BEST OF
SAN JUAN 2009 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 CO N T E N TS Dining Best… Breakfast • 1 Lunch • 1 Appetizer • 1 Dinner • 1 Dessert • 2 Ambiance • 2 Outdoor Patio • 2 Cup of Coffee or Tea • 2 Taco • 2 Salsa • 2 Pizza • 2
Businesses come and businesses go, but even in the worst economy in 80 years, some merchants find the right combination of quality, price, location and service to not only survive tough times, but strive. A good meal at the right price, friendly service and finding just the right gift for someone special and having that special getaway spot for a cold beer is more important than ever these days. And that’s why we’re proud to present The 2009 Best of San Juan Capistrano People’s Choice Golden Horseshoe Awards, our annual tip of the hat to the very best businesses and local favorites based entirely on votes from you, our readers. While some of the winners are familiar in this, our third year of tallying the “Best of,” some new names and faces have made their way onto the list, a testament that as much as Capistrano keeps a foot in its past, it’s also looking forward to new opportunities, too. The poll had more votes this year than ever before, which means those coveted Golden and Silver Horseshoe stickers in the doors and windows of this year’s honorees mean more than ever. When you see one at a business you frequent, please tell the merchant “Congratulations.” And if there’s one business you haven’t tried, stop in and see why your neighbors think it’s a special place. But through it all, one thing hasn’t changed: “The people” still ranks as the No. 1 reason to live in Capistrano.
Nightlife Best… Night Spot • 2 Margarita • 2 Bartender • 2 Our Local “Cheers” • 2 Spot for a Glass of Wine • 2 Wine Selection • 2
Living
Mollie’s Cafe (l-r) Joan Klunder and Tina Hampson. Photo by Sara Borman
DINING BEST BREAKFAST
Golden Horseshoe
MOLLIES FAMOUS CAFE
32033 Camino Capistrano 949.240.9261
More than just home cooking, breakfast at Mollies feels like your mom made it and a family member’s bringing it to your table. Our favorite breakfast there is the mixed scramble of potatoes and eggs and onions, but the menu offers everything from steak to biscuits and country-style gravy. Try the apple butter, too.
Silver Horseshoe
RAMOS HOUSE CAFÉ 31752 Los Rios St 949.443.1342
Incredible location, incredible food. Ramos House is probably the busiest place in town on a Sunday morning, next to the Mission. Maybe.
BEST APPETIZER
Golden Horseshoe
CEDAR CREEK INN
26860 Ortega Hwy, 949.240.2229
Three words: Turkey Zuni Roll. Such a favorite we might have to just rename the category. Only Cedar Creek has them, and you have to try the raspberry dipping sauce with them.
Silver Horseshoe
SUNDRIED TOMATO CAFE 31781 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.1167
We’re not sure if they named the Creamy Sundried Tomato Soup, gorgonzola cheese, after the restaurant, or whether they named the restaurant after the soup. It’s that good.
BEST DINNER BEST LUNCH
Golden Horseshoe
CEDAR CREEK INN
26860 Ortega Hwy, 949.240.2229
From the Marcy’s Salad ($14) to the Crab and Chopped Scallops Cakes ($14) to the Culotte Sirloin Steak Sandwich ($18), lunch at Cedar Creek is an experience.
Silver Horseshoe
BAD TO THE BONE
31738 Rancho Viejo Rd, 949.218.0227
They’re good corporate citizens, so you’ve probably had Bad to the Bone at an event around town. You’re still missing out: It’s even better at the restaurant.
Golden Horseshoe
CEDAR CREEK INN
26860 Ortega Hwy, 949.240.2229
No restaurant in town has come close to knocking Cedar Creek from its perch. They just do everything right, every time. The dinner menu has great salads, a $10 burger and rack of lamb for $31 and plenty in between. You can’t go wrong.
Silver Horseshoe
SUNDRIED TOMATO CAFE 31781 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.1167
Unique menu items demand you try something new. You’ll like it.
