If you’re looking for a perfect getaway from your busy city life and immerse yourself in nature, hiking is the perfect activity that can satisfy your cravings. San Diego, home to beautiful beaches and natural parks, boasts several hiking trails for adventure enthusiasts. Ramona, a small town situated in San Diego County, is well-known for its scenic beauty and hiking trails. Today, we’ll explore the Simon Preserve, located off Bassett Way in the San Diego Country Estates, which is one of the best places to hike in Ramona.
The Simon Preserve covers an area of five miles and has several trails suitable for biking, walking, or horseback riding. There are two ways to get to the top – the steeper hill to the left and the moderate leisure trail. If you’re new to hiking, or if you’re not up for a challenging hike, you’d want to go for the leisure trail. However, if you’re an experienced hiker, we recommend taking the steeper hill to the left, which offers breathtaking views of San Diego Country Estates.
Once you reach the top of the Simon Preserve, you’ll be blown away by the spectacular panoramic views of the mountains and valleys. The preserve offers a quiet and serene retreat, away from the daily hustle-bustle of life. The trails are surrounded by lush greenery, and the chirping of birds adds to the tranquility of the place. You’ll forget your worries and soak in the natural beauty of the preserve.
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, Simon Preserve will not disappoint you. The preserve is home to several species of flora and fauna, and you may come across rabbits, coyotes, roadrunners, and other wildlife while hiking. The preserve is a perfect blend of natural beauty and wildlife, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers.
To get to the Simon Preserve, you need to take Bassett Way, which leads you to the parking area. The trail starts at the designated area, and from there, you can choose which trail to take. The Simon Preserve is open from dawn to dusk, making it an ideal spot for a morning or evening hike.
The Simon Preserve in Ramona is a hidden gem that offers spectacular views, plenty of flora and fauna, and an ideal place to escape the city’s hustle-bustle. Hiking in Simon Preserve is a must-do activity for anyone visiting or residing in Ramona. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, Simon Preserve has something for everyone. So, pack your bags, toss on your hiking boots, and head to the Simon Preserve for an extraordinary adventure. Don’t forget to share your hiking experience with us!
Ramona Grasslands Preserve is stunning and beautiful that every person should witness. With its serene beauty and lush greenery, there’s nothing quite like a stroll through its well-maintained pathways. So, if you are in Ramona and looking for a place to explore, then pack your bags and stroll through the beautiful trails of Ramona Grasslands Preserve. In this blog, we will give you all the information you need to plan your visit to this picturesque location.
Located off Highland Valley, Ramona Grasslands Preserve is an idyllic spot amidst the hustle and bustle of city life. It covers an area of approximately 3500 acres that are filled with native plant species and diverse wildlife. The Preserve also provides habitat corridors that support a wide variety of wildlife, including iconic species like the golden eagle, mountain lions, Plains pocket mouse, and white-tailed kite. So, lace-up your boots and get set for an exciting adventure.
The trails in the preserve are not too strenuous, making the leisurely stroll popular amongst hikers of all levels. The trail is perfect for sunrise walks or sunset picnics; visitors can indulge in both. With endless space and a serene backdrop, the mesmerizing beauty of the place is sure to mesmerize you. The gentle breeze and the sound of birds make the experience even more enchanting.
The lush green hills and the long expanses of the grasslands create a beautiful landscape that visitors will relish. Along the way, stop and have a picnic amidst the beauty of nature or bask in the warm glow of the sun during a quick break time. Don’t forget to bring your camera, capture the breathtaking scenery all around you.
For those looking for some adventure, there are several loop trails to choose from, and each walk has its unique ecological and natural environments. The different trails are carefully mapped out, making them easy to explore. Visitors can pick from trails that vary in length, ranging from a half-mile, 2-mile, and 3.7-mile loop trail, each offering unique views of stunning natural beauty.
In conclusion, Ramona Grasslands Preserve is an astounding destination, providing visitors with the chance to explore the serene beauty of nature. The Preserve offers well-maintained trails perfect for scenic strolls or picnics. With its enchanting atmosphere and diverse flora and fauna, the experience is bound to offer a lasting impression. Next time you’re in Ramona, don’t miss the opportunity to plan a visit to Ramona Grasslands Preserve. The Preserve perfectly encapsulates California’s natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts. So, pack your bags, lace up your boots, and start exploring!
