Once upon a time, I was an art major at UCSB. I reveled in the artistic life, doing pottery, photography and poetry. I longed to live in a place where I could champion my craft, and delight in the pleasures of the day. Life, since then, has taken a different turn, but I found a place to hang my hat, should I return to my artistic roots: Fallbrook.

Fallbrook is a rather undiscovered gem adjacent to the bustling California wine region of Temecula, reminiscent of an early Ojai. A sleepy little stop near the I-15, Fallbrook is brimming with art galleries, wellness spas, boutiques, decent restaurants and even a few wineries. The art is affordable, and the galleries make you feel welcome.

I had been to Temecula a few years ago, and enjoyed its onslaught of activity, but Fallbrook is more laid-back, kind of like an awkward teen, unaware that he’s really a hunk in the making.

We began our tour of Fallbrook at the Art Center, the foundation of Fallbrook’s art scene, where a local showing of artists was taking place, highlighting a sampling oils, drawings, sculptures, photography and many mixed media places. I was quite impressed with the caliber of talent and the affordable price points. Rumor has it that interior designers shop here and bump up the prices before they sell these pieces to their clients. Wholesale art indeed!

Our travels continued down the street to Brandon Gallery, run as a co-op, which hosted another fine sampling of local art, all affordably priced. There was even a photo show at the rear of the gallery, and being a photographer, I couldn’t help but dawdle over the photos of Robert Sommers, who, oddly enough owns the Blue Heron Gallery antique store up the block. Is this a cozy community or what? And guess what? Robert’s wife, Leslie, happens to own Caravan, an eclectic boutique with garments from around the world.

At Caravan, a rainbow of outfits transported me to several international destinations, including the Far East, South America and Europe. These pieces would be priced at least 3x higher in similar stores in Beverly Hills.

Around the corner, we dropped into the Art Campus, where kids and adults can take a myriad of classes, from sculpture, ceramics, drawing, as well as other disciplines. How many kids do you know dread the ending of school? “They don’t want to leave,” remarks our host, Brigitte Schlemmer. Public schools, take note.

For those of you wanting a bit more than art, there’s the Wellness Spa, featuring all organic products, including their chocolate body scrub. Restaurants are in abundance as well, and health nuts will delight in the Berry Salad at the Garden Center Cafe, sporting a medley of fruit, chicken, walnuts, piled high with a variety of greens.

Nature lovers will thrive in Fallbrook, with its abundance of horse farms, hiking trails and foliage. Take a stroll through paradise at the Grand Tradition, where you can enjoy swan-studded lakes, and several waterfalls. This place hosts about 7 weddings every weekend, so if nuptials are on the horizon, you’ll want to check out their facilities. While I was there, I wasn't sure if I was in the Bahamas or Bora Bora. It's truly a tropical escape.

Although Fallbrook trails the likes of Napa and Temecula in the winery department, we had some hands-on winery education at Fallbrook Winery, where we learned about the art of pruning and planting. Several of their wines are award-winners, and are easily available at Costco.


Fallbrook is not entirely laid-back charm. If it’s excitement you’re after, the Pala Casino will keep you up all night with their bevy of entertainment, restaurants, and the symphony of slots promising good fortune.

Fallbrook is about 2 hours south east of Los Angeles, and about an hour from San Diego.
I’m sure this gem of a town is on its way to full discovery. Like many small towns, it’s just a matter of time.

For more information:
www.findfallbrook.com
www.fallbrookart.com


Mary McGrath is a writer and photographer who contributes to such publications as: Newsweek.com, MSNBC.com, Rangefinder Magazine, Good Housekeeping, Takegreatpictures.com and Professional Photographer.
She can be reached through her web site at: www.marymcgrathphotography.com