Want to do some shopping near Carlsbad, California? The Shoppes at Carlsbad is one of the premier shopping malls in North County San Diego, offering a variety of primer stores for shopping. They aim to give Carlsbad patrons a world-class shopping experience with national and regional retailers and restaurants. They also have events throughout the year which you can see on The Shoppes at Carlsbad website or on social media.

In this article, I cover The Shoppes at Carlsbad directory as well as their address,  website, information on parking, and curbside pickups.

This shopping mall is located in Carlsbad, near the Oceanside border. Explore the amenities, common areas, retail shops, restaurants, food court, department stores, and more.

The Shoppes at Carlsbad Address: 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Carlsbad Mall Store and Restaurant Directory

24 Hour Fitness 

AG Jewelers

A-Mart

American Eagle Outfitters

Art Cafe

Baby Hop Playground

Bath & Body Works

Beauty Bar

Beshock Ramen & Sake Bar

Brows N More

C & C Market Research

Carmax Auto Superstore

Chargefuze

Charlotte Russe

The Cheesecake Factory

Claire's

The Club By Pickleball 

Coast Coffee Co.

Comics-N-Stuff

Cricket

Daniel's Jewelers

Dave & Buster

Early Learning Community

Escape To Vr And Pc Repair Center

Express Logo

Fast-Fix Jewelry & Watch Repair

Foot Locker

Forever 21

Francesca's

FYE

Gold Coffee Shop

Golden Boy Barbershop

Great Khan's Mongolian

Grubby's Poke & Fish Market 

H&M

Hollister Co.

Hot Topic

ICING

iDevice

Introstem

Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks

JCPenney

Journeys

Junktion 101

Junktion 101 Home

Junktion 101 Kids

Kayla's Body Jewelry

Kay Jewelers

LensCrafters

Lids

Luna Grill 

Macy's

Macy's Backstage

Mall Management

Men's District

Mina Shoes

Miyo Jewelry

Mobile Phone Fix 

Panera Bread 

Perfume Gallery

Perfume Revolution

Q Plus

R&B TEA USA

Regal Cinema

Sephora

Shiekh Shoes

Soothing Relax

SP Shoe Palace

The Station Church

Sunglass Hut 

Sunglass Imports

Surf City Squeeze

Sweet Factory

Texas de Brazil

Torrid

Vans

Vapors By Aroma Avenue

Victoria's Secret

Wetzel's Pretzels

Windsor 

Xperteez Custom Wear

Yard House

Zales

ZARA

Zumiez

Sometimes it's nice to get out and do a bit of shopping. The Shoppes at Carlsbad Mall has food options like ramen, burgers, Wetzel's Pretzels, candy at Sweet Factory, and more. If you want more dining options, head to Windmill Food Hall in Carlsbad, California. Learn about the food vendors in this article. Need caffeine or more on the breakfast side? Check out my post about Carlsbad Coffee Shops.

You can get your shopping on as you stroll around. You'll find shops that have shoes, jewelry, clothes, sunglasses, perfume, shoes, and just about everything you need to wear. The Shoppes at Carlsbad offers customers a unique blend of options!

Information

Address: 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Website: The Shoppes at Carlsbad website 

Curbside Pickup: Curbside pickup is now available at more stores and restaurants! Check out the participating stores.

Parking: There are plenty of parking spots available. It has a large parking lot.

The Shoppes at Carlsbad Hours: 

Monday 11AM–8PM 

Tuesday 11AM–8PM 

Wednesday 11AM–8PM

Thursday 11AM–8PM 

Friday 11AM–9PM 

Saturday 11AM–9PM 

Sunday 11AM–6PM 

If you love going shopping, then you might want to visit The Shoppes at Carlsbad. If you're a business, there is the opportunity to rent retail space as well.

Old California Restaurant Row, now called San Marcos Restaurant Row, is a staple for foodies in San Marcos, California. Come for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and happy hour. There's a little bit of everything at this North County dining experience on San Marcos Boulevard. Some of the restaurants in Restaurant Row San Marcos have outdoor seating, while others are indoors. You'll find a range of cuisine options, from seafood to chicken wings to burgers or brunch. The family-friendly environment and food options make it a great spot to eat!

Address: 1020-1080, W San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92078 

Hours: 8 am - 10 pm

What restaurants are in Old California Restaurant Row in San Marcos? 

55 Yard Line - Sports bar, burgers, outdoor dining, takeout

Buffalo Wild Wings - Sports bar, American food, chicken wings, takeout

Cocina del Charro - Mexican food, Latin American, buffet, delivery, takeout, curbside pickup options

Fish House Vera Cruz - Fish House Vera Cruz has seafood, fish, cocktail bar, outdoor dining

Katsu Sushi and Teppan Grill - Sushi bar, Japanese, outdoor dining, takeout, curbside pickup

King and I of San Marcos - Thai food, takes reservations, vegan options, offers catering, good for groups and kids

Landon's East Meets West - American, Indian, pizza, takeout

Old California Mining Company - American food, seafood, breakfast, brunch, outdoor dining, takeout

Ascend Coffee Roasters (formerly called Old Cal Coffee / Old California Coffee Company or Old California Coffee House and Eatery) - This coffee shop has been a staple for locals for years. Coffee, tea, cafe, outdoor dining, delivery, takeout. Learn about coffee shops in the nearby city of Carlsbad here or Encinitas coffee shops here.

San Marcos Brewery & Grill *this business is permanently closed

Sublime Alehouse - *this business is permanently closed. There are breweries all over North County. Learn about Vista breweries in this post.

IHOP - Breakfast, brunch, burgers, takeout

Nearby Restaurants a

There are other restaurants close if you don't find one at Restaurant Row in San Marcos that suits your fancy. Mama Kat's and Darunee Thai Cuisine are nearby. If you are looking for some ideas on things to Do in North County San Diego, California, read this blog post.

Restaurant Row San Marcos

Halloween season is always such a festive time of year. If you're on the hunt for Halloween candles this spooky season, you're in luck! I've put together a range of the best candle options that you can consider for your seasonal decorations. In this list, there are popular Halloween candles, affordable ones, flameless candles, and more. Pick what works for you!

* Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

Get in the Halloween Spirit with Halloween Candles

Celebrate Halloween night with some fun spooky candles. You can light your home and set the mood with orange candles, and fall scents like pumpkin, cinnamon, clove, or candy corn. Maybe you are on the hunt for spooky candle holders or something special to light on Halloween night. Some Halloween candles are creepy whereas others are just kind of cute. You get to pick and choose your candle of choice.

Related reading: 100+ Best Halloween Hashtags for Instagram Posts, TikTok, and More. Read here.

Vampire Tears Black Candles - Set of 4 Bleeding Candles - Gothic Rituals Halloween

Halloween decorating just got easier. This set of four black taper candles 'bleed' once you light them. Light these wax candles for a little to let the black and red color combination start to melt, then blow out the candle. These bleeding candles don't have to be lit to make a spooky decoration. Height: 250mm approximately Diameter: 15mm approx. 

To buy these decorations, check out the bleeding candles here on Amazon. 

Related reading: 100+ Best Fall Hashtags to Use for Instagram, Instagram Reels, TikTok, and More. Read here.

Spine Candle for Halloween Decor

Celebrate all Hallows Eve with an unscented soy candle with a cotton wick. The vertebra candle can be a creepy addition to parties, home decor, and Halloween decorations. This cool spine candle makes the perfect centerpiece for a Halloween party. They're a little scary without being overboard and horrifying.

View the spine candle Halloween decoration on Amazon.

Halloween Costume Ideas: Wednesday Addams (read here), Cher Horowitz from Clueless (read here), The Plastics from Mean Girls (read here), Bianca's prom dress look from 10 Things I Hate About You (read here).

Yankee Candle Spiced Pumpkin Scented Jar Candle

Add pumpkin scent to the ambiance of Halloween. There are a few fragrance options when it comes to pumpkin candles. You can get pumpkin-scented candles like this Yankee Candle version. It's their 22 oz large tumbler 2-wick candle. They say it provides around 75 hours of burn time. Not only is it a simple choice for decorating, this orange candle could be great to light when the trick-or-treaters start coming around.

Check out this pumpkin scent candle on Amazon.

Pumpkin Pecan Waffles Hand Poured Soy Candle, 8.1 oz 

There are a lot of pumpkin candles to pick from. This 100% soy candle has a more complex scent profile with the pumpkin pecan waffles rather than just plain pumpkin fragrance. The aroma of this soy candle smells delicious and has chic packaging to better suit your indoor decor. Amazing to use all season long!

Highly Scented, Hand Poured Soy Candle, 8.1 oz Pumpkin Pecan Waffles on Amazon.

Natural Soy Wax Candle Pumpkin Shape in Glass 

Pumpkins are an autumn staple. This Halloween candle comes in a cute pumpkin shape. The candle has a 30-hour burn time and is a cool gift to bring to a Halloween or Thanksgiving party. You don't have to wait until October or Halloween to light this pumpkin-shaped candle. It's prevalent the second it becomes the fall season.

Pumpkin-shaped candle on Amazon. 

Cinnamon Candles

There are loads of cinnamon candles to pick from. You can do cinnamon tealight candles, pillar candles, or whatever suits you the most. These cinnamon tealight candles are good if you want something small but mighty. They add a little glow without having to light a larger candle.

Halloween Themed Candle Holders

Hocus Pocus is an obvious choice to get in the Halloween spirit. The Sanderson sisters are an iconic trio. Try the Spirit Halloween Disney Hocus Pocus Candle Holder if you want something inspired by the film. It's a good choice as far as Halloween decor.

Find the Hocus Pocus candle holder on Amazon.

Celebrate the Halloween spooky season with treats, costumes, and a sprinkle of magic. 

People express their love and affection in a beautiful range of ways. We're all so different. "I love you" is three words, but there are many ways you can tell your partner you care for them. Sometimes it can be hard to say I love you or maybe you're looking for a new way to tell your spouse that you wholeheartedly care about them. 

* Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

For romantic partners, you can literally spell I LOVE YOU in the sky with an airplane. You can have the finest champagne in a swanky restaurant. You can say it in a hot air balloon ride with a view of the Eiffel Tower. 

However, there are so many ways to express love to your dearest friends, family members, or that important person in your love. There are other creative ways to say I love you too. Consult this list of more than 100 Reasons Why I Love You if you need some inspiration for your romantic partner or family member. 

100 Reasons Why I Love You - Ways to Say "I love you" without saying I love you.

6.  You make me feel special.

7. You tell me exactly the right words that I need to hear.

8. I am a better person because of you.

9. You have an innocent smile that makes me smile too.

10. You make all my sadness feel lighter. - This one cuts deep, but if it applies, tell them.

11. You are a courageous person.

12. I want to spend lots and lots of time with you.

13. You make me want to be the best version of myself.

14. We live a crazy life but having you in it makes it all worth it. 

15. You are one of the only people in the world who can make me laugh.

16. You are able to make me laugh when I'm feeling stressed.

17. You are my whole world. - Simple and to the point.

18. You are my hero.

19. You are my rock.

20. You make my day brighter.

21. We have the same taste in ____ (music, stupid jokes, etc.)

22. You are my anchor and my life vest. You keep me safe and afloat so I'm not thrashing about frightened in the water.

23. You've helped me look at negative things differently. - This is a great way to tell someone that you appreciate them and are grateful for changing your mindset in a positive way.

24. You are the best person in the whole world. 

25. You have taught me the true meaning of love. 

26. I can't help but light up around your bright smile.

27. You are my better half. - Definitely a popular way to say I love you, but you can't go wrong with this one.

28. I love you unconditionally.

29. I am absolutely crazy for you.

30. I am head over heels for you. - This is a classic but it still works.

31. I can't imagine life without you because you make it that much better.

32. I am so happy to be with you.

33. I don't feel anxious around you.

34. I love waking up next to you.

35. You are amazing, wonderful, fantastic, and spectacular.

36. I truly, wholly care about you.

37. You are always up for a good time.

38. When I'm with you, my problems disappear.

39. You are in some of my fondest memories.

40. You've taught me how to love unconditionally. 

41. We have so many sweet memories together that I never want to forget. 

42. I would rather spend time talking with you than anything else. 

43. You are my favorite person in the world.

44. We've had so many priceless memories together, I can't help but smile.

45. I fall asleep thinking of you. 

46. You make me feel completely cherished like I'm the luckiest person alive. 

47. I feel like the happiest person alive knowing that I get to be with you. 

48. I want the entire world to know that I want to be with you. - Sometimes it helps to shout it from the rooftops that you love and care about a person.

49. You are my incredible life partner. 

50. We rarely need relationship advice because we are able to talk and communicate with each other openly.

51. We have our own language which makes me feel awesome. 

52. I am grateful for every moment spent with you. 

53. We are open with each other and can tell our honest opinion. 

54. When I look back on recent times, all my best memories revolve around you.

55. You are kind. - This is a great compliment because love has many layers. It can be beneficial to tell someone how you like their personality and what makes them unique

56. You are caring. 

57. I can't remember the last time I felt like this.

58. Being together just feels right. - Sometimes that's all you need to say if you love someone.

59. You will always have a special place in my heart.

60. You are spectacular.

61. You make me feel safe. 

62. Let's be together forever.

63. You are an amazing person.

64. There's no place I'd rather be than here with you at this moment.

65. You are a good person. - Hey, sometimes the simple way to say I love you can mean a lot.

66. I love that you follow your dreams and your passions. 

67. Your smile brightens my world. 

68. You make me realize how good I have it.

69. Your voice sounds comforting in a noisy crowd. 

70. I like the sound of your laugh. - Some people are self-conscious of their laugh, so let them know you love theirs.

71. I have been searching my entire life to find someone like you.

72. Your voice is like a beautiful melody.

73. You are the cutest person in the world. - Who wouldn't want to hear this?

74. I hope that you know how much I appreciate you.

75. I want to spoil you with the finest things.

76. We always find the best adventures to go on.

77. Your radiance is contagious.

78. You are the apple of my eye. - This is a classic, too.

79. I wouldn't want to explore the world without you by my side. I love exploring it with you.

80. You are the first thing I think of when I wake up and the last thing I think of when I go to sleep.

81. Everything we do feels organic like we don't have to try hard to make our relationship work.

82. Being with you feels like home.

83. Roses are red, violets are blue, I love everything about you. - Give your honey bunny a little poem and show you care.

84. You have the innate ability to sense what I need before I even know that I need something.

85. The finest wines and fanciest chocolates come second to you.

86. I miss you even if you are just in the next room.

87. You make me feel like the most loved person. 

88. We've learned a lot of valuable honest life lessons together. 

89. You appreciate me as I am even with all my flaws.

90. You understand my awkward facial expressions without me having to say anything. 

91. We are always saving funny memes to show each other. 

92. I love the way your eyes smile when you are happy.

93. You are more than a best friend.

94. You laugh at my stupid jokes.

95. All you have to do is look at me and my heart melts.

96. You make my heart skip a beat.

97. I can always count on you to have my back.

98. You know how to make a house a home

99. You send me funny memes that make me laugh when I really need it. 

100. Your warm heart and kindness make this world a great place to live in.

101. You are just a wonderful person and I am glad we crossed paths. 102. By the way, you are smoking hot. 

103. You are my very best friend. 

104. Your spirit is larger than life.

105. I could spend hours talking with you. 

106. I feel peaceful around you. 

107. It doesn't matter where we go because every moment with you is amazing.

108. You have the amazing sense to know what I'm feeling. 

109. You make my fears melt away.

110. You are my soul mate.

111. You are my partner in crime.

112. Be with me. Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.

113. I love your forehead kisses.

114. I love your scent.

How do you say I love you? 100 reasons why I love you.

