Carlsbad is set to have a new attraction–unlike anything San Diego has ever offered. The Green Dragon Tavern & Museum is slated to open in late October or November and will provide both a Colonial Museum, period tavern and a restaurant that serves traditional American cuisine–including New England staples such as lobster rolls and seafood stews.
The old Hadley’s Nut and Fruit Farm was a tired piece of Carlsbad real estate along I-5 at Palomar Airport Road that has been transformed into a place our Founding Fathers might 
salute. In fact, it was modeled after an historic Boston tavern where the Boston Tea Party was planned. The ceilings are high, the wood burnished with cherry stain and the impressive two-story stone fireplace. I couldn’t resist stopping by this morning, taking a few shots and talking with the crew hard at work. They allowed me in, but could only confirm that this new Carlsbad venue will be opening as previously stated.
The free-admission museum will contain Colonial-era letters and documents, courtesy of the collection owned by Bruce Bartlett of Rancho Santa Fe. Bartlett was also the visionary behind the Green Dragon project and wants to share this slice of history with local children and others who may not have the opportunity to travel to East Coast museums. He also hopes to encourage a rotation of fresh museum material with other historical groups on the East Coast.
This historic and highly-visible three-acre site will house a 100-seat tavern serving craft beers, a 115-seat restaurant, a 225-seat convention area, a 1000 square-foot museum, Colonial shop and plenty of parking for both cars and buses.
The Green Dragon Tavern and Museum will be another great addition to Carlsbad’s tourism industry. Visitors already love the beaches, Legoland, the Carlsbad Village, Carlsbad Company Stores, the Flower Fields, the Gemological Institute of America and the Museum of Making Music. And of course, there’s the world famous La Costa Resort and Spa with the widely followed Chopra Center.
I hope to be there at opening–and can’t help but wonder: Will the Green Tavern Restaurant offer spoon bread?
Tip of the hat to San Diego Union Tribune