Far Northern California Road Trip: Agritourism Edition 

Conveniently located just outside of Sacramento, it’s easy to make a trip to Granny May’s Strawberry Farm an annual tradition. This family-owned farm offers u-pick berries, flowers, blackberries, blueberries, watermelon and peaches from April through August. No time to waste? Swing by their produce stand and stock up on freshly-picked fruits (aka the best road trip snacks)! 

Once a historic fruit packing shed, High-Hand Nursery is now your one-stop shop for locally produced honey, olive oil, nursery plants and more. Grab lunch at the High-Hand Café and Brewery, where they feature plenty of California Grown produce, some of which is grown on-site!

When the initial frenzy of the Gold Rush died down, many prospectors put down their pans and picked up a plow – planting orchards throughout the Gold Country foothills. Downtown Loomis was the epicenter of this agricultural abundance, and vintage signs and paintings throughout town preserve the story of the region’s prosperous past. 

Driving up (or down) Interstate 5? MoonBeam Farm is the perfect place to get out and stretch your legs. This lovely lavender and loofah farm offers seasonal farm tours and boasts a unique gift shop. Be sure to try their organic heirloom loofahs and lavender lotion! 

Welcome to Corning, the olive capital of California! Olive Pit Restaurant and Gift Shop is the perfect place to get a taste of Corning’s famous cured olives and olive oil. Not sure what to order? Olive Pit is famous for its California-style spin on the classic Muffuletta Sandwich, made with local olives, olive oil and vegetables. If you’re craving something sweet, the Lemon or Blood Orange Olive Oil Milkshakes are hard to beat. Before you head out, stop by the gift shop to stock up on stuffed olives, infused olive oils and California wines to enjoy once you reach your destination. 

On Saturday mornings, the Red Bluff Farmers Market is the place to be! Set at the northern end of the Central Valley, Red Bluff farmers grow an incredible variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers and nuts. At this year-round farmers market, you’ll find the best seasonal produce and connect with the farmers who grow your food. 

Heather Austin and Audrey Pascone are passionate about the importance of organic produce and meats – and they’re eager to share their experiences with the Red Bluff community. Swing by the Red Gate Ranch booth at the Red Bluff Saturday Farmers Market or stop by their seasonal farm stand to  try their organic produce and meats and learn why they believe that eating organic is worth every extra penny.

Rural Tehama County was once home to California’s largest winery. Today, on that same piece of land, Cistercian monks craft award-winning wines in partnership with one of the Golden State’s most promising female winemakers. If you’re traveling through Tehama County, make sure to stop by New Clairvaux Vineyard. From its fascinating origin story to its unique varietals, there’s truly something for everyone at this historic winery. 

In June and July, Lavineyard Farms is a lavender lover’s dream! Visitors can stroll through the u-pick farm, crafting a bouquet from 147 rare lavender varieties while breathing in the intoxicating floral aroma. During the off-season, check Lavineyard Farms’ website for a schedule of DIY classes, where you’ll learn to make lavender tallow, wreaths, candles, soaps, bath bombs and more!

Why not mix iconic agritourism experiences with a little hiking? Mount Shasta is not only abundant with opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and camping, but is also wrapped in mythology. Shrouded in secrets for thousands of years, the mountain is considered a sacred site to Native American tribes. Rumors of alien sightings and Lemurian legends linger even today. Some visitors even claim that the mountain’s energy “calls” to them. Even if you’re not personally attracted to the mountain’s magnetism, there’s no denying that Mount Shasta is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts – with abundant opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, camping and more!

Northern California is cattle country – the rugged, remote region is studded with family-owned ranches. Visit Five Marys Farm Store and Burgerhouse in downtown Fort Jones to get an authentic taste of ranch life. Grab lunch at Five Marys Burgerhouse – the Bacon Bourbon Burger and tallow-cooked fries never fail to please. Then, stop by Five Marys Farmstore for ranch-style decor and apparel, snacks, spice mixes, tallow-based cosmetics, and (of course) Five Marys meats!

The Tule Lake Basin is an incredibly abundant agricultural region due to its rich volcanic soils. Want to learn more about the area’s ancient origins? At Tule Lakes Lava Bed and National Monument, guests can explore hundreds of geologically diverse lava caves, traipse down scenic trails and learn more about the fascinating history of the indigenous people and early settlers. If you plan on spelunking, be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp – iPhone flashlights won’t allow you to fully experience these natural wonders. 

Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge is one of the few wildlife preserves in the nation that allows farming. In Tulelake, farmers grow potatoes, horseradish and mint  – crops that thrive in the high elevation environment and can withstand a few nibbles from the elk, deer, and other animals that roam the preserve.