Best… Shopping Plaza • 4 Hair Salon/Barbershop • 4 Spa or Gym • 4 Manicure • 4 Car Repair/Service • 4 Dry Cleaner • 4 Jewelry Shop • 4 Clothing • 4 Flowers • 4 Home Decor • 4 Spot for that “Perfect Gift” • 4 Vet • 4 Art or Framing Shop • 6
Outdoors/Heritage Best… Trail • 6 Park for Kids • 6 “Illegal” Spot for Dogs • 6 Stables • 6 Picnic Spot • 6 Historical Spot • 6 Capistrano Tradition • 6 Spot to Spot the Swallows • 6 Example of “Preserving The Past to Protect the Future” • 6 Reason to Live in San Juan • 6 Place to Take Out-of-Towners • 6 Best Place to Take Children • 6
Who Else Was Nominated? See all of the businesses and places nominated for the Horseshoe Awards at www.thecapistranodispatch.com
BEST OF
SAN JUAN 2009 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
NIGHT LIFE BEST NIGHT SPOT
Golden Horseshoe
SWALLOWS INN
31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188
The music’s always good, the drinks are always quick and cold, but there’s more to Swallows Inn than that. Between the bikers and cowboys—and occasional bride and groom making their way down from El Adobe—it’s just a great place to people watch.
Silver Horseshoe
TANNINS
27211 Ortega Highway, 949.218.3560
Wednesdays karaoke, a DJ on weekends, all in a cool second-floor lounge.
BEST MARGARITA
Golden Horseshoe
EL ADOBE DE CAPISTRANO 31891 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.1163
El Adobe goes three-for-three to hold on to the “Best Margarita” title. Why mess with a good thing? Quality tequila and just the right amount of sweet and sour create the margarita that goes with everything on the menu. Or just enjoy one in El Adobe’s bar, one of our favorites in town.
Silver Horseshoe
RICARDO’S PLACE
32082 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.494
Ricardo’s tied for the top spot last year, and if anyone’s going to knock El Adobe from the No. 1 spot, it’s Ricardo. Wait until next year…
BEST BARTENDER Swallows Inn. Photo by Sara Borman
Silver Horseshoe
BEST DESSERT
Golden Horseshoe
CEDAR CREEK INN
Silver Horseshoe
MARIE CALLENDER’S
26860 Ortega Hwy, 949.240.2229
They don’t mind if you just come for the pie. Sneak over the footbridge from Historic Town Center Park after an event there.
BEST TACO
Golden Horseshoe
CEDAR CREEK INN
26860 Ortega Hwy, 949.240.2229
They call themselves an “inn,” and they manage to pull off the ambiance, from the warm wooded interior with just the right lighting to the tree-shaded patio with the big fireplace.
Silver Horseshoe
EL ADOBE DE CAPISTRANO
Silver Horseshoe
Golden Horseshoe
Silver Horseshoe
26860 Ortega Hwy, 949.240.2229
Few places, in town or anywhere, are better than Cedar Creek’s patio. The old Mission is in sight, trees are overhead, and if you’re lucky, the fireplace is going. A great place for business, catching up with friends or a little romance.
Silver Horseshoe
Golden Horseshoe Silver Horseshoe
31760 Camino Capistrano, 949.487.0065
LAS GOLONDRINAS
27124 Paseo Espada, 949.240.3440
RICARDO’S PLACE
32082 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.494
BEST PIZZA
Golden Horseshoe
Z PIZZA
32341 Camino Capistrano, 949.429.8888
ZPizza offers a dozen specialty pies that put flavor above piles of cheese, including a Berkeley Soy Cheese Veggie, along with standards such a pepperoni, sausage and mushrooms. Check them out on Tuesday and Sunday, too, when you can buy one whole pizza at regular price and get a second for $2.
27211 Ortega Hwy, 949.661.580132022 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.4809
There’s something to be said about consistency. And even though it’s a mega-chain, each of the Starbucks in town has its own personality. Hard to beat the one across from the Mission, but you can find some good people chatting any given morning at the other two locations, too.
32082 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.494
They give you chips and salsa when you sit down. Order your meal quick or you won’t be hungry long.
Sure, you might have to pause when a train rolls by, but that’s a good chance to remember you’re in the heart of historic Capistrano.
Golden Horseshoe
RICARDO’S PLACE
This category finishes the same as it did last year. And like we said last year, Las Golondrinas’ food is so good, it’s tempting to skip using salsa. But don’t.
26701 Verdugo St, 949.493.9593
STARBUCKS
27124 Paseo Espada, 949.240.3440
BEST SALSA
SARDUCCI’S
BEST CUP OF COFFEE
LAS GOLONDRINAS
Ricardo got his recipes from his mother. She apparently made great tacos, and Ricardo learned well.
31891 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.1163
CEDAR CREEK
31721 Camino Capistrano, 949.489.7752
You might have to wait in line on Taco Tuesday, but it’s worth it. Heck, these tacos are worth full price any other day, too.
