TAKE ME HOME, RAMONA COUNTRY ROADS

By Christina Orlovsky

Photography by Suzanne Ofeldt, Shewanders

San Diego may be a Mecca for beach relaxation, cosmopolitan cityscapes, and a laidback coastal lifestyle, but the county is also home to small, rural towns filled with open spaces and rural living. Enter Ramona.

With its annual rodeo, feed stores, animal rescue sites, one-of-a-kind shops, and wide-open spaces, Ramona is one of San Diego’s most rural communities, appealing to animal lovers, antique shoppers, and those simply looking for a respite from the city. But it also has a lot to offer day-trippers. From scenic wineries to antique shops to the annual summer Ramona Country Fair, this small town—located 45 minutes north of downtown San Diego—has big appeal.

Accessible from the north by Interstate 15 and State Route 78 and from the south by State Route 67, Ramona is predominantly a hamlet for San Diegans relocating from the city or suburbs in search of peace, quiet, and space for their animals or recreational toys. For visitors, it offers a quintessential small-town Main Street filled with stores to peruse, mom-and-pop eateries to dine in, and a variety of off-the-beaten-path wineries providing the perfect escape. It’s far from a pit-stop on the way to the more-popular Julian, so follow this guide to a day of fun in rural, inland North County.

Start with Reality-TV Cinnamon Rolls
The Food Network put Ramona on the foodie map when celebrity chef Guy Fieri visited the Ramona Café, a hometown favorite known for its big breakfasts and epic cinnamon rolls. A Main Street staple, the café once served Roy Rogers and John Wayne when they passed through town on hunting trips. Today, it serves locals and tourists alike with downhome fare in a casual environment.

Stroll the Shops
In typical Main Street USA fashion, Ramona’s downtown is comprised of a handful of blocks lined with shops catering to both residents and visitors. From trendy home décor shops—like Rangeland Home and Casa Rustica, which hosts a monthly artisan market—to eclectic bookstores, gift shops, and antique boutiques—like the Iron Pony Trading Post and the Mason Jar—downtown Ramona is a destination for shoppers looking for original finds.

Drink and Be Merry
Move over Temecula Valley, there’s a new wine region on the rise. The Ramona hillsides are alive with the fruit of the vine. To date, there are around 20 bonded wineries in the Ramona Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area), which was designated in 2006. While young, the up-and-coming wine region has made a name for itself through its unique offerings—from the popular white and red sangrias at Turtle Rock Ridge Vineyard Winery to the refreshing wine slushies at La Finquita Winery and Vineyard to the art and sculpture garden at the Rashelica Winery & Art Garden. So, do some wine tasting! When the sun sets, you can continue to enjoy local wines on Main Street at Reds, Whites and Brews—and conclude your day with three cheers to fun in the country.

SUMMER EVENTS

Ramona Country Fair
August 1–4
Experience country living at its finest at this four-day event held at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center. Featuring carnival rides, shopping, animal attractions, wine and beer tastings, and concerts, this longstanding gathering offers fun for the whole family. 

Frosted Faces Foundation Open House
Saturdays & Sundays, 10–1
Searching for a furry friend? With its focus on senior dogs and cats, many strays or former shelter pets can be found at Frosted Faces Foundation, which holds an Open House every weekend to introduce pet lovers to senior animals looking for a forever family to live out their golden years. Adoptions are free.

WATCH FOR THESE 2020 EVENTS

The Ramona Old West Fest
Last weekend in April, featuring reenactments of Wild West history

Ramona Rodeo
Mid-May, featuring a first class, top-notch rodeo competition