Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Baby Animals & Tulip Festival at Andelin Farm - A Must See Attraction During Spring in Sparks, Nevada



Baby Animal & Tulip Festival, 2024
April 3 to May 4
Wednesday - Thursday, 3pm - 7pm
Friday - Saturday, 10am - 7pm
Andelin Farm welcomes visitors throughout the seasons:

There's nothing quite as enjoyable as spending time with adorable baby animals, surrounded by laughter and joy in the delightful spring weather, munching on kettle corn, and savoring the scent of fresh-cut tulips.

At Andelin Farm's Baby Animals & Tulip Festival event, you can immerse yourself in all of these wonderful experiences and more.

This cherished farm, managed by a warm family and dedicated staff, consistently goes above and beyond to ensure their guests have the best possible time.

Over the years of my visits, I've witnessed numerous positive changes that have made the farm even more enjoyable than before.

Throughout the years, I've cherished moments at the farm with friends and family. As the kids grow, they dive deeper into the farm's fun, delighting in running around with their friends. 

Parents also find joy in visiting, knowing their kids are in safe hands while they make memories together with adult friends of their own.

There's been so many housing developments in their area, and I'm so grateful they've chosen to stand their ground, keeping the doors open to the ultimate destination for seasonal joy.

Activities Available:
- Zip line (weight limit of 135 pounds), 38'' requires assistance, 44" unassisted
- Jump pad for bouncing fun.
- Hamster wheel for playful spinning.
- Pony and horse rides - additional $5 per person per ride or one ride included with a Seasonal Plus Pass.
- Chick holding experience
- Barrel train ride
- Hayride (tractor-pulled) for a scenic tour.
- Baby animal petting with supervised access by staff.
- Feeding goats and chickens (additional fee for food or included in Seasonal Plus Pass).
- Gem mining sluice with fees based on the size of the mining bag.
- Gift shop offering trail mix, snacks, crafts, ice cream, pantry items, and affordable drinks
- Duck races with water pumps 
- Hay maze
- Play fishing
- U-pick flower section 
- Lassoing 
- Rabbit hole slides 


Notes
Tickets:
- Tickets can be purchased in person or online, with online tickets being $2 cheaper.

Opening Times for the Farm:
- Opening dates vary. For the latest updates, follow Andelin's Instagram page.

Checking Weather Ahead of Time:
- Check hourly reports to plan your day accordingly. I recommend applying sunscreen to the kids throughout the day, especially given the heightened sun intensity at our elevation.

Animals to See:
- Explore a variety of animals including camels, llamas, alpacas, emus, sheep, goats, peacocks, turkey, horses, ponies, calves, and chickens.

Food:
- Admission is not required to access the food trucks located at the farm entrance, with plenty of picnic tables available. Food trucks are generally open during public hours.
  - Island Hot Dog Truck serves delicious hot dogs.
  - Mini donuts are fun and made to order and ice cream slushies are a must.

Safety:
- Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the farm for your convenience.

Shop:
- Visit the farm store located in the barn for homemade goods and crafts, including jams, baking mixes, hot sauces, snacks, kettle corn, sweet caramel nuggets, trail mix, yogurt pretzels, Andelin-branded merchandise, hats, jewelry, soaps, and more.
- Various vendors also set up shop during peak times in the fall
- Cold drinks and ice cream available

Private Events and Rentable Spaces:
- Private group tours are available, and the barn and pavilions can be rented for weddings and events.

Photo Opportunities:
- Capture memorable moments around the farm with numerous photo opportunities including flower picking, baby animal petting, horse and pony rides for both adults and kids, and fun photo cutouts.

Footwear:
- Proper footwear is essential as the farm grounds are primarily dirt

Parking:
- The parking lot offers ample grass/dirt space

Strollers:
- Umbrella strollers are not recommended due to the dirt and rock terrain. Jogging and larger strollers are preferable.

Restrooms:
- Porta Potties are available both inside and outside the farm for your convenience.


Categorized Under "Season/Holidays" and "Birthday/Event Venues"

Photography
©Katherine Fung,
All rights reserved

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

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Cave Rock Trail — A Short Walk to Amazing Views that will Take Your Breath Away


Cave Rock Drive and Winding Way
*No fees at trailhead


Cave Rock State Park

Cave Rock Trailhead


Lake Tahoe is filled with endless beauty and Cave Rock, a 250-ft volcanic formation, is no exception.  The rock, located on the eastern shore is hard to miss on the way to South Lake Tahoe from Reno, as it is found right on the path of highway 50.  The cave has unique beauty, tunnels, and proximity to the shore, is easy to get to, and is a must to visit.
 
A 0.8-mile-walk with little elevation gain will earn you breathtaking views that people would be happy to hike much further distances for.  Luckily, this is one view that requires little to no effort making it enjoyable for all ages.  

Right from the start you'll be met with views of the lake and more and more views of the lake with rock formations and piers as you go further along.

Views are great at the base of Cave Rock,  but people that are looking for more adventure have the option of climbing to the top to access even more magical views.  There's an out-and-back trail to the top, with some spots that will allow you to step to the side for people to pass. 

My 6-year-old climbed to the top with little help.  Also, my two-year-old got pretty far.  Had I not intervened, I have no doubt he would've made it to the top.

This fun and unique spot is more than worth the effort to get to and is enjoyable year-round.


Notes:
-0.8 mile out and back (10-15 mins), 137 ft. elevation gain
-about six parking spaces at trailhead
-catch amazing views at sunset
-more parking to the side of the road just a little way up the hill away from trailhead 
-dog friendly, on leash, no trash or poop bags available
-path is wide
-Since there are lots of people that utilize the trail, I suggest the use a carrier for kids instead of a stroller
-this location would be epic for photo shoots. Next wedding I shoot is going to be here
-I always carry my hiking backpack or carrier, and portable potty and Liners when on a hike, just in case the kids get tired or need to go
-snacks and water are always a must for kids on hikes
-empowering for kids
-mostly exposed. sun protection would help, esp. in summer
-checking the weather before you go will help with planning what to wear. it can get windy
-room is limited at the top of the cave
-ideal for snow-shoeing in winter
-I slipped a couple of times on small loose rock.  I recommend appropriate footwear 
-For more of a challenge, you can park across the street at Cave Rock State Park boat landing, cross the street, and walk up to trailhead.  Parking lot on the right after passing tunnel.  
-Picnic tables, restrooms, sand play, snorkeling and swimming available at Cave Rock State Park next to highway 50


Categorized under "Lake Tahoe," "Scenic Overlooks,"  and  "Family Friendly Hikes"

Photos
©Katherine Fung,
All Rights Reserved.