A Step Back in Time ~ Los Rios, California
“A person does not grow from the ground like a vine or a tree, one is not part of a plot of land. Mankind has legs so it can wander.” - Roman Payne
This weekend’s wandering took me to the Los Rios Historical district in San Juan Capistrano. This charming neighborhood is considered to be one of the oldest neighborhoods in California, located right next to the San Juan Capistrano train station and around the corner from the Mission San Juan Capistrano.
There are three adobe homes built in 1794 for Mission families that housed the builders and mission ranch workers in the late 1700s and early 1800s. In addition, there are single-wall board and batten homes erected between 1887 and 1910. The entire neighborhood can be walked in 15 or 20 minutes, but the real fun is in dipping and browsing and enjoying a treat or more in the various shops, galleries and cafes.
The San Juan Capistrano train station with its ivy-covered structures sets the tone for the San Juan Capistrano old town. This is a pedestrian only area full of cafes, bars and souvenir shops surrounding the mission.
The focal point of this area is the Plaza with its signpost guiding people to what the neighborhood has to offer.
Around the train tracks are various railway themed restaurants with cute names like On the Tracks, Tootsie Roll and Paddington. Do stop at the Paddington and order the soup of the day ~ Whisky with ice chips.
The town of Los Rios clearly was built around the Mission which is a quick walk around the corner. We walked up to the Mission and took a quick peek but did not go in since I’ve been there and done that before.
I’ve been to the Mission as I just said and browsed in the shops right across the street and yet never discovered Los Rios or realized that the train comes right here. Strangely myopic of me but then I guess at the time I did not have the same thirst for adventure and wandering as I do now.
It was a hot summer day, so we decided to cool off with some long cold icy drinks and appetizers to tide us over till we decided what we wanted for our main meal of the day.
The timeless feel of the town as you stroll by some of these homes which are apparently lived in or step into a museum or shop.
The Ramos House Cafe located in a structure dating from 1881 is a great stop for brunch when you are visiting here.
Las Catrina’s has an eclectic collection of clothes and tchotchkes, definitely deserves a stop and a browse and even a buy or two if you’re looking for something different.
The Tea House dedicated to English Tea. I have been on an obsession with tea lately, but this place was full. I found that they have special seasonal events that are tied to the seasons, and I am determined to go back if I get the opportunity.
The Cottage House Gallery another very interesting place with outdoor and indoor art, fountains and just fun stuff.
This garden which is visible from the Cottage House has almost an Asian Zen feel about it.
Right across from the train station is the Bird House Garden. I can just imagine riding the Amtrak and peeking out to see some of these novelties go by. Though in full disclosure I have taken the train to San Diego and never noticed till today what I could have been discovering outside the train window.