The Capistrano Dispatch

3 Annual BEST OF SAN JUAN rd

P E O P L E ’ S C H O I C E H O R S E S H O E AWA R D S 2 0 1 0 CO N T E N TS Dining Best Breakfast • 2 Best Lunch • 2 Best Appetizer • 2 Best Dinner • 2 Best Dessert • 2 Best Ambiance • 2 Best Outdoor Patio • 2 Best Cup of Coffee • 3 Best Taco • 3 Best Salsa • 3 Best Pizza • 3

Nightlife Best Nightspot • 4 Best Margarita • 4 Best Bartender • 4 Our Local “Cheers” • 5 Best Spot for a Glass of Wine • 5 Best Wine Selection • 5

Living Best Shopping Plaza • 5 Best Hair Salon/Barbershop • 5 Best Spa or Gym • 5 Best Manicure • 6 Best Car Repair/Service • 6 Best Dry Cleaner • 6 Best Jewelry • 6 Best Clothing • 6 Best Flowers • 6 Best Home Décor • 6 Best Spot for that “Perfect Gift” • 6 Best Vet • 6 Best Art or Framing Shop • 8 Best Nursery • 8 Best Customer Service • 8

Outdoors Best Trail • 8 Best Park for Kids • 8 Best “Illegal” Spot for Dogs • 8 Best Stables • 8 Best Picnic Spot • 8

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 appreciate 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

History and Heritage Best Historical Spot • 10 Best Capistrano Tradition • 10 Best Place to Spot the Swallows • 10 Best Example of “Preserving the Past to Protect the Future” • 10 Best Reason to Live in San Juan Capistrano • 10

Showing Off Best Place to Take Out-of-Towners • 10 Best Place to Take Children • 10

BEST DESSERT

Golden Horseshoe

CEDAR CREEK INN

Silver Horseshoe

MARIE CALLENDERS

26860 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.

31791 Del Obispo St., 949.661.5977

No surprise here, it’s the pie.

BEST AMBIANCE

Golden Horseshoe

HUMMINGBIRD HOUSE CAFÉ 26711 Verdugo St., 949.443.5090

This one makes perfect sense. Hummingbird 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.

Silver Horseshoe

HIDDEN HOUSE COFFEE

31791 Los Rios St., 949.240.0200

Another great patio on Los Rios Street.

Beautiful shade, beautiful spot.

Dining...

BEST BREAKFAST

Golden Horseshoe

MOLLIES FAMOUS CAFÉ 32033 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 portions 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 changing: Great waitresses and owner Georgia Kelley keeping watch.

Silver Horseshoe

31876 Del Obispo Rd. #1, San Juan Capistrano, 949.488.8023

BEST LUNCH HOT LUNCH LADY

31115 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 lettuce—as well as flatbread 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.

Silver Horseshoe

BEST APPETIZER

Golden Horseshoe

HUMMINGBIRD HOUSE CAFE 26711 Verdugo St., 949.443.5090

Another newcomer to town, and another winner. Great food and a great patio in the heart of Los Rios. wwww.thecapistranodispatch.com

SUNDRIED TOMATO CAFE

31781 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.1167

Sundried was a Silver Horseshoe finisher 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.

THE BAGEL SHACK

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.

Golden Horseshoe

Georgia Kelley, Fredy Martinez, Cheryl Fitzgerald, Shannon Rich and Janille Schutz—the crew at Mollies. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

Silver Horseshoe

BEST OUTDOOR PATIO

Golden Horseshoe

CEDAR CREEK INN

26860 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 fireplace 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.

Silver Horseshoe

SARDUCCI’S CAPISTRANO DEPOT 26701 Verdugo St., 949.493.9593

We like Cedar Creek in the evening, but we love Sarducci’s patio for lunch.

CEDAR CREEK INN

26860 Ortega Hwy., 949.240.2229

A previous Golden Horseshoe winner, the Zuni Rolls are still a top choice.

BEST DINNER

Golden Horseshoe

CEDAR CREEK INN

26860 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.

Silver Horseshoe

SUNDRIED TOMATO CAFE

31781 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.1167

The bar remodel made the atmosphere better. We’re not sure the food can get any better.

