Some cool lesser-known places to check out next time you’re in San Diego

Posted on February 16, 2023 by John Kevin Hickey

Ah, Southern California. As I kid, I grew up listening to the Mamas and the Papas ‘California Dreaming’, the Beach Boys ‘Surfing USA’, and the Riveria’s ‘California Dreaming’ on radio (as an aside, when I was a wee lad my dad was stationed at March AFB in So Cal for three years, but I was so young I don’t remember much). I kind of have a soft spot for the myth of Southern California, even though there not enough gold in Fort Knox for me to live there.

I really like visiting Southern California, specifically San Diego and its surrounding environs. It’s got a laid-back vibe, and the weather is nearly always pleasant year-round. Plus, it’s not nearly as insane as the LA area.

So, when the youngest Vintage Daughter went to the University of San Diego to earn her master’s degree, this afforded MrsVintage and I numerous opportunities to explore the region in more depth when visiting her.

There is a ton of things to see and to do in San Diego. The beach of course. The San Diego Zoo and the Wildlife Safari. Balboa Park, Sea World, Legoland, Seaport Village, Old Town, the Gaslamp Quarter, USS Midway, the list goes on and on. And the Vintage family has been to most of them, sometimes more than once.

But with more time and opportunities available to us, the Vintage family had the chance to broaden our vistas, so to speak. We were able to explore some of the lesser known or lesser visited sights in the San Diego area. With smaller crowds, we were afforded the time and elbow room to explore at our leisure.

So, if you’re ever in San Diego and want to stay “far from the madding crowd”, check out some of the suggestions I’ve provided below.

Things to do & see

Cabrillo National Monument

In 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo was the first European to set foot on the coast of present-day California. Today, the site of his landing is commemorated by the Cabrillo National Monument.

Cabrillo National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

The Old Point Loma Lighthouse is also on the grounds of the monument. One of the original 8 lighthouses built on the West Coast, Point Loma has been restored to reflect what life was like for the lightkeepers in the 19th century.

Me pondering the vistas at Old Point Loma Lighthouse

There is a two-mile nature trail that wanders through the monument. These trails provide some stunning views of San Diego to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

Veterans Museum & Memorial Center

Balboa Park is home to 18 eclectic museums that run the gamut from automobiles to science. The Veterans Museum and Memorial Center one of those museums, but it is located in a more secluded and remote location in the Park. You’ll know you’ve found it when you see the WW2 era B-24 Liberator bomber on a pedestal in front of the museum.

Exhibits include military life in the San Diego area from 1915-1988, the Korean War, the Vietnam war, and women in the military. For military history buffs, or even those with a passing interest in US history, this little gem is well worth the effort in finding it.

Home | Veterans Museum at Balboa Park (veteranmuseum.net)

My old unit, the 140thFW, was activated and deployed to Vietnam in 1968. Displayed at the Veteran’s Museum is a copy of the painting “Scramble at Phan Rang”. This painting shows the members of the 140th FW preparing to launch F-100 Super Sabres from Phan Rang air base in South Vietnam.

Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial

The legal history of the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial cross is fascinating in its own right, but not really important for those who just want to pay homage to the men and women who have served in the United States armed forces. (If you are really curious, Wikipedia has a fairly long entry on the contentious issues surrounding the constitutionality of the cross).

This memorial, located in La Jolla, honors over 3500 veterans, both living and deceased. Construction is ongoing to add another 2400. Each veteran has his or her picture displayed on a plaque, with a short biographical account of their service.

The memorial also has some stunning views of La Jolla and the ocean.

Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial | San Diego, CA (soledadmemorial.org)

San Diego Air & Space Museum

The San Diego Air & Space Museum is another gem located in Balboa Park. While nowhere near as big as the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum in Washington D.C., or the Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson in Ohio, it still packs a lot of aviation history within its walls.

The displays and artifacts are arranged in chronological order, starting from the early days of heavier than air flight, to the modern age. Military and civilian aviation history are mingled together, to give an overlook at how flight in both fields evolved and adapted together.

My youngest daughter took me to this museum during one of my visits to see her. She had never been there before, but fortunately, she had an awesome tour guide in me! I can tell you that I was much more informative than the electronic guide provided by the museum.

If you are into aviation history, Air Force history or if you just like airplanes, this little museum is well worth a visit.

San Diego Air & Space Museum – Historical Balboa Park, San Diego (sandiegoairandspace.org)

Junípero Serra Museum

The Junipero Serra Museum, perched on a hill overlooking Old Town San Diego, appears ancient but was actually built in 1928. Designed in the Spanish Revival style, the museum was intended to invoke the Spanish missions that dot the coastline of California. For many years this building complex housed the San Diego Historical Society. The society has since changed its name (San Diego History Center) and moved to Balboa Park.

