I am lucky; I get to live and work in a place that I love. How many people can say that? It is surrounded by the most stunning farmland filled with orchards, vineyards, and various forms of livestock. It’s a growing town still trying to figure out how to meet the new expansion needs while clinging for dear life to that wonderful small-town feel.
What sets this town apart, though, is not the scenery. It’s the people who live here, the people who have built businesses, lived, and invested in this community. You will never find a town filled with more generous and kind people than Manteca. I have made many family traditions around local town events like the Christmas Parade, July 4th Festivities, crab feeds, and the gazillion other things that local nonprofits put on. I work in a nonprofit and often marvel at how all of us feel loved and supported and continually have our needs met so the work we do can continue.
If you are driving through, make sure you check out some of the fantastic local restaurants and fruit stands. We are right on the way from the Bay Area to Yosemite, Tahoe, and Sacramento. Click the links below to see some of our favorites.
Now back to the water tower photo that you are enjoying! I took this photo while working at a food distribution for Second Harvest of the Greater Valley. I am never more content than while watching people provide for those in need. The Sikhs for Humanity had partnered with us to offer a drive-through food and mask distribution during the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Knowing that even amid a pandemic, people still wanted to take care of those in their community, which restores my faith daily in humanity. Make sure to click the links to find out how you can support these organizations in our community.
NonProfits Featured in this blog:
Second Harvest of the Greater Valley
Favorite Local Eats:
- Sit in their quaint outdoor patio and enjoy an inventive and delicious breakfast. Make sure to try the chicken and waffles or the pops plate, and have your camera ready because these dishes are Instagram-ready. Owners Charles and Guivia look for ways to make guests and their community feel loved through their kitchen prowess. Make sure to check their social media pages for operating hours. Besitos Fine Cuisine
- If coffee is your things head over to Bean and Leaf Cafe and grab one of their handmade chai teas or a white mocha frappe with vanilla ice cream. While you are there enjoy the displays of local artists all around the coffee shop. Don’t miss out on the hummus plate!
- Every town needs a Mangy Moose what it lacks in size the popular eatery makes up for in flavor and personality. Oscar and his crew are like everyone’s family and take pride in getting to know those that eat there. Our favorites are the mama moose sandwich or the hamburger steak and eggs with mushrooms and cheese!
- Our favorite place for a fun night out with friends or a date day lunch is El Jardin we have been going here for over 20 years. Family-owned and operated El Jardin has all the traditional dishes you would expect from a Mexican restaurant but they also have many dishes that are just their own. Make sure you order a Cadillac Margarita or try one of the seafood molcajetes.
