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Now that it is getting warmer, not only are the sites previously described good escapes, but so are a few spots at 5 Points (where S. Stone and S. 6thAve. and E. 18th St. come together) in the Barrio Viejo neighborhood.

You can start with coffee and a treat at 5 Points Market (click here for menu) which offers tasty, healthy food!

Then go cross the street to visit Philabaum Glass Gallery and Studio and School at 711 S. 6th Ave., where you can see not only beautiful glass work but also watch glass blowers at their craft. (Be sure to check the website for open times and best times to view artists at work. Also, be sure to ask about the striking, large silver projectile in the front yard of the gallery; it’s a good story!

Then recross the street for lunch at Café Desta, an Ethiopian restaurant that offers good lunch specials. You can order a generous salad with a tasty, unique dressing with a choice of vegan or meat toppings or you can order an injera dish with three separate toppings. You can check it out by clicking here.

Before or after lunch, be sure to stop by the small triangle park on the side of Café Desta to see the extensive mural honoring Cesar Chavez.

Then, if you feel like browsing, there is an extensive thrift shop just up the street from the Café. It is run by the St. Vincent de Paul Society and has lots and lots of books, among other things. It is located at 820 S 6th Ave and is open daily except Sundays from 9:00 to 5:00.

After that, especially in hot weather, stop at Lalo’s Raspados restaurant next door to the thrift shop at 804 S. 6th Ave. Their concoctions feature a wide variety of fruits and are very refreshing!