But the Junipero Serra Museum lives on as an artifact in its own right. While the building is new(ish), it’s located near the spot where the first mission and presidio were established in California. Some consider the hill it stands on to be where the founding of California began.

The Junípero Serra Museum – San Diego History Center | San Diego, CA | Our City, Our Story

Mission Trails Regional Park

If you want to get out of the city and into nature, the Mission Trail Regional Park is for you. Located on the eastern fringes of San Diego, Mission Trails is where the coastal region ends and the desert begins. Mission Trails is one of the largest urban parks in the United States.

This park is packed with over 60 miles of hiking trails, a lake you can boat upon if you so wish and camping available year-round. An oasis of tranquility from the hustle and bustle of of the city.

The park also has a modern Visitor and Interpretive Center where visitors can learn more about the park and its natural surroundings.

Be forewarned: it was rather warm when I visited the park in the month of February. Apparently, it can get a might bit toasty in the summer months. Be sure to bring water and sunscreen!

Mission Trails Regional Park (mtrp.org)

San Diego Model Train Museum

If you like trains, and if you like model trains, the San Diego Model Train Museum is the Taj Majal for model train lovers. I have seen several model train displays in my time, but none of them hold a candle to the ones on display in this museum.

Nothing I can write will do it justice. You need to check it out in person.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum (sdmrm.org)

Coronado Historical Museum

Coronado is a resort city located on an island along the San Diego Bay. It sits directly across from Downtown San Diego. Its most famous building is the Hotel Del Coronado.

Coronado is home to some great beaches, fine dining and shopping, and one of the best breweries I’ve ever visited, the Coronado Pub and Brewery (Coronado Brewing Company).

Coronado is also a rather tony place. In a land of astronomical housing prices, Coronado is in a park all its own.

Still, it’s a fun place to visit, and it is home to a small but interesting museum: the Coronado Historical Association. The exhibits at this museum are quite eclectic. The history of Coronado is one of the more permanent displays. But they have covered a variety of subjects such as golf on Coronado, fishing, and WW2 naval aviation.

They also offer a walking tour of Coronado. I cannot speak to this because I didn’t partake. Should I ever return to San Diego, I will endeavor to correct this.

Visit | Coronado Historical Association (coronadohistory.org)

Places to Eat and Drink

Pizza Bella, Old Town

Old Town San Diego is a great place to visit. History of San Diego mixed with some great food and shopping. You can spend the whole day there and not see everything. I highly recommend visiting at least once if you are in town.

But let’s be honest, Old Town is also a tourist trap, with all the kitsch and marked up prices that go with it.

Scattered along the roads that encircle Old Town are some funkier shops and restaurants, including, in my ignorant and ill-considered opinion, a place that makes the best pizza in San Diego. The pizza at Pizza Bella is doughy, cheesy and delicioso!

I will admit that it is also a little pricey. Hey, it’s Southern California. EVERYTHING is pricey.

Old Town Italian Restaurant – Pizza Bella Italian Bistro (pizzabellasd.com)

Crazee Burger, North Park

Located in the community of North Park, San Diego, is a funky little hamburger joint called Crazee Burger. This place has quite a variety of burgers, some a little out there. They also have some great shakes and malts.

Crazee Burger – North Park, San Diego, CA

Casa Guadalajara

Ok, this Mexican restaurant is a little touristy and kitschy. But the food is good, and the atmosphere is lively and comfy.

Casa Guadalajara – Mexican Restaurant in San Diego, CA

Karl Strauss Brewery

Karl Strauss Brewery is the oldest surviving brewery in San Diego County. Founded in 1986, it is still an independent brewery. With locations scattered all over the Southern California region, you’ll have no problems finding one of their breweries.

Karl Strauss Brewing Company | Proudly Independent Since ’89

Check out my review of a few of their brews:

What’s on Tap: Karl Strauss Brewery (San Diego) (mrvintageman.com)

Posted in American West, Travel | Tagged San Diego, travel | Comments Off

What I have been reading: Throne of the Crescent Moon (with bonus curmudgeon rant!)

Posted on February 5, 2023 by John Kevin Hickey

Let me start this book review/rant by saying that I am not a book critic. Normally I only review a book when I feel it is something that the reader might enjoy. I’ll discuss the strengths and weaknesses, and why I think said book is worth reading.

Today, I’m going to be a bit harsher on a book than usual, specifically as it relates to portraying the elderly. Before I go on, let me say that the book does not disrespect old people. But it is obvious that the author, Saladin Ahmed, was a young man when he wrote ‘Throne of the Crescent Moon‘. He would have been wise to speak to old farts to get a better understanding of how they think and how they view their life and the world around them.

