San Diego Sightseeing

We are only an hour and a half from San Diego, a city we have not explored. Yesterday we took a ride to historic Old Town San Diego. It was all freeway driving once we got to Temecula, and zipped right on in. I was agog at the houses perched on top of high mountains next to the freeway.  It must have been a challenge to build them on such steep slopes.

We arrived about noon time and had fejitas at Freds.

Next we just HAD to visit the Whaley House Museum, which is reportedly the most haunted house in America.

We did not experience or witness any paranormal activity but it was an interesting house just the same.  It was the first two story house in San Diego and was built in 1856.  At different times it was a general store, a courthouse, and a theater.  All while it was a residence of the Whaley family.

Someone told us we should not miss the Mormon Battalion Visitors Center.  It was a short walk from the Whaley Museum.

I must say, we were pleasantly surprised.  The museum features a very well-done interactive presentation that includes talking pictures on walls, film, and hands-on displays.  It would be perfect for children but there were none in our group and we all enjoyed it. The museum focuses on the Mormon battalion that was formed to help fight the Mexicans during the Mexican/American War. While they never actually had to fight, this group of 500 men and 80 women and children built a wagon trail to San Diego that helped to open this area to settlement.  Nothing was really said about the Mormon religion, making it a non-threatening presentation for people of all faiths. And it's free. I recommend this place!

Finally, we took a walk through Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, which was a collection of historic buildings and tiny museums, just perfect to stroll through on a lovely day such as we had. There are a lot of shops to browse, too. Again, no charge for this park.

We stopped at a historic home and saw how people lived in 1850.

This is the back of the house, and it features a courtyard with a u-shaped house built around it.  Each room was separate and opened onto the courtyard.  Very nice!

Then it was time to head back to see Auggie and take him for a walk. We made a quick stop at Trader Joes where we brought home a couple of bottles of "Two Buck Chuck" wine (how did I not know about this??) which were actually $2.49 each.  It was not a bad table wine. OK, I have just tipped my hand that I am not a wine connoisseur!

It was a lovely day. (Do I end all my blog posts this way?  Well, we have had a lot of lovely days in the last few months!)