East County Magazine
Our guide to local farms and farm-fresh products sold directly to consumers
Find farm-fresh meats, eggs, fruits and veggies, flowers, herbs, honey, nuts, soaps, wool and fiber goods, pumpkin patches, nursery plants, trees, wineries and more By Miriam Raftery Photos by Miriam Raftery and creative commons images via Bing East County Magazine has compiled our region’s most comprehensive guide to local farms, ranches, nurseries and wineries offering direct-to-consumer sales
FUTURE OF PARKWAY PLAZA MALL REENVISIONED
City awaits Council’s next motion By Rachel Williams July 14.2024 (El Cajon) — With online sales taking a bite out of retail traffic, shopping malls across the U.S. are struggling and some have closed down. Seeking to avoid that scenario, the City of El Cajon commissioned a market analysis envisioning redevelopment options for Parkway Plaza, East County’s largest regional shopping
FUTURE OF PARKWAY PLAZA MALL REENVISIONED
City awaits Council’s next motion By Rachel Williams July 14.2024 (El Cajon) — With online sales taking a bite out of retail traffic, shopping malls across the U.S. are struggling and some have closed down. Seeking to avoid that scenario, the City of El Cajon commissioned a market analysis envisioning redevelopment options for Parkway Plaza, East County’s largest regional shopping
DONORS HALL OF FAME
We deeply appreciate the support of local businesses and nonprofit organizations that have donated to suppport East County Magazine’s news reporting in the public interest and/or our East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts! Please support these local businesses and organizations — and let them know you that value their support of community journalism! Our 1st quarter 2024 business and
DONORS HALL OF FAME
We deeply appreciate the support of local businesses and nonprofit organizations that have donated to suppport East County Magazine’s news reporting in the public interest and/or our East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts! Please support these local businesses and organizations — and let them know you that value their support of community journalism! Our 1st quarter 2024 business and
DONORS HALL OF FAME
We deeply appreciate the support of local businesses and nonprofit organizations that have donated to suppport East County Magazine’s news reporting in the public interest and/or our East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts! Please support these local businesses and organizations — and let them know you that value their support of community journalism! Our 1st quarter 2024 business and
IMPOSSIBLE RAILROAD TRADING POST: A BACKCOUNTRY WAY STATION FOR VISITORS IN JACUMBA HOT SPRINGS
By Rebecca Person March 4, 2023 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – In San Diego’s high desert backcountry off I-8 East, a forgotten hot spring oasis awakens to a new future. Jacumba Hot Springs’ revival at the hands of a tribe of youthful designers and creators brings promise to town. Inspired by all the changes, David Lampley has opened a vintage
PARKWAY PLAZA BECOMES DOG-FRIENDLY SHOPPING CENTER: DOGS AND OWNERS INVITED TO “PAWS PARTY” MARCH 26
East County News Service Photo credit: courtesy of Parkway Plaza March 23, 2022 (El Cajon) — Calling all pet owners! Parkway Plaza is officially becoming a dog-friendly shopping center, welcoming customers to bring along their furry friends on all their shopping trips. Located in El Cajon, Parkway Plaza will be hosting the Parkway Paws Party to celebrate its new dog-friendly policy on March 26 from 2
NEED GIFTS? SHOP THESE NEW EAST COUNTY RETAILERS: PART 4 – JULIAN
By Kiki Skagen Munshi December 11, 2021 (Julian) – ‘Tis the season to bundle up and head to Julian, East County’s charming and historic mountain town. Among the shopping options to discover are five new retail outlets that opened during 2020 and 2021 – offering delightful gift items such as locally made goat soaps, pet products, sports memorabilia, gems, jewelry and geodes. Supporting
NEED GIFTS? SHOP THESE NEW EAST COUNTY RETAILERS: PART 3 – LEMON GROVE
By Elijah McKee December 5, 2021 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove has several new businesses that you may want to check out when doing your holiday shopping including a boutique and art space, a coffee shop with health and wellness gifts, and a brewery. Shopping locally not only brightens the holiday season for local businesses and those on
Search by Specific Date
Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting — not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine’s local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.
