THE VINTAGE LAFAYETTE HOTEL--NORTH PARK

ENTRANCE TO LAFAYETTE HOTEL

We are off to the Smashburger in Del Mar for an early Mother's Day lunch—choosing the outside seating because it's another perfect 70 degree and sunny day in San Diego. This restaurant chain happens to be Anna and John's favorite “go to” for burgers. With so many burger choices, I decided to have my daughter, Anna, order her “pick your own toppings” specialty for me. Typical of Anna, it was smothered in healthy vegetables and very tasty.

After lunch, followed by coffee at the nearby Starbucks, we drove to North Park via Mission Hills and Hillcrest. As we passed the Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon Boulevard, Anna suggested we stop and take a look. She was curious about the Mississippi Room on the lower level, where part of the movie Top Gun was filmed. Parking was a bit of a problem, but thanks to my husband's patience we finally found a place on the street.

LOBBY OF LAFAYETTE HOTEL

This grand Colonial-style hotel has four large white front pillars. Upon entering through the oversized white door and seeing the old comfortable velvet chairs and davenport in the lobby, you feel there is some history here. The hotel is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

It opened in 1946, with the first registered guest being Bob Hope. The Lafayette Hotel was originally called Imig Manor for Larry Imig, the developer. Although there have been many changes and ownerships through the years, the charm persists. It's located on El Cajon Boulevard, the main east-west artery through the city before the freeways were built. It was also on the original and popular Los Angeles-Tijuana Racetrack route. It attracted a lot of attention from Hollywood and was known to be frequented by the likes of Ava Gardner and Lana Turner.

The lavish pool, surrounded by hotel suites, is the centerpiece. The pool was designed by five-time Olympic gold medal winner Johnny Weissmuller, the original Tarzan. It is still a popular Swim Club.

In 2011 a major $6M historical renovation included refurbishing the guest rooms and the original terraza floor. They also added the pink, gold and red parasols which hang from the lobby ceiling. One wall is covered with old photos of famous people that used to frequent the hotel. Connected to the lobby is an outside patio with large checker and chess boards on the concrete floor for guests to enjoy.

The Red Fox Steakhouse and Piano Bar is owned separately and adjacent to the hotel. It is a vintage steakhouse in a room that was originally built in England in the 1600's. In 1926, the interior furnishings were purchased, dismantled, and moved to the US for the “ocean house” of actress, Marion Davies. Later, it was dismantled and moved to the Red Fox. It includes a spectacular hand-carved wooden bar.

I think it would be fun to return to the Lafayette hotel on a Friday evening when they offer live music on the veranda. Unfortunately, at the time of our visit, the Mississippi Room on the lower level room was unavailable due to a private function. Typically it is available for viewing which gives us another good reason to return.
 

LOBBY OF LAFAYETTE HOTEL

SWIMMING POOL




 



ORIGINAL TERRAZA FLOOR

VINTAGE & TRENDY--GOLDEN HILL, SAN DIEGO

It's Saturday afternoon and my husband suggested that we try a new happy hour in Golden Hill. It was only four miles away, so we decided it was worth a try. I was a little dubious because the “nice neighborhood pub” he found last weekend turned out to be a dive. Golden Hill is one mile east of downtown and south of Balboa Park. There was plenty of free street parking.

Fortunately, The Counterpoint, 830 25th Street, San Diego, was a great find. It is a small contemporary restaurant with a European flair. We sat by the window and enjoyed $3 wine and $3 beer. We also ordered an appetizer: bacon-wrapped dates with cream cheese and bitter chocolate.  They were great but probably a better dessert than appetizer.

After enjoying the libations, the real bonus was a leisurely stroll through the trendy Golden Hill historic neighborhood. Many of the Victorian homes and apartments date back to the late 1800s.   Here are some of my favorites:

 

A VINTAGE PARADE IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

FOLKLORIC AT PARADE

HORSES IN PARADE

The 55^th Annual Swallows Day Parade in the lovely old city of San Juan Capistrano. This is a vintage parade where just about everyone wears western attire and horses prevail. No motorized vehicles are allowed which includes mortorized wheel chairs. The theme this year is “Happy Trails.

