neighborhood watch: mission hills

I love living in San Diego because it’s a much smaller and more accessible city than New York. In some ways, it feels like a small town. But when I walked around Mission Hills, a neighborhood just west of Hillcrest (where I live), I felt like San Diego was the Manhattan and Mission Hills was the…quaint country town with a few notable shops.

Yes, it’s quiet and yes, there are just a couple of streets to stroll down, but I love how in the midst of this mainly residential area, all of a sudden pops up these small businesses — from salons and French-themed stores to bookstores and a diner. (There’s also the very trendy Brooklyn Girl Eatery, but even that seems to fit the area thanks to its amazing interior design. More on that below.)

It’s an area that reiterates the difference between San Diego and New York City. In NYC, no matter where you go, you’ll find something cool and exciting. In San Diego, you have to work a little harder to find the hidden gems. Sometimes it’s frustrating, but once you stumble upon it, it’s so much more gratifying.

Meshuggah Shack is a corner coffee spot with interesting natural sodas, outdoor seating and a sign that says “No Kvetching.”

Maison en Provence is definitely the place to go if you’re a Francophile or need a gift for one. The owners used to live in the south of France but moved to San Diego on a whim. Back then they said they’d give themselves three months to come up with a store of French goods, and some 17 years later, they’re still enjoying the SoCal life.

Cinema Under the Stars, an outdoor theater that plays classic films, is so inconspicuously situated that you could walk by and easily miss it. Tickets are $15 and the seats range from canvas folding chairs to sofas. To celebrate Halloween, naturally they’re playing The Birds this weekend.

This used bookstore is located in a house so unchanged that a section of the store even takes over the kitchen. (Love how the food books are all in the kitchen.)

Le Bel Age is filled with costume jewelry, fur capelts and sequin purses. It’s like raiding your glamorous mother or grandmother’s closet. I personally dug the magnifying eye glasses they had. I’ve actually been on the hunt for a stylish pair of eyeglasses that I can wear for fun. (I have 20/20 vision, but I really like the look!)

Mission Hills Nursery is home to succulents, orange trees, flowers and seedlings of all kinds. If you’re looking to support small businesses, skip Home Depot and get your greens here.

Le Bel Age’s sister store, With Love, is a paper products gift shop covered wall-to-wall in greeting card options. I seriously have never seen so much stationery in my life. There are also tons of gift items and Halloween decor.

The grass looked almost cartoon-green at Pioneer Park. There’s a grade school and playground on one side and a, um, small cemetery on the other.

Hmm mint green Tolix chairs — did Brooklyn Girl Eatery design their restaurant with my Pinterest board? I fell in love with this whole space. Now I have to try the food!