Georgia Kelley keeping watch.
THE BAGEL SHACK31876 Del Obispo Rd. #1, San Juan Capistrano, 949.488.8023
A newcomer to the list, but Bagel Shack has established itself as a great place to sit outside and enjoy surf-named breakfast creations. Our favorite: The BLT.
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Georgia Kelley, Fredy Martinez, Cheryl Fitzgerald, Shannon Rich and Janille Schutz—the crew at Mollies. Photo by Jonathan Volzke
Hot Lunch Lady’s Aaron Meza. Photo by Jonathan Volzke
BEST LUNCHHOT LUNCH LADY31115 Rancho Viejo Rd., 949.218.4300
The Hot Lunch Lady is a newcomer to town, but vaulted to top of the favorites list quickly by offering a good variety of lunch options and good prices. The menu includes a lot of wraps—from egg salad to teriyaki chicken let-tuce—as well as fl atbread pizza. But there’s lunchtime staples, too, such as an angus burger, hot dog sliders and even grilled cheese. And nothing’s over $7.95.
HUMMINGBIRD HOUSE CAFE26711 Verdugo St., 949.443.5090
Another newcomer to town, and another winner. Great food and a great patio in the heart of Los Rios.
BEST DESSERTCEDAR CREEK INN26860 Ortega Hwy., 949.240.2229
Cedar Creek has the “Best Dessert” category locked up, winning it as many years as we’ve held the contest. We’ve recommended the warm Toll House Pie, the bread pudding and the good ol’ hot fudge sundae, but they have fruits, too. Try the lemon tart or the seasonal fruit lush.
MARIE CALLENDERS 31791 Del Obispo St., 949.661.5977
No surprise here, it’s the pie.
BEST AMBIANCEHUMMINGBIRD HOUSE CAFÉ26711 Verdugo St., 949.443.5090
This one makes perfect sense. Hum-mingbird House is just across the pedestrian railroad-track crossing into the Historic Los Rios District and is a great place to get lost in time. The front patio offers shade and a great vantage to watch folks come and go, while the back patio is large and airy with a view of Los Rios Park. The ambiance is that of old San Juan itself.
HIDDEN HOUSE COFFEE31791 Los Rios St., 949.240.0200
Another great patio on Los Rios Street. Beautiful shade, beautiful spot.
BEST OUTDOOR PATIOCEDAR CREEK INN26860 Ortega Hwy., 949.240.2229
Another year-in-year out winner. The only thing that changes here is the color of the leaves on the big trees that provide the shade on Cedar Creek’s patio. The large fi replace warms the body on cool nights, while the view of the Great Stone Church across the street warms the soul. The patio is impressive for business, cozy for friends, romantic for a loved one.
SARDUCCI’S CAPISTRANO DEPOT26701 Verdugo St., 949.493.9593
We like Cedar Creek in the evening, but we love Sarducci’s patio for lunch.
CEDAR CREEK INN26860 Ortega Hwy., 949.240.2229
Great menu, great food. You can count on Cedar Creek winning the Golden Horseshoe for “Best Dinner” like you can count on the swallows coming back to Capistrano. From the salads—they have eight on the menu—to the rack of lamb, Cedar Creek gets it right, every time. Try the scampi and medallion combination for $30 or prime rib for $29—but whatever you have, save room for dessert.
SUNDRIED TOMATO CAFE31781 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.1167
The bar remodel made the atmosphere better. We’re not sure the food can get any better.
BEST DINNER
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Nightlife...
BEST CUP OF COFFEEHIDDEN HOUSE CAFE31791 Los Rios St., 949.240.0200
Mostly coffee and ice cream, this little gem of a spot serves up a delicious San Juan blend as well as single origin coffee. Although it is sort of hidden, the Hidden House Cafe’s reputation precedes it. And with outdoor and indoor seating, you can also enjoy desserts, pastries, wraps and on weekends, they even serve BBQ.
STARBUCKS32341 Camino Capistrano, 949.248.158927211 Ortega Hwy., 949.661.5801; 32022
Camino Capistrano, 949.661.4809
Sure, there’s three locations in town, but the coffee is good at all three, and you can’t beat the view across from the Mission.
