Outdoor Fun in San Diego, California

With a name like Wild Willow Farm you would be forgiven for thinking that this was some kind of hippy-commune where long-haired tree huggers sit around a campfire and wail out ear punishing ballads on a pair of bongos. Well, although they really do have community drum jams, Wild Willow Farm is actually a pretty great place to spend the day and into the evening. They have free classes on organic farming and they have some good eats there too. Just a short, fifteen minute drive from San Diego, this six acre working farm will be a place that you want to bring the family back to time and time again.

If you asked my wife what my favorite food was she'd say mushroom pizza and she'd probably be right so you can imagine how delicious the idea of freshly made, wood fired, sour dough pizza sounds to me then. Wild Willow Farm now has it's own pizza oven and they are more than happy to feed you one of their delicious pies. Who doesn't like pizza? Plus, every 3rd Saturdays of each month, March through October, weather permitting, Wild Willow Farm hosts a community potluck where you can try delicious foods brought by other locals.

If you're interested in learning all about organic gardening, Wild Willow Farm also provides free classes to help you start your own organic garden at home. Not only will you be eating healthier but your meals will taste a whole lot better too. And think of how much you will save on your grocery bill once you become your own farmer's market!

Wild Willow Farm is a non-profit venture who's goal include encouraging the local community to eat regional foods. By eating locally and showing people the benefits of Farm to Fork eating Wild Willow Farm seeks to help the local community eat healthier and support local farmers. To that end, they host a monthly community event that includes a potluck, a bonfire and either a movie under the stars or live music.

The events are zero-waste so remember to bring your own cups, plates, knives, forks, etc. and please don't bring paper plates and plastic cups because that kind of defeats the whole purpose and spirit if what the farm is about. The workforce is largely volunteer so let's make sure we do everything we can to help them remain sustainable.

At the monthly event you will get the chance to meet other locals, swap recipes and even whole cook books if you want. You can bring seeds to trade and even bring your own delicious dishes like your prize, home made strawberry jam or your secret barbecue sauce. The more you participate the more fun these events are so spend a little time planning what dish you will make and bring.

A day at the Wild Willow Farm is a fun time for anyone with something to do for everyone but it's particularly enjoyable for vegetarians and vegans. It's a kid-friendly way to have some outdoor fun but the herbivores among us take particular delight in being surrounded by so much farm fresh produce. You'll be eating things literally that just came off the vine or out of the ground and there is no fresher food than that.

No car? No problem, Wild Willow Farm can easily be reached using local, public transportation, just follow these instructions right from their faebook page.

Take the Blue Line Trolley south toward San Ysidro, exit at the Iris Station. Transfer to the 934 Bus west, exit at the corner of Tocayo Ave. & Hollister (a short trip). Walk or bike south on Hollister to Sunset (second stop sign). Turn left and walk 300 yards east till you see our sign on the right-hand side of the road, just before the County Park. Turn right and proceed down the dirt road about 300 yards, past the greenhouses and Sun Grown warehouse. Our farm begins just beyond the warehouse.

Take the Blue Line Trolley south toward San Ysidro, exit at the Iris Station. Transfer to the 934 Bus west, exit at the corner of Tocayo Ave. & Hollister (a short trip). Walk or bike south on Hollister to Sunset (second stop sign). Turn left and walk 300 yards east till you see our sign on the right-hand side of the road, just before the County Park. Turn right and proceed down the dirt road about 300 yards, past the greenhouses and Sun Grown warehouse. Our farm begins just beyond the warehouseTake the Blue Line Trolley south toward San Ysidro, exit at the Iris Station. Transfer to the 934 Bus west, exit at the corner of Tocayo Ave. & Hollister (a short trip). Walk or bike south on Hollister to Sunset (second stop sign). Turn left and walk 300 yards east till you see our sign on the right-hand side of the road, just before the County Park. Turn right and proceed down the dirt road about 300 yards, past the greenhouses and Sun Grown warehouse. Our farm begins just beyond the warehouse