While some people don't speak about their feelings at all, others are not afraid to use extravagant ways to express their love. It may be hard to say I love you. Saying it, especially for the first time, takes courage, communication, and honesty. As it turns out, you can express your love in more than one way. What's your favorite way to say I love you?

Saying I love you isn't just for romantic relationships. There are 100 reasons why you might love someone.

While a lot of these ways to say I love you were based on a romantic partner, many of them you can use for friends, family, etc. You can use this post as inspiration for different ways to say I love you. Tell your favorite human that you care for them and make their day brighter. You can make them their favorite meal or play them the perfect song. If you are a completely smitten, hopeless romantic, hopefully, this list of Reasons Why I Love You will give you some cute ways to share your feelings.

There are loads of thoughtful ways to show you care. Everyone is different, so it's not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Some people respond best to quality time together, whereas others appreciate small gestures.

Although you can find posts about 100 Reasons Why I Love You on places like Reddit, please consider supporting a small creator. Your views can make a difference! I really appreciate it. 

Updated for 2025

Love languages keep evolving, and so do the ways we express affection in everyday life. Whether it’s through quick texts, thoughtful gestures, or simply being present, there are more meaningful ways than ever to say “I love you.” This updated list blends classic, heartfelt sentiments with modern, real-world examples you can use with your partner, family, or friends. If you’re looking for cute messages to send, ideas to surprise someone you love, or inspiration to strengthen your relationship in 2025, you’ll find plenty of fresh ways to show how much you care.

San Diego County has no shortage of things to do and places to see. San Diego’s Little Italy has been around since the 1920s. At the time, it provided residential living space as well as business space to Italian immigrants and families. This lively neighborhood with a rich history of Italian culture has evolved into a bustling area, preserving its cultural heritage while embracing the diverse nature of San Diego. 

Now Little Italy San Diego creates a community of both Italian and non-Italian businesses and business owners. Saturday mornings are particularly busy thanks to the Little Italy Mercato and weekend festivities.

Things to Do in Little Italy San Diego

• Check out the Little Italy landmark sign. The Little Italy sign address is 1731 India St, San Diego, CA 92101.
• Explore the Neighborhood by walking around.
• Walk along India Street.
• Relax by the fountain at Piazza Della Famiglia.
• Attend Events in Little Italy San Diego. There are plenty of events throughout the year.
• Go to mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church.
• You can also browse the Little Italy Association of San Diego website to learn more about the neighborhood.

Grab a Bite to Eat in San Diego Little Italy

The streets are lined with traditional trattorias, cozy cafes, gelato shops, and other small businesses, enticing visitors with tantalizing aromas and authentic flavors. 

The Little Italy neighborhood in San Diego is a fantastic hub filled with Italian cuisine, cultural events, and plenty of things to do. There are several restaurants where you can find farm fresh produce, delicious food and Italian food, pizza, sandwiches, and more. 

• Check Out happy hours at Little Italy San Diego's Italian restaurants.
• Book Little Italy Walking Tour with Wine Tasting.

Stop by the San Diego Little Italy Food Hall

Get gelato or take a gander at the different options. Little Italy Food Hall has different stations so you can find a little something for each person in your party. 

• Ambrigio15
• Bobboi Natural Gelato
• Coocoo's Nest
• Graze by Sam
• Little Italy Food Hall Bar
• Mein St. Asian Kitchen
• Not Not Tacos
• Olala Crepes
• Samburgers
• The Mini Donut Company

Shop the Little Italy Mercato

You can find the Little Italy Mercato Farmer's Market every Saturday from 8 AM to 2 PM as well as every Wednesday from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, year-round, rain or shine. There are loads of vendors selling produce, flowers, eggs, meat, fish, baked goods, groceries, crafts, products, and local food that you can support. The Mercato farmers market is 3 blocks, located from Kettner Blvd to State Street.

