Last Friday night we declared let's go apple picking! Little did we know that most of the farms require a reservation and they are all booked until the end of November. Gabriel Farm Saves the day by offering a drop in U-Pick membership, where you pay a fee to help support this community farm and in exchange you can pick as much fruit as you want plus 6 big jugs of apple/pear juice. I say it's worth it to help support this local farm and to show where my daughter where her apples come from.
Warm Welcome
Once you enter the farm you are greeted with a glass of apple/pear juice with a note of what is available to pick that day. We lucked out on Golden Delicious apples. They are so crisp, juicy and sweet especially right off the tree.
We were lead to a specific apple tree where our two year old daughter could reach and pick apples herself. Did you know you don't pull an apple from a tree? You twist, twist, twist and it comes off the branch without damaging the tree. It's also pretty easy instructions for a toddler to follow.
She had a great time picking her own apples and chasing the cats and chickens around the property.
Around the Property
The property is abundant with different types of other fruit trees and flowers. You can also picnic on the grounds under the persimmon trees. I would highly suggest checking what is in season before you go. I just found out they are opening their edible pumpkin patch and Fuji apples this weekend. When the posted that on Instagram I almost texted my husband to tell him were were going back already!
Farm Store
After you pick your apples you go back into the farm store to weigh your apples and pick up your bottles of juice.
They also sell a variety of apple sauces and jams and on a good day you might see some apple brandy.
To get all your goods back to the car, they have little pull carts where you little one can hitch a ride back to the car with the apples.
We had a great time and the weather was perfect for apple picking. I would highly suggest giving them a visit. It is a working farm so wear closed toe shoes. Don't attempt to wear cute shoes here as you will just fall into a gopher hole. Again read the schedule to make sure you know what you will be allowed to pick that day.
Contact Information
Gabriel Farm
3175 Sullivan Rd. Sebastopol, CA 95472
Hours
Weekends Sat./Sun. August - November 10am -3pm
Phone and Email
Lucy & Torrey Olson 707-829-0617
P.S. I was so enamored and excited by these apples that they already had a photo shoot. Please enjoy this gallery of apple still images....(insert smile). Oh and I have a slew of apple recipes that will be coming your way using these Golden Delicious Apples.
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