Maybe it’s the old jail cell now used as a wine cellar, but the place just feels like Capistrano.
BEST OUTDOOR PATIO
PEDROS TACOS
Maybe the way it looks keeps some folks away, but that just means less wait for the rest of us. Great tacos, great variety, but we like the steak. Not loaded down with extras, just a good taco.
BEST AMBIANCE
Golden Horseshoe
32033 Camino Capistrano 949.240.9261
Not just good, but the crew never lets your cup go empty or cold.
When they won this last year—again—we recommended the Toll House pie. This year, go with the warm bread pudding.
31791 Del Obispo St, 949.661.5977
MOLLIE’S CAFÉ
Silver Horseshoe
BALL PARK PIZZA
31654 Rancho Viejo Rd # H, 949.493.6852
Our neighborhood pizza place, great for stopping in after the game, or just taking a pie to go.
Dispatch 2009 Best of San Juan People’s Choice Horseshoe Awards
Golden Horseshoe
SWALLOW’S INN
31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188
Whether it’s Rebecca or Cal or anyone else, whoever is behind the bar at Swallows can sling a good drink and never misses a beat when your beer bottle’s empty, no matter how crowded it gets. Grab one of the seats at either end of the bar and watch ‘em work. You’ll make a new friend.
Silver Horseshoe
EL ADOBE DE CAPISTRANO 31891 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.1163
You have to expect the bartender that makes the town’s best margaritas is going to get some credit himself, and Fernando Campuzano deserves it.
OUR LOCAL “CHEERS”
Golden Horseshoe
SWALLOW’S INN
31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188
The sort of place proud to have once been named one of the 10 worst bars in the country, and a place most of us are proud to have in our town. Cowboys, bikers or someone stopping in after evening Mass. You might not be a regular, but you go there for a beer and the best people watching anywhere.
Silver Horseshoe
CEDAR CREEK
26860 Ortega Hwy, 949.240.2229
A nice long bar, comfortable booths or quiet tables. And don’t forget the fireplace.
BEST SPOT FOR A GLASS OF WINE
Golden Horseshoe
CEDAR CREEK
26860 Ortega Hwy, 949.240.2229
Whether at the bar or on the patio, Cedar Creek is the perfect spot for that after-work glass of wine.
Silver Horseshoe
TANNIS
27211 Ortega Highway, 949.218.3560
A smaller bar-makes it a good place to meet new friends.
BEST WINE SELECTION
Golden Horseshoe
TANNINS
27211 Ortega Highway, 949.218.3560
They call themselves a wine bar, and they’re not exaggerating. Tannins has won multiple “Wine Spectator Awards” and offers wine pairings, tastings and will sell anything from a bottle to a case to go, too.
Silver Horseshoe
CAFÉ MOZART
31952 Camino Capistrano # A1, 949.496.0212
A great collection of California red and white wines. 2
BEST OF
SAN JUAN 2009 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
BEST JEWELRY
Golden Horseshoe
ZIA
31761 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.1322
Zia has been selling one-of-kind pieces of jewelry for more than 30 years, and you can catch infomercials with the artists at work on television or their Web site. They also have an inhouse jeweler, Capistrano’s own Alyska Brown, for repairs and custom creations.
Silver Horseshoe
MISSION JEWELERS
31878 Del Obispo Suite 115, 949.493.2020
A family owned shop, Mission Jewelers sells a beautiful swallows necklace.
BEST CLOTHING
Golden Horseshoe
CARVED HORSE
31952 Camino Capistrano 949.661.9780
Carved Horse features fine ladies apparel, with everything from sportswear to evening wear. The store, owned by Sharon Applegarth, has been in Capistrano for nearly 19 years, but actually started in San Bernardino nearly 50 years ago. They celebrate a golden anniversary in May.
Silver Horseshoe
MARSHALLS
31878 Del Obispo St., 949.240.2711
Capistrano doesn’t have many stores like Marshalls. Whether you’re looking for clothing, something for your home or something for someone else, it’s the sort of place where you’re sure to find something at a great price after a little browsing.
BEST FLOWERS Charisma Beauty (l-r) Debbie Dilauro, owner Sherry Behzadi and Ashley Mae Esser. Photo by Sara Borman
LIVING BEST SHOPPING PLAZA
Golden Horseshoe
32301 Camino Capistrano.
Another plaza more commonly known by it’s anchor tenant, Von’s. We’re there a lot for San Juan Photo & Digital and 31 Flavors Ice Cream.