Explore Little Italy's Waterfront Park 

Located at 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101 Waterfront Park is a public park that has spray fountains, grassy areas, and lots of space. This large space is often home to different events and festivals.

• Take your pup to Little Italy Dog Park.
• Head to Amici Park at 1660 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101.
• Art Galleries in Little Italy San Diego
• Visit San Diego Firehouse Museum 
• Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tours 

Is Little Italy Considered Downtown San Diego?

Yes, Little Italy is in the downtown San Diego area, close to the Embarcadero. India Street runs through the heart of Little Italy. Downtown is a thriving area with a few neighborhoods. According to the San Diego tourism website, downtown SD consists of the Gaslamp Quarter, Embarcadero, Little Italy, East Village, and Barrio Logan. Little Italy is bordered by West Laurel Street, West Ash Street, the I-5, Front Street, San Diego Bay, and the Pacific Highway.

Is Little Italy San Diego Safe at Night?

Just like most places, keep your wits about you.

What are the best hotels to stay in Little Italy San Diego? 

Hotels

• Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown 
• Hotel Republic San Diego Autograph Collection 
• Best Western Plus Inn Bayside 
• La Pensione Hotel 

San Diego Art Walk

If you're in the area you can also visit Seaport Village, Downtown San Diego, the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, and other fun spots nearby.

• Stroll through the neighborhood to admire colorful murals, public art installations, and unique boutique shops.

San Diego Little Italy

From the Little Italy landmark sign to lobster rolls, Little Italy is the perfect place to explore during your trip to San Diego County. For generations, Italian families and businesses have made this area their home.

Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? The Arizona Fresh Foodie Trail® makes every bite something to savor. Discover the hidden gems and culinary hotspots that make this trail a must-visit for foodies visiting the area. Don't miss out on this gastronomic delight - read the full article now!

The Mesa area is vast, sprawling area that's developing with every passing second, even as you read this article. While I was there it was a unique experience to see the development and land and the area's ability to spread out and have space. Step out on the Fresh Foodie Trail and take a bite at a new adventure! 

Driving into Mesa

Drive to Mesa with your own car from wherever you are or you can opt to fly. Mesa visitors flying into Phoenix can easily rent a car from Hertz or Enterprise at the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport. Then you can explore Mesa, Queen Creek, and Gilbert as desired. You can pick up and drop off at the airport so you don't have to drive willy-nilly around town. 

San Diegans looking for a close trip can find a foodie haven in Mesa, Arizona. The flight from San Diego to Phoenix takes under 90 minutes, then it's a modest drive from Phoenix into Mesa. Mesa is similar to San Diego County in that it's spread out and covers a large area. You might go from Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert, or Queen Creek at any given point, just like you might have brunch at your favorite spot in Downtown San Diego, hike in Torrey Pines, and then drive up north to walk the pier in Oceanside.

Exploring the Arizona Fresh Foodie Trail 

Visit Mesa has a full brochure and information you can check out on their website.

Queen Creek Olive Mill

Address: 25062 S Meridian Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142

If you enjoy high-quality extra virgin olive oil, then you have to pay a visit to Queen Creek Olive Mill, a blossom-to-bottle agritourism destination in Queen Creek, Arizona. Queen Creek Olive Mill has a radiant rainbow of extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars that you can both sample and purchase. Take the Olive Oil 101 class while you're there to learn how the special process they use to make extra virgin olive oil and they'll also teach you how to correctly taste olive oil, which I found really interesting! 

Schnepf Farms

Take the family for peach picking at the Schnepf Farms peach orchards while in season during May. Visit in autumn for The Pumpkin & Chili Party, an epic fall festival.