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Courtney Sessler—General Manager and Andres Reyes, Kitchen Manager at Z Pizza. Photo by Jonathan Volzke
Hidden House Cafe. Photo by Jonathan Volzke
BEST TACORICARDO’S PLACE32082 Camino Capistrano, 949.493. 4941
It’s been quite a year for Ricardo and Rosa Beas. Their business was selected the Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year for his work about town, but Ricardo’s work in the kitchen didn’t slip, either. He got his reci-pes from his mother, and moving up to gold from silver last year would surely make her proud.
PEDRO’S TACOS31721 Camino Capistrano, 949.489.7752
We keep hearing about plans to remodel Pedro’s. They’d better keep the tacos.
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BEST SALSARICARDO’S PLACE32082 Camino Capistrano, 949.493. 4941
Ricardo’s hosted a salsa challenge in 2010 and saw that gold medal go to El Adobe. It must have been close, because he’s taking the Golden Horseshoe now—with El Adobe taking silver. Ricardo’s salsa is fresh, and they bring it to you with a bowl of warm chips as soon as you sit down. The regular salsa is mild and chunky, but you can ask for the salsa brava if you want a little heat.
EL ADOBE DE CAPISTRANO31891 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.1163
Fresh ingredients put together with consistency. It’s good.
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BEST PIZZAZ PIZZA32341 Camino Capistrano, 949.429.8888
Another back-to-back winner, ZPizza has a big menu of specialty pizzas. General Manager Court-ney Sessler attributes the store’s success to fresh ingredients organically grown. It’s as healthy as pizza can be, and there’s even a gluten-free offering. They focus on fl avors and don’t try to drown the pie in a pile of cheese.
BALL PARK PIZZA31654 Rancho Viejo Rd # H, 949.493.6852
Ball Park’s been around longer than the other winners, and experience counts.
MR. B’S PIZZA KITCHEN31111 Rancho Viejo Rd., 949.240.8100
Large airy dining areas, a great family spot.
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BEST NIGHTSPOTSWALLOW’S INN31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188
Only in San Juan Capistrano would a place be proud of once being named one of the best dive bars in America, but that’s the Swallow’s Inn. A bit honky-tonk, a bit biker bar, a bit museum of Capistrano’s (shady) past, the Swallow’s Inn is a great place to get a drink, or just watch the locals move on through.
TANNINS RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR27211 Ortega Highway # C, 949.661.8466
A great upstairs lounge makes Tannin’s a great nightspot.
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BEST MARGARITARICARDO’S PLACE32082 Camino Capistrano, 949.493. 4941
We predicted this one. Ricardo’s has been fi ghting El Adobe for the top spot for “Best Margarita” for years, and fi nally takes its place on top this year. Ricardo’s doesn’t use a gun for their margaritas, they mix them the way it oughta be done.
EL ADOBE DE CAPISTRANO31891 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.1163
Quality tequila and just the right amount of sweet-and-sour make for a winner.
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BEST BARTENDERSWALLOW’S INN31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188
The gang behind the bar at Swallows might not be the kind to listen to you whine about the problems in your life with a sympathetic ear, but they’re the sort who know how to make sure your drink is fresh and an empty beer bottle doesn’t sit in front of you too long. And at the end of the day, isn’t that what matters?
BAD TO THE BONE BBQ31738 Rancho Viejo Rd., 949.218.0227
Hillary Morris started working at Bad to the Bone four years ago, where people go for the mesquite-fi red steaks, ice cold beer and…her, according to the voting.
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Jesse Clanton, Tannin’s Wine Manager can tell you about all 50 varieties of wine he’s got by the glass every day. Photo by Jonathan Volzke
The staff and clients at Charisma Beauty. Photo by Jonathan Volzke
Living...
OUR LOCAL “CHEERS”SWALLOWS INN31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188
Cheers was patterned after the Bull & Finch Pub in Boston, but it would have been an even better show if producers had wandered into Swallow’s fi rst. Cowboys, bikers, judges, hard-working men and women and the unem-ployed all come together at Swallow’s. And they all get along. A great place to two-step or just watch the world dance on by.
