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The WorldView-2 satellite took photos on March 19 of Walker Canyon Poppy Fields hillsides. The satellite images show the mountains covered in orange poppies. What a spectacular view.
Click image below for larger view.
WorldView-2 satellite photo of Walker Canyon Poppy Fields
Related: Best Places To See California Wildflowers Super Bloom
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in partnership with Paperless Post. However, All opinions are my own.
I’ve been looking for an easier way to send out invitations and thank you notes. I recently reviewed the Paperless Post app and found that it is very innovative and easy to use. Paperless post is an events platform with beautiful invitations for every occasion and smart online planning tools to help make gathering easier.
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Updated 4/07/2019
Wondering where the best places to see California Wildflowers Super bloom? With the recent combination of cold weather, heat and heavy rains we are in the middle of Wildflower Super blooms all over the Southland again this year. Every year between the months of February thru May, the California Wildflowers season blooms in desert and coastal areas. We normally get super blooms once a decade, but with the abundance of water and the perfect amount of sunlight, we have two super blooms within a 2 year period.
It has been a spectacular wildflower season in Southern California, especially the desert areas of Lake Elsinore, Chino Hills, Borrego Springs, and Antelope Valley. These places might be the best spot for a camping adventure to witness the splendid beauty of nature. However, before embarking on the journey, it would be recommended that you make a well-thought-out plan. For instance, you need to decide your mode of transportation. If you are travelling with your family, then instead of a car, consider choosing a recreational vehicle. Since they are spacious and have kitchens and washrooms, it could be easier to accommodate the needs of your family. The best part, however, is that you can hire an rv moving service for transporting your vehicle in case of emergencies.
Nevertheless, if you are travelling alone, a motorcycle could be more beneficial to you. You need only equip it with racks for loading your camping gear. Anyway, whatever, the choice of vehicle, it is imperative that you buy all the essential things from the outdoor gear store for your onward journey and camping activity. Also, make sure that you check the local laws governing the state, for camping regulations. Here is the list of the best places to visit California Wildflower super bloom:
Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve
The 1800 acre state park is currently in full bloom. The winter rains have created an abundance of picturesque wild flowers in the Antelope Valley desert, but nothing as spectacular as the Poppy reserve. Make it a day trip and visit the 8 mile poppy reserve during the 2019 California Poppy Festival which is scheduled for April 27-28, 2019. The Festival is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days, and takes place rain or shine!
This area is also kid-friendly. However, do not bring your dogs. There are a lot of rules at this park, but they are worth it because they help protect and preserve the poppies. Stay on the trails. Do not pick the flowers. Photos in the flowers are not allowed. The fragrance of poppies is in the air.
Entrance cost is $10 per car. The park offers shaded picnic tables and restrooms. The best restrooms are located at the visitor center. Be prepared for strong winds. Check weather and forecast for wind and gust weather advisories. Visit the poppy preserve anytime during the months of March and April to view the beautiful Southern California poppies in bloom. Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve Park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Anza Borrego Desert State Park’s superbloom is currently in full effect. The perfect combination of rain, heat and terrain conditions cover barren landscape areas with a canopy of wildflowers forming colorful fields of flowers called Super blooms.
The superbloom in Anza Borrego desert is spectacular. With the recent rains there is a burst of color across the desert. The Superbloom typically only comes every ten years, but this is the second time in 2 years the Superbloom has returned. This years superbloom is expected to be more spectacular than the last. Anza Borrego Desert State Park has trails, camping groups, water falls, bighorn sheep and wildflower preserves. The March and April bloom are expected to cover most of the park. Check the Anza Borrego Wildflower updates for exact dates. Check the State park site for details on camping reservations. This area is also kid-friendly.
There is water and tables. There is some shaded areas. There are restrooms. Cost per car is $10. Senior Discounts.
Make sure to download the ABDNHA Wildflower Map for best locations before you go to Anza Borrego to find Superblooms inside and outside the park in surrounding areas. Treat yourself to a self tour of the 130 Galleta Meadows Metal sculptures as well.
Chino Hills State Park
Chino Hills State Park is a state park of California, in the United States. It is located in the Chino Hills, foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. The hidden gem is popular for its Wild Flowers trails in Chino Hills State Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Facilities consist of a picnic area, camping sites, equestrian staging area and corrals, a historic barn, water and restrooms.
To see the wildflowers pay the entrance fee, drive about 2 miles to the HORSE CAMP sign and park your car. The poppies are located on Bane Ridge Trail. Protect wildlife and plants by staying on designated trails. If you are into running, this might be a great place to use your trail running gear. The park closes at 5 pm so plan your trip accordingly to allow enough time to see the poppy flowers and leave before the park closes.
Crafton Hills
The hills near Crafton Hills Community College are covered with flowers. The flower bloom is located on Sand Canyon Rd in Yucaipa, California. There is also several hiking trails at Crafton Hills Preserve. If you live near Yucaipa, you must get out and see them.
Death Valley National Park
Don’t go to Death Valley looking for a Superbloom this year. Due to less than normal rainfall its unlikely a Super bloom is expected in Spring 2019. Check the forecast on the State park site to check the conditions for the Southern California wildflowers superbloom. However, stay tuned. If we see any wildflower sightings we’ll update here.
Related: 2019 Travel Guide – Roadtrip to Temecula Winery Getaway
Diamond Valley Lake
The Lakeview trail and seasonal wildflower trails are in full bloom. In addition to the California poppies, deep blue arroyo lupines, purple canterbury bells, yellow rancher’s fiddleneck, white popcorn flowers, and pink red maid the lake also has 16 species of birds and plants. The flowers are expected to reach peak bloom mid-March thru beginning of April. Best time to see the poppies is from 9am-3pm.
Diamond Valley lake amenities include hiking trails, boat rentals, fishing and lake views. The seasonal Wildflower 1.3 mile loop trail is currently open Wednesday thru Sunday and is accessible via the Diamond Valley Marina with a $10 entrance per car. The Wildflowers are in full bloom. There is also a $3 fee per person to enter trails.
Entrance Cost: $10 entrance. $3 per person to enter trails. Senior and Veteran Discounts. Open from 6am-4:30am before March 10. After Daylight savings, park hours change to 6am-5:30am. Entry to park is denied 1 hour prior to closing.
Walker Canyon Trail
The Walker Canyon Trail Poppy Fields super bloom has ended. There are still poppies at Walker Canyon, but the color is not as vibrant.
Due to popularity of the superbloom and recent rains during the month of February and March, this years bloom has made this superbloom the best one yet. We’ve never seen so many poppies in this area. There are two recommended trails at Walker Canyon located off of Lake Street on Interstate 15 (I-15) and Walker Cayon. There are multiple trails at Walker Canyon, including a hike near the creek, but the favorites are at the corner of Lake Street & Walker Cayon and further down Walker Canyon. If this is your first time recommend we recommend you stay on either of the two main trails.
Due to the steep hills at the entrance of the main Walker Canyon trails this is not a kid-friendly trail. If you are looking for a place to take photos with your children consider driving further along side Walker Canyon road and take photo of the wildflowers on side of the road. The state park rangers have opened a section at the end of Walker Canyon at the base of the trail to take photos. The section is located next to the cellular tower.
There are porta potties along Walker Canyon Rd. There is no water. There are no shaded areas. There are no built in restroom facilities. There are no seating areas or tables.
Weekend Visitors: Walker Canyon Trail Lake Street exits are closed during the weekend due to popularity of the Poppy Fields. All weekend visitors MUST use the shuttle service provided. Two parking areas will be offered. All Visitors exit Nichols Rd. NB visitors exit right to the Dirt Lot Parking Area. Check City of Lake Elsinore – City Hall Facebook page for current updates on road closures & shuttle services during the weekend. Check Lake Elsinore Superbloom for details on changes to view superbloom. Weekend Shuttle Service: $10 per person
Weekday Visitors: No cost parking is available along Walker Canyon Road. For safety and compliance, a Lake Elsinore Sheriff Station Community Services Officer (CSO) will be on site Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. to assist with traffic. Parking will be available during the week. All available parking is parallel parking only. Check site for map of trail and parking availability. Parking & Entrance Cost: Free
Related: Satellite images show Southern California’s super bloom from space
White Water Preserve
Whitewater Preserve has scenic desert hiking along the Pacific Crest Trail near Palm Springs. White Water Preserve is closed until further notice. Whitewater Canyon Road has been severly damaged from recent storms rendering it impassible. White Water Preserve will re-open once the county repairs the road and determines it safe for public use. Kid friendly areas.
Tech Life Wildflower Tips
Plan ahead. Wildflowers are no longer just a local attraction. Visitors are taking 3-9 hour road trips, planning weekend trips and visiting from far away. If you are planning to visit the wildflower super blooms this year wear comfortable shoes, wear layers of clothing, carry 1 or 2 bottles of water, hydrate and stay on the trails. Consider packing a lunch to avoid the huge crowds. However, local business really appreciate the business. Most wildflower preserves have kid friendly areas, but keep your eyes out for critters. Take lots of photos. Spending time with nature is healing so don’t forget to put your phone and camera down from time to time and take it all in.
Consider using Paperless Post to coordinate your next wildflower adventure!
Happy Hiking!
* This post is updated weekly during wildflower season. Make sure to bookmark and check this post annually for updates.
Related: 2019 Travel Guide – Rejuvenating Our Souls with a Pacific Crest Trail Hike
Related: Pics of 2019 Super bloom
Related: NASA Aircraft Captures Images Over Antelope Valley, California’s Superbloom
We headed out to the Pacific Crest trail via White Water Canyon Preserve with our PCT association guides and wandered through the PCT trail. On the Pacific Crest trail we found several flowers in bloom, a great landscape and reminder of beauty in the desert. We also stood in the middle of a PCT landmark with the Pacific Trail South towards our left and the Pacific Crest Trail North to our right. It was my first time on the PCT and a great introduction to the famous trail. The afternoon on the PCT is an experience I will never forget. It was very healing. It has inspired me to return to the PCT with friends and family and continue my journey to explore the healing mysteries of the Pacific Crest trail.
The Pacific Crest Trail is the perfect getaway for exploring the beautiful trails of California. You could plan a whole vacation out of it. There are some amazing places to stay close to the trail such as Meredith Lodging vacation homes and cabin rentals, as well as many other resorts and lodges. You could go with your family and hike the different trails, with intermittent picnics by the lake.
Walk-in tent camping is also available for individuals and groups by permit on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll discover a lot of wildflowers on the trails as well. You can take a 1-hour hike or several days’ hikes depending on the type of adventure you are looking for. Our guide hiked the Pacific Crest Trail twice. We toured the Pacific Crest trail South for a 3-mile hike.
Hiking Trails At White Water Canyon Preserve
1. Canyon View Loop Trail 3.5 miles Moderate A loop trail with excellent views of the canyon and surrounding mountains. This trails leaves from the Whitewater Ranger Station, and follows a segment of the Pacific Crest Trail heading south. When crossing the riverbed, keep your eyes peeled for a small wooden footbridge that will carry you across the Whitewater River.
2. Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail “PCT” A 2650 mile trail that runs from Mexico to Canada Get there in 1/2 mile along a trail from the Whitewater Ranger Station.
3. Red Dome 2 miles each way, 4 miles total Easy –moderate Leave the Whitewater Ranger Station and hike to the Pacific Crest Trail. Hike north on the “PCT” 1.5 miles to this small red rock hill in the canyon bottom. Continue past Red Dome if you wish to reach the West Fork Trail.
4. West Fork Trail 1.6 miles from gate to Stonehouse, 3.6 to Pacific Crest Trail Easy-moderate The West Fork Trail departs from the Mission Creek Preserve gate, and passes the historic Stonehouse in 1.6 miles on its way to the Pacific Crest Trail. It is an eight mile hike from the Mission Creek Preserve gate to the Whitewater Preserve Ranger Station.
5. Cottonwood Trailhead along the Pacific Crest Trail 8 miles Moderate –Difficult Follow the Pacific Crest Trail south from the Whitewater Ranger Station to reach this parking lot off the Haugen-Lehmann exit on Interstate 10
Hiking Tips
What To Wear: Bring comfortable walking shoes, cold water, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellant.
Hikers Beware: Stay alert, there are snakes on the trails.
Best time to Visit: Palm Springs area is hot during the summer. Recommend visits during the Fall, Winter and Spring. Best time to visit is the Spring to view the wildflowers.
Location
9160 Whitewater Canyon Rd.
Whitewater CA 92282
Additional information at Pacific Crest Trail Association or White Water Preserve.
Happy Trails!
The living memorial to the Holocaust provided a powerful lesson in the fragility of freedom.
I toured the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC. As the permanent exhibits start, we were given an “identification card.” The card provided biographical information and a photo of a real person who lived during the Holocaust. The entrance to the exhibit resembled a gas chamber door. At each floor we paused and read a page from the id card with a detailed description of the individual’s birth, life through World War II and his and her fate. It literally felt like we were there witnessing all these atrocities.
The museum left little to the imagination with displays of shoes and hair from Holocaust victims, description of the gas chamber’s methods, and a freight train like those used to carry Jews from Warsaw to the Treblinka death camp.
After walking through the permanent exhibit we made our way to the Museum of Remembrance where volunteers and members of Jewish community groups read the names of the men, women, and children killed in Auschwitz.
The male and female described in our identification cards did not survive. They were killed during the Holocaust.
It was a very somber and moving experience for us.
Never Again.
June is just beginning, but the summer heat has already shown up in the Inland Empire.
A splash pad – a recreation area with no or little standing water – is a great place to cool off in the summer heat without all the stress of going to the neighborhood pool.
A splash pad is something all of the children can enjoy – from bigger kids to toddling babies. One-year-olds love to splash in a small pool of water. Older kids love watching other kids manipulate streams of water and sticking their feet in the fountains in the ground.
Photo Credit: City of Lake Elsinore
Splash Pad Tips
Inland Empire Splash Pads
There are many splash pads all over Inland Empire (Riverside and San Bernardino counties) – from public spaces, regional parks to water parks.
Here’s a list of some you don’t need to pay admission to get you started.
Updated 06/20/2014. Posted 06/04/2014.
There are several Inland Empire waterparks and regional park options for cooling off this summer. Rent a cabana or bring a beach blanket and go for a wet n’ wild time!
Summer heat is upon us and, while splashing in a pool or running through a sprinkler can be fun, it’s nice to take a day and really immerse yourself in the joy of cooling off. There are water parks across the Inland Empire that are private or government owned, allowing for every way you can imagine to cool off, from sliding down a water slide, catching a wave in a wave pool or being splashed with 100 gallons of water at a play area.
Water Parks
Castle Park’s Buccaneer Cove has a five-level structure of wet fun, including several slides, spray fountains and a splash bucket. There are several ticket options available, from just Buccaneer Cove entry at $13 to also including mini golf and the theme park rides at Castle Park in Riverside. Season passes are available, pay to park.
The Cove Waterpark has a surf area, never-ending river, slides and an aquatic play structure. Cabanas and swim lessons available, as well as week-long day camps including swim lessons. Waterpark is open 7 days a week through mid-August, then weekends through mid-September. General admission is $18, 36-47” tall is $14, and $9 for guests 30-35” tall. The Cove Waterpark is at 4310 El Camino Real in Riverside.
Dropzone Waterpark is home to slides, a continuous river, multistory water activity area, and a splash pad with ‘geysers’ for little children. Swim classes available. Park is open most days through August and weekends in September. Admission is $18 for general admission, junior admission for kids 36-41” tall is $14, and tots 30-35” tall is $9. Annual passes available for $53 and $47. Dropzone Waterpark is at 2165 Trumble Road in Perris.
Mulligans in Murietta has a splash zone and water slides, making it very family friendly as kids can play around in the zero-depth area. Tickets for the water park are $15, or add on rides, mini golf and more for $24.
Pyrite Rapids Waterpark at Fiesta Village in Colton has a double tube slide, a body slide and one that sends you off with a gush of water. Passes are available just for the water park- under 48” is $11, over 48” is $15. Or stay and play miniature golf, ride amusement park rides or go roller skating.
Splash Kingdom Waterpark in Redlands offers several slides, a lazy river, kiddie pool and wave pool. . Other park options include trampoline area, arcade, sports bar and more. Splash Kingdom, formerly known as Pharoah’s Lost Kingdom, has offers including water park admission, lunch and trampoline time, as well as a discount for entry after 4 p.m. General admission is $30, with 3-12 year olds $17. Season tickets are available to the waterpark, pay to park.
Wet N’ Wild Palm Springs, formerly Knott’s Soak City, has reopened under a new name this year wit the same variety of rides geared for a little adventure, or for some wet family fun with a interactive play area, lazy river, slides, raft rides and more. During the summer Wet n’ Wild is hosting a series of ‘dive in’ movies July 11 through August 1. General admission is $37, guests 3-11 are $27. Season passes are available, pay to park.
Regional Parks
San Bernardino regional parks have a park entrance fee of $8 a vehicle, $10 on weekends and holidays. Annual passes are available for parking. Check out the regional park swimming schedule for San Bernardino, visit the water park areas or stay all weekend and camp, fish, and enjoy nature at the regional parks. Other rates apply for camping and activities, be sure to reserve your campground.
Cucamonga- Guasti Regional Park has pedal boat rentals, or a swim lagoon, water slides and zero-depth water play area. Boat rentals are $10 a half hour, swim entrance is $5 for four years and up, all day swim and waterslides are $10 (waterslide rides are for 48” and up).
Glen Helen Regional Park has waterslides, zero-depth depth play area and lake swimming area. Swim entrance for ages three and up is is $6 during the week, $8 on weekends and $10 on holidays.
Yucaipa Regional Park has pedal boat rentals for $10 a half hour, lake swimming with a sandy beach and a pair of water slides. Swim admission is $5 a person, water slides are $2 for a single ride or $10 for a swimming and waterslide day pass.
Lake Gregory has a zero-depth play area, swimming, slides, several boat rental options and an inflatable play area on the water. You can go down the slides for $2 for a single ride, or $7 for a pass. The inflatable play area Splash Island is $7. Annual passes are available for $95 individual, $230 for a family of four.
Riverside County hosts two big waterparks that are controlled by the county of Riverside and full of fun for the entire family. Check websites for deals, dates and time, as well as safety and dress code information.
Have additional parks you would like us to add to the list? Comment below and let us know!
There are many things to do in Inland Empire, but the jewel of the valley is Temecula Wine Country. Temecula Wine Country is a little known secret nestled between San Diego and Los Angeles and offers a variety of options for a romantic getaway or a getaway with friends. Whether you are a foodie and music lover like me or a wine enthusiasts, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Out of town friends that have never visited the area before, always go home feeling like the have enjoyed a little bit of paradise.
We recommend the SIP Temecula Passport for first time visitors or any of the Temecula valley winegrowers events. The seasonal events typically includes wine tasting at over 30 wineries with gourmet food pairings and are a great way to visit all the wineries and discover new favorite places. The SIP Temecula Passport is a weekday passport to 5 wineries at a discounted rate. If you’re visiting Temecula for the first time we also recommend a stop into Old Town with a visit to EAT Marketplace, Le Cafe for brunch and Havana Kitchen for dinner.
Wilson Creek Winery
Temecula Getaway Guide
If you’re planning a weekend getaway to Temecula Wine Country print this vetted list of favorite Temecula Wine Country destinations and prepare for a breath-taking weekend of scenic views, great food and wine tasting.
Make sure to visit this page before making a trip again and again as I’ll keep adding additional tips & discounts when available.
Leoness Cellars Winery
Temecula’s Best Wineries
Europa Village Winery – Europa Village is an elegant and charming 45 acre winery. The European style reminds you of an Old World European village with some modern flair. Some of the best things about the winery include the wine cave, ample seating spaces and views of the vineyards. The staff is very knowledgable and friendly and make you feel like a part of the family. Moscato wine is one of the favorite wines in the region. The latest addition to Europa Village Winery is Bolero. Bolero at Europa Village will feature wine-tasting, a restaurant & bar, 10 casitas and more. Bolero at Europa Village is scheduled to be opened in late March 2020.
Leoness Cellars Winery – Founded in 2003, The Leoness Cellars Winery also known as “The Village of Dreams” cellars is located in the rolling hills of wine country. They also have a great restaurant and tasting options. The White Merlot is one of the favorite Rosés in the region.
Miramonte Winery – Known as the hippest Winery in town, the Miramonte Winery is nestled on top of a hill overlooking the Temecula wine country! Some of the best features of the winery include the outdoor veranda, vintages, Live music and water misters. The winery also serves several Mediterranean plates that pair well with your wine tasting. The Miramonte Winery Sangria is also one of the finest Sangrias in the region. The owner is also very savvy with Social Media and you can find him online from time to time sharing his insider wine and entrepreneur tips. Also, keep your eyes open for Mojo, the hippest dog in wine country.
Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery – The winery is located on an Italian Villa in Temecula Wine Country. The history of the families wine make experience also dates back to Italy. You will literally feel like you have been transferred into a small Italian Villa in Italy when you walk thru the winery. The restaurant also serves an assortment of delicious salads and fries. You can also purchase their signature olive oil, vinegar, marinara sauce and hot chili sauces. The Moscato wine is one of the favorite.
Wilson Creek Winery – There are so many things to do at Wilson Creek, including concerts, picnics, lunch, tastings and dinner. I recommend an early afternoon brunch at The Creekside Grill. There are several delicious plates including the Cheese plate, Bruschetta and Gerry’s Reuben sandwich. Make sure to get the mimosas any time of day.
The Restaurant at Leoness Cellars – Pear & Gargonzola
Temecula’s Best Dining Spots
Creek Side Grill at Wilson Creek
South Coast Winery – Vineyard Rose Restaurant
The Restaurant at Leoness Cellars
The Restaurant at Ponte Winery * reservations recommended
Temecula Wine Country Accommodations
Temecula Wine Country Villa Chateau – sleeps 25
Temecula Wine Tasting Transportation
We recommend the all-inclusive day trip on the Grapeline Wine Tours. The shuttle will stop at four wineries and includes a picnic lunch, behind the scene tours of vineyards and wine-tasting.
Temecula Wine Country Discount Tips
If you’re looking for a luxurious experience at reasonable prices also check-out Travel Zoo Temecula Wine Country offers and Groupon for huge discounts on afternoon wine tasting tours, horse back riding, spa treatments and more. Travel Zoo discounts typically need to be purchased in advance so plan accordingly.
Plan Your Getaway with A Paperless Post
Plan your your wine country adventure or event with Paperless posts via www.paperlesspost.com. Paperless posts is a unique way to coordinate getaways, events or get togethers online.
I hope you enjoy your stay in beautiful Temecula Wine Country. Bookmark this post and check it annually for updates.
Cheers!
*Updated 01/21/2020
Oceanside Beach is one of my favorite beaches to capture a sunset! You can stroll down the pier, listen to the waves, enjoy lunch at the local diner on the pier and watch a beautiful sunset. It is also one of the friendliest places to park your car, go fishing, enjoy the sun, a stroll on the pier, take a coastal walk and lunch or dinner at Ruby’s diner.
It is one of my favorite places to visit during the summer. We have made a lot of memories there.
Additional details
Address
Located at N Pacific St, Oceanside, CA 92054, you can
Local Restaurants
Ruby’s Diner
Did you know that nearly 90 percent of U.S.-grown fresh strawberries come from California, with more than 1.7 BILLION pounds being harvested annually – basically, if California were a country, it would be the world’s largest producer of strawberries!
I recently attended the 365 Days of California Strawberries Farm & Culinary Event and learned about the process of growing, cooking and celebrating life with strawberries. We enjoyed over 30 different appetizers and entrees made with fresh California Strawberries and toured a California Strawberries farm. All our strawberry inspired recipes can be easily made at home.
California Strawberries Beach Side
We started off the festivities with a beachside gathering with strawberry appetizers and main dishes. We had grilled salmon with fresh strawberry mango salsa , strawberry salad with berry dressing, chocolate dipped strawberries and strawberry shortcake. Two of my favorites dishes were the strawberry gazpacho and strawberry mango salsa. The gazpacho was light and delightfully sweet. I also couldn’t resist getting second and third servings of the Mango Salsa with tortilla chips.
California Strawberries Farm Tour
The following day we headed out to a California Strawberries Farm for a hands-on tour of a family owned and operated Strawberry Farm. We walked through the strawberry fields, learned how to properly pick strawberries, touched and smelled the soil with our bare hands and ate fresh strawberries. We also learned about the hard work, discipline and dedication involved in farming strawberries Looking at their dedicated and streamlined process, I wonder if they use any figured farm software to get their operations in order. It would be really interesting if they did!
Now, I think that after all this, we would also want to cultivate strawberries in our backyard. After all, it is not an overwhelming process. Needless to say, the majority of strawberry farming problems can be overcome if one has the space. Yes, one might also need to have the knowledge of the right farming tools, but that is not tough to be enlightened about. Nevertheless, protecting the fruit from animals and pets can be a bit tricky. For the former, installing fences (which, by the way, can be sourced from PVC Fence Suppliers on the Web) can prove to be useful; for the latter, using organic pesticides could do the work.
Anyway, coming back to the topic, there are more than 400 strawberry farmers in California, many from multi-generational farming families who grow both conventional and organic strawberries. California grows more organic strawberries than any other place in the world. This is quite an accomplishment because strawberries are not easy to grow, especially in a shifty environment like California’s. I’m quite sure the farmers must use sophisticated technology such as drone dusters and weather monitoring (learn more here) to ensure that the farms maintain a good yield all year. Needless to say, it’s nothing short of a miracle that we manage to get strawberries 365 days a year.
Terry & Will Terry (L-R) – Father & Son – Terry Berries Strawberry Farmers
Our favorite multi-generational strawberry farm is Terry Berries Farm, the farm we toured. Edgar Terry an Oxnard native and farmer was raised by a family that has farmed in Ventura, California since 1890. A fourth generation Californian, Edgar wanted to be a farmer since he was a child. Edgar runs his family owned business, Terry Farms, Inc., alongside his wife of 29 years, Martha, who handles HR for the company. His son, William, handles the day-to-day farming activities, while his daughter manages employee compliance, hiring and food safety. Edgar’s brother runs the machine shop. In addition to growing strawberries on 200 acres since 2002, Edgar grows a variety of crops, including celery, peppers, cilantro and spinach on about 2,000 acres of land.
California Strawberries Culinary Event
After our California Strawberries Farm tour we celebrated with more Strawberry inspired recipes. Our specially prepared menu highlights the nutritional benefits and creatively prepared recipe ideas for cooking with strawberries:
We enjoyed fresh herbs in farms cheese with stuffed strawberries rolled in pecan bacon. Yes! Bacon. These yummy appetizers were very savory. The lacinto kale salad with strawberries, red grapes, spicy candied pecan & blue cheese was my favorite entree.
After enjoying the mountain views for a couple minutes we enjoyed our next course, grilled chicken tacos with savory strawberry serrano, fire roasted corn, red onions, avocado salsa with ancho cheese. We also savored a peanut butter, strawberry jam and bacon Kobe slider with waffle fries and strawberry ketchup. The strawberry ketchup was delicious!
We ended our culinary experience with a strawberry shortcake popsicle and strawberries and ice cream. It was truly one of the most amazing culinary experiences I have ever attended. My palette is still dancing!
California Strawberries Nutritional FUN facts
The next time you buy and eat strawberries, I hope you remember my California Strawberries tour and consider creating nutritional strawberry inspired recipes to celebrate life. Make sure to visit California Strawberries for strawberry recipe ideas & additional tips.
I’m very thankful to California Strawberries for the opportunity to tour a California Strawberries farm and the Terry Family for sharing their love and passion for farming strawberries.
Disclosure: I was invited by California Strawberries to tour a California Strawberries Farm. All opinions are 100% my own.
Question: What is your favorite strawberry inspired recipe?