Hi Ramona, it’s me again—Regina Flores from Big Block Realty. I hope you’re ready to explore with me because today we’re hiking at the beautiful Stone Mountain Trail in San Diego Country Estates! This trail is closer to our homes, but still has a moderate difficulty level that all of us can enjoy. With the perfect weather today, this will be a great adventure for everyone! Let’s take a look around…
Our hike started off nice and easy as we navigated to the entrance of the trail. The loop itself is less than three miles long, and should take about an hour or so depending on your pace. As soon as we stepped onto the trail, I could feel the peace and serenity that comes from being surrounded by nature. The smell of pine trees filled the air as we hiked through the woods.
Along the way, we got to experience some really unique wildlife. We saw birds and squirrels that were running around in search of food and playing in the greenery! One of my favorite things about this particular trail was how many different types of plants there were—it almost felt like a mini-botanical garden! There were also quite a few streams and creeks surrounding us along the path which was really calming.
Our hike ended up taking us just over 7000 steps (I know right?!) but it was definitely worth it. We enjoyed amazing views throughout our hike, including some spectacular vistas once we reached higher elevations along our journey. What can I say? San Diego has some amazing trails for hiking—you won’t regret coming out here for yourself if you haven’t already done so!
All in all, our time at Stone Mountain Trail was nothing short of incredible! From the stunning views to all of the wildlife sightings, this is one adventure you don’t want to pass up if you’re looking for something new and exciting near Ramona. It’s always nice when something close by can provide such an amazing experience like this one did for us today–be sure to check it out soon if you haven’t yet had an opportunity to do so! Thanks as always for joining me on another episode of Ramona Revealed–until next time! Keep exploring Ramona together with Big Block Realty!
Would like to get a sneak peek at a beautiful home here in Ramona? In this video, I’m going to take you to Daza Drive to check out a great property with amazing views. We’ll take a tour of the home’s features to give you an idea of everything it has to offer.
16204 Daza Drive
Today we’re at 16204 Daza Drive in the beautiful San Diego Country Estates of Ramona. There are so many amazing features of this home, like a sparkling pool and spa. You also get amazing mountain views.
The home also includes paid solar panels, a Tesla charging station, and an oversized four-car garage. Inside, you’ll find custom cabinetry, wood framing, and designer paint with hand-painted murals.
I’m Here To Help
If you have any questions about 16204 Daza Drive, feel free to reach out and I’ll be happy to help. Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel so you never miss a video, and stay tuned to see what I feature next!
Did you know that Ramona is home to a famous snack-shaped rock? In this episode of Ramona Revealed, I’m going to you on a hike up to Potato Chip Rock. We’ll climb almost 4 miles to enjoy amazing views and burn tons of calories as we reach the summit.
Starting The Trek
Every year people make New Year’s resolutions. Today, we’re showing up and sticking to ours by taking a famous hike in the area. Starting at the base of Mount Woodson, we followed the trail that culminates at Potato Chip Rock.
The start of the trail is a little on the remote side of Highway 67. The trail is rated moderate, but if you’ve done it before, you know that’s not true. It’s big and it’s hard, but it will be worth it.
Ramona Valley Views
It took us 26 minutes to complete the first mile of the hike, burning 195 calories. At this point, the views are incredible. You can see snow on the mountain, and you’ll also be able to rest at turnouts that offer a view of the entire Ramona valley.
The homestretch is one last hill before approaching Potato Chip Rock. It took us 52 minutes to travel 1.89 miles, burning 372 calories. I hike this trail a lot and I haven’t seen any mountain lions, though we know they are native to and live in the area.
Completing The Hike
We made it up and down the mountain in one hour and 42 minutes. In total, the climb took us 3.95 miles. With incredible views and plenty of calories burned, it was definitely worth it.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out with any questions about the area, hiking, or real estate. For information on Ramona, make sure to subscribe to my channel so you never miss an episode of Ramona Revealed. Stay tuned to see what I feature next!
Are you looking for a cute trendy outfit or a special Christmas gift? In this episode of Ramona Revealed, I’m going to take you to Uptown Boutique, a great shop full of amazing items. We’ll chat with owner Andrea to get an idea of everything that Uptown Boutique has to offer.
A Unique Boutique
Uptown Boutique is located in the heart of Ramona on Main Street. Owner Andrea stocks her store with unique items that are a little out of the realm of Ramona. They don’t have many Western items; rather, they’ve brought in a little bit of regular fashion. Think Ann Taylor Loft mixed with Western.
