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



Wednesday, October 28, 2020

El Dorado Orchards - Beat the Crowds, Have a Picnic, and Take A Scenic Train Ride


2881 North Canyon Rd.
Camino, CA 95709


One fall,  I was soaking up those cozy autumn vibes, admiring the stunning scenery around me while searching for fun fall activities in Reno. Of course, Google led me straight to what I was looking for.

One of the top suggestions was Apple Hill, just a scenic two-hour drive from Reno. With over 50 farms nestled in Placerville, CA, it sounded like Disneyland to me—everything I could want for a perfect day out.

I’m a sucker for beautiful views, road trips, farms, and all things apple-related, so I knew this trip would be a win for my family and me. As a mom of three, I always try to plan ahead to ensure our outings go smoothly. I looked up which farms would be best for kids, and El Dorado Orchards popped up as a must-visit spot, offering face painting, delicious apple treats, a craft fair, and a scenic train ride.

El Dorado did not disappoint. On our first visit, the kids got their faces painted by a friendly young lady and enjoyed a train ride around two lovely ponds surrounded by vibrant fall foliage. The ride may not have been as long as we had hoped, but we still make it a tradition to return every season because it’s just that special.

This charming little farm is tucked away next to the busier BOA Vista and High Hill Ranch, making it a perfect escape from the crowds. If you’re looking for a place to picnic, relax, shop, and enjoy some apple goodies, I can’t recommend El Dorado Orchards enough.

Notes
-Family-owned and operated
-Hot dogs and hot sandwiches available for $6-$11
-Train rides were $5/person on our visit
-Though it’s a small farm, it packs a punch with a craft fair, hot lunch, apple treats, face painting, and train rides
-The scenery alone keeps me coming back for more 
-They offer pies, brownies, caramel apples, cookies, cider, apple cider milkshakes, and jams, but no donuts—head to BOA Vista Orchards just a minute up the road for those.
-Plenty of tables and benches on grassy areas with tall trees providing shade, perfect for picnics
-Restrooms available
-Plenty of parking on site


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

Photography
© Katherine Fung,
All Rights Reserved.