Tasty Time at Knott’s

One of my favorite sections of the CV Weekly is the Travel & Leisure section. I learn of so many fun (and many times free) events taking place, whether virtually or in-person. What I have also learned from Travel & Leisure is that people are willing (or at least were willing) to drive or fly for leisure activities. Before COVID-19, for example, a couple of years ago reporter Charly Shelton detailed his trips to Ireland and the Bahamas.

CVW has also started a series highlighting our local restaurants. With his well-developed palate he’s a natural to write about the food that is available and who is open for dine-in (on patios or in parklets) as well as which restaurants provide take-out. I hope you’ve read his reviews about the delicious offerings at Casa Cordoba and Alissa’s Oceanview.

He regularly shares his experiences at local theme parks, too. Though theme parks are currently closed some are attempting to still get people through their gates like Knott’s Berry Farm hosting the Taste of Calico.

Not surprising, I learned about the Taste of Calico after Charly wrote about it and I couldn’t buy my tickets fast enough; I’m glad I jumped on the chance, too, because the event, which ends Aug. 9, is sold out.

I went with BFF Amy on Sunday and we were pleasantly surprised from the moment we arrived. Not only was parking as close as possible to the front gates but it was free. What a treat!

As we passed the Knott’s stores while we made our way to the admission gates, wearing our masks as was every guest we came in contact with, we saw most stores were open and eager to greet guests. We passed through a tent area where we stated our names and confirmed that we were not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms then continued to the front gates. Again: no crowds or lines.

At the gates, we had our bags checked and were able to keep our bottled water – another first (typically bottled water has to be surrendered upon entering a theme park).

Once in, we easily made our way through the Calico Ghost Town where all the food events were held. We tasted a nice variety of food (most recommended in Charly’s article) and everyone was really nice.

The good news is that even though Taste of Calico is sold out, Taste of Knott’s starts up Aug. 21 and tickets are available for that.

Looking over the menu there are many different offerings than were at Taste of Calico. Hmmm … maybe I’ll buy a couple of tickets for that too.

  robin goldsworthy