Fallbrook, CA

The Fallbrook area was first settled in the late 1800s, when it was known as Live Oak County Park. The original community schoolhouse still survives, now as the Reche Clubhouse. Though originally olives were the primary crop in the area, avocados and flowers moved to the forefront after World War II. The area has also attracted artists of many types, and several Hollywood celebrities began building second homes here in the early 2000s. The 2007 wildfires in San Diego County hit Fallbrook hard, with about 200 structures destroyed.

The Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Museum focuses on the products of local mining, and knowledgeable staff often give personal tours. Locals head to the Mission Theatre in downtown Fallbrook for concerts and plays as well as arthouse cinema. In the spring, the streets of central Fallbrook close for the Avocado Festival, which includes a classic car show and street fair.

Dining in Fallbrook tends toward the casual, with plenty of Mexican and Italian places to choose from, as well as quite a few burger joints and coffee shops.

Oink and Moo Burgers & BBQ in the heart of Fallbrook has many fans in the neighborhood, thanks to its sweet potato fries served with a honey-maple syrup drizzle, bacon-wrapped mac and cheese fritters and amazing pulled pork lettuce wraps. Make a reservation or go early, because Oink and Moo fills up quickly.

When you want something quick, grab an authentic taco from Las Brisas Taqueria or Pedro's Tacos. Las Brisas makes great street tacos, and you can choose your own condiments. If you're a shrimp or fish taco lover, head to Pedro's for takeaway food at shockingly low prices.

The destination restaurant in Fallbrook for out-of-town guests, special occasions, Sunday brunch and even weddings can only be the Grand Tradition Gardens. Stroll around the lake or through the 15 acres of botanical gardens before or after your sumptuous meal, where you can choose from light fare like sandwiches, salads and a charcuterie board. Stop in the Orchid Bar for one of its signature cocktails, then relax to enjoy the beauty around you.

Nightlife in Fallbrook centers around its friendly bars, many of which follow North County tradition of brewing their own beer. Stop in at the Fallbrook Brewing Company for a glass of vanilla stout, or try the Java Hill beer with its coffee vibe. True beer aficionados can order a flight of beer to taste several varieties. Locals flock to the Red Eye Saloon to enjoy its pool tables, karaoke nights and specials during happy hour.

If you're in the mood for some casino action, head east to Pala Mesa, which combines a resort hotel with a casino and several restaurant or lounge options. If gambling isn't your thing, enjoy the live bands playing nightly.

Because of Fallbrook's somewhat isolated location on the back side of Camp Pendleton, not much public transportation makes its way out here. You can catch a North County Transit District bus to Vista, where you can transfer to public transportation taking you to Oceanside, Carlsbad, Escondido or downtown San Diego. While no one uses a taxi or Uber to get around Fallbrook, taxi service and airport shuttles are available to get you to Charles Lindbergh International Airport in downtown San Diego or to the San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal.

Fallbrook residents tend to rely on their own cars for transportation. Public parking tends to be free and easy to find, and Interstate 5 runs along the east side of the area to get you down to San Diego or north to the Inland Empire and Las Vegas. The Santa Margarita River Trail attracts mountain bikers, and it's also possible to ride your bike around town, though some of the terrain gets a bit hilly. Fallbrook's beauty makes walking around town enjoyable as well.

Live Oak Park provides a hub for community life. Multiple age-delineated playgrounds exist for kids, and weekends often see many birthday parties and other celebrations taking place in the park. Come to walk your dogs here, or just take a restful stroll through the ancient oaks. Facilities for soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball and horseshoes provide plenty to do, but be prepared with $3 in cash to pay the parking fee.

The Fallbrook Community Center has three separate playgrounds for kids and also features programs for all ages. Come here for golf lessons, nutrition classes, martial arts, dance lessons, yoga classes and even obedience training for your pooch. The center hosts a safe and welcoming Halloween Festival each year, as well as a much-loved breakfast with Santa event in December.

The cost of living in Fallbrook runs about 8 percent below that of the greater San Diego area in general. While no real public transportation exists to get you around Fallbrook, a $5 day-pass can get you to downtown San Diego when you want to keep your car in the garage. When you choose to drive, expect to pay 11 percent above the national average for a gallon of gas.

One-bedroom apartments aren't always easy to come by in Fallbrook, but you can generally find one for about $1,025. When you want to stop at the neighborhood pub for a pint of beer, expect it to run you about $5.

The major shopping malls near Fallbrook include Promenade Temecula up Interstate 15 to the north, or Westfield Carlsbad to the southwest. Most residents of Fallbrook head to these malls for major shopping excursions, including high-end shopping.

Closer to home, Fallbrook features several unique shopping destinations, mostly in the downtown area. Head to Retro Candy & Toys to make the kids in your family very happy indeed. Enjoy some avocado fudge or a root beer made with cane sugar while you browse the old-school candy and toy selections.

Fallbrook provides a wonderful growing environment for home gardens as well as the many orchards surrounding the town. Stop in at Rojas Succulents and Cactus when you want to add some environmentally friendly plants to your home. With an amazing variety of succulents and great help from the owner, you can find just what you need for your garden or balcony.

Caravan Women's Apparel stocks unique and flattering women's clothing with a little bit of an exotic, Asian edge. Choose also from beautiful scarves, shoes and jewelry, and ask the owner for help if you can't find just what you're looking for.

Locals head to Fresh & Easy or Albertsons for their basic grocery shopping needs, but plenty of smaller shops also exist to keep your pantry and fridge fully stocked. Major Market Florist on Main Street stocks far more than just flowers. Come here for great produce, meats and imported foods. Northgate Gonzalez Market bakes up fresh rolls daily, and pick up some fresh tortillas and salsa along with all your Mexican food supplies.

The nearest farmers market is in Bonsall, to the south. In the heart of San Diego's agricultural neighborhoods, however, it doesn't take a farmers market to get you farm-fresh produce. Head to Eli's Farms out on Mission Road to stock up on strawberries, raspberries, organic eggs, honey and, of course, avocados.