A Personal Tour Guide to Independent San Diego

Sometimes it feels like you just lucked out and cold-called the right guy. I just came back from lunch with Nate Benedetto, the founder and publisher of San Diego's Urbanist Guide, and I can't imagine a better person to know as I slowly settle myself into a longish stint on the West Coast. Since the Professor got a job teaching out here, I've been bouncing back and forth to Brooklyn, which means I've just had little tastes of what the city has to offer. On my last trip, I came across a well-designed, well-thought-out folded map and city guide to the hot spots, cool eateries, and unique boutiques of San Diego's web of neighborhoods.

Turns out there's also a well-informed Urbanist Guide web site with great reviews, insider tips from long-term locals, and news of upcoming art events and restaurant openings. Though the site is fleshed out with contributions from fellow San Diegans, and is produced with the assitance of an intern, the success of Urbanist is owed to Nate's passion and labours. He explained that he's always been interested in independent record shops and the small stores that sell something totally unique to a region. Their mission states:

URBANIST guide aims to promote urban adventure and discovery in San Diego. We are continually inspired by the entrepreneurs who have risked so much to create a unique experience for locals and visitors. They deserve your support. Restaurants that spark conversation. Shopping that encourages individuality. Nightlife that favors authenticity. Salons that understand you. Art that excites you.

The project has existed in its current iteration for just a year, but he's worked on similar guides in Chicago and LA, and may expand into other mid-size cities as well. A Chicago native, he's been constantly drawn to where the action is -- the base of a ski slope in Colorado, the waves off S0uthern California -- and he's learned from local publications and guides in each place along the way. When he reached San Diego, he hit the ground running, knocking on doors and explaining to local businesses and restaurants how working together would benefit everyone. Though there are a few local rags that highlight upcoming events, there's nothing quite as simple, direct, or well-designed as the Guide. Though free stacks can be found in every hip joint in San Diego, Nate says the Urbanist is actually profitable -- he and his team will put every hot spot they can find on the map, but most of the content, including all the photos and listings, are paid advertising.

A commercial real estate job keeps him living comfortably, and allows him some surf time. But perhaps most importantly, it also keeps him connected to what's new and happening in the city. And that's why I'm thrilled to find myself connected with him and the Urbanist.