BAD TO THE BONE31738 Rancho Viejo Rd., 949.218.0227
We wandered in one night when the Jeep took an unexpected break. The folks next to us started up a conversation and we saw folks we knew, so we spent the evening catching up with friends and making new ones.
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BEST SPOT FOR A GLASS OF WINE
TANNIN’S RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR27211 Ortega Highway # C, 949.661.8466
From the name to the nearly 600 varieties of wine on hand, Tannin’s is all about the wine. The bar has a television, sure, but the wine glasses hanging overhead silently urge you to order something from grapes, rather than a beer.
RICK’S CAFÉRegency Capistrano Theatre, 26762 Verdugo St., 949.661.3456
The upstairs bar at Capistrano’s new movie theater. It’s pat-terned after Rick’s from Casablanca, and it’s very cool.
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BEST WINE SELECTIONTANNIN’S RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR27211 Ortega Highway # C, 949.661.8466
Wine Manager Jesse Clanton can only guesstimate that his stock on hand is between 500 and 600 bottles, but there’s no doubt about the menu: Tannin’s offers 50 varieties of wine by the glass every day. They can sell you a glass, a bottle or even a case to go, too.
CIAO PASTA TRATTORIA31661 Camino Capistrano # 201, 949.496.5002
Almost quietly, Ciao Pasta has built up a great little happy hour. The wine list is a great foundation.
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BEST SHOPPING PLAZAPLAZA DEL OBISPO31878 Del Obispo St., 949.240.2711
Everybody voted for “Marshall’s Plaza” but we know what they meant. Del Obispo Plaza is a repeat winner of the Golden Horseshoe. Even as owner Gretchen Stroscher Thomson moves forward with plans to build a down-town hotel, she hasn’t let things at the plaza slip. No wonder: She keeps her own offi ces there.
VERMEULEN’S PLAZA32382 Del Obispo St., 714.542.2388
The tractor plaza because of the farm machinery out front, houses everything from dry cleaners, to a nail salon, framing shop, a restaurant and a market.
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BEST HAIR SALON/BARBERSHOP
CHARISMA BEAUTY32301 Camino Capistrano #F, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, 949.240.1200
Charisma has been a staple in the community for 14 years. Their warm and friendly environment makes this salon stand out. Customers can sip coffee or tea while chatting with the friendly stylists. Aside from haircuts, hair coloring and exten-sions, this salon includes a room full of accessories, appliances and hair, nail and makeup products available for customers to purchase.
CURTIS MICHAEL SALON31882 Del Obispo St # 150, 949.240.9240
A friendly salon that’s been in town long enough to build a solid reputation.
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BEST SPA OR GYM24 HOUR FITNESS27131 Calle Arroyo, 949.489.9900
Another winner every time we’ve asked. Capistrano’s 24 Hour Fitness may not be the fl ashiest, but it’s got a healthy mix of machines, free weights and cardio classes. You may not see the ocean like you can in Laguna Niguel’s gym, but you see friends and neighbors there—and misery loves company, right?
THE MASSAGE ASSOCIATES31952 Camino Capistrano, 949.489.7924
Licensed Massage Therapist Michelle Bryant and her crew are celebrating 10 years in town.
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BEST MANICURECOLOR NAILS AND SPA31876 Del Obispo St #4, 949.443.0125
For excellent manicures and pedicures this elegant salon delivers. A clean and comfortable atmo-sphere keeps customers coming back. Each patron is given a leather massage chair to sit in while their nails are being done, offering a relaxing getaway to customers from the busy-ness of the day. The salon also offers waxing, massages, and facials. Come Tuesdays and Wednesdays for $5 off pedicures.
HAPPY NAILS & SPA32301 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.6888
Happy Nails is a clean spa with a polite staff.
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BEST CAR REPAIR/SERVICEFAMILY CLASSIC CARS33033 Camino Capistrano, 949.276.7777
You have to fi gure if the mechanics work among some of the greatest cars in the world, they’ve got to know what they’re doing. And while the mechanical services are top-notch, there’s no complaints about waiting, either, as you get to wander a showroom fi lled with immaculate automo-biles.