BEST HAIR SALON/BARBERSHOP
Golden Horseshoe
Silver Horseshoe
Golden Horseshoe
Silver Horseshoe
Silver Horseshoe
24 HOUR FITNESS
27131 Calle Arroyo, 949.489.9900
Another category that remains unchanged from last year. Sure, Laguna Niguel’s 24-Hour Fitness might have a pool and ocean-peek view, but Capistrano’s has a bigger mix of free weights, machines and cardio classes, and you can look out to the undeveloped hillsides.
FAMILY CLASSIC CARS
33033 Camino Capistrano 949.276.7777
GOODYEAR TIRE & BRAKE 32201 Camino Capistrano, 949.443.9701
A two-time Golden Horseshoe winner, Goodyear Tire & Brake offers honest work at honest prices.
BEST DRY CLEANER
BEST SPA OR GYM
Golden Horseshoe
31888 Plaza Dr # C4, 949.661.4942
It might be intimidating to take the daily driver for an oil change at a shop that sells anything from a 1948 Buick Roadmaster to a 1929 Alfa Romeo, but get over the fear. Family Classic Cars offers full mechanical services now for any make, and an oil change is only $28.
DANIEL MICHAEL
Since opening in February 2004, owners Danny Berumen, Regina Frykman and Christina Martin have devoted their time and energy into providing an upbeat, positive atmosphere enjoyed by both clients and hairdressers alike.
LILY NAILS
BEST CAR REPAIR/SERVICE
Golden Horseshoe
Golden Horseshoe
POLO CLEANERS
Silver Horseshoe
ORTEGA CLEANERS
Ste C11, 31105 Rancho Viejo Rd, 949.496.7354
Open every day. Free pickup and delivery. Great customer service. No wonder Polo Cleaners, in Marbella shopping plaza, takes the Golden Horseshoe again this year.
27184 Ortega Hwy, 949.248.3405
Another repeat winner. In the center at Ortega and Rancho Viejo Road, Ortega Cleaners offers a convenient drop off and pick up while you’re grabbing your morning coffee at Starbucks.
Dispatch 2009 Best of San Juan People’s Choice Horseshoe Awards
MOTHER EARTH
Ste 105, 32158 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.4400
Mother Earth has been around Capistrano for more than 20 years, and offers an assortment of flowers you won’t find anywhere else in town. The store owners are also great corporate citizens, donating to charities and events.
Silver Horseshoe
PANAGE
31876 Del Obispo, 949.661.1858
New to the list this year, Panage keeps a large inventory of fresh flowers, including tropicals.
31876 Del Obispo St # 4, 949.443.0125
With two locations in the city of San Juan Capistrano this is also a great spot for nice day of relaxation and a fresh new nail color to add to your weekly wardrobe ensemble.
32301 Camino Capistrano # F, 949.240.1200,
31103 Rancho Viejo Rd., 949.489.3201
COLOR NAILS & SPA
A proper manicure, pedicure and massage are essential elements to getting all dolled-up and ready to take on the town. Which is why this location continues to bring in repeat customers and new ones time and time again. Employees maintain it’s their nice and relaxing environment that offers a very friendly atmosphere that makes this business so successful.
CHARISMA BEAUTY
With affordable pricing and a convenient location, it’s no wonder Charisma Beauty Salon is the spot for all your primping needs. “We are knowledgeable, friendly and have a very homey and warm feeling here,” owner Sherry Bhzadi said. “We’ve also have everything under one roof, with a complete line of beauty supply products, and we also do skin and other hair services which include all the latest trends in the industry. Our prices are moderate and affordable in this economy.”
Ste M, 31654 Rancho Viejo Road, 949.661.7200
BEST MANICURE
31878 Del Obispo St, 949.240.2711
PLAZA DEL RIO
CURVES
A 30-minute workout that also takes the mental strain out of getting in shape.
PLAZA DEL OBISPO
Everyone calls it the Marshall’s plaza, but no matter what, locals know it’s the place you go to find anything from something for your home to something to eat. One stop here and your half-way done with your errand list—and you can grab a great meal at Aldo’s or Thai Juan On, too.
