Tag: farmer's market

Just three hours south of Seattle, the birthplace of the Washington wine industry sits on the eastern edge of the Yakima Valley, flanked by rolling hills and acres of vineyards and agriculture as far as the eye can see.

Prosser is nestled in the foothills of the Yakima Valley, and the Yakima River wraps around this bucolic, historic town on three sides. With Mount Adams commanding the vista to the west and the Horse Heaven Hills AVA stretching to the Columbia River to the south, Prosser is surrounded by stunning scenery and a hive of wine activity. With a history that dates back to the early 1880s and the construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad main line through Yakima Valley, this long-standing farming community is bubbling. You can smell the cherry and apple blossoms during spring bloom.

With spectacular Sierra Mountains spanning more than 1,800 square miles and elevations ranging from just a few feet to more than 10,000 feet above sea level, El Dorado County is one of the most diverse and naturally beautiful places you’ll ever visit. The 1848 discovery of gold in the American River near Coloma touched off the largest mass migration in the history of the United States. Today, this thrilling chapter of history is evident in the rustic mining towns and historic sites that dot the landscape. Now, El Dorado County is a year-round vacation destination overflowing with outdoor adventure, a welcoming wine and agricultural scene, enriching family activities, and a sense of community pride that resonates across its striking terrain.

If you toured the entire nation, you wouldn’t find a place like California’s San Luis Obispo (SLO) County. It’s located in a primo spot—just about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Easy to get to and hard to leave, stunning San Luis Obispo County is full of possibilities for coastal, culinary, and cultural exploration, or as we like to say, "the three Cs."

Behold the Coastal Beauty

The western edge of San Luis Obispo County is defined by the Pacific Ocean. When you first lay eyes on this dramatic swath of land and how its rolling coastal hills dip down to touch the sea, you may hear yourself exclaim, "ahhh," or "wow." It’s really that beautiful. The tapestry of hills and valleys in San Luis Obispo County are simply beyond compare.

Just 45 miles northeast of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge awaits Sonoma Valley: a rolling patchwork of scenic farms, parks, friendly communities, and vineyards.

Breathtakingly diverse, Sonoma Valley has earned its reputation as an authentic wine and travel destination for many good reasons. You’ll discover the reasons wherever you turn. Stop at the farm stands, farmers’ markets, and restaurants offering a bounty of local fresh produce, pungent olive oils, and artisan cheeses. Visit the state and regional parks and historic sites that tell the story of the valley’s rich history. Hike, bike, and breathe in the sweet country air. Chat with locals who gave Sonoma Valley its reputation as one of the nation’s proudest and friendliest places. And of course, sample the exquisite world-class wines that capture the aromas and flavors of this magical, yet genuine valley.

Since living in California, going to the local farmer’s market every Saturday morning with my husband has become one of my favorite parts of the week. I’m incredibly thankful the market stays open year-round, but have to admit that I start getting a little tired of apples and oranges by the spring. So when summer comes, I find myself loading up on cherries, blueberries, peaches, strawberries and melons. On occasion, I admit, I go a little overboard.

That’s when it’s time for "farmer’s market drinks." I always feel better about sitting outside and enjoying a drink when I know I’m at least getting some fruit. Below, I’ve included three of my favorites. Get creative and substitute with whatever fruit you have on hand.