Vail Headquarters is all that remains of the historic Vail Ranch, an 87,000-acre cattle ranch that spanned across Temecula and all the way to where Camp Pendleton now resides. It housed a saloon, livery stable, hotel, general store, stagecoach stop, post office, and school. Strip malls and housing developments have sadly replaced most of the ranch, but local preservationists managed to save what were once the historic buildings that made up the ranch’s headquarters, and today it is a family-friendly “living historic park.”
The restored buildings are now home to shops, casual eateries, craft workshops, and a few watering holes. Just in the last year or so, there have been several exciting new additions: Marshall Stuart’s wine tasting room, Bare Knuckle Brewery, Ember & Alder gift shop, and Nora’s Empanadas.
Vail Headquarters offers picnic grounds and a farmers market every Tuesday from 9 am to 1 pm that includes yard games and train rides for kids. The grounds are also home to regular classic car meetups and a calendar of weekend events with live music, vendors, and more.
Make a day of it
One could spend an entire afternoon at Vail Ranch. Start with lunch at The Local Provisions, then grab a coffee at The Press Espresso, and browse shops like Nectar, a women’s boutique filled with adorable outfits, or Ember & Alder Collectibles, a treasure trove of gifts and handmade candles. You could also spend the afternoon making your own candle, scent, or jewelry at The Craft House, craft your own pottery at Temecula Clay, or get your hair done at Buffalo Co. Salon. When you’re done browsing or crafting, stroll over to the Marshall Stuart tasting room to sample from one of Temecula’s most influential winemakers, or visit the Daisy Bar inside the Cookhouse food hall for a handmade cocktail.
Vail Ranch Directory:
Food & Drink
Marshall Stuart Wines
Marshall Stuart just opened his tasting room in the summer of 2024, but he’s been making wine in Temecula since 1994 and developed the wine programs at Peltzer, Lorimar, and Altisima Wineries among others. The new tasting room is beautiful and fits right in with the historic ranch-vibe at Vail HQ. It’s a casual atmosphere where guests are welcome to come in for a tasting or hang out with a glass or bottle. It’s a favorite of locals who come by after work and stay for the live music on weekend evenings. Open daily, Friday and Saturday until 9 pm.
Local Provisions
A casual restaurant and bar that serves up delicious, made-to-order sandwiches, salads, flatbreads, tacos, and more. Place your order at the counter, then find a table inside or out. They offer a rotating selection of local wines and beers (Vail HQ’s Bare Knuckle Brewery is owned by the same family) plus a few from other California establishments.
Bare Knuckle Brewery
Bare Knuckle is an (almost) entirely outdoor brewery that pours hazys, red ales, ciders, and more. They have live music on weekends and a menu of decadent bar bites. They’ll even pour you a pickle beer Michelada if you ask.
The Daisy
The Daisy is tucked inside the Cookhouse building on the right side of the square. They have a creative list of seasonal cocktails and bartenders that know how to handle a shaker. If you can dream it up, they can make it. It’s a tiny spot, but they’ve managed to fit in a bar, lounge, are with banquets, and a few tables. There’s also a shady outdoor seating area if you’ve come with more than a few friends.
The Cookhouse
Food stalls and picnic tables greet you inside the Cookhouse. You’ll find stalls serving up ceviche, burgers, BBQ with all of the fixin’s, and more. Hang out inside or enjoy your food at the outdoor picnic grounds.
The Press Espresso
The Press Espresso at Vail HQ is one of six locations in the Temecula and Murrieta area. They roast their own beans and create coffee and tea drinks from house made syrups and a variety of cow and vegan milks. There’s also an eye-catching baked good display and fresh breakfast food items available.
Vail Pizza
Fast and fresh, Vail Pizza serves classic 12-inch thin-crust pizzas like BBQ Chicken, Pepperoni Lover, and Margarita in a fast-casual setting. Vail HQ is all one big family, so feel free to take your pizza over to Marshall Stuart or Bare Knuckle to enjoy some sips with your slice.
Nora’s Empanadas
Nora’s Empanada shop is the newest food option at Vail. Specializing in Argentinian empanadas with a variety of meat, cheese, and vegan fillings, plus, desserts options. They have a small lounge area where you can dine in, but there are also plenty of outdoor picnic tables to take your treats.
Shopping
Ember & Alder
Ember & Alder is a beautiful new shop, teeming with gorgeous gift items like locally made pottery, house-made candles and scented oils, jewelry, home decor, and more. Perfect if you want to bring home a memory of Temecula.
Nectar Clothing
Cute flowy tops and dresses, cowboy hats and embroidered boots, statement-making trucker hats, and adorable handbags adorn the displays at Nectar. This is the place to stop for your next wine country, festival, or vacation outfit.
More Shops to Browse
Around the plaza you’ll also find Honey Hole Collectibles for sports memorabilia, the Temecula Flower Shop, and an antique book shop tucked behind Local Provisions.
Things to Do
The Craft House
The Craft House is a gorgeous space that hosts crafting events and has open hours for creative types to come in and work on their own creations. Make your own candle, paint a masterpiece (or paint between the lines), design your own jewelry at the charm bar, or design your own scent. It’s a welcoming and judgement-free zone.
Temecula Clay
Temecula Clay holds pottery making classes and workshops for kids, families, teens, and adults. There are hand building, pottery wheel, and pottery painting experiences. Experienced potters and ceramists can book open studio time and work independently.
Buffalo Co. Salon and Barber
Buffalo Co. is a full-service salon and barbershop with a 4.8 rating on Yelp. Book in advance for a cut, blowout, or color in their modern salon with an Old West vibe.
Ramble On at the Ranch
A twice-yearly car show with more than a hundred mostly pre-1970s cars, including classic cars, customs, pre-1975 lowriders, and hot rods.
