The Rustic Ramble, April 26th, is a self-guided tour of farms and gardens in the beautiful Capay Valley providing opportunities to explore farms, orchards, and private gardens that are rarely open to the public. Stops include tours, tastings, and hands-on activities, plus you can meet the farmers and gardeners that steward the land.
There is something for everyone and stops to meet every interest:
Farms:
Farms form the backbone of the Capay Valley and several will be welcoming guests for the Rustic Ramble. Have you ever seen asparagus grow? Do you know what it takes to grow almonds organically? Have you ever tried fresh, robust olive oil? There are so many opportunities to learn more about how your food is grown at all of the farms featured, including: Durst Organic Growers (asparagus), Full Belly Farm (flowers and animals), Sun Tracker Farm (mixed vegetables and poultry), Good Humus (mixed vegetables, flowers, and fruit), Pasture 42 (animals, olives, almonds, and fruit), Capay Valley Lavender (lavender), Grumpy Goats (olives), Capay Hills Orchard (almonds), Luna Lavender (lavender), and Vitis & Ovis (ducks, fruit, vegetables).
Gardens:
Get inspiration for your garden by checking out the fabulous home gardens on this tour! Gray’s Garden in Guinda features fruit trees, a pond, and native plantings (trees, shrubs, and perennials). Judith’s Garden in Guinda and the Nordstrom Garden in Esparto both feature drought-tolerant, bee friendly, and California native plants. The Yoche Hedgerow tour has even more native plants and the Esparto library garden is also worth a look.
Be sure to visit the plant sales at the Guinda Grange and Good Humus to bring some inspiration home with you!
Flowers:
If you’re a flower lover, there are a few stops you can’t miss. Full Belly Farm’s 15 acre field of colorful spring flowers is a must-see experience. Good Humus features a quaint flower field and a 40 year old cottage garden. Luna Lavender and Taber Ranch both have beautiful gardens filled with roses that host spring weddings.
Good for Kids:
This is certainly a kid-friendly event, with discounted tickets for youth, and several stops that are especially fun for young visitors. Sun Tracker Farm and Vitis & Ovis Farm are both excellent stops for families.
Animals:
Animal lovers will have plenty to enjoy throughout the tour. Visitors can meet sheep, chickens, cows, and pigs at Pasture 42; ducks at Vitis & Ovis; cows and sheep at Full Belly Farm; and other animals at participating spots throughout the valley.
Food:
No celebration of agriculture is complete without food! Don’t miss the Taste of Capay Picnic at Polestar Farm in Esparto from 1-4:30 pm featuring meat, produce, and other products grown and raised in the Capay Valley. The picnic menu includes lamb tacos by Wind Dancer Ranch, pizza by Lucy’s Cafe, beef from Quail Cache Ranch, a charcuterie spread sponsored by the Sacramento Natural Foods Coop, salads and dessert by Chef Isac of the Full Belly Farm Kitchen, crudite and dips created by the Esparto High School Culinary program, and much more!
That’s not the only opportunity to enjoy excellent local fare. Other options for tasty food include: Good Humus (pizza), Guinda Grange (ice cream and famous almond roca), Taber Ranch (pizza and salads), Seka Hills (sandwiches and salads), and Lucy’s (coffee and pastries) will also be open for food.
And for those looking to take home a bit of the Capay Valley with them, many of the sites will feature market stands filled with their products and produce.
Get Tickets
Clearly, the Rustic Ramble has something for everyone. Whether you’re here for the food, visiting farms, or a slow day in the countryside, the Rustic Ramble offers a deeper way to experience the Capay Valley. Come and experience it for yourself! There are three ticket types: (1) the Farm and Garden Trail and the Taste of Capay Picnic, (2) just the Trail, and (3) just the Picnic.
Tickets and more information available at: https://www.capay-valley-grown.com/rustic-ramble
Proceeds from the event support Capay Valley Grown and Capay Valley Vision, which seek to strengthen the small farms of the Capay Valley through collaborative marketing, community events, and agritourism initiatives. Follow on Instagram and Facebook.
