Local Living

Living in paradise as we do, it is possible to meet a lot of our needs locally. This strengthens our local economy, reduces climate impacts, and supports a more sustainable society. Here are just a few events, things to do, places to shop, places to enjoy nature, and, importantly, where to eat sustainably in the Escondido area. And, of course, not a complete list. If you have recommendations, please email EscondidoNeighbors@gmail.com .

What to see, do, eat, and enjoy nature in the Escondido area.

Arts and Events Escondido

1.      Queen Calafia’s Magic Circle.  Don’t miss this.  Best art installation in the whole county (Country?)! This sculpture garden puts Escondido on the world map of major art destinations.  In Kit Carson Park but a little tricky to find.  Look for the colorful serpent guiding your way.

2.      Center for the Performing Arts Escondido.  Opened in the early 90s and was inaugurated by Opera Singer Cecelia Bartoli.  One of the best sounding halls in the region (probably the best).  The museum is great too.  Needs everyone’s support.  https://artcenter.org/

3.      Tamale Festival in Grape Day Park.  Enough said.

4.      Annual Mariachi Festival. at the Center for the Arts.  Best music ever.

5.      Felicita County Park Our beautiful local jewel of a park.  It has beautiful natural walking trails, dogs can come (on leash please), and lots of play areas for kids.  An amazing place.  Don’t miss the numerous morteros all around the park as this was a gathering place for indigenous people for 1,000s of years.   If you live nearby, buying an annual parking pass is worth it.

6.      Dia de los Muertos Celebration.  Again, Center for the Arts and one of the most moving and stunning celebrations.

7.      San Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Rdis another unsung treasure of our region. Introduction to the 10,000 year history of original residents of the area.   https://sandiegoarchaeology.org/

8.      Orfila Winery Trivia Nights.  Usually only in the summer but they have a great trivia competition and food trucks.  Very fun especially if someone on your team knows sports and pop-culture.

9.      Mother’s Day Historic Home Tour.  Legendary and a fun way to see many of our amazing historic homes in Old Escondido

10.  Annual Adobe Home Tour Escondido has the largest concentration of adobe homes outside of New Mexico.  In fact, there is a whole subdivision of them in the SE part of the city, east of center city and north of the mall. If you start looking, they are all throughout the city.

11.  Daley Ranch a protected habitat and recreational area in the north of the city.  Beautiful hiking.

12.  Lake Hodges Waterfall Hike. Nice and mostly flat.  So pleasant to hear the Western Grebes chitter and dance. Zone-tailed hawks, golden eagles, gnatcatchers, and many other amazing birds have been seen here.  Also, the Bernardo Mountain hike, not flat but stunning views if you can get there!

13. Escondido Farmer’s Market. Tuesdays 2-6. Check website for hours.

Local Business Jewels

Escondido has some wonderful small, local businesses. Please patronize when you can.

Be Wise Ranch CSA– Community Supported agriculture (CSA) organic farm in the San Pasqual Valley.  https://www.bewiseranch.com/ Becoming a member of this CSA ensures you get the freshest, most beautiful, organic fruits and vegetables every week (or other week depending). Very highly recommended. Eat better, healthier, and lower your food carbon footprint.

Moosa Creek Nursery a great place to buy California Native Plants. http://www.moosacreeknursery.com/Default.aspx? You can order them online and pick them up at El Plantio Is Escondido. https://www.elplantionurseryescondido.com/

Brilliant Spectrum Art our local artist-in-residence, Brenda Townsend is a wonderful artist and muralist, and offers art classes locally for adults and youth. Highly recommended.

Talavera Ranch is located at 1450 S. Hale Ave in Escondido and has BEAUTIFUL imported talavera pots from Mexico. Beautiful work. Open Saturdays 9-3 and otherwise by appointment. Call Sandra at 951-522-9171.

Northgate Market.  Mexican grocery with EVERYTHING you need.

Asian Groceries.  I cook a lot of Asian food.  Here are great places to get the real ingredients, the bicultural La Sorpresa Barata/Asian Market  850 E Valley Pkwy

B&B Appliance– On Escondido Blvd, I just found this recently.  A great, family owned, appliance store with service too.  Don’t think they are more expensive, in a recent request, their costs for the same appliances were lower than Pacific Sales.

Sattva Yoga Center– a wonderful yoga studio with classes for all levels https://sattvayogacenter.com/

Exotica Nursery.  Just outside of Esco is an experience and they sell every fruit plant imaginable.  Go just to experience the jungle!

Restaurants for Sustainable Meals

Phatties Mexican Vegan 242 W Mission Ave Suite D. Top Marks.

Craft and Taco Lounge. 511 West Valley Parkway, something for every eater. https://www.yelp.com/biz/craft-and-taco-lounge-escondido-3

On the Border at the mall has a vegan menu, you just have to know to ask for it.

Stone Brewery, destination restaurant with beautiful outdoor seating area.  Great for events