The clothes are trendy but not cheap, as Andrea offers quality pieces. Some of the best-selling clothing items include Z Supply pajamas and loungewear, a huge obsession that customers love. They also have everyday clothes like graphic tees and jeans, with Judy Blue brand jeans as another top seller.
Everyone calls Judy Blue the “magic jeans.” They’re super stretchy, so they’ll lie to you and tell you that you’re smaller. Andrea is personally obsessed with them as well.
Outfit Check
When it comes to helping customers with their fashion choices, Andrea says that shopping needs vary. Sometimes people come in with things that they already have at home to match something they find in the store. Other times, they’ll take a bunch of pictures and we help them work with what they have.
Andrea says she never wants to tell people they look amazing just to push sales, especially because she used to work at Nordstrom and do exactly that. Normally, she lets everyone just look around and, if they need help, she’s always more than happy to work with them.
One thing she often suggests is staple pieces to go with a customer’s wardrobe at home. This includes things like a black dress and a jean jacket. You can then easily accessorize those pieces to create different looks.
Shopping Spree
Of course, I couldn’t leave Uptown Boutique without doing some shopping of my own. I was looking for some festive stuff like jumpers, jackets, and sweaters, and Andrea helped me out. I tried on the Z Supply Maya Quilted Jacket styled with the Myra Bag—which can be used as a crossbody or a wristlet.
The Maya Jacket can easily be dressed up or down and is perfect to wear in Southern California year-round. It also has pockets and snaps. Another great option that I tried on is the Barefoot Dreams Aztec Dupe Cardigan, which feels like you’re wearing a soft blanket. It’s perfect for cozying up on the couch or going out with your girlfriends.
Andrea had me pair this with the Ivory Double Belt Fedora, which helps brighten the look up and is super pretty. These are just a few of the great pieces you can find here at Uptown Boutique.
Get Your Christmas Gifts
Uptown Boutique is a great place to get unique, quality Christmas gifts. They have a 12 Days of Christmas sale, where they every a different sale on each day. After that, they also hold a big blowout sale of everything.
There are lots of different items to choose from, including the perfect stocking stuffers for people of all ages. So if you want to check some people off your Christmas list, be sure to head to Uptown Boutique. They’re located at 642 Main Street here in Ramona, or you can shop online.
I hope you enjoyed checking out one of Ramona’s many local businesses. If you have any questions about Ramona, what it’s like to live here, or even real estate questions, feel free to reach out to me and I’ll be happy to connect with you. Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel so you never miss an episode of Ramona Revealed, and stay tuned to see what I feature next!
Did you know that Ramona is home to a delicious Italian restaurant with amazing food? In this episode of Ramona Revealed, I’m going to take you to Mamma Ramona’s, located in the heart of Ramona, California. We’ll chat with owner Andrew Simmons to learn about their current remodel and delicious dishes that serve up an authentic taste of Italy.
Welcome To Mamma Ramona’s
Mamma Ramona’s is located in the heart of Ramona on the corner of D and 11th. If you like fresh Italian food, you have to come and check this place out. Andrew Simmons is the owner, and he’s going to walk us through what’s going on here at Mamma Ramona’s. I’ve been here before, and there are some major changes going on.
Mamma Ramona’s is in the midst of a $300,000 renovation. They’re upgrading all of their freezers, refrigerators, and cooking appliances. They’ve also got some new automation tools coming in that will help speed up their process of producing pizzas. They’ve also got some robotics they’ve introduced on the dine-in side to help with serving customers. This allows them to have a more expedited experience.
Fresh Italian Food
The magic of Mamma Ramona’s happens in the kitchen. All of their pizza dough is handmade every night and proved overnight, allowing it to come out perfectly the next day. When they make pizzas, all of their sauces are cooked in-house and homemade using the original recipe from Joe, the founder of Mamma Ramona’s back in 1977. Very few of their recipes have changed over the years.
One of my favorites besides the sauce is the crust, which is fluffy and crunchy at the same time. Their Margarita pizza is also delicious, featuring cheese that comes from a Wisconsin dairy. With tomatoes, basil, and garlic, it’s a tasty option you’ve got to try.
In addition to fresh Italian food, Mamma Ramona’s also sources their wine from local wineries around Ramona. Wine is just $5 per glass, as Andrew believes wine should not cost more than a meal. One of the wines offered is from Three Hills, a local winery on Highland Valley Road. It’s currently one of their most popular wines of the eight or nine different varieties they carry. They’re always looking for new types to try and new bottles to share with our customers.
