Published on : Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Often what first comes to mind when you think of California is beaches and Hollywood stars. But California also has deep rural roots extending back to the time of the Spanish land grants and early Mexican cowboys, or vaqueros. In later years,
newer settlers expanded ranching as well as farming into the state’s fertile valleys and now the Golden State’s 80,500 farms and ranches play a leading role as a breadbasket to the US and the world supplying crops and staples such as milk, almonds, cattle, grapes, stone fruit and tomatoes.
But it’s not just all work on California ranches and farms. Their idyllic rural settings set beneath snow-capped peaks in Northern California or in the wide open spaces bordering desert regions in the south of the state make ideal locations for restful and rewarding getaways. Families in particular enjoy discovering the chance to get closer to nature and slowing down to the seasonal tempo of life on the farm. Interaction with animals, learning new homesteading skills such as canning and soap-making and enjoying the natural beauty in surrounding areas fishing, hiking and birdwatching are other ways visitors can reap the rewards of a farm stay.
Following are five immersive agricultural experiences around the state where you can find your way back to nature and a simpler way of life discovering California’s rural roots through its farms and ranches.
Full House Farm – Sebastopol/Sonoma Wine Country
Sustainable living is a big emphasis at Sonoma County’s Full House Farm. Set on 23 rolling acres where wildlife like raccoons and foxes are allowed to roam free, the farm offers visitors the chance to not only learn about life on a farm, but about reconnecting with themselves. Co-owner Christine Cole has said “Even if you’ve never been on a farm before, there’s something that’s built into us that feels like coming home when you come to a farm.” Lodging here includes an ample 3-bedroom house that sleeps 10 and studio cottage for two. Both feature hot tubs shaded by oaks and farmland views.
Activities include Farm Life Tours of the organic garden and a chance to meet the family farm’s chickens, goats and sheep. The signature experience here, however, is unbridled horse encounters where guests are coached by Cole to interact with the horses to achieve a deeply personal experience.
Riconada Dairy – Santa Margarita/San Luis Obispo County
The home of sought-after hand-crafted cheeses made from raw sheep’s milk, Riconada Dairy is also home to a flock of 150 sheep and a herd of Nubian goats. Ranch owners Christine and Jim Maguire pride themselves on raising their animals with organic practices including using no pesticides, herbicides or artificial fertilizers. Accommodations for guests here on the oak-studded ranchland include a cozy apartment in the barn and guestroom in the ranch house. Hearty gourmet breakfasts featuring eggs, bacon, cheese and baked goods all sourced from the ranch start your day. Activities include experiencing a typical ranch day working the organic garden, feeding the animals or pitching in milking or lambing. Area attractions include Montana de Oro State Park, Hearst Castle and Morro Bay.
The Apple Farm – Philo/Mendocino County
Northern California’s The Apple Farm in the Anderson Valley lets you go as deep as you like into the biodynamic farming experience. You can just stay and relax among the apple trees in one of their three comfy cottages (another guestroom is in the main house), participate in one of their Stay & Cook programs, which get you into the kitchen to learn new techniques and recipes, or even get hands-on experience in animal husbandry, which includes learning basic slaughter and butchering techniques from the homesteader owners. You can also take a little of the Apple Farm home with you, as their prized jams and jellies, chutney, ciders and other apple products like apple balsamic vinegar are available for purchase.
Flip Flop Ranch – Lucerne Valley/San Bernardino County
The Harvey family that owns the Flip Flop Ranch is on a mission to educate and entertain guests and visitors on the full scope of life on a working ranch, which they share with sheep, cows, pigs, hundreds of chickens and other farm animals. They’ve developed multiple tour options that range from 45-minute Meet the Farm and Farmers tour to a weekend experience as a Farmer-in-Training. There’s also a cheese-making course, an animal care and feeding experience as well as the opportunity to learn other homesteading skills such as soap making and canning. Accommodations for overnight guests are located in a five-room guest house featuring a full kitchen and living room. Nearby attractions include skiing and fishing in Big Bear and hiking, climbing and enjoying the spectacular vistas of Joshua Tree National Park.
Big Bluff Ranch – Tehama County/Shasta Cascade Region
Twenty-five miles from the nearest town, Big Bluff Ranch is a rustic retreat that features a 25-acre lake set like a jewel amidst a rugged setting perfect for a true getaway. A family operation for 50 years, the ranch prides itself on being off-the-grid and self-sustainable, raising grass-fed, pasture-raised cows, sheep, chickens, turkeys and ducks. Besides interactions with animals (on request) the ranch is an adventure-lovers’ paradise, with 20 miles of single, double track and fire roads for mountain biking and trail running. The lake is available for bass fishing and kayaking and also offers excellent birdwatching. Accommodations here are a rustic lakeside cabin that can accommodate up to six persons.
Source:- Visit California
Tags: Visit California
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