Tom's Farms - Encore

A lot of folks thought it would be too hot on August 25 (it actually turned out very nice though) but wanted to try this again, so here we go on Sunday, September 15. The weather should be somewhat cooler and we're sure to have a great time with a good crowd.http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/2/c/a/event_126193002.jpeg

This will be a "meet-and-greet" for two sister groups to unite and mingle with both new friends and old. Some of you are already members of the South Inland Empire Triangle (the 91/15/215 freeways, Corona to Moreno Valley to Temecula) but we all have one thing in common: enjoying fun events in our area with great people!

Let's share a relaxing afternoon with friends and live music at Tom's Farms. (If you can't make it at noon, come at 1 or 2... or whenever. Music is from 12:30 to 5:00) It's nice to sit around the little lake and sip something cool or have a bite to eat from one of several food options there (we'll get there early to grab a good spot).

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/0/6/c/event_126196492.jpegFeel free to bring your friends and family, even the family dog! This is a great kid-friendly place. We should be able to get a table, but bring lawn chairs or a blanket if you can. Last time we had a pretty good size group show up, but there's plenty of room for everyone. We'll be on the south side of the pond, and there's usually lots of parking available in the dirt lot on that side.

They always have good bands playing, plus there's all kinds of food available, from Senior Tom's for Mexican, pizza at the wine & cheese shop, to a variety of selections from the burger joint. They also have a flea market, produce stand, candy shop, antique store, and more. For the kids there is a train ride, carousel, magic show, and other activities.

From their web site, tomsfarms.com:

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/d/b/0/event_126195792.jpeg"His parents said that Tom wanted to be a farmer from the day he was born in Kansas City, Missouri. When he turned five, they let him work at his father's produce stand. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Tom moved west in the early 70's and leased some land in Lake Elsinore to house his first produce stand. He did so well that the owner of the land decided to covet it for himself, and sent Tom packing. Driving home to Anaheim, slightly brokenhearted, but with his boundless energy, strong work ethic, and unwavering integrity still intact, he found an idyllic spot in Temescal Canyon, right below the Cleveland National Forest. He named his place Tom's Farms. The produce was fresh and the people were friendly. People came from miles away, and Tom's Farms became a favorite destination stop for travelers.

Tom eventually bought the land, and the place grew and grew. In 1974, Tom opened a 3,500 square foot produce stand. In 1977, a hamburger restaurant was added, and the opening of Interstate 15 in 1978 provided easy access for visiting tourists. Today, the property has grown to include a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions for family entertainment. "