Posted on: Sunday, October 7, 2007
San Juan Capistrano, swallows or not
By Wanda A. Adams
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The mission will celebrate Founder's Day on Nov. 1. Founded in 1776, the facility underwent a major restoration and preservation effort in 2004. It's an interesting and tranquil spot to visit, and if your timing is right, you see the swallows.
Carl E. Koonee III
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WHERE: San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
WHAT TO SEE: Though touristy, the heart of this town retains a quiet and even sacred feel, overlooked by the bell tower of the historic mission.
The San Juan Mission, the "jewel" among the 21 missions, founded by Padre Junipero Serra in 1776 and the subject of a substantial preservation project in 2004. With its gardens, historic buildings, statues, displays of American Indian artifacts, exhibits, fountain, churches and picnic area, this is a lovely place to spend a relaxed morning, strolling, sitting, reading the historical materials, watching the famous swallows nesting (if you're there between March and October). Upcoming mission events — 231st Founder's Day Celebration, Nov. 1; Christmas at the Mission, Dec. 1; Second Saturday living history re-enactments. Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. except Thanksgiving and Christmas; closed from noon Good Friday and Christmas Eve. 949- 234-1300; www.missionsjc.com.
Walking Tours: If you like historic walking tours, this is your town. Pick up a map or take one of the guided tours. One leg of the tour by the San Juan Historical Society takes in the Los Rios Historic District, with its humble cottages (some still occupied, at least one a working restaurant), a history-laden adobe and a Victorian mansion. Another segment is focused on the sites of Downtown. And a third is conducted inside the mission. Go to www.sjchistoricalsociety.com.
Antiques and collectibles: The 10,000-square-foot Old Barn Antiques Mall is a warren of consignment shops that take up the better part of a block. 31792 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675; 949-493-9144.
WHERE TO EAT: The family-owned Cedar Creek Inn offers a very California mix of cuisines (Southwest touches alongside lots of salads and grilled fish and meats, plus vegetarian dishes). 26860 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 92675; 949-240-2229.
For Mexican standards in a historical setting, visit El Adobe de Capistrano, 31891 Camino Capistrano, a sprawling restaurant that is set in two historic 19th-century adobes long ago joined into one.
INFORMATION: www.missionsjc.com; 949-234-1300 or www.sanjuanchamber.com, 31421 La Matanza, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675; 949-493-4700.
Reach Wanda A. Adams at wadams@honoluluadvertiser.com.