Hot Lunch Lady’s Aaron Meza. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

3

BEST CUP OF COFFEE

Golden Horseshoe

BEST PIZZA

HIDDEN HOUSE CAFE

Golden Horseshoe

31791 Los Rios St., 949.240.0200

STARBUCKS

32341 Camino Capistrano, 949.248.1589 27211 Ortega Hwy., 949.661.5801; 32022 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.4809

Hidden House Cafe. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

BEST TACO

BEST SALSA

RICARDO’S PLACE

32082 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 recipes from his mother, and moving up to gold from silver last year would surely make her proud.

Silver Horseshoe

PEDRO’S TACOS

31721 Camino Capistrano, 949.489.7752

We keep hearing about plans to remodel Pedro’s. They’d better keep the tacos.

Silver Horseshoe

BALL PARK PIZZA

Silver Horseshoe

MR. B’S PIZZA KITCHEN

31654 Rancho Viejo Rd # H, 949.493.6852

Ball Park’s been around longer than the other winners, and experience counts.

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.

Golden Horseshoe

32341 Camino Capistrano, 949.429.8888

Another back-to-back winner, ZPizza has a big menu of specialty pizzas. General Manager Courtney 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 flavors and don’t try to drown the pie in a pile of cheese.

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.

Silver Horseshoe

Z PIZZA

Golden Horseshoe

RICARDO’S PLACE

32082 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.

Silver Horseshoe

EL ADOBE DE CAPISTRANO

31891 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.1163

Fresh ingredients put together with consistency. It’s good.

31111 Rancho Viejo Rd., 949.240.8100

Large airy dining areas, a great family

spot.

Nightlife...

BEST NIGHTSPOT

Golden Horseshoe

SWALLOW’S INN

31786 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.

Silver Horseshoe

TANNINS RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR 27211 Ortega Highway # C, 949.661.8466

A great upstairs lounge makes Tannin’s a great nightspot.

BEST MARGARITA

Golden Horseshoe

RICARDO’S PLACE

32082 Camino Capistrano, 949.493. 4941

We predicted this one. Ricardo’s has been fighting El Adobe for the top spot for “Best Margarita” for years, and finally 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.

Silver Horseshoe

EL ADOBE DE CAPISTRANO

31891 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.1163

Quality tequila and just the right amount of sweet-and-sour make for a winner.

BEST BARTENDER

Golden Horseshoe

SWALLOW’S INN

31786 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?

Silver Horseshoe

Courtney Sessler—General Manager and Andres Reyes, Kitchen Manager at Z Pizza. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

wwww.thecapistranodispatch.com

BAD TO THE BONE BBQ

31738 Rancho Viejo Rd., 949.218.0227

Hillary Morris started working at Bad to the Bone four years ago, where people go for the mesquitefired steaks, ice cold beer and…her, according to the voting.

4

BEST WINE SELECTION

Golden Horseshoe

TANNIN’S RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR

27211 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.

Silver Horseshoe

CIAO PASTA TRATTORIA

31661 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.

Living...

BEST SHOPPING PLAZA

Golden Horseshoe

PLAZA DEL OBISPO

31878 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 downtown hotel, she hasn’t let things at the plaza slip. No wonder: She keeps her own offices there.

Silver Horseshoe

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

VERMEULEN’S PLAZA

32382 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.

BEST HAIR SALON/ BARBERSHOP

Golden Horseshoe

CHARISMA BEAUTY

32301 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 extensions, this salon includes a room full of accessories, appliances and hair, nail and makeup products available for customers to purchase.

Silver Horseshoe

CURTIS MICHAEL SALON

31882 Del Obispo St # 150, 949.240.9240

A friendly salon that’s been in town long enough to build a solid reputation.

BEST SPA OR GYM

Golden Horseshoe

24 HOUR FITNESS

27131 Calle Arroyo, 949.489.9900

Another winner every time we’ve asked.

Capistrano’s 24 Hour Fitness may not be the flashiest, 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?

Silver Horseshoe

THE MASSAGE ASSOCIATES

31952 Camino Capistrano, 949.489.7924

Licensed Massage Therapist Michelle Bryant and her crew are celebrating 10 years in town.