This was particularly special because my son, Ben, and his girlfriend, who were visitng from Iowa, and my daughter, Anna, and her husband were joining us. It was also a chance to visit my brother, Fred, and his good friends from Belize. We all met at my brother's home in San Juan Capistrano and then made the leisurely 20 minute walk to the town center.

We arrived at the parade route in time to hear the National Anthem. This was followed by members of the sponsoring Fiesta Association casually parading through in traditional western attire. The official parade that followed consisted of hundreds of horses, bands, military members, flags, wagons pulled by horses, folkloric dancers, baton twirlers and, of course, the two official poop-scoopers were very busy in between. The parade lasted about three hours. It was a little slow at times, but the crowd of approximately 40,000 seemed to be having a good time.

We left a little early to tour the town where there was live music and plenty of libations. We walked through the well-preserved Los Rios Historic District where the original builders of the nearby Mission lived. The festival pays tribute to the unique history of the area which includes the Juaneňo Indians who were the original inhabitants of the area. The Juaneňo Indians provided the manpower for building the Mission of San Juan Capistrano in the late 1700's. The tribe is currently headquartered here with over 2,800 active members. We were able to tour one of the old adobe homes where they had lived.

ADOBE HOME

.

The Mission of San Juan Capistrano is famous for the annual return of the swallows on March 19,^th St Joseph's Day. They winter in Argentina, 5000 miles away. There is a celebration at the mission every year when the the bells ring and the children dress up as monks and swallows. I was curious

about the swallow return this year—it turns out they did not show up. According to the experts they are flying a little late this year.

There were a lot of horses in the parade and for good reason. San Juan Capistrano is considered “The Equestrian Capital of the West Coast.” It has over 53 miles of local trails and the Olympic Field Trials.

The entire festival is made possible by the hard work and dedication of the Fiesta Association which has over 250 volunteers.

COWBOYS AT PARADE

Visit my post dated November 29, 2011 for another “Vintage Journey to San Juan Capistrano.”

VINTAGE DRESS AT PARADE

SWALLOWS DAY PARADE

Sue & Fred at the Swallows Day Parade

LA QUINTA ARTS FESTIVAL 2013

 

PERFECT SETTING FOR THE LA QUINTA ARTS FESTIVAL

     While visiting Indian Wells for the 2013 BNP Paribus Open tennis tournament, we decided to make an additional stop at the La QuintaArts Festival. It is rated the #1 Fine Art Festival in the nation—2013 Art Fair SourceBook, and it happens to be held during the first weekend of the tournament. 

We couldn't pass up an excellent art fair and a chance to spend more time with friends and family on a perfect California day.

      Our visit to the festival was preceded by a Sunday brunch at the home of the professional cook, Jan Runyan (she teaches home economics in the local middle school). Jan is also the wonderful mother-in-law to my daughter, Anna (Classy Career Girl). For our enjoyment, Jan put together a selection of fresh fruit, lox, bagels, capers, bar cookies, egg souffle, fresh homemade muesli, and yummy mimosas--served on the patio.  After this feast, we headed out to view some very fine quality art.

      The fair has been held in the nearby old town of La Quinta for 30 years. The outdoor setting is unlike any art fair I've ever been to. There are plenty of shade trees, a duck pond, flowers, spacious displays of art, and pleasant live music—surrounded by mountains. The displays represent over 250 award-winning artists from all over the country. All proceeds from the festival go to the La Quinta Arts Foundation, whose mission is to “Promote and Cultivate the Arts.” All of the art is available for purchase.

     There is something inspiring about seeing artists with their work, and listening to them describe

what their art means to them. The time they spend on each piece of art is not always appreciated.

 Hats off to these professionals who are doing what they love most.


SALLY SADIE SUZ BY TOM BARNES

I was particularly attracted to displays with a vintage flair. Tom Barnes Fine Art is one of those booths. The talented Tom paints long-necked ladies with colorful hats and clothes. They were inspired by loving memories of twin sisters that he visited in Savannah, Georgia each summer while growing up. When the ladies went out for their weekly shopping excursion, their clothes were colorfully coordinated in salmons, pinks, baby blues, mint greens and lemon yellow. I couldn't help but be reminded of my well-dressed aunts from the 1950's.

