With rural beauty serving as the perfect backdrop, it is the warmth of human spirit and solid community values that have allowed the Greater Fallbrook and Bonsall areas to be viewed as model communities in endeavors such as art, land conservation, health care, business enhancement, Christian unity, and much more. As a result of clearly focused and specialized efforts by teams of dedicated volunteers and service organizations, the quality of life in these picturesque communities is deemed highly desirable for many reasons.
Revitalization efforts?combined with a twist of art and culture?have proven immensely successful in many aspects of village life. Building on a historic past that dates back over a century, residents have linked arms to guide Fallbrook wisely into the 21st Century. With an influx of highly acclaimed artists and a growing art foundry that offers an assortment of classes, the area reflects a distinct richness of talent in its residents. Many shows at the ArtCenter at Fallbrook now draw nationwide attention, and a variety of local galleries display the work of approximately 150 local artists. The Fallbrook Village Association has been instrumental in developing the Village into a community venue that not only welcomes artists of all types, but diligently works towards developing additional resources for them locally. The organization, funded by generous members of the community, contributes time and funds to the Art in Public Places program, which regularly places magnificent bronzes and colorful murals throughout the charming downtown area for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.
A short 18-mile drive from the Pacific Ocean, the greater Fallbrook area is well known for its gently rolling hills, lush groves, ancient oak trees, equestrian and walking trails, riparian areas, nature preserves, and Mediterranean climate. Stepping forward to protect this sought-after environment are the volunteers who comprise the Fallbrook Land Conservancy and its specialized committees. The Fallbrook Land Conservancy diligently pursues donations of land to protect open spaces. The Save Our Forest and Treescape arm of the organization carefully plants hundreds of trees annually to enhance the environment. In addition to stately oaks, you will see varieties of eucalyptus, magnolia, sycamore, and pepper trees adding beauty to the area. Dedicated volunteers care for these picturesque trees, many of which line the downtown village.
The Trails Committee has worked steadily for years to create a fantastic network of equestrian and walking trails. Horse enthusiasts can be seen regularly enjoying the Santa Margarita River trail, meandering through nature˙s bounty.
One of nature˙s greatest gifts to Fallbrook is Live Oak Park. Accessible by either Gird or Reche Road, you can enjoy the journey to this jewel of a destination by traveling under the protective canopy of ancient oaks to the 16-square-mile park that features barbeques, playgrounds, baseball diamonds, a sand volleyball court, and more. Nestled amongst the oaks, with gentle streams nearby, the park is a local favorite for festive family picnics, restful breaks, and popular community events. In order to protect Live Oak Park, community volunteers established the Live Oak Park Coalition. This organization focuses on the many aspects of conservation that are vital to keeping this resource available to area residents and visitors. In an effort that has served as a model for other communities, the Coalition partnered with the County of San Diego and Supervisor Bill Horn to build a visitor˙s center in the park. The Coalition rallied help from local building contractors who donated their time and expertise, cutting costs significantly. The organization continues its good work by protecting and preserving this historic, one-of-a-kind outdoor haven.
When you arrive in the downtown village area, you will be delighted to stroll along an old-fashioned Main Street lined with unique and intriguing gift shops, exquisite and satisfying restaurants, and art galleries. Volunteers who have worked diligently with county and state officials on the Fallbrook Revitalization Plan have put considerable time and effort into protecting the intrinsic beauty of the downtown atmosphere. Whether you are interested in estate jewelry, home décor accents, art of all types, delightful gifts for all occasions, or whimsical garden enhancements, you can shop to your heart˙s delight in these quaint stores with historic storefronts. Although the Santa Fe Railroad ceased running through Fallbrook three decades ago, there are still pictures around town that depict the old railway depot when the train was responsible for ferrying visitors to the area to enjoy the annual Avocado Festival.
