Earth Day is on the horizon, and it’s time to show Mother Nature a little extra love. In Downtown Chula Vista, a vibrant community hub, an array of restaurants, shops and local businesses are paving the way for a more sustainable way of living. Join the beloved South Bay neighborhood, not just on Earth Day, but every day, in celebrating the planet!
Vegan and Vegetarian Options Around Town
Farmer’s Table Chula Vista is a culinary gem, offering a farm-to-table experience that can’t be passed up. The family-friendly restaurant features the best of local and seasonal ingredients, offering delectable dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Indulge in a refreshing Farmer’s salad, savory vegetarian flatbread, perfectly cooked omelets, or avocado toast topped with fresh herbs. The cozy ambiance and dedication to sustainable, high-quality ingredients make Farmer’s Table a must-visit brunch destination.
Whether you just came out from an energizing workout or looking for a sip on the go, TG Café, conveniently attached to The Gym, is more than just a place to find a simple cup of coffee. With a focus on nourishing smoothies, teas, coffees, and snacks, TG Café offers a variety of options to refuel your body and replenish your energy levels as you go on with your day.
Located in the heart of Third Avenue, Grind House has become a local’s favorite, offering a delightful array of culinary delights from refreshing brews to mouthwatering, health-conscious meals. Here, you can enjoy tantalizing offerings, ranging from the indulging Veggie Egg Breakfast Sandwich and savory Hummus Toast for breakfast, to the hearty Veggie Grinder Sandwich and timeless Grilled Cheese for lunch. Complement your meal with their array of specialty beverages , including the Chai Latte, Café Mocha, or Taro Latte.
Teriyaki Grill draws Chula Vistans in with its fusion of healthy Asian cuisine infused with zesty Latin flavors, crafted from fresh, balanced ingredients all at an affordable price. This laid-back, fast-casual eatery boasts an enticing selection of pescatarian dishes, such as the Seared Tuna Salad, featuring ahi tuna topped with their house miso dressing, and the Teriyaki Salmon Bowl, a medley of rice, grilled vegetables, and crisply grilled salmon – perfect for a convenient yet satisfying meal on the move.
Sustainable Shopping in the Neighborhood
One of the best ways to shop sustainably is by purchasing your items secondhand. At Upright Citizen, the mission is simple: to foster a space where the community can discover a world of secondhand treasures. From vintage records and antique trinkets to retro clothing and accessories, each piece at this shop brings to light a unique story waiting to be embraced.
Ditch the big-box retailers and immerse yourself in the charm of local shopping, an effortless step towards conscious consumerism right in your neighborhood. For baking enthusiasts seeking an abundance of supplies, Standlee’s is the ultimate destination in Downtown Chula Vista. As the premier bakery supply store in San Diego, this staple in the community provides a curated selection of top-quality products to enhance your culinary creations at home.
Earth Day is also a great opportunity to spark new behaviors. At the forefront of inspiring change, Human Catalyst is a dynamic streetwear brand based out of Chula Vista. Beyond apparel, Human Catalyst champions a movement fostering personal growth and collective transformation. Each garment embodies the mission of continual improvement, inviting all to embrace the journey towards a brighter tomorrow.
Supporting Local Farmers
Reduce your carbon footprint by shopping for fresh, locally-grown and farmed produce at the Downtown Chula Vista Farmers’ Market. Every Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m. rain or shine, you will find various farmers, artisans, and vendors offering a wide variety of local goodies. With over 60 tents to explore next to Memorial Park, the farmers market is brimming with local fruits, vegetables, and other produce from neighboring farms in the South Bay. So, check out the Downtown Chula Vista Farmer’s Market this Earth Day to not only connect with others in the community, but also to shop for your groceries more sustainably!
Earth Day Celebration
The Earth Day festivities keep getting better! Join the rest of the community in celebrating Mother Nature at the South Bay Earth Day on Saturday, April 13 from 11:00 am to 3:00 p.m. at the Chula Vista Bayfront Park. The vibrant community event will showcase a range of activities including a fix-it clinic, tie-dye workshop, food trucks, live entertainment, and fun games for the little ones. Plus, eco-conscious shoppers will get to browse through a diverse array of sustainable goodies from over 50 local vendors. Get your green thumb ready for this fun filled day!
From savoring vegetarian options and sourcing groceries from local farms to shopping secondhand and basking in the beautiful green spaces around the neighborhood, there are so many ways to celebrate Earth Day in Downtown Chula Vista!
For the latest updates on Downtown Chula Vista, please visit us at DowntownChulaVista.com or follow us on Instagram @DowntownChulaVista, TikTok @DowntownChulaVista, Facebook @DowntownChulaVista, and Twitter @DowntownChula.
Dominic Li Mandri is District Manager of the Downtown Chula Vista Association.
