Showing posts with label gemstone mining. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gemstone mining. Show all posts

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Andelin Farm- A Charming, U-Pick, Family Owned Farm that provides Lots of Family Fun in the Fall and Spring


8100 Pyramid Way
Sparks, NV 89436

(775) 530-8032

Andelin Farm in Sparks is one of those special places my family and I can’t get enough of, especially when it comes to our fall traditions. This farm isn’t just a spot we visit; it’s where we make some of our best memories.

You can tell right away that the farm is well-kept and thoughtfully run by people who genuinely care about making sure everyone has a great time. What I love most is how they’re always coming up with new ways to make each visit better than the last. This year, for example, they added a gemstone mining sluice and a chick experience—both of which have been instant hits. Plus, they put up some shade tents to help with the heat and even took a gamble on growing sunflowers for a U-Pick experience. Spoiler: it turned out beautifully!

A couple of years ago, we were one of the last families on the farm, and time just flew by because our kids were having so much fun. We realized we hadn’t ridden the hayride yet, so we asked one of the workers if it was still possible, even though it was late. The worker smiled and said he’d check for us. To our surprise, the owner, Cameron, came out with a big grin and was more than happy to take us around. He gave us a little history about the farm and chatted with us like we were old friends. There’s something really special about an owner who takes the time to make sure his guests are having a great time, even when the day’s wrapping up. Cameron’s hands-on approach is just one of the things that make Andelin Farm so amazing.

We keep coming back to Andelin Farm every year, and I’m always telling family and friends to check it out. Whether it’s the fall festivities, holiday fun, or the different seasonal events they have going on, there’s always something new and exciting at Andelin Farm. From the pumpkin patch and corn maze in the fall to the springtime baby animal days and summer sunflower festival, they’ve got something for everyone all year long. If you haven’t been yet, make this the year you experience the magic of Andelin Farm—you won’t regret it!

2021 RATES

*Included in a per-person admission (2yrs. and younger free). 
2021 Rates: Online $12 + 3% fee & $14 at the farm.  

-hayride
-U-Pick Pumpkin Patch
-Wagon Rides
-Mini Zip Lines for Kids
-barrel train ride
-hamster wheel
 -straw bale maze
-bunny hop
-petting zoo (goats, sheep, chickens) (feed available for purchase)
-access to u-pick pumpkin patch
-chick experience 
-duck races (water pumps)
-lasso activity
-pumpkin shooters (slingshot and corn kernels)
-barn slide 
-kickball enclosure

Offered at an additional charge:
-pony rides (currently $7)
-corn creepers (haunted house in a corn field)
-zombie paintball
-5 acre corn maze (open Wednesdays-Saturdays 10am-10pm) 
Bonus nights for maze, Friday & Saturday, November 5 & 6, 2021. $7 Online $9 at farm
-pumpkins
-gem mining bags ($5-$25 depending on size of bag)
-Corn Cannon - shoots corn cobs. 2 shots for $1.  Offered Saturdays only.
-U-Pick Sunflowers
-Farm Store
Food-Trailers - Hot Food & Apple Cider Slushie

Notes:
-farm open early April to end of April, in spring and  late September-end of October for fall
-Weather at the farm can vary.  Check the weather before your visit to plan and dress accordingly. I always like to put sunblock on the kiddos, in any case during the day.
-all the workers are nice on the farm
-If you're looking to pick pumpkins, make sure you head out there early to mid October to catch them while they're still on the vine.  
-There are pre-picked pumpkins & Gourds (lots of varieties) at the entrance for purchase for people that are not interested in entering the farm
-Hot Food & Apple Slushies available
-They recently turned their barn into a farm store with homemade goods and crafts including - jams, mixes, hot sauces, snacks like kettle corn, sweet caramel nuggets, trail mix, yogurt pretzels, andelin t-shirts, sweaters, hats, jewelry soaps, and more.
-they always have a random vendor selling goods
-Cold drinks and ice cream available for cheap
-ideal for field trips
Private group tours available
-available for booking events
-the farm is thoroughly loved by younger kids, but adults can also have a good time with photo opportunities around the farm-pumpkin patch, cutouts, barn, and adult horse rides.  Alternatively, adults without kids can skip the pumpkin patch farm area and opt for their separate Halloween festivities- corn maze, corn creepers, zombie paintball
In the fall, they have a farm scene investigation book for the corn maze where you get to solve a mystery. 
-if you catch them at the right time, there's a line of fall trees in front of their house that make for nice pictures, especially when the leaves have changed
-farm produce available depending on availability- tomatoes were available during my visit.
-You will be walking on dirt all around the farm.  Don't forget to wear proper footwear.

Spring Festival 2021

Spring Festival-Weekdays
$9

Spring Festival-Saturdays
$10

Goat Bottle Feeding Experience
$6

Lamb Bottle Feeding Experience
$6

Calf Bottle Feeding Experience
$6

Spring 2021 Festival Season Pass
$28

Egg Hunt 4/7-4/10
$5

Pony Ride/Horse Ride 
$6

Private Tours- Spring 2021
$110



Friday, October 16, 2020

Abel's Apple Acres #38- Acres of Family Fun and Apple Goods



If you’re not familiar, the Apple Hill Growers Association in Placerville and Camino, CA, is a favorite destination during October, known for its family-friendly farms, fresh-baked goodies, and gorgeous fall scenery. One standout spot among the farms is Abel’s Apple Acres. 

This charming farm has it all: a cozy barn packed with pies, pastries, holiday decorations, books, and pantry items, plus hot food options for lunch. Beyond that, they offer plenty of outdoor fun like a maze, gemstone mining, picnic spots with benches and bug shelters, and a craft fair. The farm has a warm, old-fashioned farm feel that keeps me coming back to Apple Hill year after year.

What really makes Abel’s special are the unique treats and activities. Their award-worthy caramel apples are unforgettable, especially the apple pie caramel apple - a fresh picked apple dipped in caramel, white chocolate fudge, and cinnamon sugar. It’s one of those iconic treats that really captures the magic of Apple Hill, alongside their apple cider & donuts.

During our latest visit, I planned to take the kids to three farms but ended up staying longer at Abel’s because they were having such a great time, running around and sampling the apple treats. We left with our hands full after trying an apple donut, apple pie slice, caramel apple, and an apple empanada. Each treat was so good that I got thumbs up from the kids with every bite. Let’s just say, I wouldn’t dream of leaving without bringing home some of that apple magic.

For lunch, I ordered a tri-tip sandwich piled with meat and onions. It was fresh and lightly seasoned, which worked well with the condiments they had on hand. My kids were happy with their hot dog meal, complete with chips, crackers, a lollipop, and milk. Not every farm on the hill serves hot lunch, so it’s a good idea to check the Apple Hill guide ahead of time if you’re looking for a hot meal. 

Notes for Visiting Apple Hill
-Best Time to Go: October can get very busy, so visiting on a weekday or as soon as the farms open can help you avoid the crowds. Late September/early November is also a great option for a quieter experience with minimal crowds.
-Bring a Cooler: If you're coming from out of town, pack a cooler to keep any goodies fresh for the ride home.
-Maze: Open on weekends only
-Gemstone Mining: Purchase gemstone mining bags at checkout near the caramel apples.
-Specialty Caramel Apples:  This farm has the widest selection to choose from.
-Photo Ops: Plenty of fun photo cutouts around the farm.
-Vendors:  A variety of vendors are available on the deck during peak times.  

***Information subject to change.  All opinions are my own. 

Photography
© Katherine Fung,
All Rights Reserved.