This quaint, family friendly farm features horses, hay rides, a petting zoo, a farm museum, a gurgling creek, a farmer's market and a seasonal pumpkin patch. Other fun touches include a corn maze and a small outdoor theater with log seating. Refreshments are available in the gift shop. There are no dogs allowed. Call the farm or visit the Web site for more details.
There's an advantage in dealing direct with local farmers for decades, says the manager of Ikeda's, whose family opened the original fruit stand next to the Ikeda Ranch in Auburn in 1970. "When we say 'fresh,' that's exactly what you get. With high sugar content in apples, pears and plums, for example, you get that fresh, juicy taste." The manager asserts that fruits available in supermarkets have been bred for longer shelf life and have a lower sugar content. Ikeda's produce is picked and trucked to the store within a matter of days, sometimes even hours. Also, since Ikeda's bypasses middlemen, it can pass along significant savings. Some prepared foods are also available, including blueberry and "razzleberry" pies, Chepo's tamales, breads and salad dressings.
A profusion of fresh vegetables, fruit and plants greets you at the entrance of Vine Ripe Farmers Market and Bazaar, with some from Vine Ripe's own farms. The inside has the flavor of an Arabian bazaar, with freshly-made baklava, Samoun and Tanoor bread at the bakery along with a deli, butcher, confectionary and sundry items. Shoppers can take a break at the airy Bazaar cafe alongside the market.
Stop by Allandale Farm and you'll find greenhouses filled with perky potted perennials just waiting to be taken home and planted. While you're there picking up plants, be sure to browse the selection of food available as well. Choose from fresh vegetables and fruits, locally made treats, or a loaf of Clear Flour Bakery's artisan breads. The farm also has a summer program available for children, which teaches young minds all about the outdoors.
Terhune Orchards is a family-owned business located in Princeton. It features a farmer's market, an online store, pumpkin and apple picking, cider, pies, gift baskets, farm activities, recipes and advice about picking and storing farm produce.
Klein Farms Dairy & Creamery is a family owned and operated dairy farm that sells beef, cheese, milk and various other dairy products from its own cows.
The family-owned and operated Deercrest Farm contains over 100 acres of fields and orchards. The land, which has been used for farming since the 1700s, boasts a wide variety of produce, thanks to its notably fertile grounds. The Deercrest Farm Market offers visitors a charming country atmosphere and offers plenty of goodies, such as pie, fruit preserves and chocolate-covered treats. For more information on news crops harvested at Deercrest, please visit the farm's website or Facebook page.
Southern States is a farmer-owned cooperative founded in 1923 that offers farming and animal feed products. This location offers cattle feed, horse feed, lawn and garden supplies, a nursery, pet foods, propane and more. Online orders can also be arranged using the website.
Dry Creek General Store is a landmark shop in Dry Creek Valley and has become a familiar destination for tourists and wine tasters alike. Located directly across the street from Dry Creek Vineyards, this store offers plenty of outside seating and an extensive menu of sandwiches, pre-made salads and beverages. Cheese, crackers and other snack selections are also available to pair with a bottle of wine. The General Store also provides event catering services using local, fresh and seasonal ingredients. For a real treat, check out the Thursday night BBQ. Visit the website for details and special events.
This eco-friendly, certified organic farm is located on 65 acres along the San Lorenzo river and Wadell Creek in north Santa Cruz County. The company's goal is "to provide the finest quality produce at the best value while respecting the land, the people and the surrounding environment." The public can buy Route One Farms' produce at local farmers' markets and stores such as New Leaf markets, Shoppers Corner and Staff of Life, as well as at restaurants such as Gabriella Cafe and Dharma's. It delivers baskets of vegetables to clients around the county for $15 per or $25 a week, depending on box size. The farm's offerings change weekly, but may include various herbs, greens, roots, fruits and flowers.
Always a popular spot at the beginning of the growing season, Stuckmeyer's Farm Market & Greenhouse carries vegetable, herb and bedding plants as well as gardening tools and decorations. The farm also sells its own produce picked fresh daily, including tomatoes, peppers, onions and corn. There are also gardening seminars and special events for Mother's Day and Halloween.
Solly Brothers Farm operates a seasonal farmers market and is known for its peaches, tomatoes, corn, strawberries and apples. It allows customers to "pick your own" produce when it's in season. It also offers tours for school groups and events such as "Breakfast on the Farm." In addition to the freshly-picked, home-grown produce, the Solly Brothers market is packed with a wide variety of goods including canned perserves and sauces, seasonal decor and cornstalks and freshly baked pies.
This neighborhood green grocer has been selling fresh, organic fruits and vegetables since 1956. The market features a large selection of fresh produce as well as a fully-stocked deli counter, which serves up what third-generation owner Harold Foster says are "the best grinders in town."
The Meadows Farm began in 1958 as a four acre farm and stand off of Route 132. The family-owned farm moved to its current 100+ acre location in 1970. Today, the farm has 20 acres devoted to organic farming.
Open seasonally from May 1st to October 21st, the Meadows Farm grows and handpicks a variety of fruits and vegetables, including squash, pumpkins, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, broccoli, cabbage cauliflower, kale, collards, leeks, lettuce and parsley.