Nestled in the beautiful Santa Ysabel valley where Highways 78 and 79 meet, sits the historic 1884 Santa Ysabel General Store. This hidden gem is one of those places you don't intend to come across, but once you do you are sure glad you did.
As a child, I loved seeing the store out the car window as we drove up and down the hill. My imagination would just run wild thinking about what life was like back in the olden days. So many times, I though about how neat it would be to reopen the store, keeping the character and history of course. Little did I know, I was already planning the vision I now have for Mountain Made. It wasn't until a few months ago that I actually went into the store for the first time. Let me tell you, this place reaches far beyond my perceived image of it.
Today, the non-profit Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) owns the store and barn in the back. They have restored San Diego's only remaining false-front adobe building back to it's original beauty. The store is stocked with canned goods, home goods, and antiques, a favorite among the Hatch family.
SOHO is actively seeking quality donations of antiques and vintage architectural artifacts. In particular, they are looking for art, furniture, San Diego memorabilia, and more. All donation are tax delectable and proceeds go to help SOHO preserve our local San Diego history. For details about how you can donate, please see their website.
Santa Ysabel General Store 30275 Highway 78 Santa Ysabel, CA 92070 760-765-1270 Open: Friday to Sunday 11-5