Contributing Writer

Summerset Farm is a little agricultural gem at Edison Street and Baseline Avenue just off Highway 154 in Santa Ynez, and in October it explodes with a colorful pumpkin patch.

This rustic and picturesque farm stand has been in the same location for 14 years, and Sally Maher has been the proprietor for 11 years. It is also the location of Dale’s Nursery, run by Dale Bostrom, a California certified nurseryman. Bostron has been certified for 35 years and has been working at the farm for the past six years.

Johnny Chandler and Frances Olive-Hampton, visitors from Los Angeles, stop by Summerset Farm to chat with Sally Maher and buy some strawberries.

Not everyone is born with a green thumb, but Maher seems to have two. Cultivating is her passion. She, along with her assistant, Alberto Jiminez, plant all the produce sold at the farm stand. Jiminez makes sure everything is properly irrigated and growing well. Working in harmony with nature, using some old-fashioned techniques, the farm is herbicide and pesticide free.

Maher also runs the quaintly decorated farm stand, with freshly picked fruits and vegetables ready for purchase. But for those who want to experience a deeper connection with their food and nature, the farm allows customers to meander through the farm and pick their own seasonal berries, grapes, and apples right from the garden. For some, Summerset Farm is the first experience in a bountiful garden setting.

“I’d say ninety-five percent of my out-of-town customers are really into picking from the field. It’s something different for people from the city to do. Some come and stay for hours in the garden, taking pictures and tasting the berries,” said Maher.

The farm is seasonal – open May through December, seven days a week, from 9 a.m. until closing.

During the late spring and summer months the farm stand offers raspberries, strawberries, peaches, plums, apricots, tomatoes, along with a variety of vegetables such as onions, carrots, cucumbers, zucchini, four different varieties of potatoes, peppers, corn and sun flowers, which help keep the birds out of the berries. From late summer through fall they offer pumpkins, gourds, squash and apples.

“Last year I planted 3,400 onion plants. There’s months of planting involved in planting the garden – it takes days to get each project completed,” said Maher.

Summerset Farm has a quaintly decorated farm stand with freshly picked fruits and vegetables ready for purchase.

Besides a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, the farm stand offers local honey, jams made by Maher, pickles, juices, lavender pouches, holiday decorations such as fancy gourds, and plant fertilizer.

There are several bee hives around the property with an observation hive inside the farm stand where visitors can view the comings and goings of the bees and their pollen collection activities.

“Our bee keeper is Archie Mitchell from Lompoc Valley Honey. He takes care of the hives and bottles the honey for us,” said Maher.

The farm’s October pumpkin patch display includes large decorative pumpkins, pumpkins for cooking pies and soup, jack-o-lantern pumpkins, and decorative turban squash and fancy gourds. It is one of the largest pumpkin patches in the valley, growing more than 28 varieties of pumpkin, squash and gourds.

“This is the premier photo op spot for fall pumpkins,” said Maher. “We also offer train rides through the farm, for both adults and children, and have a bounce house for the little ones offering numerous photo opportunities both in the field and at the farm stand.”

“We have had the train (on wheels) for five years now. Someone down south had it for sale and the owners of the farm purchased it and we use it to take those interested for a train ride around the farm,” explained Maher. “In 2016 our little train was awarded ‘Best Float’ in the Christmas parade.”

During October the farm welcomes children from kindergarten through second grade to visit the farm.

“We have a lot of field trips during October from schools all around the county; Lompoc, Santa Maria, and all the valley schools. Children can experience the farm, pick corn fresh from the garden and savor the tastes, smells and the natural environment,” said Maher. “It gives children the opportunity to see where their food comes from, and each child who participates in the school field trip gets to take home a pumpkin, a gourd, and an apple.”

“This is a great place to work. I get up every morning and I am happy to go to work. That’s important in life. It’s a pleasure to meet and greet the customers. Every year is different – I get to plant different things in the garden. I have the most beautiful office in the valley. I’m incredibly lucky to be able to spend my days in such a glorious environment doing what I love,” Maher said.

Summerset Farm is at 3450 Baseline Ave. in Santa Ynez. For more information, call 805-245-0989 or find them on Facebook.

Information on Dale’s Nursery can be found at www.amazingolivetrees.com.

The post Summerset Farm offers a bounty of goodness appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Agriculture, the largest industry in Santa Barbara County, contributes $2.8 billion to the local economy and provides more than 25,000 jobs.

The Santa Ynez Valley has a temperate climate and many micro-climates that support and sustain everything from oranges, lemons, limes and exotic varietals such as dragon fruit to the traditional lettuces, squashes, melons, flowers and more.

Here is a list of farm stands where people can pick up fresh local produce and simultaneously support local farmers and ranchers.

Clairmont Lavender Farm: 2480 Roblar Ave. in Los Olivos; open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day but Tuesday.

The farm has five acres of the Grosso variety of lavender, known for its healing qualities. The fields are breathtakingly beautiful with a backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains and 300-year-old oak trees dotting the grounds. Filmmakers, photographers and painters arrive each year to apply their craft.

The driveway is lined with olive trees that were planted by the Spanish missionaries. The farm is entirely organic. They harvest with the traditional method of cutting each plant by hand, banding, and hanging the bunches, and also with a hand-held hedge clipper.

Farmer’s Market: First Street and Copenhagen Drive, Solvang.

The Solvang Farmer’s Market takes place from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday afternoons year-round. It’s a one-stop shop for locally grown vegetables, fruits, cheeses, meats, flowers, jam, hummus, flowers and more.

Finley Farms: 1702 N. Refugio Road in Santa Ynez.

