Sunday, January 18, 2015

Little Italy

San Diego Metro KOA
Chula Vista, CA
January 17, 2015

According to Wikipedia, Little Italy is a neighborhood in Downtown San Diego that was originally a predominately Italian fishing neighborhood. From the 19th century thru the 1970s, people from Italy led the enterprise in building boats to found the American tuna fishing fleet and canning industry based in San Diego, the "tuna capital" of the Western US. Large canneries built as early as 1911 closed in the 80s due to rising costs and foreign competition. Today Little Italy is still one of the most active downtown neighborhoods filled with Italian restaurants and retail shops, art galleries and residential units. Our reason for visiting this festive area is the weekly farmers market, better known as the Mercato.

The Mercato is 3 city blocks long filled with tent vendors (more than 150 according to their website, but I didn't count) on both sides of the street sponsored by the Little Italy Association. Its open every Saturday from 8:00 - 2:00. Each block has its own variety of produce, food, clothing, jewelry, and art...all locally grown and made. One thing we learned two years ago ...don't eat before you go. Samples are plentiful! Breads with spreads, cookies, croissants, wraps...just to name a few! The aroma of coffee, fresh strawberries and baked goods, samples along the way, musical artists, the rainbow of colors and textures of all kinds are feasts for the senses. We do take cash as some vendors don't accept cards. But even if you don't buy anything, its a great way to spend the morning!

























Our Saturday ended on a happy note too. Friends Lynn and Dave and their son Richard came over for a visit...a campfire and yummy munchies at our gracious next door neighbors Ronnie and Carol's. No, we didn't break out in Kumbaya, but we did laugh a lot. It was so great to see them and catch up! And we hope to get together again before they leave at the end of the month. 
Left to right...Carol, Cooper, Ronnie, Joe, Dave, Richard, and Lynn and Allie
I have been walking with the pups and taking pictures around the KOA. Hope to get a post showing off this wonderful campground full of beautiful flowers, twisty tall trees and wonderful green grass!

Until next time, take care and...

happy trails!

14 comments:

  1. Love your pictures today of the food in the market. Those were really great shots. San Diego is such a beautiful place. We love just about everything about it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree Jeri...this is only our second time to visit here. We have lots we want to do! Just the weather alone is all I need to come back. Add in some beach time and Im hooked!

      Delete
  2. Thanks for taking me to the market...your shots are wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  3. We never did make it into Little Italy. It just seemed like Saturday's were either rainy or busy. The produce is beautiful. I love the rainbow carrots and swiss chard:)

    Sounds like a fun place to spend the month.

    Yummy cake!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You have something to look forward to for your next visit here Pam...
      We were tempted by the cakes. Can you believe I snapped the picture and walked on?

      Delete
  4. Don't you just love finding all those neat little marketplaces all across America. They are always a feast for the senses.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes they are Gayle...so far this one is my favorite. I could go every Saturday!

      Delete
  5. Gay, I just loved your beautiful photos, so colorful! So glad you guys are enjoying San Diego!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your pics made me drool, as we are camped in the sticks. I have not seen anything like that here in the Texas plains.

    ReplyDelete