Future Plans
Andrew has a lot of plans in store for Mamma Ramona’s. In addition to being in the midst of a remodel, they’re also landscaping the front of the building and adding new equipment to help the employees be more efficient and produce pizzas in a more timely manner.
The restaurant is also adding a take-and-bake feature, allowing customers to be able to take any of their delicious pizzas and make them at home. They even provide a special pan, allowing you to cook the pizza in your own oven at 400 degrees for 15 minutes and get the exact same Mamma Ramona’s taste you would at the restaurant.
Caring For Employees
The overall intent is to use the new equipment to help employees make more money. Andrew says they’ll be raising wages at the beginning of the year, allowing employees to have a good living wage in San Diego. They’re building one of the first automated kitchens in Mamma Ramona’s that will allow our pizzas to be produced a little faster and a little less hands-on but without losing their signature flavor.
This, in turn, will allow them to give their employees better wages. Andrew’s goal is to get his employees earning about $40,000 per year as starting wages within the restaurant. This will provide a better living wage for employees in both Ramona and San Diego as a whole.
Eat Local In Ramona
Mamma Ramona’s is open from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm Sunday through Monday. If you’d like to visit them, they’re located at 1130 D Street. You can also visit them online to get an idea of their menu or order food for pickup.
If you have any questions about Ramona, what it’s like to live here, or real estate in general, feel free to reach out to me and I’d be happy to connect. Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel so you never miss an episode of Ramona Revealed, and stay tuned to see what I feature next!
Did you know that Ramona, California is home to a mobile coffee shop? In this episode of Ramona Revealed, I’m going to introduce you to Lyndsay, owner of Gems Mobile Café. We’ll find out how she got her business started and get an idea of the delicious coffee and bites she offers.
Meet Lyndsay
If you’ve never tried a Vanilla Rose Latte from Gems Mobile Café, then you’re in for a treat. While we had a chat with Lyndsay on San Vincente just past Wildcat Canyon, this café on wheels travels all around Ramona.
When Lyndsay moved to Ramona from Oregon, one of the things she always joked about was how there weren’t any little pop-up coffee shops. Where she’s from, they have coffee shops like Human Bean, Black Rock, and Dutch Bros. In small Oregon towns similar to Ramona, they had a small coffee spot called Antlers. She knew there was a need to fill here in Ramona.
Opening A Business
Lyndsay wanted to have a coffee trailer so that she could be mobile, allowing her to go to different places in the community. One day, after talking about her idea, her husband told her to go ahead and do it. “Start a coffee trailer,” he said.
Despite the fact that Lyndsay had never done anything like that before, she’s now a new business owner. She and her husband have been slowly figuring out the process for a couple of months, and people seem to love the concept so far. They often thank Lyndsay for being there, though she’s thankful for their business.
Seattle-Style Coffee
Gems Mobile Café offers coffee that’s both a Seattle and Brazilian-style roast. People often comment on its smoothness, which Lyndsay credits to a long search for local roasters. She settled on beans from a San Diego roaster from the Coffee + Tea Collective.
Her roaster is from Washington, not very far from where Lyndsay is from. He even knew some of the same coffee people she did. Now, he makes all of Gems’ handmade syrups and special coffee roasts, boxing the coffee with her logo so she can sell it by the bag.
Choosing Locations
With mobile coffee, I asked Lyndsay how she decides where she’s going to be at any given time. As a small-town kind of person, Ramona is one of the biggest places she has ever lived. The less distance she travels and the more local she stays, the happier she is.
Most often, Gems Moile Café is parked on San Vicente from Tuesday through Friday. Other times, they stay in Ramona and attend local events. This includes local soccer games, softball events, the rodeo, and the fair. They also plan to park at some pumpkin patches this season, letting everyone grab a pumpkin spice latte.
While Lyndsay usually stays in Ramona, she likes the fact that she can be mobile. For example, they’re going to Alpine for a school event to offer some fun Halloween cookies and treats for the kids. They’ll also be doing a couple more school events in Ramona, too. Her dream is to one day have little coffee trailers in every little small town.
A Unique Logo
Not only is Gems Mobile Café a unique business, but it also has a unique logo. Lyndsay and her husband live at the Hidden Gem Ranch on Gem Lane in Ramona. The logo—featuring a colorful gem and her goat, Tommy—was drawn by her friend Don from Oregon.