STAR MOTORS32959 Calle Perfecto, 949.443.1946
They specialize in BMW and Mercedes, but can work on any luxury car in their spotless shop.
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BEST DRY CLEANERPOLO CLEANERSSte. C11, 31105 Rancho Viejo Rd., 949.7354
Another perennial winner, Polo’s record on the Golden Horseshoe is as spotless as one of the shirts cleaned at the Marbella Plaza shop. Polo’s open every day, of-fers free pickup and delivery and makes your dry cleaning one less thing to worry about.
ORTEGA CLEANERS27184 Ortega Highway, 949.248.3405
Always the bridesmaid in this category, but that means solid service, too.
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Whim Furniture and Interior Design is upscale but not under the radar. Photo by Jonathan Volzke
BEST CLOTHINGTHE CARVED HORSE31952 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.9780
Like a classic outfi t that never goes out of style, Carved Horse keeps winning the Golden Horseshoe in this category. Owner Sharon Applegarth has been in town 20 years and has well established her shop’s reputation as the only place to go for fi ne ladies’ apparel—for everything from sportswear to evening wear.
ROSS DRESS FOR LESS32051 Camino Capistrano, 949.496.2338
You have to a hunt a bit, but there’s treasures to be found.
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BEST JEWELRYABBY’S FINE JEWELRY DESIGN32382 Del Obispo St #C3, 949.493.3632
This local jewelry store has established itself among San Juan’s quaint community for the last six years. The perfect place for wedding rings or a gift for someone spe-cial, this family-run shop offers custom made pieces as well as cleaning services and maintenance.
ZIA JEWELRY31761 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.1322
Last year’s Golden winner, Zia offers a great variety of one-of-a-kind pieces.
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BEST FLOWERSMOTHER EARTH32158 Camino Capistrano #105, 949.493.4400
A 21-year business in town, Mother Earth offers hard-to-fi nd fl owers wrapped up in stunning ar-rangements. The store owners are great corporate citizens, too, donating to charities and supporting various efforts. They also have a shop in Lake Forest, so wherever you need to send fl ow-ers, they can get them there.
PANAGE31876 Del Obispo, 949.661.1858
A fi rst-time Silver winner last year, we like the tropicals at Panage.
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Abby Kahn of Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design enjoys what he does. “We just offer good service and we treat everybody as we’d like to be treated,” he said. Photo by Jonathan Volzke
BEST HOME DÉCORWHIM31831 Camino Capistrano, 949.388.9600
Whim is another elder on our “Best of Capistrano” list, winning in a couple of categories every year. That’s no surprise, as the owners keep the store like a show-room, inspirational and awe-inspiring. They’re not afraid to change it up, either, so every trip is fi lled with discovery.
A TOUCH OF ELEGANCE31770 Camino Capistrano, Suite D, 949.429.1955
New to our list, this Camino Capistrano shop has a great variety.
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BEST SPOT FOR THAT “PERFECT GIFT”
WHIM 31831 Camino Capistrano, 949.388.9600
Whim offers gifts you won’t fi nd any-where else, which means whatever you give is going to leave a good impression. They’ve got chandeliers made from wine bottles, books and the sort of things that make any room look special. And don’t forget a few doors down, they have “Pink,” too, where everything is just as cool, and yes, pink.
ABBY’S32382 Del Obispo, Ste. C-3, 949.493.3632
If Abby Kahn doesn’t have the perfect gift in his display case, he can make it.
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BEST VETORTEGA ANIMAL CARE27341 Ortega Highway, 949.487.7600
Last year’s Silver winner, Ortega Animal Care takes the Gold this year. The center offers laser surgery, digital radiology, ultrasound, dentistry and has an in-house lab. Maybe it’s our agrarian roots, but we take our pets seriously in San Juan Capistrano, and so does Ortega Animal Care.
DR. JACK MANNIX32391 San Juan Creek Road, 949.493.1147
Dr. Mannix is a longtime favorite whose won Gold in the past.
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BEST ART OR FRAMING SHOP
PLAZA ART GALLERY32382 Del Obispo St. #C1, 949.493.1950
Ted and Dale Rosenfeldt have stayed open while other art and framing shops have come and gone. They do it because they’re about quality. It might cost you a little bit more, but it shows in the work. That’s why they’ve been in business more than 20 years. It’s also a great place to stop by for a little conversation about what’s going on in town or the world, too.
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Scott and Diana Scmitt of San Juan Photo and Digital. Photo by Jonathan Volzke
Los Rios Park’s playground. Photo by Jonathan Volzke
BEST NURSERYPLANT DEPOT 33413 San Juan Creek Road, 949.240.2107
For a business that deals with perennials and annuals, Plant Depot is the perennial winner of our annual awards. They’ve got a wide variety and a staff that knows why your fl owers aren’t blooming. And the store, full of garden-re-lated items, is so much fun we wouldn’t be surprised to see it pop up on the “Best Place to Buy a Gift” list, either.
ARMSTRONG GARDEN CENTERS32382 Del Obispo St., 949.661.6666
A chain store, but with a local feel and knowledgeable staff.
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BEST CUSTOMER SERVICEDE NAULT’S TRUE VALUE HARDWARE 31862 Del Obispo St., 949.493.1031
We had to wait when we went to take Don DeNault’s picture for winning this category—he was helping a customer in the hardware aisle. We weren’t ignored though; you can’t walk into DeNault’s without at least two employees offering to help. And they don’t just point you to the right aisle, they make sure you get what you need and know what to do with it when you get home, too.
SAN JUAN PHOTO AND DIGITAL32301 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.5668
If you’ve been to any event in town, chances are Scott and Diana Schmitt took your photo. The shop can make any of us look like we know what we’re doing with a camera and put all of our precious photos into a cool book, too.
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BEST TRAILSAN JUAN CREEK TRAILEven with the county closing it off to reinforce the banks, San Juan Creek Trail
remains our Golden Horseshoe winner. It’s no wonder: You can start on the east end of town and walk or ride a trail that will take you clear to Doheny without having to worry about traffi c. Parts are so serene, you’ll forget your worries anyhow.
PATRIOT TRAILThere’s a new fl ag on the hill. The hike from the top of Camino Las Ramblas can
be a little work, but the view of the valley and even Dana Point Harbor make it worthwhile.
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Outdoors...
BEST PARK FOR KIDS LOS RIOS PARKPaseo Adelanto north of Del Obispo Street
The city’s newest park in the Historic Los Rios District won awards from planners, so it’s no surprise it’s winning the Golden Horseshoe here. The park has it all: swings, picnic tables and a wall that brings Capistrano’s rich history back to life.
CREEKSIDE PARKStonehill Drive east of Del Obispo
Technically in Dana Point, but close enough to take the kids. A climbing wall and more keep the kids busy and ensure they’re ready for a nap when you fi nally get them home.
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BEST “ILLEGAL” SPOT FOR DOGS
COOK PARK-LA NOVIAThe real winner is Dana Point Harbor, but this is closer to home. The city says
it’s going to enforce leash laws, and every now and again some-one gets a ticket, but Cook Park-La Novia has wide open spaces and plenty of trees to make it Fido’s favorite playground.
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BEST STABLESORTEGA EQUESTRIAN CENTER27252 Calle Arroya, 949.661.3130
A repeat winner of the Golden Horse-shoe, Ortega would probably recycle them if we gave our real horseshoes—they do with the regular ones. Ortega’s a western stable in the old-time sense, but with modern sensibilities. They recycle, participate in community events and even have an equine spa now, too.
TAR FARMS28411 San Juan Creek Rd., 949.489.9034
If we can have an award for “best improved,” Tar Farms would win. If you haven’t been there lately, you haven’t been there.
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BEST PICNIC SPOTCASPER’S REGIONAL PARK33401 Ortega Hwy, 949.923.2210
Casper’s Wilderness Park is an 8,000-acre area in the river terraces and sandstone canyons of the western coastal Santa Ana Mountains, just a few miles east of town. You can camp there, but it’s also a great place for a day trip to hike and picnic or just get away without having to go away.
