DAY TRIP Tom’s Farms

With wine tasting for adults and face painting for the kids, a trip to Tom’s Farms ensures fun for the entire family. Tom’s Farms was originally a small market for fresh produce, but has since expanded to include a hamburger stand, wine and cheese shop, duck pond, country furniture store, and Mexican restaurant.

Two magic shows run Saturday and Sunday, and a weekend petting zoo allows children to get close to animals such as potbellied pigs and rabbits.

GETTING THERE

Take the 55 Freeway north for about 15 miles until the 91 Freeway. Merge onto the 91 Freeway east toward Riverside and continue for about 17 miles. The 91 Freeway will run into the 15 Freeway. Take the 15 Freeway south toward San Diego, and continue for eight miles. Exit the Temescal Canyon Road exit. Turn right on Temescal Canyon Road and continue for about half a mile. Tom’s Farm will be on your left.

HOURS

Tom’s Farms is open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., but weekend activities, including face painting, carnival rides and live music last between noon and 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

ADMISSION

General admission to the farm is free, however rides cost $2. Wine tasting is $5 for four tastes, and customers participating get to keep one glass.

TRAIN RIDE

Along with carnival rides and a carousel, Tom’s Farms also has a running mini replica of an 1800s steam-propelled train. A ride on the train takes visitors through the countryside surrounding the farm. The train also passes under an Amish-style covered bridge.

WINE AND CHEESE SHOPPE

The wine and cheese shop at Tom’s Farm is known for its freshly baked bread including French, kaiser rolls and ciabatta. The shop includes more than 600 varieties of wine, many of which can be sampled in the wine tasting section.

They also have more than 300 beers to choose from, including imports, microbrews and domestics. Customers also will have the opportunity to browse the many cheeses, meats, seasonings and olives. Casual dining over pizza and sandwiches is also available.

MARKET AND CANDY SHOPPE

Fresh fruits and vegetables are on sale at the market. Tom’s Farms also has dried nuts and fruits for those interested. Guests can create gift baskets for friends and family, choosing from the wide variety of produce Tom’s Farms carries. Chocolates, gummies and licorice are also in stock for hungry visitors.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Tom’s Farms is said to have the best hamburgers around. Weekend guests can decide for themselves, while sitting on the nearby patio and dining over music from a live band. Employees often make balloon animals for the children. Pony rides are also an option to choose from.

With so much going on, guests have the ability to roam around the farm as they please.

Tom’s Farms is rather large, so visitors are advised to allow themselves enough time to wander around the entire area.

— Jacquelyn Rumfola