The Village of Del Mar Debuts Historic Walking Tour Down Memory Lane

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Hilary Townsend

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THE VILLAGE OF DEL MAR DEBUTS HISTORIC WALKING TOUR 

DOWN MEMORY LANE

New Tech-Driven Walking Tour Provides an Interactive Look 

at Del Mar’s Vibrant Past

DEL MAR, Calif. – November 2014 – Ideally situated 20 minutes north of downtown San Diego, the seaside village of Del Mar has long been known for its beautiful beaches, shopping and dining, but what many will soon learn, it’s the story and history behind its modern day attractions that set the stage for Del Mar’s glamorous existence. Dating back to early residents such as Jimmy Durante, Desi and Lucy Arnaz and Bing Crosby, visitors to the village can now enjoy a walk down memory lane with the help of a newly installed, guided walking tour.

Around the Village of Del Mar, new QR coded plaques have been installed on several of the historically significant buildings in the area. With the touch of a smartphone or tablet, pedestrians can now scan the code and access detailed information on the buildings and the colorful past of the residents who developed the seaside neighborhood in the early 1900s.

Plaque locations include;

• Historic Walking Tour – originally built in 1910, through the years it was also known as the Stratford Inn and the Hotel Del Mar.

• Stratford Square – historically known as the Kockritz Building, which was the most prominent building in town during 1927 when it was established.

• Del Mar Library – formerly the St. James Catholic Church, which celebrated its first mass in 1914 without pews, lights or an altar.

• Davidson Building – built in 1927 at the Hotel Del Mar Garage, it later added gasoline and automotive services and grew into a thriving automotive shop.

• St. Peter’s Church – carefully preserved since its construction in 1940, the church remains Del Mar’s only house of worship and features a beautiful redwood interior.

• Jake’s Del Mar – formerly the Stratford Inn Garage, established in 1910 it was the first garage to serve hotel guests.

• En Fuego Cantina and Grill – originally built in 1930, the former space housed the Family Mushet Office and Residence.

• 1414-1418 Camino Del Mar ~Shops along Camino Del Mar – the buildings date back to 1926 and one in particular served as the old Del Mar Post Office known at the Kibler Building. It housed Mae Kibler, the town’s Postmistress and her husband who owned a real estate office next door.
• Del Mar Plaza – one of the most historically significant buildings in the area, despite its 1989 origin, it commemorates the neighborhood’s past and evolution over the years.

Future plaques are planned for to be installed in the upcoming months to encourage more visitors to enjoy the preservation and restoration of the historic locations and learn more about the Village of Del Mar’s rich history. In addition, a walking map will be produced to help with a self-guided tour of the Village of Del Mar’s historic points of interest.  For more information visit http://www.delmarmainstreet.com.

About Del Mar

Located 20 miles north of the San Diego airport, Del Mar offers vintage California charm with its walkable, pet friendly village set along two miles of beautiful California coastline.  Known for its world famous thoroughbred Del Mar Racetrack, popular surf breaks, walkable beaches, spas, ocean view dining and shopping, Del Mar is the perfect year-round destination.  The historic and charming Del Mar Village offers a variety of accommodations from the luxury L’Auberge Del Mar to the eclectic Les Artistes Inn.  For more information, visit:  www.delmarmainstreet.com.

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