LOS RIOS PARKPaseo Adelanto north of Del Obispo Street
New picnic tables, plenty of shade, views of Capistrano’s ridgelines. Perfect.
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The Mission will always be San Juan Capistrano’s biggest landmark—if not Orange County’s. Mechelle Lawrence-Adams with young visitors. Photo by Jonathan Volzke
Jack and Cooper Mussoline, from Rancho Santa Margarita, pet the critters. Photo by Jonathan Volzke
BEST HISTORICAL SPOTMISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO26802 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300
The Mission’s been around since 1776 and it’s fi nally beginning to look like it. And that’s a good thing. The scaffolding that ringed the Great Stone Church is long gone and Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence and her crew are working to make the Mission a living museum. Historically authentic, but a place that is still fun to explore.
LOS RIOS HISTORICAL DISTRICTLos Rios Street north of Del Obispo Street
When the native families were building the Mission, this is where they lived. The history lives on.
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History and Heritage...
BEST CAPISTRANO TRADITION
SWALLOWS DAY PARADEwww.swallowsparade.com
March 26 this year will mark the 53rd Annual Swallows Day Parade, and you can bet some 20,000 people will line the streets to see the horses, fl oats, bands and other entries that make up one of the country’s largest non-mo-torized parades. For them, it’s an event. For us, a tradition.
EVENTS AT THE MISSIONThe Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26802 Ortega
Hwy., 949.234.1300
Concerts, celebrations, the Mission is a breath-taking setting for all of it.
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BEST PLACE TO SPOT THE SWALLOWS
MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANOThe Mission San Juan Capistrano26802 Ortega Hwy, 949.234.1300
It might not be like the old days when the swallows were said to darken the skies like clouds, but the little bird that put Cap-istrano on the map can still be found at its traditional home. Go early in the morning or in the evening, when the swallows like to feed.
CREEK BEDCamino Capistrano north of Junipero Serra
We thought it was our secret place until we parked behind a line of a cars last year. Walk under the bridge a bit and you see more swallows than you can count.
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BEST EXAMPLE OF “PRESERVING THE PAST TO
PROTECT THE FUTURE”
THE MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO26802 Ortega Hwy, 949.234.1300
It’s the oldest building in town, but the Mission just keeps get-ting better. Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence-Adams has made establishing the Mission as a museum-like place to visit a top priority and the exhibits change, so locals have a reason to visit more often.
LOS RIOS HISTORICAL DISTRICTLos Rios Street, north of Del Obispo Street
The park has a wonderful wall laying out who helped make Capistrano the town it is today.
Golden Horseshoe
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BEST REASON TO LIVE IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
THE PEOPLEWe may fi ght about developments and pick on our council members, but there’s
no doubt that’s because folks who move to Capistrano love Capistrano and feel like it’s their town. And after every argu-ment, we all manage to remember we’re neighbors, and that’s what really makes Capistrano special.
SMALL TOWN FEELEver go to the grocery store, or anywhere else, without seeing someone you know?
Golden Horseshoe
Silver Horseshoe
BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWNERS
THE MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO26802 Ortega Hwy, 949.234.1300
We were ordering something from out-of-state once. When the person asked where we lived, we replied “San Juan Capist-rano.” “Oh, like the Mission,” they asked, admitting they always wanted to go there. Everyone does, just look at the out-of-state license plates on the cars parked downtown.
LOS RIOS HISTORICAL DISTRICTLos Rios Street north of Del Obispo Street
A wonderful stroll, with great restaurants and coffee shops along the way.
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BEST PLACE TO TAKE CHILDREN
ZOOMARS PETTING ZOO 31791 Los Rios Street, 949.831.6550
Even with the Regency movie theater open downtown again, nothing beats seeing children in the bunny pen at Zoomars. Then they can feed a goat, geese or even and emu. The animals might squawk and whinny, but nothing’s louder than the squeals of delight and laughter from the kids.
Golden Horseshoe
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