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Before or after visiting the Grill, take some time to
get acquainted with the neighborhood. There are
lots of things to do and see in the area and a bit of
history as well.
University Heights |
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Originally developed in the late 1800's, University Heights is located east of
Hillcrest along the southern rim of Mission Valley. It became home to the San Diego Normal
School, a teachers college, and Mission Cliffs Gardens, which was the the city's premiere park
at the time. The park was situated near the intersection of Park Boulevard and Adams Avenue and
held a trolley barn for San Diego's first trolley line. In the early 1900s, the Harvey Bentley
Ostrich Farm, located next to Mission Cliff Gardens, supplied the demand for women's ostrich
feather hats and garments. It became a popular destination for visitors who were allowed
to ride on the backs of the large birds. The gardens, trolley barn and ostrich farm are gone
today. In their place is Trolley Barn Park due to the hard work of the University Heights
Community Association. The park captures the style of the original Mission Cliff Gardens and was
awarded the prestigious AIA Orchid award in 1992. Today University Heights is surrounded by
the city. It has the charm of turn of the century architecture and is a great place to walk
and shop. Music fills the air at the summer concerts in Trolley Barn Park.
| Normal Heights |
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Called "Abnormal Heights" by many locals, Normal Heights
is located on the south rim of
Mission Valley. Sandwiched between University
Heights to the west and Kensington to the east, it is one
of San Diego's oldest "suburban" neighborhoods. Though
mostly residential in character, the community includes
an energetic business district with an eclectic mix of
antique stores, coffee shops, restaurants and used book
outlets. Each year, the Adams Avenue Business
Association sponsors two popular street parties here,
the Roots Festival and the Adams Avenue Street Fair.
Adams Avenue is partially closed to traffic and visitors
are treated to carnival rides and booths filled with the
work of craftsmen. The community name derives from
the San Diego Normal School.
Kensington |
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Kensington is located east of Normal Heights, along the
southern rim of Mission Valley. It is one of San Diego's oldest and most charming
residential neighborhoods. Known for its winding
streets, beautiful homes, and breathtaking canyon views,
it's a peaceful pocket amid the hubbub of the inner
city. Kensington has a small shopping district with
restaurants, coffee shops, a library and the venerable Ken Cinema
which showcases independent films.
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