From the Cul De Sac: Spring Has Officially Sprung
It’s almost May, if you can believe it, and the onset of spring can definitely be felt in the air; especially considering the unseasonably warm weather we experienced this winter.
Sure, it’s unfortunate that your annual ski trip to Big Bear ended up being 76 degrees and the new Ugg Boots you got for Christmas were only worn twice; both to elementary school drop off. But the disappointment of a lackluster winter and an unnecessarily hyped El Nino can be alleviated, slightly, if you think about all the fun outdoor activities, flavors, sights and sounds that start springing up in the spring.
One of my favorite annual events, held April 29th and 30th in Old Town, the Taste of Temecula Valley, gives attendees the chance to sample some of the best food and beverages from the Temecula Valley, all in one culinary playground. Benefitting the Temecula Education Foundation, this tasty event is one of the best of the year.
Did you know that Temecula is, sort of, the cover band capital of the world? The area has spawned a ton of great live entertainment, but nothing beats excellent musicians ripping out some of your favorite tunes; those of artists you’ll never be able to afford to see live. In the spring, pretty much all of the local wineries host live music on their patios on evenings and weekends and the weather is just perfect this time of year for enjoying the cool breezes, good music, and some great wine. Check out two of my favorite local bands – Lifetime Rocker and Mrs. Jones’ Revenge – playing all over wine country this Spring.
Spring is also a time for fresh produce and healthy treats, but why overspend at Whole Foods when you can get fresh from the farm berries right here in your own backyard? Now, the local favorite Temecula Blueberry Company is closed until May, but Kenny’s Strawberry Farm, which you’ve probably seen off the freeway, up on the hill in Rainbow, is now open for business.
“Our U-Pick farm is a great activity for all ages and you get to have a hands-on farm experience,” Amanda Fietz of Kenny’s Strawberry Farm said. “We provide the buckets that you will need for picking and we have a sign with detailed instructions on how to pick the various crops or one of our friendly employees that can help with any questions. You can just grab a bucket, head out into the field and start searching for those ripe and juicy berries.”
With a picnic area, farm tours and fresh jams, jellies and other gifts for sale, who knew manual labor could be so family friendly?
Finally, with the evenings getting warmer and the daylight extending as the weeks pass by, it’s finally time to partake in probably the most ceremonious of all spring flings: drinking Coors Light from a can while sitting on a lawn chair, watching the neighborhood kids play in the cul de sac. A timeless classic, the Temecula impromptu suburban beer picnic is one of the finest ways to celebrate the coming of spring… assuming the guy at the end of the street takes down his Christmas lights.
So, what will you be doing now that spring has sprung in Temecula? My first stop is a pedicure because boot-covered winter feet are really unattractive. Happy spring!
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