Get out whenever you can! Leaving the city can be a healthful experience — one you won’t soon forget!

There is always something quite special about leaving the city and taking a ride out into the country. There is more to the experience then simply jumping into the car and taking a drive. There is the expectation and the awe of the beautiful scenery, the adventure of the day mixed with a dash of mystery of what might be just around the corner. I never plan a trip — I let the road make the plans, and I just go along to see what might happen. For many city dwellers, high income jobs and fancy homes are reasons enough to live in high density areas. There is also the enjoyment of living close to multi--cultural aspects of city life, and there is diversity in music, food and social life, but, one of the other nice things about living in the city is the ability to leave whenever you can. Getting out of the city for many would-be country dwellers is based on a deep desire to reconnect with nature, and just one way to do so is to visit rural organic farmers.

It’s interesting to note that less then a century ago most Americans actually lived out in the country, not in cities as they do now. Yes, for many people who might prefer to move back out to the woods or plains, economics keeps them shut in — in high stress jobs and in high-rise apartments and tract homes. Many, many people left the country style of living just after the end of World War II in search of a better life with a somewhat higher income than farming was able to produce. But, now many dissatisfied people wish to reconnect with their country roots, and getting out on weekends is the perfect way to do it.

From the east coast to the west coast and everywhere in between, there is no lack of “out in the country” opportunities, and what a wonderful way to pump up our health at the same time by visiting an organic farm.

As one leaves the city and heads out into open spaces, one can feel the immediate response down to their deepest core — awe, fresh air, beautiful scenery, and an overjoyed feeling of relaxation. For many of us, this is a requirement in life, sort of a compulsion or addiction to the great outdoors, while for others, it may just mean a break and time to experience something new and perhaps an exciting way to get away and relax.

Relax by visiting your local (i.e. within a one to two hour drive) organic farmers and tasting their treats. One could make an entire vacation and a long outing by visiting organic farmers throughout the country, getting a feel for the lifestyle, and perhaps making a life-changing decision — move out of the city.

The travel choices are vast, with small country farms, roadside stands, organic restaurants, organic coffee shops, live entertainment events, and rather large gatherings, such as the Rainbow Gathering, that happens only once each year in a US state different from the previous state.

Just one example of getting out of the city is a visit to the Farmer and the Cook in Ojai (pronounced O-Hi), CA. The Farmer and the Cook is an organic farm combined with an organic market and restaurant. It is owned and operated by the farmer and the cook couple who live their dream by supplying the community with fresh organic vegetables and great cooked or raw vegetarian food. They get repeat visitors from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and as far away as San Francisco, CA.

Many of their repeat costumers state that “coming to the Farmer and the Cook has become habitual. We love the drive out to the farm, and a stop at the restaurant always makes us feel at home and healthy by just eating their tasty and healthy food. It’s a truly unforgettable experience”.

While the Farmer and the Cook is rather unique, there are hundreds of stops throughout the country where one can have very similar experiences. One being the Farm just outside Nashville, TN and another, also simply called the Farm, is located near Tonasket & Twisp, WA.

What are the health benefits of such trips that one can look forward to? Getting out of the noise pollution, out of the smog, out of heavy traffic, away from the computer and TV, and just unwinding. Also, one can look forward to the wonderful assortment of organic fruits and vegetables one will have the opportunity to eat.

So, America, get out when you can and help support an Organic America. Your health will be thankful that you did!

Don’t forget to send me a post card, see ya next week.