Page 1 · The California core
Old Town Inn
San Diego, California
A meticulously tended enclave, tucked away in an unlikely maze of street corners and industry, holds the essence of California’s first city.
Quality survives in this book—like a backpack made of recycled sailboat cloth or a pair of socks with a lifetime guarantee. California: Walking Through Change differs by treating travel as more than mile consumption. It is a Trojan horse of insight concealed as a guidebook.
The places that sell it are insights in themselves. Each store where it occupies a shelf represents a jewel in the setting of the California consciousness, far from the corporate. Think of Old Town Inn—the California core.
The setting makes the Inn an institution. This is California’s first city. Look here for the origin of the casualness and good cheer that define the California mindset. A short walk leads to a Mexican micro-town of authentic objects, crafts and restaurants. Find here the Old World character that underlies us.
Each sunset, a bugle call rings over the compound of shops.
Each sunset, the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego honors the integrity of Old Town with a bugle call ringing over the compound of shops.
If ocean clouds threaten your photographs, drive 85 miles to Borrego Springs, a village unsullied by tourism that lies at the foot of a canyon where hummingbirds feed in front of the gift shop, an oasis of palms bubbles up, and April brings a wildflower super-bloom amidst reliable desert sun.
Back at Old Town Inn, chairs and gardens line the entrance, and a restful library and pool view sit across from the front desk, which stocks key lime-flavored hard candy. Find California: Walking Through Change in the courtesy library there.