The Sierra Foothills are best known as the epicenter of California’s Gold Rush, but they’re also home to a rich agricultural legacy. As the frenzy of the Gold Rush subsided, people began to establish homes, farms and families throughout the area. Farmers quickly found that crops like fruit trees, winegrapes, and berries were well suited to the cooler evenings and rocky soils.
Today, livestock is the region’s reigning agricultural commodity. However a handful of farms and orchards still dot the foothills. Some of these offer experiences that provide a glimpse into the realities of farm life in the Sierra Foothills. The next time you travel through Gold Country, plan to participate in a few of these amazing activities.
Abbondanza Farm
At Abbondanza Farm, soil health is of the utmost importance. Visit this Amador County micro-farm to learn more about biodynamic farming, mindful gardening, healthy eating and more!
Granny May’s Strawberry Farm
There’s nothing like the taste of freshly picked, sun-ripened strawberries! Experience the difference at Granny May’s U-Pick Strawberry Farm. U-Pick is by reservation only. However, if availability is limited, Granny May’s on-site produce stand is open daily from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm!
Horton Iris Gardens
If you’re visiting the Sierra Foothills in springtime, Horton Iris Gardens is nothing short of stunning. Throughout April and May, you’ll find over 1300 varieties of irises in full bloom! Better still, visitors can order their favorite varieties and pick up the bulbs (or have them shipped) in August. If you’ve missed the spring bloom, there’s still plenty to see (and do!) at Horton Iris Farms. The farm offers u-pick flowers during August and September, and is transformed into a pumpkin patch throughout the month of October.
Three Sisters Gardens
Three Sisters Gardens is an urban farm dedicated to improving the surrounding community. What started as a guerrilla garden on an abandoned lot has expanded to four urban farms, offering volunteer opportunities, skillshare classes, bike tours, self-defense classes and yoga on the farm.
Soil Born Farms
Whether you’re planting your first garden or interested in learning more about vermicomposting, Soil Born Farms has a class for that! Not quite ready to get your hands dirty? Simply taste the farm-fresh difference at their weekly organic produce stand.
Covers Apple Ranch
As the Gold Rush fizzled out, agriculture exploded in Tuolumne County. Fruit trees and livestock dotted the foothills. Today, Covers Apple Ranch is one of the last remaining apple ranches in the region. Visit during the fall to participate in their orchard tour (which includes a pie-making demonstration) – and don’t even think about leaving without trying a slice of their homemade apple pie!
Sierra Valley Farms
Why settle for a simple farm tour when you can stay the night on one of Sierra Valley Farms four campsites? Weekends at Sierra Valley Farms are a buzz of activity – from Friday Night Farmers Markets to Saturday Farm-to-Table Barn Dinners and Sunday brunches. In the fall, guests are even invited to participate in harvest!
Bluebird Farm
Create the dreamiest bouquets at Bluebird Farm, a Nevada County U-pick flower farm! Check their events calendar for a variety of classes, ranging from wreathmaking to floral design, that will take your creations to the next level. Bluebird Farms also hosts farm tours, tuber sales, field trips, photo sessions, date nights and more!
Whittemore Family Farm
About an hour north of Tahoe, Whittemore Family Farm hosts the cutest pumpkin patch each fall. This rural Plumas County farm is definitely off the beaten path but we think you’ll agree that it only adds to its appeal.
Fog Willow Farms
Fog Willow Farms wants to make learning about agriculture fun. Each year, they share their specific brand of agricultural edutainment with almost 30,000 kids! From spring science classes to a fall pumpkin patch, there’s no shortage of fun to be had at Fog Willow Farms!
Article by Hilary Rance. Photography by Hilary Rance and James Collier.