OUR LOCAL “CHEERS”

Golden Horseshoe

BEST MANICURE

SWALLOWS INN

31786 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 first. Cowboys, bikers, judges, hard-working men and women and the unemployed 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.

Silver Horseshoe

Golden Horseshoe

BAD TO THE BONE

31738 Rancho Viejo Rd., 949.218.0227

Silver Horseshoe

BEST SPOT FOR A GLASS OF WINE

Golden Horseshoe

TANNIN’S RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR

RICK’S CAFÉ

Silver Horseshoe

Regency Capistrano Theatre, 26762 Verdugo St., 949.661.3456

wwww.thecapistranodispatch.com

32301 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.6888

Happy Nails is a clean spa with a polite staff.

FAMILY CLASSIC CARS

33033 Camino Capistrano, 949.276.7777

You have to figure 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 filled with immaculate automobiles.

27211 Ortega Highway # C, 949.661.8466

The upstairs bar at Capistrano’s new movie theater. It’s patterned after Rick’s from Casablanca, and it’s very cool.

HAPPY NAILS & SPA

BEST CAR REPAIR/SERVICE

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.

Silver Horseshoe

31876 Del Obispo St #4, 949.443.0125

For excellent manicures and pedicures this elegant salon delivers. A clean and comfortable atmosphere 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.

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.

Golden Horseshoe

COLOR NAILS AND SPA

The staff and clients at Charisma Beauty. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

STAR MOTORS

32959 Calle Perfecto, 949.443.1946

They specialize in BMW and Mercedes, but can work on any luxury car in their spotless shop.

5

BEST DRY CLEANER

Golden Horseshoe

POLO CLEANERS

Silver Horseshoe

ORTEGA CLEANERS

BEST CLOTHING

Ste. 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, offers free pickup and delivery and makes your dry cleaning one less thing to worry about.

27184 Ortega Highway, 949.248.3405

Always the bridesmaid in this category, but that means solid service, too.

ABBY’S FINE JEWELRY DESIGN 32382 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 special, this family-run shop offers custom made pieces as well as cleaning services and maintenance.

Silver Horseshoe

THE CARVED HORSE

Silver Horseshoe

ROSS DRESS FOR LESS

31952 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.9780

Like a classic outfit 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 fine ladies’ apparel—for everything from sportswear to evening wear.

32051 Camino Capistrano, 949.496.2338

You have to a hunt a bit, but there’s treasures to be found.

BEST FLOWERS

BEST JEWELRY

Golden Horseshoe

Golden Horseshoe

ZIA JEWELRY

31761 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.1322

Last year’s Golden winner, Zia offers a great variety of one-of-a-kind pieces.

Golden Horseshoe

MOTHER EARTH

32158 Camino Capistrano #105, 949.493.4400

A 21-year business in town, Mother Earth offers hard-to-find flowers wrapped up in stunning arrangements. 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 flowers, they can get them there.

Silver Horseshoe

PANAGE

31876 Del Obispo, 949.661.1858

A first-time Silver winner last year, we like the tropicals at Panage.

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 DÉCOR

Golden Horseshoe

WHIM

31831 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 showroom, inspirational and awe-inspiring. They’re not afraid to change it up, either, so every trip is filled with discovery.

Silver Horseshoe

A TOUCH OF ELEGANCE

31770 Camino Capistrano, Suite D, 949.429.1955

New to our list, this Camino Capistrano shop has a great variety.

BEST SPOT FOR THAT “PERFECT GIFT”

Golden Horseshoe

WHIM

31831 Camino Capistrano, 949.388.9600

Whim offers gifts you won’t find anywhere 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.

Silver Horseshoe

ABBY’S

32382 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.

BEST VET

Golden Horseshoe

ORTEGA ANIMAL CARE

27341 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.

Silver Horseshoe Whim Furniture and Interior Design is upscale but not under the radar. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

wwww.thecapistranodispatch.com

DR. JACK MANNIX

32391 San Juan Creek Road, 949.493.1147

Dr. Mannix is a longtime favorite whose

won Gold in the past.

6

BEST ART OR FRAMING SHOP

Golden Horseshoe

PLAZA ART GALLERY

32382 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.

