Farm tours and fresh veggies in California’s ‘salad bowl’
Most tourists come to the Monterey area for its coastal diversions, but those who visit frequently — or have read John Steinbeck’s novels and stories set in what he called “The Valley of the World”— soon catch on: There’s a whole other side to the county that bears exploring.
Agriculture remains Monterey County’s biggest money-maker; some 1.5 million acres, nearly 69 percent of its considerable landmass is carpeted by 36 major crops. It is one of the world’s largest lettuce exporters, and strawberries are another powerhouse. The county is also the nation’s top producer of broccoli, cauliflower and other cool-season greens.
Tourism is a robust second to agriculture, and in recent decades, the two have begun to meld. Evan Oakes, a former farm advisor and current consultant for UC Cooperative Extension, pioneered the agritourism trend here when he started AgVenture Tours in 1997, mixing agricultural education tours with sightseeing and wine tours of the county. The agricultural tours — half-day or full-day versions are available — are the easiest way to get a sense of what’s known as the “Salad Bowl of the World.” You’ll observe field harvesting, irrigation, planting and organic farming with a knowledgeable guide, transportation included.
Travelers can also make their own tours, thanks to a steady increase in facilities dedicated, in full or in part, to the culture of agriculture. Here are the essential stops.
1. MY Museum, Monterey
This engaging, 2-year-old youth museum is an obligatory first stop if you have kids in tow. If you don’t, try to talk your way in — learning by play is just as irresistible (and educational) for adults as for youngsters. Just try to stop yourself from plucking artichokes and chard from the neatly plowed “soil” and running produce through the giant maze machine to sort it for the farmer’s market. (You might want to leave the tractor to the kids, though, unless you’re truly petite.) Children can also serve fresh fruits and veggies to customers in the Healthy Foods Cafe, and stomp a few grapes on the way out. It’s a sneaky way to teach about agriculture’s importance to the region and the world, and about healthy eating. 425 Washington St.; (831) 649-6444.
2. Earthbound Farm, Carmel
Brilliant waves of yellow, red and purple flowers signal your approach to Earthbound Farm. This site evolved from a 2½-acre backyard raspberry patch and is now the research and development farm for what is now the world’s largest organic producer. Earthbound Farm harvests more than 34,000 acres in Carmel, San Juan Bautista and the Salinas Valley, in four other states, and in Mexico, Chile and New Zealand. But this is where they experiment with plant varieties and growing techniques. The farm stand sells not just fresh produce but prepared food from its organic kitchen. You can explore the grounds, cut your own herbs, wind through a chamomile aromatherapy labyrinth and visit the Kids’ Garden on your own. Tours and special events change with the season; current themes include herb, flower and bug walks, cooking demonstrations and a Saturday Sampling. 7250 Carmel Valley Road; (800) 690-3200.