Silver Horseshoe
Silver Horseshoe
Golden Horseshoe
BEST HOME DECOR
Golden Horseshoe
WHIM
31831 Camino Capistrano, 949.388.9600
Whim has become a mainstay on our “Best Of” list, and it is a mainstay downtown. Quality furniture, knowledgeable staff to help you out, and a selection that includes everything from one-of-a-kind garden furniture to antiques.
Silver Horseshoe
MARSHALLS
31878 Del Obispo St., 949.240.2711
Maybe not the store where you find exactly what you’re looking for, but you can always find something good.
BEST SPOT FOR A “PERFECT GIFT”
Golden Horseshoe
WHIM
31831 Camino Capistrano, 949.388.9600
Everything about Whim just says quality, from the staff to the store design to the products for sale. A great place for the perfect gift, but also just a great place to wander through.
Silver Horseshoe
MARSHALLS
31878 Del Obispo St., 949.240.2711
Just browse through the store, you’ll find something.
BEST VET
Golden Horseshoe
DR. JACK MANNIX
San Juan Animal Hospital, 32391 San Juan Creek Road, 949.493.1147
A town with equestrian roots and two animal-rescue groups has to have a top-notch vet, and Dr. Mannix more than fits the bill. They take care of the animals, and their owners.
Silver Horseshoe
ORTEGA ANIMAL CARE
27341 Ortega Highway 949.487.7600
You hear of a place that offers laser surgery, digital radiology, ultrasound, dentistry and an in-house laboratory and you can forget it’s for pets. 4
BEST OF
SAN JUAN 2009 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
SWALLOW’S PARADE
Sure, 20,000 people turn out for the bands, floats and cowboys. But for those of us who live here, it’s a celebration of our town’s history, a chance to see folks you might only come across in March every year and feel perfectly fine in a pair of Wranglers and boots, even if you don’t have a horse. It’s March 20 this year.
Silver Horseshoe
TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
A new tradition, but a quick favorite. An evening that would make Norman Rockwell take up his paintbrush.
BEST PLACE TO SPOT SWALLOWS
BEST ART AND FRAMING SHOP
Golden Horseshoe
Golden Horseshoe
Golden Horseshoe
PLAZA ART GALLERY
32382 Del Obispo St, Ste C1, 949.493.1950
THE MISSION
31414 El Camino Real, 949.234.1300
Like many things, you find them when you’re not looking for them. Swallows are more likely to be out in the early morning or evening, when they’re hunting food. Watching for a bird that darts more than flies, and that’s your swallow.
Art and framing shops seem to open up now and again, then close just as quickly. Ted and Dale Rosenfeldt took the reins of Plaza Art Gallery 20 years ago, and the store is as part of Vermeulen’s Plaza as the old tractors out front. We said it when they won last year: In the world of framing shops, Plaza art is the fine restaurant while those big chains are fast-food.
Silver Horseshoe
SAN JUAN CREEK East of Freeway
Visitors might not like it when we send them there, but we always spot them under the freeway bridge.
NO SILVER
BEST NURSERY
Golden Horseshoe
33413 San Juan Creek Road, 949.240.2107
Kristina Hanes and Jennifer Kittle continue the tradition that earned them gold every year we’ve done the survey: great plants sold by a knowledgeable staff, and a great assortment of garden-related items such as bird houses. A fun place to explore, even if you don’t realize you need something.
Silver Horseshoe
BEST EXAMPLE OF “PRESERVING THE PAST TO PROTECT THE FUTURE”
PLANT DEPOT
Golden Horseshoe Zoomars (l-r) Zoey Patch-Snow, Zach Patch-Snow. Photo by Sara Borman
ARMSTRONG
BEST STABLES
32382 Del Obispo St., 949.661.6666
Great plant selection and great employees who can answer any question to help your garden grow.
OUTDOORS/HERITAGE BEST TRAIL
Golden Horseshoe
FLAG ON THE HILL TRAIL
Recent winds broke the flagpole that held the American flag visible from most of the valley, but it will be back. It’s a good hike from the end of Camino Las Ramblas, but the panoramic ocean view is worth it.
Silver Horseshoe
COOK PARK
Ave. La Novia/Calle Arroyo
Play equipment for kids, basketball courts, picnic tables, barbecues and even room to run around. All with plenty of parking. No wonder it’s a repeat winner.
Silver Horseshoe
The newest park in the city’s inventory is quickly a favorite. Picnic tables, kids play equipment and an easy walk downtown.
BEST “ILLEGAL” SPOT FOR DOGS
Golden Horseshoe
Golden Horseshoe
Silver Horseshoe
SAN JUAN CREEK TRAIL
LOS RIOS PARK
Historic Los Rios District/north of Del Obispo St.
