Sand n' Straw: your new favorite hangout

*Big exhale* Wow. I hate to be ~dramatic~ BUT - Sand n' Straw has stolen my heart. And I guarantee you'll be just as smitten as I am after you read this post.

Sand n' Straw Community Farm is located in Vista, CA just off the 78 East. However, memories of crowded freeways and ugly billboards quickly dissipate at Sand n' Straw. Sitting in a well-shaded white Adirondack chair, sipping a perfect iced vanilla latte, gazing over the lush green hills and idyllic farmscape in front of me, all of my problems seemed to fade away.

Our family recently made the decision to get a CSA box. Haven't the faintest clue what that is? Me neither- until a few weeks ago.

CSA - Community Supported Agriculture - boxes are filled with local produce from farms near you. They're a great way to not only support local businesses (which we are HUGE fans of here at Chai Everything) but also to reduce your carbon footprint and increase your veggie consumption!

In the process of scouring the web for the best CSA box possible, my sister, Hannah, stumbled upon Sand n' Straw. She quickly discovered that not only do they provide amazing fresh, pesticide-free produce to lucky San Diegans... they have a coffee bar!

Obviously we had to check it out.

Long story short: life changing.

So... here's what you need to know about the Sand n' Straw experience.

1. They have a limited menu. The coffee bar (shop? hut?) is a relatively new addition to the farm, so their menu is limited. You can check it out here.
   

2. They have very limited hours. The Farm Stand is only open two days a week, so make sure to plan your trip ahead of time. Check their current hours here.
   

3. They have ANIMALS! Yes, you read that correctly. They've got ducks, pigs, goats, and more.
   

4. They make a mean vanilla latte.

I'm talking incredible. Best I've ever had. Where to begin. Coffee as smooth as Elvis. A vanilla bean flavor so flawlessly delicate you can't help but shed a tear. When words fail... you just have to go try it. You will not regret it. (*Bonus* the vanilla syrup is organic!)

Psst...Sand n' Straw gets their beans from Bird Rock! (read the full review here)

Here's our exact order: 16oz iced vanilla latte w/ oat milk (I didn't realize they make their own almond milk - when I go back I'll definitely order AM instead!) Rating: 5/5 - can't imagine it being better!

So... you know where to find me on Wednesdays & Saturdays from now on. In all seriousness, we absolutely loved Sand n' Straw and recommend everyone try it out! They've even got a little climbing wall for kiddos.

Check out the gallery below to see more photos from our adventure.

Hugs & scones,

Micah from Chai Everything

PS: We also bought a jar of honey from them! I'm on a quest to destroy my allergies (okay, maybe not destroy.. but at least reduce) and my sister in-law recommended eating local honey everyday. So far, so good!