First, the review

Most fantasy novels are set in a medieval European world, usually populated by knights, castles, kings, and whatnot. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I’m always on the lookout for novels set in different cultures or time periods. Thus, my interest was piqued when I came across Throne of the Crescent Moon, a story set in an Islamic culture. The story centers around an elderly “ghul hunter”, a young religious warrior and a young woman who is the sole survivor of her desert nomad tribe.

Sadly, Throne of the Crescent Moon is not a good book. Weak characters, weak motivations, a villain who is practically non-existent, far too many deux ex machina moments, a climax that is, well, anticlimactic, and a ridiculous ending. I’ll say no more.

Now let me climb up on my soapbox and get to what really bothered me about this book.

Really? An existential crisis? Now??

My main beef is that Mr. Ahmed doesn’t understand how old folk think. Which is fine, because I didn’t either until I became an old folk. But we old-timers do think a little differently than the youngins.

One of our characters, Doctor Adoulla Makhslood, is a 60(+) year old ghul hunter who finds himself facing the most dangerous foe he has ever faced. Definitely a sore trial for a man who has been fighting bad guys for over 40 years.

Yet he spends most of his time bitching about how unfair it all is, how he’s been forced to make so many sacrifices over the years, and he’s not sure he wants to fight monsters anymore. This outlook struck me as wrong. An existential (midlife) crisis is for a person 15 to 20 years younger than our Dr. Makhslood. Usually, it’s around 40 years old when most of us are gripped with the fear of “is this all there is? What am I doing with my life? What are my sacrifices getting me?”.

By 60, most of us are coming to terms with the life we have lived, for better or worse. There are a lucky few who think their life has been everything they could have hoped for. Then there are others who become quite bitter and angry at how things turned out. They make themselves and everyone else around them miserable. You can usually tell who these people are because they always look like they just bit into a turd.

And in the vast middle are the rest of us, who perhaps feel their life has been an off-road adventure with all its ups and down, ruts and highpoints. Maybe we aren’t where we thought we would be, but overall, it’s been a good life.

Instead…

Dr. Makhslood, who is facing the greatest crisis of his life, as an older man should instead be plagued with self-doubt. He should be wondering if he is up to the task. After all, he is not as strong or as fast as he once was. His reflexes are slower now. His body betrays him, often as the worst possible moment. Maybe he is not as sharp mentally as he once was. Such fears would have been far more accurate.

Rant over. I said above, if authors are going to build a story around old farts, it would behoove them to talk to and, more importantly, listen to old farts.

If you like reading fantasy and want to check out fantasy novels set in different cultures, there’s two authors I highly recommend. For a much better novel set in a Middle Eastern culture, Andrew Howard Jones ‘Desert of Souls‘ is fantastic (The Desert of Souls). If you are more interested in an Asian setting, you can’t go wrong with Sean Russell’s ‘Initiate Brother‘ (The Initiate Brother Duology)

—————–Interlude———————–

——–What’s next on the nightstand——-

Wings of War

Recently published, ‘Wings of War‘ goes into the conception, development and deployment of one the most beloved fighter aircraft all time: the North American P-51 Mustang. The P-51 (P stands for pursuit) was the fighter that escorted the bombers into Nazi Germany, helping sweep the Luftwaffe (German air force) from the sky as they did so.

To show how respected this aircraft is, especially by those who have ever worked fighter aircraft, let me give an example from my own life. Way back in the in the early 1990s my unit, the 140th Fighter Wing, was converting from the A-7 Corsair to F-16 Fighting Falcons. Our ramp was covered in a mixture of mid-century and modern fighting jets. Quite an impressive sight.

Then one hot summer afternoon our flightline entertained a visitor. A privately owned P-51 landed and taxied into a parking spot near the main hanger. Let me tell you, even though our flight line was chock full of modern jets, all the aircraft maintainers, and even some pilots, poured out of the hanger to gather around and ogle this vintage propeller driven beauty.

For one afternoon, the sleek jets cramming the flightline were flat out ignored.

There were at least a hundred of us clustered around this flying work of art. The pilot was pretty good humored about it. I assumed he was used to this kind of attention. He stuck around for a while to answer questions and talk proudly about his pride and joy.

My memory may be faulty, but I think the P-51 that visited us that day was the Stang Evil. If I’m right, this aircraft is based out of Lakewood, Colorado. If I’m wrong, hopefully somebody who was there that day can set me right.

What’s really cool is that the Stang Evil was one of the P-51s that flown by the 140th FW in the years after WW2, until the unit upgraded to F-86s.

I’m really looking forward to the “biography” of the P-51 Mustang, the plane that really did win the war.

