Kensington is a section of the city of San Diego which was originally planned and laid out in the very early years of the 20th century. Their are many things to do in kensington and it has survived to become an eclectic gathering of architectural styles, winding streets, and ornate lamp posts, with no shortage of activities for its residents and visitors to the area. If shopping and dining are your thing, you’ll love Kensington and you might come away thinking its one of the best-kept secrets in all of San Diego. Here are some of the places you should be sure to visit when you plan a stop in Kensington, San Diego.
Stehly Farms Market
This market was originally opened by Stehly Farms Organics, a North County citrus and avocado farm which covers a full 300 acres of cultivated land. The purpose of the original market was to sell the fruits grown on the farm, as well as other locally grown produce to area residents and visitors. Here you’ll find some of the freshest local produce anywhere in the area, and you’ll be able to take advantage of the Juice Bar and natural grocery store on the premises as well. Then you can take your purchases to nearby Balboa Park, and enjoy a nice little picnic under the sun.
Bleu Boheme
Anyone who has a taste for French cuisine will love this restaurant, which is configured in the style of a French bistro. It offers seasonal classic selections such as steak tartare, escargot, and duck leg confit for those with a discriminating palate. They include dinners on the regular menu which are comprised of an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert to give you the full experience of a French bistro. There are also some weekly surprise dishes which are added to the menu, depending on the availability of local fare.
Zen Sanctuary
This popular boutique spa offers massages, acupuncture, and a variety of skin care services to accommodate clientele wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city. The sanctuary is home to a number of specialists, each skilled in their own techniques for bringing about peacefulness and a calm spirit. You can arrange for treatment with any of their acupuncturists, masseuses, or aestheticians for a nominal fee, and come away feeling much better about yourself.
Kensington Brewing Company
This is an unusual brewing company which offers a family-friendly atmosphere, and even provides non-alcoholic beverages to youngsters. Here you’ll find a number of local craft beers and other beverages, and you’ll also be able to accompany your favorite brew with some tasty meatball snacks, spicy sausage hotdogs, or some mouth-watering mac-and-cheese from the neighboring restaurant, Cucina Sorella.
Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant
Owned by a local family, the Mezas, this popular restaurant goes out of its way to create a welcoming atmosphere for all area foodies and families, by offering both traditional Mexican favorites like camarones a la diabla, as well as a great sirloin steak. Many locals enjoy a shot or two of their favorite tequila here, but it is also a place which supports local activities such as Girl Scout fundraisers. Situated in a rapidly emerging area of Kensington neighborhood, Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant is on the rise, just like the community where it’s situated.