Category: Take a Tour

Take a Tour: Mariposa Ice Cream

Today’s Take a Tour is short and sweet (how punny).

When I lived in the Normal Heights neighborhood of San Diego, this ice cream shop was easily walkable from my apartment. It’s a refreshing reprieve from other generic chain ice cream places or ultra-modern looking frozen yogurt places. Full of personality, it’s clear that the people who run it love a few things: Their ice cream, their community, The Beatles, and the San Diego Chargers. I mean, check out the walls.

To be honest, as a design junkie sometimes it feels good to spend time in a place that just feels home-y and hasn’t been remodeled to keep up with the latest trend in interior design. Somehow, it’s so genuine. This is one of those places. (Of course, there are other places where I look around and wonder if the owner put any thought at all into the decor!! That thought didn’t cross my mind here at Mariposa though).

Mariposa

The ice cream is made on site using an old fashioned family recipe… and tastes amazing!

Oh, and they have a signed and framed tabloid page that has a photo of Kristen Bell eating here–She and I both have a very discerning palate, I guess.

Mariposa

I tried the Mexican chocolate, and may never try another flavor ever as long as I can get neverending scoops of this amazingness. If you’ve ever tried the hot chocolate drink Abuelita, it’s like that, in ice cream form. Doug got peanut butter fudge which was also creamy and good.

The nice thing about a rich creamy ice cream cone is that I feel satisfied with just the one scoop. Any more and I might overdo it! These two cones ran us 5.50 total. Can’t beat that price for an afternoon outing.

Mariposa

3450 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116

Check out some of my other tours by clicking here! 

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Take a Tour: Vestige

Before our big move from Kansas last September, I was combing through the San Diego Craigslist for mid-century modern furnishings. I happened upon a few pieces offered by the newly opened shop, Vestige. I looked them up on facebook and reached out. Then, when we moved Doug and I stopped into the shop for a little get-to-know-you sesh. It turns out that Greg, the owner, has relatives in Kansas–in the town we had just moved from! Small world, indeed.

Vestige Modern

Vestige Modern

While we haven’t bought anything from the shop (yet!!) Doug and I love stopping in for some great conversation and to peruse the items. Once our savings pool gets a little deeper, I’m sure we’ll be picking up some vintage wares for our apartment. The only question is what? I would take the entire inventory if I could. It’s hard when there are so many sweet pieces to covet!

Vestige Modern

Vestige Modern

Vestige Modern

Greg has a keen eye for unique pieces and the shop is staged in a way that it’s easy to imagine any of them in your own home. He also really knows his stuff backwards and forwards–designers, iconic pieces, and values.

Vestige Modern

Q&A:

Where are you from and how did you end up in San Diego?

I moved to SD from Wyoming in 2002 to attend school.

How long has the store been open?

Vestige has been open since June 15th 2012 so a little over 7 months.

How did you first get interested in vintage furnishings?

I began my love of anything vintage just after I moved to SD.  I started out buying and selling vintage clothing.  Over time it turned into furniture/accessories.  I’ve always felt connected to 50’s and 60’s culture, the fashion, music, film, design, cars, but mostly the furniture.  I fell in love with the hunt.  Nothing beats uncovering something really great.

Vestige Modern

What’s the best part about having your own store?

The best part of owning my own store is the freedom to make my own decisions.  There isn’t some upper level manager barking orders at me.  Although I have found that the freedom to do my own thing definitely comes with a price (long hours, bills, responsibility).

What tips would you give to someone wanting to go hunting for vintage items?

As for where I do my hunting/buying I have to keep that to myself. Haha.  I would suggest taking your time furnishing your home, especially with vintage items.  Part of the fun is the hunt.  Buy things that you connect with and really love.

Vestige Modern

4633 30th St, Ste A
San Diego, CA
92116

Vestige on Facebook // Vestige on Etsy

Check out some of my other tours by clicking here! 

Do you have any recommendations for a “take a tour” post? I’m still working on my interior photography skills and I would LOVE to come shoot your home or store! E-mail me! 

Take a Tour: Dark Horse

Last Monday, Angela and I decided to explore my old stomping grounds of Adams Avenue. My first apartment in San Diego was on Adams and it would be a nice neighborhood to move back to someday. Since I left, there have been a lot of great changes on Adams including restaurants and shops, the newest of which we stumbled upon–Dark Horse Coffee Roasters. They’ve only been open for two weeks!

Dark Horse Coffee Roasters

The owner, Daniel, is congenial and very easy to talk to. Any feelings of intimidation that I normally have when visiting a hip new establishment vanished–I could tell he is dedicated to his quality coffee and the success of his store.

Dark Horse Coffee Roasters

Dark Horse Coffee Roasters

The most fabulous thing, to me, is that he DIYed the whole interior of the store himself. Being a design geek, I ate it all up. The wood-paneled wall, the coffee bar facing the window–the counter, everything was DIY. He was eager to share his secrets as well–he explained how he made the wood-paneled wall in a way that even a novice DIYer could feel confident replicating. The chalkboard paint trend was represented in a tasteful, limited, and totally functional way. And how awesome is his accent color of mint green on the counter? It totally keeps the place looking fresh, balancing out the earthy wood tones!

Dark Horse Coffee Roasters

Dark Horse Coffee Roasters

The narrow bar facing the window was a great way to maximize the limited square footage. In the space that would have accommodated just another 2-person round table, he managed to fit room for 4 seats–or a casual place to lean while waiting to order.

The branding was not only consistent but cost-effective. He has a few different rubber stamp designs, which he used to decorate the bar, the trim, bags, and even cups. By buying plain wares and customizing them himself, not only is a handcrafted feel created, but money is also saved. Think of the other businesses who can take a cue from this method!

Dark Horse Coffee Roasters

You won’t find espresso offerings here–just craft coffee–but Daniel was friendly enough to explain the difference between a pour-over and a French press. I had a French press and Doug had a pour over–the flavor of both options was out of this world. Monday, I literally had the flavor in my mouth all day–the best cup of coffee I have ever had! I couldn’t wait to pop back in Wednesday to take these photos and get another cup!

If you’d like to go, the address is 3260 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA. For more info, follow Dark Horse on facebook!

Check out some of my other tours by clicking here!