Farm

A hidden gem tucked away in the East Bay is Ardenwood Historic Farm. The name for the ranch was inspired by Shakespeare’s mythical “Forest of Arden” found in the play As You Like It. And like the farm you will.

A trip back in time, the farm shares “agricultural practices from the 1870s”, quaint Victorian Gardens and the Patterson House (which by all standards is a modern-day mansion). A stroll around the ranch and you’ll likely run into peacocks, take-in the beauty of the rustic landscape, and even come across docents dressed in authentic garb offering a “Cooking in the Country” class. Buttermilk biscuits and cookies made from scratch on a wood-burning stove will have you making much ado about these tasty treats too. And you may be lucky to try fresh-churned ice-cream which has a pure delight swirled into every bite.

Check the farm’s schedule for special events although you’re sure to have an enchanting time no matter when you go. A running train and historic museum, farm animals, Blacksmithing, and even a visit from migratory Monarch butterflies makes a visit worthwhile for anyone.

The farm hosts a number of events, including a recent Shakespeare and Renaissance Festival. And annually, the adjacent (or over yonder) J.E. Perry Farms hosts a pumpkin patch just in time for Halloween. A farm wouldn’t be complete without a produce stand, and Perry’s delivers fresh picked organic and conventional fruits and vegetables.

A great find, if you haven’t visited it yet, add it to your Try It list and pick this for your next local weekend activity.