Don is an artist that does album covers and other projects. He and his wife came up and visited Lyndsay with their daughter. They hung out and played with her goats, especially loving Tommy. It’s his face that is featured on the logo.
Signature Drinks
I’ve tried a few of Gems Mobile Café’s offerings, and I love them all. Lyndsay’s favorites depend on the season; in the hot Ramona summer, she switched between iced teas to drinks like the Vanilla Rose Latte. It’s made with a rose petal simple syrup that’s very refreshing.
Because of the homemade syrups, the drinks are crisp and light—not like the ultra-sweet drinks at some other coffee shops. In the winter, mint chocolate mocha is a great option. Other syrup options include orange cinnamon—made with orange zest and cinnamon sticks—and black sea salt caramel. They’ve also been experimenting with pumpkin and pumpkin puree to make the perfect fall drink.
Lattes start with a whole milk base with two shots of espresso base. Of course, caffeine lovers can always add extra shots. About an ounce of syrup is then added, though they can be made sweeter to suit the customer’s taste. You’ll definitely want to try one of Lyndsay’s drinks and experiment with syrup combinations.
Breakfast Bites
In addition to drinks, Gems Mobile Café also serves up delicious breakfast. Lyndsay likes the breakfast burrito, which is pretty hearty. It includes potatoes, sausage, and eggs fried up and topped with cheese and a secret sauce.
It’s a big burrito that’s perfect to eat in the car on the way to work. It’s also large enough that you can save half for lunch later on. They also offer bagels, muffins, and delicious bread like pumpkin, banana, and lemon blueberry.
Start The Day Right
I hope this gave you a good idea of everything that Gems Mobile Café has to offer. Be sure to check out their Facebook page to find out where they’ll be parked next.
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Ramona Revealed, my show where we focus on everything Ramona. Stay tuned to see what I feature next!
Are you thinking of buying a home in the Orange County area? Check out this listing in Fountain Valley. You will love this beautiful 2 bed 2 bath home located in the Caballeros Sports Village!
172200 Newhope St. #21B Fountain Valley, CA, 92708 2 bedroom, 2 bathroon, 1224 sqft Located in Caballeros Sports Village Listing price: $460,00
Are you looking to grow your business? Did you know there’s a networking and referral organization that can help you? On this episode of Ramona Revealed, we’re going to introduce you to Lyle Sprung, the upcoming director of Ramona’s first BNI chapter. I’ll explain how this great group of people can help you be successful in all of your business endeavors.
BNI (Business Network International) helps business owners to support other professionals in the community, grow their business, and make more money. This referral networking group is the largest of its type in the world, with over 270,000 members worldwide. Meeting with other business owners allows you to quickly generate referrals and market your business, helping your fellow chapter members do the same.
Lyle Sprung has been in BNI for nearly 7 years, with both he and his wife involved in their own chapters. In support of one of his employees, Lyle is helping to grow a Ramona BNI chapter that will serve businesses in the community. Members include young and old entrepreneurs and established companies, both big and small. Any business owner has much to gain from joining their local chapter.
Built on a culture of reciprocal business relationships, you’ll not only get something out of BNI, but you’ll also be giving to your fellow members. Part of the purpose is to develop business relationships with likeminded people, where you’ll be able to improve your communication skills with trusted advisors. You’ll represent their interests, and they, in turn, will represent yours. It’s an awesome give and take that can help take your business to the next level.
Lyle currently has a good core group of individuals as the Ramona chapter is forming, though more professionals are still needed. Business people that stand by the quality of their work are invited to see what BNI is all about. The Ramona chapter still needs a handyman, electrician, plumber, and financial advisor to fill key positions in the group. There are many other categories available, and BNI welcomes professionals to join.
If you’d like to hear more about what BNI is all about and how it can help you, you can visit the meeting on Tuesday morning from 8:30am-10:00am. Located at Anytime Fitness on Main Street in Ramona, our group of business people is waiting to connect with you! Make sure you stay tuned for the next episode of Ramona revealed to see what we feature next.
Want To See Our Next Videos? Connect With Us!
Search Now!
What a few clients had to say…
Reviews on Zillow
3917548
“I had to get Mom’s house sold from out-of-state. Regina and her team finished emptying out the house including sorting trash and thrift shop … more “
5.0/5.0
by tandemjeepers
3640673
“I had an excellent experience working with Regina and her entire team, both in selling my home and buying an new home. Initially, I decided to speak … more “
