This travel blog focuses on things to do in BERKELEY and SAN FRANCISCO. It also features more travel destinations throughout Northern California. All are presented in small, easy-to-digest chunks of text along with plenty of photos so you really get the picture. Discover even more weekend adventures at my BERKELEY AND BEYOND website at www.berkeleyandbeyond.com. This blog is a continuation of my out-of-print guidebook--WEEKEND ADVENTURES IN SAN FRANCISCO & NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
14930 Hwy. 128, in Boonville, (707) 895-2410. Tasting $25, farm tour $30; by appt. No dogs on tour. Daily 10am-5pm.
goat at Pennyroyal Goat Dairy and Farm in Boonville, California
This women-owned and -operated goat dairy farm also
manufactures cheese and collaborates with Navarro Vineyards in wine
distribution. The 66-acre farmstead and low
fossil fuel-vineyard includes a gigantic goat-and-sheep barn with solar panels
on its roof, a dairy for milking the goats, and a creamery where cheese is produced. Goats are bred to produce milk that is high
in fat and protein content. They are fed
pennyroyal mint, wild grasses, clover, and rye hay--all grown on site along
with alfalfa--resulting in tastier cheese. Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc grapes are
grown on site, and Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris grapes are grown
just down the road at the sister property, Navarro Vineyards & Winery.
Cheese-and-wine
tastings occur outside on a large sheltered patio with a view of the farm. An on-site kitchen produces a small snacks menu
and lunch items paired with wine suggestions.
Tours
of the farm and goat barn are available by appointment. Note that spring is kidding season and there are
plenty of new kids in the barn then. The
tour concludes with a cheese tasting and wine flight for age 21+, and with juice
for young people and non-drinkers.
exterior of barn with solar panels on roof at Pennyroyal Goat Dairy and Farm in Boonville, California
interior of barn at Pennyroyal Goat Dairy and Farm in Boonville, California
pregnant goats relaxing in barn at Pennyroyal Goat Dairy and Farm in Boonville, California
goat at Pennyroyal Goat Dairy and Farm in Boonville, California
goat at Pennyroyal Goat Dairy and Farm in Boonville, California
goat at Pennyroyal Goat Dairy and Farm in Boonville, California
goat at Pennyroyal Goat Dairy and Farm in Boonville, California
goat at Pennyroyal Goat Dairy and Farm in Boonville, California
goat at Pennyroyal Goat Dairy and Farm in Boonville, California
goat at Pennyroyal Goat Dairy and Farm in Boonville, California
goat at Pennyroyal Goat Dairy and Farm in Boonville, California
sheep pen at Pennyroyal Goat Dairy and Farm in Boonville, California
cheese-making at Pennyroyal Goat Dairy and Farm in Boonville, California
cheese rounds at Pennyroyal Goat Dairy and Farm in Boonville, California
back porch for wine tasting at Pennyroyal Goat Dairy and Farm in Boonville, California
wine tasting set-up at Pennyroyal Goat Dairy and Farm in Boonville, California
shop at Pennyroyal Goat Dairy and Farm in Boonville, California
Operating within a historic barn-like building with original shelving, the Farmhouse Mercantile general store provides an interesting browse of kitchen and home accoutrements. Philo Apple Farm chutneys, juices, and jams are also for sale (the apricot jam is made with rare old-time Royal Blenheims and the colorful plum jam is made with the Santa Rosa variety picked from the property’s own trees).
jams and juices at Farmhouse Mercantile in Boonville, California
colorful reading glasses at Farmhouse Mercantile in Boonville, California
racks of ribbon at Farmhouse Mercantile in Boonville, California
14077 Hwy. 128, in Boonville, (707) 895-9477. B-L daily; $$.
order counter at Boonville General Store in Boonville, California
Though it is inside a new building, the Boonville General Store cafe-bakery-deli has an old-time feel and offers seating both indoors and out at wood picnic tables. Among the best choices are freshly baked items, including fruit scones that are as big as a bear's paw, hand pies (also known as empanadas--the breakfast versions are made with scrambled eggs), thin-crust pizza, and quiche. Breakfast includes housemade granola and omelets, and lunch brings on sandwiches made with house-baked bread. We enjoyed a thick, colorful carrot soup and a hand pie stuffed with potatoes and eggs. They often run out of things early (I wanted a hand pie stuffed with chorizo and goat cheese and a chocolate-cheese Danish, but that was not to be). Everything is organic and made from scratch, and no corn syrup or hydrogenated oils are used. Taylor Maid organic fair trade coffee and tea is served along with local wine and beer.
