Throngs of chattering tourists, families with children grasping outstretched fingers, a smattering of local school groups on field trip; all an exemplification of The Old Town State Historic Park. Yet, step through the heavy wooden doors of Captain Fitch's Mercantile and all distinguishing factors fade. The air is thick with an intoxicating aroma of sassafras teas, the softly lit room casting delicate shadows across a substantial collection of books as contemplative patrons peruse the glass encased showcases of historical replicas. A quiet respite from the clamor of the parks everyday activities.

Visiting Captain Fitch's Mercantile is a welcome rest from the outside world, yet it inexplicably feels as if you have stepped away from all your present concerns towards the embrace of a romanticized past. Employees in long flowing dresses and vintage prints guide patrons to their item of choice, attire looking as if they were shop-keepers in some dusty historical volume. An extensive collection of period tea service sets line the walls throughout the store along with a variety of teas from around the globe. There seems to be no end to the collection of items from the past, authentic replicas, vintage sheriff's badges, and rows upon rows of paper dolls. Yet, what will most certainly wet your bibliophilic palate is a vast collection of historical and educational books for children and adults, and the largest collection of ghost stories in San Diego.

Pam Catania, one of the the owners of this family business, seems to personify a historical volume herself. She will enjoy describing to you how she named the store after a popular San Diego merchant, Captain Fitch, who owned several mercantile stores in Old Town for many years during the mid to late 1800's. Pam says that she has access to copies of Captain Fitches manifests and actually carries many of the same items that his mercantile stocked back in the 1800's.