Our Downtown - Escondido

I had started writing this article a while ago, but thought I would go ahead and upload it before the town changes completely...during COVID.

Our Downtown

Pull off the Interstate and you’ll catch your first glimpse of downtown Escondido. Not far from the Auto Park Pkwy and business district, you are in the heart of the city. You’ll glimpse a large Michael’s Craft store and Barnes N Noble to the north as you head toward downtown. With a variety of eateries along the way, everything from fast food burgers to sit down Italian cuisine is within easy reach. Follow the curve of the road and bump over the train tracks and you’ll find Hawthorn Country Store, a family-owned business selling everything from chicken feed to horse halters and lead ropes, as well as western apparel for every man, woman, and child.  

I have lived in Escondido for most of my 35 years and this is a great city. It might not be as big as downtown San Diego, but it’s home and we like it here. Living in Escondido, you are less than an hour from the beach and about the same distance from the mountains. Sun and waves or mountains and snow, your choice is equidistant. What else makes this city so great? Well, let me tell you.

Continuing our tour… Mi Guadalajara, known for their fine Mexican cuisine, greets you as you continue into downtown Escondido (now with available outside seating during COVID). It sits at the corner of Second Avenue and Center City Pkwy, which used to be the main highway through town and still acts as the most direct way to get from north to south Escondido.

Cross over Center City Parkway and then find a place to park. The best way to experience downtown is on foot. Pull into any of the parallel parking spots along Second Avenue or choose from one of the several city parking lots available. There is also parallel parking available on Grand Avenue, one street to the left, getting you just steps from the various shops and restaurants. Just remember where you park and how long you can stay. The signs in each lot clearly state the parking limit. Street parking is 2 hours, but free parking.

At Maple Street & Grand Avenue is Maple Street Plaza. This is an outside venue with built-in seating that provides the perfect place for a picnic or place to bring food from the surrounding restaurants.

There are several lunch/dinner eateries along Grand Avenue, but I have included a few that I enjoy.

On the south side, just past Maple Street is The Grand Tea Room. It’s a full service tea room and gift shop.

Kettle Coffee & Tea, just a little further down the street, is a quiet spot to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee or pick from their wide assortment of teas. Kettle Coffee & Tea also provide opportunities to bring the community together by hosting community groups with events and live music.

Are you looking for a reptile or other creature? Check out the LLLReptile a pet store in the next block on the north side of the street.

Continuing east on Grand Avenue, you’ll come across Burger Bench which opened their doors in late 2015. Though the menu is limited, the restaurant has a variety of foods to entice all patrons.

7-Eleven is situated at the corner of Juniper and Grand, giving patrons options like at other locations. They also have quite a large parking lot that makes it easy to enter and exit while being able to see effectively around the corner.

There is now quite a new coffee shop, Koffie, located at about halfway along the next block on the north side. I have yet to try that place, but I love the atmosphere.

Downtown comes alive every Friday night 6-9 pm between April and September for the Cruisin’ Grand Car Show, featuring a variety of music venues and pre-1974 American cars. The car show takes place on Grand Avenue, between Juniper Avenue and Orange Street. You will see car clubs from up and down the coast and there is a special night every year when the Nitro cars are on display. Check out the website for more details, www.cruisingrand.com. Grab a bag of kettle corn at the trailer hut on Juniper and you’re ready to cruise.

Every Saturday from 10-12 noon is the Farmer’s Market where local produce and vegetable growers come out to sell their food. Make a morning of it and see what delicious food you find.

These are just a few reasons why Escondido is such a great city. Come and enjoy it for yourself. Any day and any time.