Seniors Pay A Visit To “The Big Box”

El Cajon is a city in San Diego County, California. In a valley surrounded by mountains, seniors learn that the city has acquired the nickname of “The Big Box.” Its name originated similarly, from the Spanish phrase “el cajón,” which means “the box” or “the drawer.” With a population of 103,000, El Cajon is situated about 15 miles east of San Diego.

El Cajon, “The Big Box,” was first recorded on September 10, 1821, as an alternative name for sitio rancho Santa Mónica to describe the “boxed in” nature of the valley in which it was located.

That name appeared on maps in 1873 and 1875 and was shortened to simply “Cajon,” until the modern town developed in which the post office was named “Elcajon.” In 1905, the name was once again changed and expanded to “El Cajon” under the insistence of California banker and historian, Zoeth Skinner Eldredge.

 Seniors Find Themselves In The Valley Of Opportunity

Seniors find The Valley of Opportunity is loaded with amenities and things to see and do.  The Water Conservation Garden is a big draw as is the Sycuan Casino. Plan to visit Taylor Guitars, an American guitar manufacturer based in El Cajon, the #1 manufacturer of acoustic guitars in the United States.

Toss the clubs in the trunk and play a round or two at the Singing Hills Country Club – Willow Glen Course. One of El Cajon’s Premier events, the famous Cajon Classic Cruise, is held in the center of Downtown El Cajon.

For years the pasture lands around El Cajon supported the cattle herds of the mission and its native Indian converts.

Nearby San Diego Zoo And Sea World

El Cajon is home to Grossmount Community College, Cuyamaca College, San Diego Christian College, and the Southern California Seminary. Also located within the city’s boundaries are Gillespie Field (airport) and Knox House Museum.

There are several attractions within easy driving distance: the San Diego Zoo and Sea World.  Senior visitors will discover the Sunny Side of San Diego, the cities of El Cajon, Lemon Grove, La Mesa and Santee.

Seniors, if you are there the weekend before Thanksgiving, you can take in the Annual Mother Goose Parade. The parade includes over 100 colorful and exciting entries.

Let Facebook help with your planned itinerary for nightlife, museums, dining out, a walk in Wells Park and various places to bed down. -jeb