SAN JUAN experience
SHOPPING
BY ANDREA SWAYNE AND ROBYN WYMAN-DILL
Shoppers know the mood-boosting ef-
fects finding that perfect bracelet, just the right piece of art or simply browsing for
ideas can bring. And whether we do it for creative inspiration, necessity, fun or “therapy,” shopping just makes us feel better. So, it stands to reason, the more variety a town has to offer, the better the
mood of its residents and visitors. A diverse cultural mix and more than two centuries of history—not to mention the friendly and attentive shop- keepers—have combined to make San Juan Capistrano a shopper’s delight. All blended together by Spanish Colonial Las Californias architecture
and decked with charm, nearly 40 shopping plazas and commerce centers are well dispersed around the town’s picturesque 14.4-square miles. Although too numerous to mention them all, here is a short rundown of places to score some really great finds. Starting from the Capistrano Depot—the perfect welcome mat for train
travelers—some of the city’s best shopping is within easy walking distance. Take a short stroll across the train tracks into the heart of the city’s
artisan “cottage” businesses in the historic Los Rios District, the old- est continuously-inhabited neighborhood in California. Browsing the district’s eclectic array of shops, amid cafés, a park, museums, gardens and centuries-old architecture, takes you back in time. Te scenery and shops—many housed within old homes with front porches and ginger- bread house charm—add to the old world allure.
On weekends, you can hear music playing on the back porch at Te
Cottage Gallery & Artful Garden. Te gallery features works from 35 of the most talented artists in Orange County. Nest—next door—is home to a wide range of clothing, accessories and collectibles, from ladies’ scarves and cardigans to needlepoint cushions and glassware. For an eclectic mix, including metal art, fairy gardens and topiaries, step into Cottage Home & Garden. Te Teahouse on Los Rios boutique is a haven for vintage jewelry, china tea services and women’s accessories. On the opposite side of the railroad tracks from Los Rios and up
Verdugo Street to Camino Capistrano, you’ll find a central downtown shopping area with great places to shop on every corner. Capistrano Plaza hosts specialty stores such as Mayan Authentic Im-
ports. Mission San Juan Capistrano’s new beautifully appointed museum giſt shop is chock full of souvenirs and artisan-made craſts. Among the offerings at the Mission Promenade, the Mission Fine Arts Gallery show- cases creative works by local artists. Te Old Barn Antique Mall, with over 60 vendors, is a mecca for an-
tique collectors and those looking to add a touch of vintage to their décor. Second-hand treasures can also be found a short way down Camino Capistrano at Capistrano Consignment. Every Wednesday aſternoon year-round, the Old Capistrano Certified
Farmers Market comes to downtown. Held at Yorba Street and Camino Capistrano, the market features more than 30 vendors offering fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and specialty foods. Great shopping is not confined to the city’s central downtown districts.
Most of the commerce centers, located in nearly every corner of San Juan, have been designed with the scenic courtyards, walkways and red tile roofs common in much of the architecture here. Te Ortega Village Shopping Center, in particular, has eight concrete columns sculpted with images that represent San Juan Capistrano’s diverse
Browsing the historic Los Rios District’s eclectic array of shops, amid cafés, a park, museums, gardens and centuries-old architecture, takes you back in time.
ethnic groups, while Serra Plaza’s atrium has hand-painted tile plaques depicting the town’s history. Marbella Plaza and Vermuelan Ranch Center are two other shopping
areas to discover. Both offer specialty food stores, shops and restaurants. Speaking of food markets, El Campeon Mercado, located in the Plaza
El Adobe shopping center, is a one-stop-shop for traditional cuisine and ingredients from the central region of Mexico. Te Ecology Center, located a short drive from downtown in the
historic 1878 Congdon Farmhouse on Alipaz Street, not only serves as an educational center for sound environmental practices, it also has its own general store stocked with a curated assortment of eco-approved products. And the organic farm and farm stand next door is a great place to purchase local produce. As an equestrian community, great saddle and tack can be found here
as well. Stop by American Horse Products in the Capistrano Center for the best inventory of English and Western riding and horse gear in the county. With stores to satisfy a multiplicity of shoppers, convenient parking,
COTTAGE HOME & GARDEN 18 | San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce Business Directory & Visitor Guide |
visitsjc.com
natural and architectural beauty, San Juan Capistrano is an amazing place, not only to find whatever it is you need but also for taking in some fun retail therapy.
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