Thursday, July 23, 2020

Granny May's U-Pick Strawberries, A Sweet Family Tradition

2020 Rates


(2 hrs. from Reno)


Embarking on our annual tradition of strawberry picking has been a joy for my kids and me since they were toddlers. There's an unmatched delight in hand-picking fresh, juicy strawberries—nature's candy—and our tradition thrives at Granny May's.

Reservations are required in advance. Stay updated on u-pick dates via their Facebook and Instagram pages, and secure tickets through their website.

Upon admission, buckets/boxes are provided for your picking pleasure.

Admission covers all the strawberries you can gather in your bucket (provided).

  • Adults (17 years old and up): $15
  • Children (4–17 years old): $7
  • Ages 3 years & younger are free, without a basket provided.
(Admission rates as of 4/2024)

Granny May's also hosts a farm stand with seasonal produce. Call ahead to confirm their open hours and available produce, as they operate until sold out.

During my visit, they offered watermelons, jams, strawberries, blackberries, green beans, garlic, pickles, and tomatoes. The watermelon was exceptionally sweet and juicy& their jams were fresh and flavorful.

*Other recommended picking spot: Swanton Berry Farm in San Francisco

Additional Notes:

  • Tickets tend to sell out quickly at the start of the season.
  • Capture memorable photos at their sunflower patch and with a giant strawberry backdrop.
  • Shaded areas under two big trees are available.
  • Ample parking, with some shaded spots.
  • For families with kids, consider early visits or arriving during the cooler morning hours to beat the heat.
  • Bring hats, water, sunscreen, snacks, and a portable toilet for young children.
  • Explore other vegetables growing on the farm, a delight for little ones.
  • During my visit, they had four distinct blackberry varieties, clearly labeled (we favored Albion but enjoyed tasting them all).
  • Card payments are accepted.
  • Freshly picked strawberries have a short shelf life; wash them just before consumption and enjoy within 2–3 days.
  • While pre-picked berries are available at the stand, the experience of picking your own is incomparable. Look for deeply red berries for the sweetest taste.

What elevates the U-Pick experience is the wonderful people behind it. The family managing this farm is hardworking and approachable. They catered to my family's needs during our visit (I came with my 1, 4, and 5-year-olds), making it a delightful experience.

We eagerly anticipate our next visit.


Categorized under "U-Pick and Seasonal/Holidays"

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Little Truckee Ice Creamery - Experience Quality, Handcrafted Ice Cream in Truckee

Locations:
*Downtown Truckee
10157 Donner Pass Rd.
Truckee, CA 96161

*Downtown Tahoe City
475 N. Lake Blvd.
Tahoe City, CA 96145


Website
Yelp

The moment I tasted this ice cream, I knew I had to tell the whole world how amazing it is! Honestly, it's some of the best in the Reno-Tahoe area—scratch that, it's some of the best ice cream anywhere! Creamy, rich, and packed with flavor—I can never get enough. I always make the time to drive to their shops, even though I live far away. They're that worth it!

Little Truckee Ice Creamery serves up all the classic flavors you crave, crafted with care and top-notch ingredients, plus some unique options that really stand out.

LOCATIONS
Another major perk of this shop is its locations. You really can't go wrong with any spot you visit.

-Donner Location: Right next to Donner Lake & Donner Memorial State Park ($10 day-use fee)—both true gems filled with natural beauty and endless things to do. Camp, kayak, paddleboard, pedal boat, hike, or just lounge on the unique, almost private patches of shoreline while enjoying a nearby BBQ picnic.
-Downtown Truckee: The most charming downtown with a magnificent backdrop of evergreen trees and a bustling strip of shops, boutiques, and restaurants.

-Tahoe City: Just about a 20-minute drive away, you’ll find this neighborhood gem—another strip of charming shops and restaurants right by the shore. The ice cream truck is parked in the cobblestone center’s lot, where you can enjoy dining and live entertainment at Tahoe Tap House, catch a movie, and browse boutique shops. Just across the street is Common’s Beach, one of Tahoe’s most lively spots, with an epic playground, kayak rentals, summer markets, and movies on the beach.

Now, back to the ice cream...

All of their flavors are incredible.

-Blueberry Honey Lavender: Fresh and delicious, with the honey and lavender taking center stage while the blueberry adds a subtle touch. Every bite had me saying, "YUM!"

-Truckee Trails: Pine nut brittle and brownie in sweet ice cream marbled with caramel—hands down my favorite flavor! This OUT OF THIS WORLD foodie dream combines crunchy, flavorful brittle with brownie and ice cream, with pine nuts adding a warm, nutty tone that plays perfectly with the other ingredients. The pine nuts are a fitting touch, considering Lake Tahoe is surrounded by tons of pine trees.

-Chocolate Brownie: A sophisticated treat with RICH & INTENSE chocolate flavor and homemade brownies for extra flavor & texture.

-Salted Caramel: Left a big impression.

-Strawberry Lemonade: Super refreshing.

-Spooner Strawberry: Clean and fresh.

-Mountain Top Mint Chip - mint flavor not too overpowering, loaded with chocolate chips.  No artificial dyes.

-Cookies & Cream—OMG good!  Loaded with cookies.

This is what happens when you come across an award-winning shop—you just can't stop raving about everything they offer.  I could keep on going on about their other flavors - I've tried almost all of them, but you get the picture.

As someone who cooks at home all the time, I know that simple ingredients can be elevated with quality & care. Little Truckee Ice Creamery nails this, achieving a perfect balance that’s hard to get right.


Topping Options 
Brownies, cookies, coconut, chocolate/caramel sauce, nuts, cherries, chocolate chips.

They even have vegan options, like roasted coconut—a coconut milk base with toasted coconut and chocolate shavings. Any Almond Joy lovers in the house?

Seating  
- No seating at the Downtown Truckee location.
- Patio seating at Donner.
- No seating at the Downtown Tahoe City location, but you can easily enjoy your treat right across the street at Common's Beach.

NOTES
- If you're celebrating a special occasion—or just celebrating life—their brownie sundae is the ultimate indulgence. It’s huge, so perfect for sharing!
- In a single scoop, you're allowed to pick two flavors.
- They offer a mini option, perfect for kids or if you just want to sample a few flavors.
- Espresso available at the Donner location to make an affogato.
- If you're planning to camp at Donner State Memorial Park (nearby), make sure to book well in advance—those campsites fill up fast!

Prices as of 2020

Categorized under "Good Eats"