Live the Farm Life
Take a family friendly stroll through a lavender farm, taste locally produced olive oil and pick your own strawberries! Come discover how tasty the farm life truly is and why Yolo County is the “farm” to Sacramento’s “fork”.
First up, the California Agriculture Museum in Woodland. We know, it’s not a farm but it does tell the history of the farm to fork movement dating back to the Gold Rush Era. It’s also home to the nation’s most unique collection of tractors and artifacts, with interactive exhibits and special events. And depending on when you’re visiting, Woodland also hosts the California Honey Festival every year in May and Pacific Star Gardens lets you pick your own strawberries and apricots in the spring; blackberries, tomatoes, melons and watermelons in the summer. In spring and summer stroll the blooms at Capay Valley Lavender Farm in the scenic Capay Valley. And in western Yolo County on County Road 25 is the Yolo Land & Cattle Co., a modern-day working cattle ranch. Although by appointment only, this commercial cattle operation produces grass-fed natural Angus beef and beef jerky. (Psst…is also available for sale and can be paid for online and then picked up on site.)
Okay, speaking of food, the Davis Farmers Market is year-round and draws 7,000 to 10,000 people each week. It takes place in the city’s Central Park on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings for Picnic in the Park. More than 70% of the vendors come from a one-hour drive radius with locally sourced products directly from the growers and artisans. Rain or shine, this is one of America’s favorite farmers markets and a must-do on your list. And if you keep driving north to Winters along HWY 128, you’ll find the Winters Fruit Tree – a fruit stand that has been in operation since 1968 and has been family ran for five generations. They sell seasonal fruits and vegetables that are grown on site as well as other local produce from area farmers. They also carry local honey (in case you missed the Honey Festival!), eggs, dried fruits and nuts. Check their schedule online to make sure they are open when you’re in town; their hours are seasonal.
Ready to check out a farm in the Yolo Countryside? We thought you’d never ask! Head to Full Belly Farm in Guinda, which has been certified organic since 1985 and includes 120 different kinds of fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts and animals. In addition to the yearly Hoes Down Harvest Festival the first weekend in October, they host Farm Dinners, which include a farmer-led tour, and Pizza Nights every month. All events are family friendly and listed on their events calendar. Their Farm Stand is also open Fridays from 1pm-6pm and tours can be scheduled by appointment.
Head back down State Highway 16 to Capay Organic (AKA Farm Fresh To You Farm) – an organic farm for over 40 years. Not only do they grow but they pack and ship their produce year-round to wholesale, retail and food service locations in the U.S. and Canada. Throughout the year they host farm tours, community events and even camping weekends. Coming up in September is their Capay Crush Festival which is an evening of local wine tasting, live music, grape stomping, tasty local food and beverages and more.
There really is so much to see and do throughout Yolo County that you’re probably going to want to stay a couple days! From quaint B&Bs to Inns and hotels, there are plenty of options for every traveler. Make sure you check out our experience passes and our lodging specials page to grab the best packages during your stay. We look forward to hosting you!