When I was much younger, I remember driving out Highway 4 one weekend with a few friends. We were on our way out to Angels Camp for one of the Mountain Aire concerts they used to have. There was seven of us, all jammed in to a five-seater Jeep, something that would definitely get you pulled over if you tried it today. But this was the early 1980's, and traffic laws were a lot different back then. We were also teenagers, and like most kids at that age, we thought we were invincible.
When we got to Oakley, the driver pulled down what was barely more than a dirt road back then. He pulled the car up beside a small fruit stand. I remember him telling us that we just had to try the peaches, and not to be surprised if we found some larger than our fists! I had never really known much more than store-bought fruit before, so just being at a stand like the one at Dwelley Family Farms was something new for me, and yet, I remember that day as if it was yesterday.
The first moment I held the giant piece of fruit in my hand, my mouth started watering. The smell was amazing, intoxicating, and magical. Then, I took a bite. If someone had told me in that moment that the peach I was holding had been grown in heaven, I would have believed them. It was so much better than any other peach I had ever tried before. Though I don't remember the exact number, I know I ate at least three peaches before we reached Angels Camp that day, and at least another two on the way home!
What's in Season?
Dwelley Family Farms stocks just about everything you can think of in terms of fruits and vegetables, and some items that you might not even know existed. My first introduction to a pluot – which is a cross between a plum and an apricot – was from Dwelley Farms. The day I stopped in to take the pictures for this blog, I saw another new item I hadn't tried before: Cranberry beans! They look just like a typical string bean, except they are a mixture of white and light red, at times bordering on pink. Absolutely beautiful!
Also available at the stand on the day I stopped by, were some absolutely huge watermelons, as well as pluots, peaches, pears, plums, onions, peppers, various types of beans, squash, tomatoes, zucchini, cherries, melons, apricots, and blackberries! I couldn't leave without buying at least a basket of berries. Especially when they are as fresh, juicy, and delicious as they are at Dwelley Farms! Oh, and one more thing you won't want to miss is their selection of home-made pies! They are exceptional!
Family Owned
As mentioned previously, the Dwelley family has been growing produce since 1921, and has seen multiple generations raised on the farming way of life. Although a lot of things have changed in agriculture over the nearly one-hundred years they have been farming, Dwelley Family Farms is proud to say they are still committed to sustainable farming practices, as they see the benefit of protecting the environment while still focusing on improving the production of the farm every year. Though it may be easier to use modern farming techniques, most of those reduce the fertility of the soil, and do not use the resources available with a long-term vision for the future. These are things that the Dwelley family cares about.
During the season, the fruit and vegetable stand, which is located at 515 Delta Road, is open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 6 PM, and on Sunday from 8 AM to 5 PM. The stand has plenty of parking available, and is located in an open-air, covered building, which protects not only their fabulous produce from the heat of the mid-day sun, but it protects their customers, too!
In fact, one of the only issues you might have while shopping at Dwelley Family Farms is choosing between the amazing varieties available every day! From the popular Brentwood sweet corn and variety of beans that are what Dwelley has been known for, to all of the other fruits and vegetables already listed above, and local honey as well! You really don't want to miss out on the freshest produce in the area, so make sure you stop by today!
Cypress Storage – The Freshest Storage in Town!
If you're looking for a place to store your items, then you owe it to yourself to come check out Cypress Self Storage! We have the most innovative storage solutions on the market! And, our state-of-the-art security system, which includes individually alarmed units and security cameras, brings pure peace of mind. Backed by a company that has been in business over 40 years, with our opening date approaching soon, we cannot wait to serve our community's self storage needs!