The Cozy Peach at Schnepf Farms

Address: 22601 E Cloud Rd, Queen Creek, Arizona 85142

Schnepf Farms has been growing peaches for over 50 years, offering a 8 varieties of peaches to the Queen Creek area. Now Schnepf Farms added glamping in restored vintage trailers to its repertoire. Guests can camp in style in one of the trailers, each has its own theme and designated decor. 

Agritopia 

Agritopia is huge, it's quite impressive. The idea of Agritopia started back in the 1960s when the Johnston family purchased the land and built their home. They nurtured the farm into what it is today, a thriving hub that brings the community together. Agritopia has a residential portion, a farm, Joe's Farm Grill, a coffee shop aptly named The Coffee Shop, and Barnone, which houses a dozen local artisans. 

Barnone

Address: 3000 E Ray Rd, Gilbert, Arizona 85296

Barnone has a range of makers selling their work, from woodfire pizzas at Fire & Brimstone to ice cream at Cream of the Crop. I visited Garage-East for a wine tasting and their meat and cheese board. Sit around the table to chat at this bright wine bar. The wine tasting at Garage East has six wine tasters of your choice; they come in cool little test tubes. Take a moment to savor the art on the walls as you sip your wine.

Hayden Flour Mills at Sossaman Farms

Address: 19101 E Ocotillo Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142

Hayden Flour Mills is on a mission to bring the art of stone milling to the foreground. Tour the mill and learn more about the ancient and heritage grains. They have a pretty epic shop with items like purple barley berries, gazelle rye flour, pancake mix, emmer farro crackers, and more, so you can get a taste of ancient grains yourself. 

Cider Corps

Address: 31 S Robson Suite 103, Mesa, Arizona 85210

Cider Corps, a veteran-owned and family-operated business, has two taprooms in Mesa and Gilbert, Arizona where they sell craft cider and canned cider. Thirsty patrons can come to Cider Corps and order a taster flight to sample a few of their options like the Mango Foxtrot with mango and rosehip or the 40 Myke-Myke, a collab with Myke's Pizza made with honey, as well as ancho and arbol chiles for a spicy kick.

Jalapeño Bucks

Address: 3434 N Val Vista Dr, Mesa, Arizona 85213

People come to Jalapeño Bucks for the bbq and burritos. They have a bunch of burritos to pick from, whether you're into the Green Chili Shredded Beef, Red Chili Shredded Pork, or the Brisket, Bean, and Cheese.

True Garden Urban Farm 

Address: 5949 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85205

True Garden Urban Farm is the first and only facility of its kind in Phoenix where they grow living produce vertically without soil or rainfall. Only solar power and water are used. You can buy commercial or residential aeroponic tower farms, seedlings, or take a class to learn how it all works.

Proof Bread

Address: 125 W Main St, Mesa, Arizona 85201

Spare yourself the 11-hour flight to Paris. Instead, you can enjoy a delightful array of pastries from Proof Bread in Mesa, Arizona. So flaky and flavorful! Take a look at their website to learn more. 🥐

Other spots to check out:

The Orange Patch 

Address: 3565 N Gilbert Rd, Mesa, AZ 85213

Steadfast Farm at Eastmark 

Address: 5111 Inspirian Pkwy, Mesa, AZ 85212

Superstition Dairy Farms 

Address: 3440 S Hawes Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212

Vertuccio Farms

Address: 4011 S Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212

The Windmill Winery

Address: 1140 W Butte Ave #48, Florence, AZ 85132

Arizona's Fresh Foodie Trail allows travelers to try fresh food from local farms, locally grown produce, wine tasting, live music, agritourism attractions, and everything you need to have an enjoyable time in the Mesa area. Visit Mesa has loads of information on different eateries on the Fresh Foodie Trail so you don't have to spend hours researching destinations, what's there, and why it's good. 

If you're already based near Mesa and Scottsdale, then you might have time to pursue, taste, and get to know the nooks and crannies and morsels of the area. If you're a tourist or out-of-towner like myself, then save room because there are a lot of great places to check out. There's a lot to experience.