Only open a few months, the Los Rios Park has quickly become a favorite. The picnic tables are shaded, and their clustered far enough apart you can enjoy a little solitude. The park’s design was award-winning, but remember: No barbecues.
Silver Horseshoe
THE MISSION
31414 El Camino Real, 949.234.1300
Our favorite spot is a secluded little bench under a trellis and against the wall at Camino Capistrano. Nothing in front of you but the beautiful gardens and Old Mission.
BEST HISTORICAL SPOT
Golden Horseshoe
THE MISSION
31414 El Camino Real, 949.234.1300
It’s the little things that make all the difference. The Mission’s always been a jewel, but the removal of the old plastic cow and the new audio tour (less signs, more quiet, more information) are moving the Mission experience into the museum-quality category.
DANA POINT HARBOR
Last year, it was Dana Point, too. Officials are planning a dog park in Capistrano, but for now, let them run—and do their thing—next door.
SYCAMORE TRAILS
BEST PICNIC SPOT
LOS RIOS PARK
Historic Los Rios District/north of Del Obispo St.
27252 Calle Arroyo, 949.661.3130
Ron Hanson’s operation on the west side of town is to English riding what OEC is to western.
BEST PARK FOR KIDS
Golden Horseshoe
ORTEGA EQUESTRIAN CENTER
We feel good giving Kathy Holman another Golden Horseshoe because we know she recycles the real thing at Ortega Equestrian. Great stables with two rings, it’s the sort of place you can watch riders practice their cattle sorting—with real cows. The 4-H program is strong, too. Watch for them cleaning up after the horses in the Swallows Day Parade.
SAN JUAN CREEK
A repeat winner, even as the county works on the creek walls at the south end of the trail. Pick it up off Calle Arroyo, and the shade-covered trail keeps you safe from traffic whether you’re walking or riding (a horse or a bike.) When it’s open, the trail takes you from the east end of town to Doheny Beach.
Silver Horseshoe
Golden Horseshoe
Silver Horseshoe
LOS RIOS STREET
The Los Rios Historic District is the oldest continuously lived in residential area west of the Mississippi. If you don’t believe that, just ask Steve Rios—his family’s been there about the whole time.
It’s rural enough that dogs love it and folks don’t seem to mind. Dispatch 2009 Best of San Juan People’s Choice Horseshoe Awards
BEST CAPISTRANO TRADITION
THE MISSION
31414 El Camino Real, 949.234.1300
If you haven’t taken the time to just stroll the Mission lately, you’re missing out. The staff continues to strive for authenticity and further its reputation as a museum. The Panning for Gold exhibit now is interesting, but we’re really looking forward to Zorro in June. Even that’s authentic, under the “Curse of Capistrano.”
LOS RIOS STREET
Silver Horseshoe
The award-winning park with its native planting only adds to the evening serenity of one of the oldest neighborhoods on the West Coast. Much of it seems untouched by time, too.
BEST REASON TO LIVE IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
Golden Horseshoe
PEOPLE
Silver Horseshoe
WEATHER
Maybe it’s the Mission or the town’s simple, agrarian roots, but as time has passed, there’s no doubt that what makes Capistrano special is the people. Capistrano truly is a small town, where you bump into friends on the street and know that strangers are just neighbors you haven’t met yet.
Ah, that cool breeze off the ocean that comes up in the afternoons…
BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWNERS
Golden Horseshoe
FAMILY CLASSIC CARS
33033 Camino Capistrano 949.906-4879
Kids have their candy stores: Adults have Family Classic Cars. You’ll find the car your dad drove in perfect condition, as well as the car you wish you could afford to drive. It’s more museum than auto showroom, and they host parties and events there, too.
Silver Horseshoe
THE MISSION
31414 El Camino Real, 949.234.1300
The Mission put us on the map, literally.
BEST PLACE TO TAKE CHILDREN
Golden Horseshoe
ZOOMAR’S
Silver Horseshoe
THE MISSION
31791 Los Rios St., 949.831.6550
Sure, the movie theater’s been closed for years, but the kids don’t mind, as long as they have Zoomars. Where else can you plop down in the middle of a bunny and guinea pig pen, feed an ostrich or honk with geese? All for $5. 31414 El Camino Real, 949.234.1300
They added an audio tour just for kids last year; this year, young ones can pan for gold. 6