Posted in Book Reviews, Books, Life | Tagged Book review, getting older | Comments Off

Latest update on the front yard renovation

Posted on January 31, 2023 by John Kevin Hickey

I’ve mentioned before that I intend to convert the front yard to a lower maintenance and a more waterwise landscape. The city where MrsVintage and I reside has a waterwise conversion program where they will offer up to a $4000 rebate ($3000 in plants and materials, $1000 for labor) for the homeowner who enrolls in the program. The population of Colorado has grown by 2.5 million people since MrsVintage and I bought our domicile. There is only so much water to go around, and pouring millions of gallons of water every year on lawns is a luxury that, we who live in the West, really can no longer afford (see: Living west of the 100th meridian (mrvintageman.com)

There’s always a catch…

There are a few provisos and quid pro quos involved, however. The homeowner must prove that their front yard is well maintained, and that by converting said yard to a low water landscape the city will reap a benefit via reduced water usage. If the lawn is nothing but dirt, thistles and bindweed that receives no supplemental water, the city gains nothing by helping the homeowner.

I had to provide several photos from different angles to prove my lawn is being well maintained.

I am happy to announce that we have been approved to participate in the rebate program. There is a lot of work to be done come the springtime, but I am really geeked to get started. Truth be told, I am sick and tired of watering and mowing that damn front lawn. It’s a lot of work for very little reward. The only time MrsVintage and I ever notice it is when we are coming home or when it gets shaggy and needs a trim.

The plan

Once we were approved, I submitted a rough sketch of what hardscape features we wanted in the new landscape. We could have paid a landscape designer to create a plan, but the city has a designer on staff who will create the plan for free. My favorite 4-letter f word!

I wanted a path that leads to the mailbox and a spot for a bench so MrsVintage and I can enjoy our new waterwise landscape. So, I put those on the rough sketch, and the designer created the plan seen below.

I am fully aware, since it has been pointed out to me by several people, of the irony that I am putting rocks back into the landscape after spending years taking them out. My reply: these rocks will be much more aesthetically pleasing than the rocks I took out.

The plants

I had the option of providing a list of plants that I wanted for the new landscape. Since I am a fairly experienced gardener, and I have created waterwise borders before, I knew exactly what I wanted. I think I actually impressed the designer. This is the list that we finalized. The symbols match the symbols on the design.

Symbol

Qty

Scientific Name

Common Name

Water Usage

Sun Preference

PC	7	Arctostaphylos x coloradoensis ‘Panchito’™	Panchito™ Manzanita	low	Full Sun, Partial
AC	5	Agastache cana ‘Sinning’	Sonoran Sunset® Hyssop	low	Full Sun
SL	6	Aster laevis	Smooth Aster	low	Full Sun, Partial
CA	6	Calamagrostis acutiflora (all cultivars)	Feather Reed Grass Variety	moderate	Full Sun
CC	3	Caryopteris x clandonensis	Blue Mist Spirea	low	Full Sun, Partial
UL	3	Cytisus x ‘Lena’	Lena Broom	low	Full Sun
GA	4	Gaillardia aristata/grandiflora variety	Blanketflower	low	Full Sun
HH	3	Hemerocallis Hybrids	Daylily	low	Full Sun
HR	3	Hesperaloe parviflora	Texas Red Yucca	very low	Full Sun, Partial
ME	3	Mahonia repens	Creeping Barberry	very low	Full Sun, Partial, Full Shade
PV	4	Panicum virgatum	Switch Grass	low	Full Sun, Partial
PX	6	Penstemon x mexicali ‘Pikes Peak Purple’®	Pikes Peak Purple® Penstemon	low	Full Sun
PF	3	Perovskia atriplicifolia	Russian Sage	low	Full Sun
UB	3	Prunus besseyi ‘Pawnee Buttes’®	Pawnee Buttes® Sand Cherry	low	Full Sun, Partial
UI	9	Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’	Black-Eyed Susan	low	Full Sun, Partial
SS	6	Schizachyrium scoparium	Little Bluestem	very low	Full Sun
HZ	2	Symphoricarpus chenaultii ‘Hancock’	Hancock Coralberry	very low	Full Sun, Partial
VL	27	Veronica liwanensis	Turkish Speedwell	low	Full Sun, Partial

In the meantime

Since it is winter, there obviously isn’t a lot that I can do for now. But until warm weather arrives, there are a few things I can do to prepare for this undertaking. The city provides waterwise classes throughout the year, so I will sign up for a couple in February. I will also contact the buyers for the local nurseries, in hopes they can supply me with most of the plants.

As part of the aesthetic design, we need to either install a berm, build a retaining wall or put down 3 boulders. We have opted for the boulders. This means MrsVintage and I will be scoping out landscape companies in search of the perfect rocks.

Look for further updates in spring.

Posted in Gardening | Tagged garden renovations | Comments Off

Mr. Vintage Man