13981 Hwy. 128, Boonville, (707) 895-3576. M-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-6.
Decidedly uncutesy, the rustic little Boont Berry Farm Store instead has a cozy, old-time atmosphere that includes antique food coolers, old wood floors, and a front door that squeaks every time it is opened. Inventory includes locally grown organic produce, whole-grain breads, and homemade ice cream. A deli in a back alcove with seating serves items prepared in-house, including green chili enchiladas, pesto pizza, lasagna, a meatless loaf, and tofu with mashed potatoes. Most prepared food is vegan or vegetarian. I liked the roasted root salad (ask for it heated) and the generously sized black-bean burritos. Cookies, brownies, and flaky rugelach are described as “awesome,” and the peach-mango scones and vegan cupcakes “to die for.” On Fridays, you should definitely try the jalapeño cheese bread.
exterior of Boont Berry Farm Store in Boonville, California
interior of Boont Berry Farm Store in Boonville, California
black-bean burrito at Boont Berry Farm Store in Boonville, California
old-time gas pump in front of Paysanne in Boonville, California
For the yummiest ice cream in town, just look for the sweet little Paysanne shop with an old-time round gas pump in front. It’s hard to beat the Straus’ organic vanilla, but other flavors do vie. You find cookies and popsicles and lollies, too.
CLOSED 14300 Hwy. 128, (707) 895-2204. M-Sat 10-5, Sun 11-5.
Tucked away in a repurposed 1930s bungalow, this art and fine crafts shop purveys the work of mostly local artists. It’s named after the Boontling word for “quail.”
14211 Hwy. 128, (707) 895-3869. D Tu-Sat (5-9pm); May-Oct, L Thur-Sun; $$. Reservations taken.
Though Lauren's big open space is a popular gathering spot for locals, it has little atmosphere. But Lauren brings warmth and comfort to diners as she oversees the preparation of tasty homemade-style dishes and sometimes even waits tables herself. Her menu promises “Good Food—Good Times,” and she delivers the first item, using local and regional ingredients, including Anderson Valley wines and beers. The second item is up to you. The eclectic seasonal menu might offer a tasty grilled avocado-Fontina-tomato-onion-basil aioli sandwich or a creamy fettucine with local chantrelles or a Thai green curry with brown basmati rice. A good cheeseburger and veggie burger and especially good french fries are also options. When a honey-baked pear is on the dessert menu, go for it! Special kids’ items include noodles with butter and cheese. The bar area in the back has a pool table and a cozy spot where children can read and play.
17700 Hwy. 253, (800) 207-BEER, (707) 895-BEER. Tap Room daily 11-6. Tours daily at 11:30 & 3; $5 (refundable with purchase). Jan-Apr, closed Tu & W.
beer tasting at Anderson Valley Brewing Company in Boonville, California
The tour of the all-ale Anderson Valley Brewing Company brewery--known for its Boont Amber and full-bodied Belgian-style abbey ales--takes you through the Bavarian-style brew house. In good weather, an outdoor beer garden is available.
12378 Boonville Rd. (Hwy. 253), 5 1/2 mi. from town, (707) 895-2572. 4 rooms. No TVs. Continental breakfast. Pets ok in 1 room.
exterior of the Toll House Inn/Bell Valley Farm in Boonville, California
This historic 1912 landmark Victorian began life as a stop on the toll road between the valley and Ukiah. Now a comfortable inn on 650 acres with several hiking trails, the spiffed up farmhouse has a clean-lined, contemporary-rustic style and its own well water. The ground floor of the Porch Room at the Toll House Inn/Bell Valley Farm has a private screened porch and clawfoot tub. All this and night-singing frogs, too!
-watermark.JPG "old-time gas pump in front of Paysanne in Boonville, California")
