A farmer’s market, a cafe, a coffee house and juice bar, all surrounded by a lovely green outdoor space – that’s Singh Meadows. It’s exactly what I need sometimes to “get away from it all” without having to leave town. It has quickly become one of my favorite spots to take my two little kiddos or meet up with friends to relax, chat and enjoy fresh food.

Centrally located on the north end of Tempe, 1490 E. Weber Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281, Singh Meadows is easy to get to from any part of the valley. And parking is a breeze, which is always helpful when you’re trying to get kids through a parking lot. Originally a golf course, Singh Meadows offers several acres of green space to run and play, a tranquil ponds to skip rocks, corn holes games and more to entertain everyone while you’re there. There are even wicker baskets set out as you walk out to the patio full of brightly colored picnic blankets for patrons to use for picnics. And if you’re looking for a unique yoga experience, take a yoga class at the Meadows while you’re there.

My most recent visit included my two kids, a few friends and their kids, ages ranging from 18 months to 9 years old. There was something for every age. When you first walk into the renovated indoor space (previously the golf course clubhouse), you will see a brightly decorated, inviting space filled with a variety of fresh organic vegetables, an entire wall of baked breads and an area filled with homemade goods from local artisans such as honey, jams, soaps and candles. Off to the left you find the cafe and juice and coffee bar.

I typically head straight to the cafe to pick out some sweet pastries and coffee. A variety of baked goods are out on display to choose from, and there is also a wonderful lunch selection to choose from that includes fresh salads and hot pizzas. My favorite morning treat is the berry bran muffin, and it is mouth watering good. About twice the size of an average muffin, it has a sweet honey glaze with loads of berries baked right into it. My 4 year old daughter loves it too – bonus!

Once we had our breakfast items we walked outside to find an area to set up our picnic. The kids picked out a few blankets, and within minutes we had our little spot set up.  The kids ate and ate, and then ran off at once to explore their surroundings while us ladies chatted and soaked up the sun. After a few hours here I felt relaxed and rejuvenated. On the way out, we all shopped for veggies and breads to take home with us.

There are few places in the middle of a large city such as Metro Phoenix where you can reconnect with nature, and Singh Meadows has captured that essence. Head over to enjoy this little place in the sun, open weekends from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.