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The Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, located in San Diego, California is a city park which attempts to recreate life in San Diego from 1821 to 1872. During this time period, San Diego was California's first Spanish settlement, with a mission and fort already established there in 1769. For this reason, the park's design incorporates Spanish styles and early American architecture.
Facilities
Five original adobes are part of the complex, which includes shops, restaurants and a museum. Other historic buildings include a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, San Diego's first newspaper office, and a stable with a carriage collection.
Dining
The Historic Park and surrounding area are a popular tourist destination, known especially for its authentic Mexican restaurants. The park itself hosts four eating establishments: The Cosmopolitan Restaurant, The Jolly Boy Restaurant and Saloon, Casa de Reyes, and El Fandango.Transportation
The Old Town Transit Center serves the area with trolley, bus, Coaster, and occasional Amtrak service.Major Changes in 2005
In the Spring of 2005, a new firm, Delaware North, won the bidding for the park's concessions. Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts outbid Diane Powers' Bazaar Del Mundo, which had operated the concessions for the previous 33 years. As a result, on May 31st, 2005, Plaza Del Pasado replaced the shops at the former Bazaar Del Mundo, the former Casa De Bandini became The Cosmopolitan Hotel, and the former Rancho El Nopal became Jolly Boy Restaurant and Saloon.Powers reopened her Bazaar Del Mundo Shops nearby at 4133 Taylor Street. The former Casa De Pico now operates in Grossmont Center, about 12 miles east of Old Town in La Mesa.
The contract inked between Delaware North and the Department of Parks and Recreation requires that the shops and restaurants adhere to the theme of Old Town as it was from 1821 to 1872.
External links
References
- The San Diego Union Tribune Deal sets last call at Bazaar del Mundo for end of May
- San Diego Metropolitan Magazine Historic Accuracy Highlights The Newest Old Town Menus
- Bazaar Del Mundo
"Old Town San Diego State Historic Park"