 

PHOTOGRAPHS BY CALI

     Another interesting vintage inspired booth was Photographs by Cali. Cali's individual images are hand-colored black and white photographs. The objects are from everyday life.  My favorite were The Blue Dress, Mais Oui, Le Hat, and the Booklist. Cali Hobgood's art is very simple and clean looking. She has won many awards including the Uptown Art Fair featured Poster Artist in 2006 in Minneapolis, MN.

      Another real find were the collages by Kathy Ross. There were many smiling faces hovering around her booth. Kathy is one of the three featured artists at this year's festival. She has been a full time self employed artist since 1978. Her sculptures are colleged with maps and book pages. They range in size from about 8 inches to over six feet. One of my favorites is the World Traveler Figure.





WORLD TRAVELER
KATHY ROSS

     By the time we left, I believe we had viewed every art exhibit in the place—thanks to the leadership of my husband. Of course, we moved rather quickly, but did take time to see what was most interesting to each of us.

ART PATRONS, ROBERTA, ANNA & JOHN
READY TO HEAD HOME

 

VINTAGE SHOPPING--DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO

      It's another fine day in San Diego, and I'm headed out to do some Vintage shopping. I love the vintage stores because they each have a distinct personality. The clothing and accessories are one-of-a-kind. Displays and storefronts reflect the originality of the owners. They are artistic and colorful—bringing a bit of nostalgia for the past. What could be more fun?

     After enjoying a fresh spinach crepe at the always crowded Cafe21 in the Gaslamp District, I found the Boutique De Marcus, 685 2^nd Avenue. Unlike most vintage stores, this one is located in a newer building. It is well marked with large glass windows displaying the upscale vintage look. It shares space with the Salon De Marcus, also owned by Marcus Hanish.

RANDALL WITH VINTAGE DRESS

      As I walked in, I was immediately greeted by Randall who offered a tour. The tour consisted of his patiently showing me dozens of rare vintage dresses which I proceded to “ooh and ahh” over. We started with the long dresses which are my favorite.

      Randall answered all of my “novice” inquiries, like what does haute couture mean? “Exclusive custom fitted clothing.”

      Prices? “$500-$1,000+, although many are marked down due to a current sale.”

      Where do you get these dresses? “They are from the owner's private collection. He has been collecting vintage clothing for 15 years.”

      Sizes? “About size 8—12.”

      Do people bring dresses back for resale? “No.” (I don't think he appreciated this question.)

      Who do you sell to? (Honestly, I didn't ask this question, but I know the answer is something like the “rich and famous.”)

      I enjoyed the beauty of this haute couture place, including one of the dresses on a mannequin which I found out was a Roberto Cavalli. (Apparently I have good taste because Randall said that Cavalli is one of his favorites as well.) Other well known designers included Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta, Badgley Mischa, and Ralph Lauren. It was a pleasure to see this lovely clothing close-up, and in such pristine condition.

      In addition, there was a rack of short vintage dresses (some originals by Marcus, the owner) that the younger set and others would appreciate. The owner has twins, and those lucky girls are the recipients of some of these beautiful designs. I guess my kids didn't come out as well. I didn't even do handmade Halloween costumes.
     Randall pointed out the jewelry which was cleverly displayed in an old wooden cabinet--once again they are all one-of-a-kind items that the owner has purchased while traveling throughout the world. I think I would like this owners job. There were hat and purse displays throughout the stoe as well.

      Then we moved on to the original new design collection which includes dresses and the recently released Princess Tailored Women's Dress Shirts ($160 per shirt). High end men's clothing is also on display.

WOMAN'S DRESS SHIRT

     If you have impeccable taste, and are looking for the very finest in vintage clothing, this is the

boutique for you. The friendly staff will make the visit even more enjoyable.



LOVELY TO LOOK AT

MEN'S HATS



ELEGANT BLUE DRESS



THIS MAKES VINTAGE SENSE

INSPIRATIONAL WALKING BRIDGE

     My daughter, Anna, and I needed to make a short stop for some groceries at Trader Joe's located at the Uptown Shopping Center in Hillcrest. Before we went into the store, she suggested we take a few minutes to walk across a nearby bridge.
     Frankly, I wasn't interested in walking on a bridge--I just wanted to make a quick stop at Trader Joe's, and get on the road home before rush hour. Besides, how could a bridge, over busy Washington Street, be worthwhile? But she really seemed to think I should do this--so off we went.
     Right away I knew why she thought I would appreciate it. She was right--it is one of the "cooler" walking bridges. There are colorfully written inspirational quotations along both sides of the bridge--all related to my favorite past time--walking. They are presented in a fun, colorful and artsy way.
     Here are a few of them:  
     "I'm thankful that I wear sensible shoes--and can walk with comfort all day long."--Kate Sessions
     "With lively feelings may I walk. As it used to be long ago, may I walk."--Navajo Chant
     "You must do the thing that you think you cannot do."--Eleanor Roosevelt
    
     If you decide to look down where you are walking, you can also read the various definitions of a bridge that are meticulously etched into the concrete along the sides.
     After a leisurely stroll across the bridge, we enjoyed the pleasant small vintage homes of University Heights surrounded by greenery. Vermont Street Pedestrian Bridge connects Hillcrest to University Heights. It was built in1995. The entrance can be found at the northern edge of Uptown Shopping Plaza.
     Thanks Anna for encouraging your mom to slow down, and
"smell the roses."


VERMONT STREET PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE



UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS

      

 

VINTAGE SHOPPING NORTH PARK



URBAN SOLACE
NORTH PARK

      I have a friend, Jean, who lives in San Diego. She is really my “vintage friend” because we go back 64 years. On this fine day, we decide to have lunch at the highly recommended Urban Solace restaurant in North Park. We were not disappointed with the tasty vegetable pot pie, and warm spinach salad that we shared—the cheese biscuits added a nice touch to a perfect lunch. North Park is the new trendy area of San Diego with a lot of one-of-a-kind local shops and restaurants that you don't see at the mall. After lunch we decided to do some exploring.

2871 UNIVERSITY AVENUE, NORTH PARK

      We discovered a vintage shop called Hunt & Gather (I expect a lot of hunting goes into running one of these stores). I haven't found many “good value” vintage clothing shops and in my opinion this place qualifies. The front of the store is well marked with it's name and a display of vintage outfits for both men and women. I loved the old tiles below the large windows and the lovely tiled entrance floor. Signage on the lower window reads: “Reworked * Recycled * Reloved.”

      Hunt & Gather is located at 2871 University Avenue—the owners description of the merchandise is, “local designers, reworked vintage, one-of-a-kind jewelry, records, art & more.” Interesting description and quite appropriate. What I like the most is the fact that it offers a variety of one-of-a- kind vintage clothes as well as some new items—like cool Brazilian capris.

      My impression is that the sizes are a bit larger than some of the authentic old vintage clothes that you see in other shops. Perhaps they are not quite as old, which would account for slightly larger sizes, but they still have the vintage trendy look. Consequently, the prices reflect this—middle of the range and good value.

      Zoe Reynolds, one of the owners, is also a seamstress and designer—she is very friendly and has that “cool young vintage” look. Clearly she has a talent for finding the latest in trendy merchandise for this successful store. Zoe has a sewing machine, conveniently located in the back, for modifying her finds as needed. She and her husband, Lee, have run the business for four years.

      There are some lovely furs in this store—reasonably priced as well. The jewelry is unique and locally made. There are vinyl records for sale. The colorful pop-art on the wall, as well as the intriguing displays of shoes, boots, hats, and sunglasses, add to the ambience.



JEANS' COAT CHOICE FOR COLORADO

      Suggest you run—not walk—to this store if you need a reasonably priced vintage dress or accessories for your next event. I plan to purchase a sleek fitting vintage flowered dress for my next occasion—hope my conservative husband approves.