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Must-See Highlights Downtown O'Side proved eminently walkable, with talking traffic signals and drivers who actually stopped for pedestrians. I headed to the Farmer's Market on Pier View Way. Oceanside is framed by North County's agricultural region, where it seems almost everything grows in abundance. As an avid gardener I was eager to see flowers and produce from the pros. I sampled warm strawberries dripping with juice, sweet unfiltered honey, all manner of heirloom tomatoes, and I nourished my hands with soothing cream from Purple Rain Lavender. I also dodged between stands to reach the cool fountains in front of the gracious Oceanside Library. Designed by architect Irving Gill in 1934, Gill's Modern Movement, cubist style with its white arches, unadorned facades, and simple lines dominates Oceanside's whole, multi-block Civic Center Plaza, a scenic park-like complex including the library and City Hall. Architect Charles Moore incorporated Gill's influence when completing a new library and civic center in 1990. Colored tile walkways subtly link the white buildings while sprawling fountains shoot mini geysers into the blue sky. Plans for my two-night escape included indulgent relaxation and a much-anticipated dinner at Valle, Mission Pacific's Michelin Star- awarded restaurant. Explorations would focus on the Oceanside Morning Farmers Market with wares from North County gardens and farms, plus some art and architecture browsing and long walks on the pier. But first and foremost came dinner at Valle. e Main Event Chef Roberto Alcocer is having more than a moment. His much-lauded Valle recently earned a Michelin Star for the second year and Malva, his restaurant in Baja's Valle de Guadalupe, was highlighted in Michelin's Mexico guide. Guests at Valle have a choice between a seat on the terrace with a sunset view or a table in the dining room surrounded by Mexican works of art. e eight-course tasting menu is visually mesmerizing and brimming with tantalizing flavors. I opted out of the Mexican and Global wine pairings and began my repast with the "Maggie," a Margarita as clear and smooth as liquid silver. e first course featured the Cebolla, a charred onion topped with shiny black caviar on a freeform black plate, followed by a perfectly tangy, spicy aguachile topped with a flower of chayote petals. e Etixtamal appeared like an inside-out spiral tamale, and sweetbreads and snap peas were enfolded in a tiny taco. I was sorry I hadn't saved room enough to pay proper homage to the Lamb Barbacoa with all the fixings. Dessert was shaped like a cacao shell encasing a thin chocolate layer over a silky mango concoction. I'd be happy to repeat the experience any time. OPPOSITE The Oceanside Pier is the perfect observation point for spectacular sunsets LEFT Diners can people-watch from the terrace at the Michelin Star-awarded Valle restaurant TOP RIGHT The Oceanside Library's architecture includes elements of architect Irving Gill's original design BOTTOM RIGHT Produce from North County's organic farms is on display at the Oceanside Morning Farmers Market INTRO: PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT OCEANSIDE ALL OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIBETH MELLIN >> @ranchandcoast