Highway 99 threads right through the middle of California’s Central Valley, one of two major routes connecting Northern and Southern California. While some travelers may prefer Interstate 5, Highway 99 offers an up close and personal look at California agriculture, not to mention an impressive array of in-season snacks and sips along the way.
As you travel down Highway 99, you’ll notice countless fields, orchards and vineyards. Consider it your civic responsibility to stop at a few of our favorite shops and restaurants along the way for an authentic taste of the Valley’s best produce, dairy and more!
Murray Family Farms, Bakersfield
The Murray Family specializes in unique varieties of fruit that you won’t find at any old fruit stand. Stop by one of their Bakersfield locations to feast on homemade pies, jams and (of course) homegrown produce.
The Murray Family is famous for their cherries. So, if you’re passing through during cherry season, grab a bag and see what the fuss is all about! Be sure to check the event calendar for U-pick day and special events
Orange Works, Strathmore and Visalia
We’ll admit, Orange Works Café is a bit of a detour off Highway 99 – but so worth it! Orange Works is located in the heart of California’s citrus country, where over 90% of our state’s oranges are grown. Fans drive for miles to taste their Orange Ice Cream, an irresistible combination of freshly squeezed orange juice and soft serve ice cream.
Bravo Farms, Traver
Locals know that Bravo Farms is home to some of the Central Valley’s best specialty cheeses. Kids can ramble up the seven-story treehouse. Adults sample unique artisan cheese, including Dutch-style Gouda, Cabernet Cheddar and Garlic Jack.
Bravo Farms also boasts a coffee shop, ice creamery and a sit down restaurant if you’re looking for a place to grab a quick meal. Word to the wise: grab a bag of White Cheddar Curds to snack on in the car. You can thank us later.
Fun fact: 46% of all California milk is used to make cheese!
Simonian Farms, Fresno
Talk about a blast from the past! Open since 1904, Simonian Farms boasts an impressive assortment of fruit and nuts AND a stunning collection of vintage memorabilia.
While you shop for snacks, check out the authentic antique bicycles, tin signs, vintage gas pumps and model trains. Simonian Farms is a particularly popular stop during early spring. People frequently stop in to stock up on snacks on their way to the California Blossom Trail!
Libelula, Fresno
Hungry for something a little more substantial? Pull off Highway 99 and head to Libelula! This award-winning restaurant in downtown Fresno specializes in eclectic farm-to-table fare. Chef Ian Cookson’s talent is without question, but he prefers to let locally grown produce be the star of the show. Try the Ube French Toast or the Valley Veggie Frittata.
Quady Winery, Madera
Did you know that 80% of California’s winegrapes are grown in the Central Valley? Madera County may not be the state’s most famous wine region, but it is home to a number of unique wineries. Quady Winery is renowned for their incredible Moscato dessert wines and VYA Vermouth. Stop in and grab a few bottles to enjoy once you reach your destination, and be sure to snap your pic at the angel wings. If it’s warm out, don’t miss the Electra Wine Slushie!
Merced Fruit Barn, Merced
There’s something for everyone at the Merced Fruit Barn. This family-owned farmstand offers dried fruits, nuts and fresh produce, along with deli sandwiches, ice cream, coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice.
If you’re traveling with kids, Merced Fruit Barn is the perfect place to let them stretch their legs. Adults can enjoy a cup of coffee and snacks at the shaded outdoor picnic tables while the kids visit with friendly farm animals!
The Fruit Bowl, Stockton
Lodi and the surrounding area is known for world-class Zinfandel but plenty of other crops thrive in the region’s fertile soils. Swing by the Fruit Bowl to taste farm-fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts – and stock up on locally produced jams, honey, olive oil and Lodi wines! Be sure to grab a slice of their famous fruit pie made with locally grown fruit from the Lucchetti family’s farm.
Did you know that San Joaquin County growers are responsible for over one third of all cherries grown in the US? If you’re visiting between April and June, you’re in for a treat!
Lange Twins Family Winery and Vineyards, Acampo
If you’re not well acquainted with California wines, you might not realize that Lodi is kind of a big deal in the wine world. The Lodi wine region grows more winegrapes than Napa and Sonoma combined – and if you’ve never tasted a glass of Lodi Zinfandel, you don’t even know what you’re missing. Pull into Lange Twins Winery in Acampo, on the outskirts of Lodi, to learn more about California’s oldest varietal and grab a few bottles to enjoy once you reach your destination.
Wine and Roses, Lodi
Wine and Roses is a luxe retreat nestled in the heart of Lodi. This boutique hotel boasts meticulously landscaped gardens, a farm-to-table restaurant, and a café stocked with grab-and-go bites. Stay the night, stop for a meal, or just take a minute to explore the gorgeous grounds. While you’re there, check out the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center and the adjacent demonstration garden to learn more about Lodi’s most popular winegrapes.
Sunsweet Growers Store, Yuba City
Less than an hour north of Sacramento, Yuba City is home to the Sunsweet Growers Store. Sunsweet is the nation’s largest producer of prunes and other dried fruit. The Growers Store offers a huge assortment of Sunsweet products, along with a carefully curated selection of goods from local producers like Sutter Buttes Olive Oil, Maisie Jane’s and more. Don’t even think about walking out of Growers Store without grabbing a bag of French Kisses (chocolate covered prunes). On second thought, make that two bags.
Lassen Traditional Cidery, Chico
Lassen Traditional Cidery is the best place to experience an authentic taste of California apple cider. Owner and cider maker Ben Nielsen is happy to chat with visitors about the cider-making process and to help guests choose the perfect sip.
Maisie Jane’s Gift Shop, Chico
Need to stock up on snacks? Head to Maisie Jane’s. This charming store near downtown Chico specializes in flavored nuts and nut butters, but also offers an assortment of snacks and sips from local producers. Don’t leave without a jar of Italian Dark Chocolate Almond Butter. A dollop of chocolate almond butter on top of a California prune is possibly the best snack ever.
Article by Hilary Rance. Photography by Hilary Rance, Alycia Moreno and James Collier.