BEST NURSERY

Golden Horseshoe

PLANT 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 flowers aren’t blooming. And the store, full of garden-related 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.

Silver Horseshoe

32382 Del Obispo St., 949.661.6666

A chain store, but with a local feel and

knowledgeable staff.

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

Golden Horseshoe

DE 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.

Silver Horseshoe

Scott and Diana Scmitt of San Juan Photo and Digital. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

ARMSTRONG GARDEN CENTERS

SAN JUAN PHOTO AND DIGITAL 32301 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.

BEST PARK FOR KIDS

Golden Horseshoe

LOS RIOS PARK

Paseo 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.

Silver Horseshoe

CREEKSIDE PARK

Stonehill 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 finally get them home.

Outdoors...

BEST TRAIL

BEST STABLES

SAN JUAN CREEK TRAIL Even 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 traffic.

Parts are so serene, you’ll forget your worries anyhow.

PATRIOT TRAIL There’s a new flag 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.

Silver Horseshoe

wwww.thecapistranodispatch.com

Golden Horseshoe

CASPER’S REGIONAL PARK 33401 Ortega Hwy, 949.923.2210

Casper’s Wilderness Park is an 8,000acre 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.

Silver Horseshoe

LOS RIOS PARK

Paseo Adelanto north of Del Obispo Street

New picnic tables, plenty of shade, views of Capistrano’s ridgelines. Perfect.

BEST “ILLEGAL” SPOT FOR DOGS COOK PARK-LA NOVIA The 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 someone gets a ticket, but Cook Park-La Novia has wide open spaces and plenty of trees to make it Fido’s favorite playground.

Golden Horseshoe

BEST PICNIC SPOT

Golden Horseshoe

Golden Horseshoe

ORTEGA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 27252 Calle Arroya, 949.661.3130

A repeat winner of the Golden Horseshoe, 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.

Silver Horseshoe

TAR FARMS

28411 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.

Los Rios Park’s playground. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

8

History and Heritage...

BEST HISTORICAL SPOT

Golden Horseshoe

MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO 26802 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300

The Mission’s been around since 1776 and it’s finally 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.

Silver Horseshoe

MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO The Mission San Juan Capistrano 26802 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 Capistrano 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.

Silver Horseshoe

CREEK BED

Camino 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.

Jack and Cooper Mussoline, from Rancho Santa Margarita, pet the critters. Photo

by Jonathan Volzke

Los Rios Street north of Del Obispo Street

BEST CAPISTRANO TRADITION SWALLOWS DAY PARADE www.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, floats, bands and other entries that make up one of the country’s largest non-motorized parades. For them, it’s an event. For us, a tradition.

Silver Horseshoe

Golden Horseshoe

LOS RIOS HISTORICAL DISTRICT

When the native families were building the Mission, this is where they lived. The history lives on.

Golden Horseshoe

BEST PLACE TO SPOT THE SWALLOWS

EVENTS AT THE MISSION

The Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26802 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300

Concerts, celebrations, the Mission is a breath-taking setting for all of it.

BEST EXAMPLE OF “PRESERVING THE PAST TO PROTECT THE FUTURE”

Golden Horseshoe

THE MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

26802 Ortega Hwy, 949.234.1300

It’s the oldest building in town, but the Mission just keeps getting 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.

Silver Horseshoe

LOS RIOS HISTORICAL DISTRICT Los Rios Street, north of Del Obispo Street

The park has a wonderful wall laying out who helped make Capistrano the town it is today.

BEST REASON TO LIVE IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO THE PEOPLE We may fight 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 argument, we all manage to remember we’re neighbors, and that’s what really makes Capistrano special.

Golden Horseshoe

Silver Horseshoe

SMALL TOWN FEEL Ever go to the grocery store, or anywhere else, without seeing someone you know?

Showing Off...

BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUTOF-TOWNERS

Golden Horseshoe

THE MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

26802 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 Capistrano.” “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.

Silver Horseshoe

LOS RIOS HISTORICAL DISTRICT Los Rios Street north of Del Obispo Street

A wonderful stroll, with great restaurants and coffee shops along the way.

BEST PLACE TO TAKE CHILDREN

Golden Horseshoe

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

wwww.thecapistranodispatch.com

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.

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