Shop Local! Check directories at these merchant groups to find local stores in city centers and small towns:
- Alpine Chamber of Commerce
- Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce
- Downtown El Cajon
- Escondido Chamber of Commerce
- Lakeside Chamber of Commerce
- Julian Chamber of Commerce
- La Mesa Chamber of Commerce
- La Mesa Village Association
- Poway Chamber of Commerce
- Ramona Chamber of Commerce
- San Diego East County Regional Chamber
- Santee Chamber of Commerce
- Ramona Chamber of Commerce
Regional Shopping Malls in inland San Diego County:
Shop Local! Check directories at these merchant groups to find local stores in city centers and small towns:
- Alpine Chamber of Commerce
- Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce
- Downtown El Cajon
- Escondido Chamber of Commerce
- Lakeside Chamber of Commerce
- Julian Chamber of Commerce
- La Mesa Chamber of Commerce
- La Mesa Village Association
- Poway Chamber of Commerce
- Ramona Chamber of Commerce
- San Diego East County Regional Chamber
- Santee Chamber of Commerce
- Ramona Chamber of Commerce
NEED GIFTS? SHOP THESE NEW RETAILERS IN EAST COUNTY: PART 2 – EL CAJON
By Henri Migala December 4, 2021 (El Cajon) – Within a couple of blocks in downtown El Cajon, you’ll find an array of new boutiques, a salon, galleries, gift stores, a pastry shop and a coffee shop – all brand new. For your holiday shopping needs, consider supporting our local economy and these new small businesses, many
NEED GIFTS? SHOP THESE NEW RETAILERS IN EAST COUNTY: PART 1 – LA MESA
By Miriam Raftery December 4, 2021 (La Mesa) – This holiday season, why not spread some cheer by shopping local to find some unique gifts right here in East County? If you haven’t ventured out lately, you may not realize that many new stores have opened amid the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. In this series, we’ll
THESE RESTAURANTS IN EAST COUNTY NOW OFFERING DINE-IN, TAKE-OUT AND/OR DELIVERY
By Miriam Raftery Update February 2021: Restaurants in San Diego County are now allowed to offer outdoor dining, as well as take-out, curbside pickup and delivery, under the latest state and county COVID-19 restrictions. Below are restaurants across East County, with information on the options offered by each. If you own a restaurant in East County that’s not listed or
SHOPPING ONLINE FOR YOUR VALENTINE?
For your holiday and year-round shopping, Amazon will donate a percentage of everything you buy to benefit East County Media, supporting our wildfire alerts and community news at East County Magazine. To give is easy and free! Click the link Amazon Smile image at left to start shopping and support East County Media. Or go to https://smile.amazon.com, click “choose a
GIFTS FROM THE EAST: OUR 2018 GUIDE TO UNIQUE LOCAL HOLIDAY SHOPPING
By Miriam Raftery November 23, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – Shop local this season to find unique gifts that reflect our East County communities and help support our local economy. From hand-crafted wares to pampering products to delicious locally made delicacies, here are some hints to help you with your holiday shopping this season. Native American rugs at
NAINSOOK GALLERY + ART: VIDEO AND COUPON!
VIEW OUR VIDEO! Printer-friendly version
GIFTS FROM THE EAST: OUR 2015 LOCAL GIFT-GIVING GUIDE
By Miriam Raftery December 22, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) — If you’re looking for a special gift for someone on your list, here are a few ideas available right here in East County that show the uniqueness of our region. This year’s options range from savoring the fruits of local winemakers’ labors to purchasing locally made pottery, camel milk
Search by Specific Date
Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting — not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine’s local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.
Regional Shopping Malls in inland San Diego County: