Sometimes life is so busy and hectic, we forget what it’s like to slow down and appreciate the world. When was the last time you visited a working farm, picked your own berries, or ate a sun-ripened organic tomato harvested the same day? Here’s a few our favorites which includes local farm stands as well.
Farm Fresh Is The Best
Did you know? Nevada County is home to several small local farms you can visit. It’s a great way to connect with the land, meet the farmers who grow your food, AND have some fun the whole family will love. By visiting a working farm, or two, you’ll get to drive on some spectacular backcountry roads and experience firsthand what makes our foothill agrarian community so special and worth saving.
Grab the picnic basket and a sun hat. Smile and relax. You’re about to step back in time.
PRO TIPS:
Before setting out, it’s a good idea to do a little prep in advance of your day to optimize your experience. We’ve put together a simple checklist to help your day go smooth so you can make the most of it.
Drive Like You Live Here
Many of our farms are located on narrow roads within rural communities. Please be mindful of the neighborhood. Slow down. Enjoy the scenery.
Bring Cash
Some local farm stands operate using the honor system. Chances are there may not be an attendant or ATM machine available.
Day In The Sun
If you’re headed to a U-Pick, remember to be prepared – bring sun protection, a wide-brimmed hat, comfortable clothing, sturdy footwear, and plenty of water. Snacks are always a good idea to keep you energized. Don’t be afraid to get a little dirty.
Call Ahead!
Life on the farm is busy and some days farmers must close their local farm stands early. A little pre-planning will help you avoid a wasted trip.
Say “Cheese”
Remember to keep the phone and camera charged and ready for this outing. Rolling hills, pumpkin patches, and cute barnyard animals provide stunning backdrops and candid photo ops you don’t want to miss.
Farm Directory
Now that you’re prepped for a day of exploring farm stands in Nevada County, get ready to plot your course from our favorites below or discover your own by checking out a full listing of local farms and ranches in Sierra Harvest’s Farm Directory.
Bierwagens Donner Trail Fruit
17473 Lower Colfax Rd
Grass Valley, California 95945
(530) 477-5992
A family-owned and operated farm since 1902. The Bierwagen family grows, produces, and curates fruits and vegetables from other area farms. Their promise – “we won’t sell you anything we wouldn’t love ourselves.” Look for the pumpkin patch and harvest season-inspired farm tours in October!
Blue Dane Garden
563 Idaho Maryland Road
Grass Valley, CA 95945
Blue Dane Garden
Blue Dane Garden is a woman-owned farm specializing in year-round salad mixes and microgreens, offering an online farmstand for easy ordering and in-town pick-up. They’re passionate about sustainable farming techniques and growing vegetables without the use of chemical sprays or pesticides. Fresh produce and bread are delivered to the farmstand every Friday. Regular store hours are Mon-Sat, 11 am -6 pm. Use the honor box at the back of the building to pay.
Broadfork Farm
13624 N Meadow View Dr
Grass Valley, California 95945
(530) 264-6204
Broadfork Farm
Broadfork Farm is a family-run micro-farm on 1 1/2 acres. The family grows healthy food at fair prices using natural inputs and sustainable practices. They specialize in heirloom varieties and plant starts. They also have goat milk soap. The on-site farm stand is open from 9 am to 7 pm daily. Orders and tours can be arranged by phone.
FourK Farms
22398 State Highway 20
Nevada City, California 95959
(530) 470-0874
FourK Farms
A small regenerative and sustainable farm located at 4,000 feet elevation above Nevada City. Open Tuesday through Saturday. Call ahead.
MushBarn
13033 Thoroughbred Loop
Grass Valley, California 95949
MushBarn
A small, woman-owned regenerative and certified organic mushroom farm nestled in the Sierra Nevada Foothills of Grass Valley. “We provide our local community and beyond with sustainably and deliciously grown mushroom protein, while curating regenerative lifestyle practices.”
Peardale Farm
14209 Colfax Highway
Grass Valley, California 95945
(530) 255-4110
Peardale Farm
Located on the outskirts of Grass Valley, this little farm features U-pick and farm tours as well as a farmstand with certified organic plant starts and fresh produce.
Starbright Acres Family Farm
12575 Polaris Dr.
Grass Valley, California 95949
(530) 273-2513
Starbright Acres Family Farm
Starbright Acres Family Farm produces certified organic vegetables and garden starts that are grown in an ecologically sustainable manner. Actively involved with the local food network, this family of farmers hosts field trips and regularly gives back to local schools and the community. Look for produce and plant starts at this home site farm store, open 7 days a week from 7 am to 7 pm.
First Rain Farm
19832 Rector Rd
Nevada City, California 95959
(530) 802-6899
First Rain Farm
First Rain Farm is a diverse, certified organic, and no-till operation combining livestock with annual and perennial crops. “We consider ourselves a regenerative farm and take pride in how we steward the land, grow crops exclusively using compost we generate on-site, and provide abundant and healthy food for our community.” During the summer, visit the farm where you can enjoy a berry U-Pick or say “hi” to the farm’s resident goats.
Lazy Valley Ranch
Penn Valley, California 95946
(530) 432-2234
For a limited time, U-pick blueberries and blackberries can be found at this picturesque property of rolling hills in Penn Valley. Remember Blueberries for Sal? Ku-Plink. Ku-Plank. Ku-Plunk.
The Meadow Orchard
14293 Meadow Drive
Grass Valley, California 95945
(916) 532-4741
The Meadow Orchard
This woman-owned apple orchard features different varieties of apples including Golden Delicious, Gala, Jonathan, Fuji, Red Delicious, and Arkansas Black, as well as June Pride and Suncrest peaches. Did we mention the Happy Hen chicken eggs?
Next time you visit Nevada County, you can plan an authentic experience that supports the local farming economy in a delicious way. Instead of bringing back trinkets that nobody wants, surprise your friends and family with fresh produce, preserves, and flowers!
