Felicita - Escondido, CA

Native American Northern Diegueno Indians once called the Felicita neighborhood of Escondido their home. The Kumeyaay tribe thrived in this valley for a time and eventually left. A man named James McCoy purchased the land in 1867, and the city of San Diego subsequently purchased it around 1930.

Around that time, a play about a real Kumeyaay woman named Felicita La Chapa was performed in the park. A local resident of Escondido suggested the park be named after her, and it became Felicita Park. Felicita Park hosts a small museum and an annual spring Renaissance fair that includes food, battle pageants and arts and crafts.

Felicita does not have much to offer in the way of food within its borders, but you don’t have to look too far to find good places to eat. Escondido has dining establishments scattered throughout the city, with flavorful fare ranging from fast food and down-home cooking to fine California dining and international cuisine.

Home Sweet Home Cafe serves up generous portions in retro style. Located smack in the center of an industrial park, this establishment offers unexpected flair and tasty food on the other side of its rundown exterior. Enjoy coffee served in oversized character or souvenir mugs with heaping portion of pancakes, or try the biscuits and sausage, and leave with a full and happy tummy. Do like the locals and swap out the regular sausage for Cajun to add a spicy twist to your morning. Parking space is limited at Home Sweet Home Café; it only dishes up breakfast and lunch, and it closes early, so make sure you roll out of bed in plenty of time to get your fill.

If you’re into impressive views, visit Vintana Wine and Dine. The upscale restaurant rests atop a Lexus dealership and overlooks the city and countryside, making sure diners get a complimentary eyeful to go with their entrée, and its classic California cuisine is cooked with a contemporary spin. Order Chef Deborah's Skirts on Fire salad and split it with a friend, or get the lobster mac and cheese and keep it all to yourself. Either way, you're sure to leave with a smile on your face. Vintana Wine and Dine also has private dining rooms of assorted sizes that can be used for business meetings or personal parties, including an outdoor terrace that seats up to 250 people.

For a casual dose of Mexicana, try Esperanza's Tortilleria. Located on Rock Springs Road, this place makes the best fresh flour and corn tortillas and chips in town. Stop by at lunch time and fill up on fish tacos or tamales, or take home some tortillas and create your own dish at home. Experanza's also sells Mexican cheeses, meats and other essential ingredients for making great Mexican food.

A vivacious nightlife does not exist within the residential neighborhood of Felicity, and nightclubs are nearly nonexistent in Escondido. However, the city does have a fair amount of drinking establishments, including themed ones, such as a sports bar, an Irish pub and a Western bar.

Locals prefer the Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens, which offers tours of the brewery, and the BK Cellars Urban Winery and Tasting Lounge. If you're looking for a music venue, the California Center for the Arts on North Escondido Boulevard offers live performances year-round, including concerts and plays.

Don't expect to hail a cab in the Felicita neighborhood, though you can make a call and have a taxi come to you. The primary method of transportation in this residential area is by car, which makes it easier to run most errands. Public busses travel throughout Escondido and include a stop at the cross section of Felicita Avenue and Escondido Boulevard. Access to the highway does not pose a problem, since the Felicita sits right near the Interstate 15 corridor.

Felicita Park encompasses 53 acres and features hiking trails, playgrounds, picnic tables and barbecues. The park also has a volleyball court if you want to get some exercise, and two horseshoe pits deliver fun at family picnics. Admission is just $3.00 per vehicle, so pack up the whole gang and enjoy your day. Bring your four-legged friend too; this park welcomes leashed dogs.

The city of Escondido also houses Kit Carson Park located on Bear Valley Parkway. Like Felicita, this park also has a rich history, and it is named after the Kit Carson who fought in the Battle of San Pasqual. The park's numerable amenities include three ponds, lighted sports fields and courts, a sculpture garden and a free 17-hole disc golf course. Like Felicita Park, Kit Carson Park allows leased dogs, but only in certain areas during certain hours.

The cost of living in Felicita is lower than that of the city of San Diego, where housing costs nearly a full third more. The median cost of a one-bedroom residence in Felicita is $1,372, and you can expect to pay around $3.00 to $5.00 for a pint of beer on tap. Gasoline is about 12 percent higher than the national average.

The Westfield North County Mall in Escondido is the major shopping hub for the Felicita area. It includes a Macy's and J.C. Penney along with shoe and jewelry stores. It also includes a Target and Nordstrom to suit your shopping preferences. Specialty stores in Escondido include Pinup Culture, a cute boutique with 1950s-style clothing and design.

Grocery stores in the area include Albertsons, Trader Joe's, and Stater Brothers. Fresh fruits and vegetables are available at Escondido farmers market on Grand Ave. every Tuesday, and street performers often entertain at this venue.