Here’s a quick, fun, cheap, family activity we did today. Even though San Diego has something like 300 days of sunshine, sometimes the grey sets in and you get a little stir crazy.

Here’s the challenge:

• Head down to the Little Italy Mercato. (Every Saturday)
• Give each family member $10.
• Let each member of the family buy their own lunch with their $10. (all change goes back to dad)
• Have a picnic at Balboa Park.

I can’t speak for all the vendors, but the ones we talked to who asked what we were doing– they loved it! Our kids certainly loved discovering what they could get for $10 at a Farmers Market.

And even though it wasn’t super sunny at the park our kids had a blast!

On top of that, us parents were pleased that the kids found something they each liked, everything they picked out was locally grown or produced, and they got to blow off some steam at a great San Diego gem.

With the Pacific Ocean as it’s backdrop, the Little Italy Mercato is a picture perfect representation of the 40 plus certified farmers markets operating in San Diego County. This is one of the many free gems which make San Diego such a wonderful place to live and visit.

On a recent Saturday morning our family of four piled into the car for a downtown culinary adventure. My husband and I were on a mission to buy farm fresh ingredients for dinner. The kids grudgingly accepted the task. You’d think we were taking them to the dentist.

The Little Italy Mercato is hard to miss because it runs across three blocks. We had no problem locating free street parking right around the corner. I also noticed paid parking for $7. The atmosphere was festive as we approached to market – live music and the mingled scent of food, flowers, and herbs filled the air.

Not just a food market, the Mercato offers something for everyone. I was initially side-tracked by a display of locally made jewelry. With a little help from my family I refocused and let my nose guide me to the heart of the market, the food. Never able to turn a blind eye to food, our kids loosened up when offered samples of juicy softball-sized peaches. It should be noted that the Little Italy Mercato is a great location for selecting locally caught seafood, as well. One unusual sample my husband could not resist was live sea urchin. He’s still alive after trying this spiny wonder! He said it was tasty with the texture of an overripe peach with a hint of brine flavor.

About an hour later our mission was accomplished. We walked away with dinner and several new experiences.

The Little Italy Mercato offers a feel-good feast for the senses. Next time I’ll brave the long line for crepes made on the spot from Le Creperie. My mouth is already watering.

Extraordinary Desserts is a dessert lover’s paradise. While there are other items on the menu, dessert takes center stage. The desserts are homemade and the menu changes daily. The best word to describe the desserts is intense. Presentation is part of the package. Desserts are garnished with the likes of fresh fruit, colorful flower petals and sculpted chocolate. They are a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.

On my last visit I ordered a scoop of homemade Very Vanilla Bean Ice Cream served with a generous heap of fresh raspberries, blueberries and strawberries. (I’m a self-described chocoholic but I was counting on my younger child not being able to finish his sinfully rich chocolate mousse…lucky for me, I was right.) Needless to say I walked out, better make that waddled out, with a happy belly.

Extraordinary Desserts is a unique stop for your next visit to downtown San Diego. Here are a few things you should be aware of before you visit:

• Extraordinary Desserts has two locations in downtown San Diego – Little Italy and Balboa Park (original location)
• Parking is limited to metered street parking
• Both locations are popular; prepare to wait in line to be seated
• A dessert and coffee may set you back about $10; in here it’s about the total experience