The 10 Spot: On The Farm
The season of birds, bees, and butterflies is upon us—officially on March 19. Where better to witness spring's abundance than on one of our local farms? Some provide tours and tastings while others allow u-pick, but all of them care about the environment and cultivating high-quality, in-season goods for the community. Here are a few of our favorites.
The name, Jollity Farm Goat Dairy, is enchanting in and of itself—but wait until you meet their goats! Stop by and visit them any time or book a tour to learn more about the special goatherd. Indulge in some delicious, award-winning cheese, purchase soaps and lotions, or simply watch the cute animals frolic and play. Fun fact: Jollity is the only licensed dairy still in operation in all of El Dorado County. 5314 Marigold Mine Way, Garden Valley, 530-444-0805, jollityfarm.net
Jollity Farm Goat Dairy
There’s so much more to The Flower Farm than the name suggests. It might be a wedding venue and charming B&B, but it’s also the perfect springtime escape. Wander the orchards and gardens, admire the chickens, then pop into the café for a tasty piece of pie or swing by the gift shop for locally made goods. 4150 Auburn Folsom Road, Loomis, 916-652-4200, flowerfarminn.com
The Flower Farm
A field of lavender, planted in neat rows, swaying in all their purple glory, is truly a sight to behold, and we haven’t even mentioned the incredible scent. Stop by Newcastle Lavender Farms and come away soothed, if not from the homemade lavender products you can buy at the farm boutique (open year-round by appointment), then from the beautiful sensory experience. Note: The family-owned farm and fields are open during “bloom season” (typically May through July) for private events, photography sessions, classes, and farm events. 2450 Paddock Lane, Newcastle, 916-989-5970, newcastlelavender.com
Newcastle Lavender Farms
Fowler Ranch has been passed down from generation to generation since 1885 and has built strong roots in the community. As a producer of fruit and nut trees (cherry, apricot, plum, and peach, to name a few), the family advocates for homegrown and local goodness, hosting a Certified Farmers’ Market every Sunday and supporting fellow commercial growers. In addition to commodities like cattle, eggs, citrus, and stone fruits, pumpkins, citrus, and hops are also grown on the ranch. Speaking of the latter, their on-site brewery, Fowler Ranch Farm Brewery, opened last month. 3111 Lincoln Newcastle Highway, Lincoln, 916-250-3276, fowlerranch.com
Fowler Ranch
Savor gourmet mushrooms from Cool Mushroom Farm whose goods can be found at farmers’ markets, local grocers, and mom-and-pop shops across the region. Producing over 100 pounds of fresh mushrooms weekly (varieties vary but often include Lion’s Mane, Blue Oyster, and Phoenix Oyster), there are flavorsome fungi for every recipe—and even “mushroom grow kits” for DIYers looking to get started on their own magical mushroom journey. coolmushroomfarm.com
Cool Mushroom Farm
Come May/June, pick your own cherries—from rainier and bing to burgundy pearl and more—and a wide selection of berries at American River Cherry Company. Fruit aside, the whimsical property is also home to a koi pond and picnic area and sells pre-picked fruit and farm-foraged honey, which acts as a natural remedy for allergy sufferers. 2240 Dias Drive, Placerville, 530-748-9957, americanrivercherryco.com
American River Cherry Company
Move over Georgia; enjoy your own sweet peaches locally at Twin Peaks Orchards, whose tree-ripe fruit has been hand-picked since 1912. Try the goods fresh off the tree (their stone fruit season begins in mid-May) or baked into a homemade pie or cobbler; vanilla ice cream (not) optional. Fun fact: All “cosmetically challenged” fruit is sent to their on-site, state-inspected processing kitchen and turned into jams, jellies, conserves, dried fruit, and more. 6105 State Highway 193, Newcastle, 916-346-5569, twinpeaksorchards.net
Twin Peaks Orchards
A list of local produce wouldn’t be complete without mentioning mandarins. These nutritious, delicious gems are ripe for the picking at Sunset Ridge Fine Fruits—a 20-acre family-owned and operated ranch that’s certified organic. Reserve your spot for a fun-filled day on their picturesque farm, where (through April 1) you can pick tango mandarins, navel oranges, blood oranges, and cara cara pink navels. 7825 Fox Hill Lane, Newcastle, 916-626-1557, gotmandarins.com
Sunset Ridge Fine Fruits
Apple Hill is a popular destination for its apples, of course, but did you know El Dorado Orchards also has a train? Running weekends from September-November, you can hop aboard the Apple Ridge Railroad, which explores the local countryside and orchards—a perfect way to keep caboose-loving kiddos entertained. 2881 North Canyon Road, Camino, 530-642-1222, eldoradoorchards.com
El Dorado Orchards
It may seem a long way off but planning your Christmas tree purchase is serious business. Cut and pick your own at Carson Ridge Evergreens, whose nine-acre farm is filled with a variety of festive firs. 3041 Carson Road, Placerville, 530-644-1490, carsonridgeevergreens.net
Carson Ridge Evergreens
by Caroline Kings
Jollity Farm Goat Dairy photo by Cheryl Dimont Photography. Flower Farm photo by Katherine Elyse Media. Newcastle Lavender photo by Olganatura. Fowler Ranch photo courtesy of Fowler Ranch. American River Cherry Company photo by Heather and Gabriel Jacquez. Twin Peaks Orchards photo courtesy of Visit Placer.Other photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations.