Franciscan Plaza
Few traditions are so tightly held as those associated with the Friday after Thanksgiving: leftover turkey sandwiches, holiday shopping and pictures with Santa Claus. But if the thought of fighting traffic and crowds is as appealing as a loaf of dry fruitcake, Orange County has a European-style alternative.
Franciscan Plaza, located in downtown San Juan Capistrano, blends shopping with history in an open-air environment. The Spanish Colonial-style complex features arched doors and walkways, a red tile roof and stucco walls so familiar in the nearby Los Rios District. In fact, the 1 1/2-year-old mall has its own historical site.
Avila Adobe, a homestead built in the 1840s by early San Juan Capistrano pioneer Antonio Valenzuela, has been preserved at the front of the shopping center. While the adobe structure was damaged by fire in 1879, it was fully rebuilt 21 years later. A 1990 test digging of the grounds by archeologists grounds unearthed a 5-foot-tall adobe wall and cistern next to the adobe.
Archeologists described the finding as rare, explaining that the cistern appears to be a small pool used for washing, called a lavanderia. Similar cisterns have been discovered at missions in Santa Barbara and Ventura.
At the foot of the adobe building, red brick spreads across the ground in even measure and leads down a broad stairway to the courtyard. The lower level of the shopping center offers such diversions as Greendoor Mystery Bookstore, L’Or Gallery and Cafe Francesco. For those who wish to do lunch al fresco , the cafe seats in the courtyard. The blend of restaurants and shops creates a quiet, Mediterranean ambience.
At the herb and gardening shop & Thyme, freeze-dried arrangements are displayed on antique furniture. Everything in the store is for sale, including the furnishings. The store, with its hodgepodge decor, resembles an overstuffed tool shed.
“We specialize in dead stuff,” said owner Carrie Prendiville. “At least, that’s what we heard was one husband’s comment when his wife brought home a bag of purchases from the store.”
In reality, the shop specializes in pint-sized topiaries, English garden statues and baskets of freshly dried herbs. Eucalyptus wreaths hang throughout the shop, spiking the air with a pungent aroma. The organized clutter of sights and smells overwhelms the senses.
“I’ve got box upon box of red clay pots to put out,” Prendiville said, her hand sweeping over the densely packed room, “but finding the space, that’s a problem.”
But she has no problem finding a clientele for her upscale garden shop. The evening crowd attracted to Ruby’s restaurant (located on the top floor of the plaza) or the Cafe Francesco, are her best customers. A five-screen theater complex also brings locals to shop.
County residents are also lured to the shops by the fact the San Juan Capistrano train depot is just around the corner. Commuters can take a break from the car or train routine. Or reindeer-pulled sleigh routine?
Tomorrow night at 6 p.m., Santa and a trainload of elves will arrive at the depot via locomotive. Bearing gifts and candy, St. Nick will be escorted to Franciscan Plaza for an evening of caroling and picture-taking with children (he will return to the plaza every weekend afternoon and evening until Christmas Eve).
Even Santa Claus knows where to go for a break from the stresses of holiday shopping.
Hours: Shops and restaurants open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Address: 31781 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.