Finley Farms supplies its own produce to local businesses and has a farm stand open most of the year. In addition, they also sell their fresh food at local farmer’s markets, including the Solvang farmer’s market on Wednesdays.

Their selections vary based on the season. In April and May, you can expect lots of leafy greens like spinach, lettuces, beets, carrots, turnips, strawberries, and much more. This time of year, you can find all of that and more, including raspberries, tomatoes, zucchini and basil.

In August, September, and October, their produce list includes cantaloupe, winter squash, pumpkins, gourds, and much more. They also sell field flowers all year.

Folded Hills Farmstead: Between Buellton and Santa Barbara on Highway 101; open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April to October.

The farm has a wide variety of vegetables, including multiple types of lettuce, carrots, broccoli, beets, asparagus, chard, fava beans, dill, and multiple cabbages and squashes. Additionally, Farmstead has multiple fruits available, including lemons, tangerines, grapefruits and strawberries. Homemade baked goods are also available in the Farmstead shop.

Global Gardens: 2450 Alamo Pintado Road; Open every Thursday – Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This olive farm stand is on a 3-acre mini farm, at the junction between Los Olivos and Solvang. Get an education on all things extra virgin, purchase fresh, home-grown Extra Virgin Olive Oils, Balsamic Fruit Vinegars, Spice Blends, Olives, Mustards, Spreads, Organic Snacks, and Beauty Products made with their own olive oil. Talk with a real farmer and get the real dirt on food issues, like organics and GMOs.

Rancho Olivos

Rancho Olivos: 2390 Refugio Road; Monday – Thursday 12 – 4 p.m., Fri. – Sun 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 805-686-9653

They offer complimentary olive oil tastings of their award winning olive oils. They have five varietals of olive trees and complimentary pets of their ranch dogs that hang out at the tasting area. Find them online at www.ranchoolivos.com.

Santa Barbara Blueberries: At 1980 Highway 101 south of Buellton, this farm sells blueberries daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. as long as there are berries to be picked. Visitors can also find honey, jam, and other products from the farm in its Blueberry Hut.

Something Good! Organics Farm Stand: At 9499 Santa Rosa Road, this Buellton farm stand offers freshly picked organic produce every Thursday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Something Good also offers a weekly CSA (community-supported agriculture) box by subscription.

Summerset Farm: Highway 154 and Edison Street in Santa Ynez; opens at 9 a.m. daily.

This little farm plays a multitude of roles depending on the season. During the fall, it serves as a popular pumpkin patch. Other times, such as during the summer, it is a produce stand where shoppers are welcome to pick their own strawberries and raspberries. Peaches, squashes and onions are also available.

Summerset Farm is also part of Dale’s Nursery, which sells trees, shrubs and perennials.

The post Summer is the season for fresh food appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

19

“Fences” presented by PCPA – Playing now through Oct. 1. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 Second St., Solvang. For tickets call 922-8313 or visit the box office Wednesday through Sunday 12:30-7 p.m. Visit www.pcpa.org.

20

Community Dinner – 5:30-6:30 p.m. Buellton Senior Center, 164 W. Hwy-246, Buellton. Call 688-4571.

Community Day –11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wildling Museum, 1511 Mission Dr., Solvang. Free admission on Solvang 3rd Wednesdays. Visit www.wildlingmuseum.org.

21

8^th Annual Buellton Vintage Trailer Bash – Now through Sept. 24. Flying Flags RV & Campground, 180 Avenue of Flags, Buellton. Public open house, parade, vintage appetizer and vintage fashion contests, and trailer glow contest. Visit www.vintagetrailercamp.com.

22

Los Alamos Days – Now through Sept. 24. Downtown Los Alamos. Free entertainment, parade and Peddlers Mart. Visit www.visitsyv.com.

Happy Autumn Eating Seminar – 12-1 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, 2050 Viborg Rd., Solvang. Free. For information, call 694-2351.

Kenny Taylor Performance – 6-9 p.m. Naughty Oak Tap Room, 3569 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Visit www.naughtyoak.com.

23

Figtober Fest – 1 p.m. Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., 2363 Alamo Pintado Rd., Los Olivos. German food, music and contests. Free admission. Food and drink available for purchase. Visit www.figtoberfest.com.

The ABC’s to Avoid Breast Cancer Seminar – 1 p.m. Life Chiropractic, 591 Alamo Pintado Rd.  Suite B, Solvang. Call 693-1811.

Pain Party – 3-4 p.m. The Grange, 2374 Alamo Pintado Rd., Los Olivos. Learn how to gain comfort using properly distilled and cultivated Essential Oils and other chemical and drug free substances. Free.

“Owen Johnson” Performance – 6-7 p.m. Corner House Café, 2902 San Marcos Ave., Los Olivos. Call 691-9015.

“Alex Muller” Performance – 7-10  p.m. Naughty Oak Tap Room, 3569 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Visit www.naughtyoak.com.

“The Harmed Brothers” Performance – 7 p.m. Standing Sun, 92 2nd St., Buellton. $12/standing room or $17/reserved seating based on availability. Visit www.standingsunwines.com.

25

Diabetes Management Options Seminar – 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, 2050 Viborg Rd., Solvang. Free. For information, call 694-2351.

26

Valley Hearing Center Special Event – Now through Sept. 28. 2027 Village Ln. Suite 204, Solvang. Free otoscopic examination of your ears, free demonstration of Widex Beyond Hearing Aids and free cleaning and repair of current hearing aids. Visit www.audiologicassociatesca.com.

28

Living Trust Seminar – 4-5 p.m. 1607 Mission Dr. Suite 107, Solvang. Lana Clark, Attorney at Law, will be hosting an informative seminar. Free. Reservation required. Call 688-3939.

29

Water and your Body-What’s the Big Deal? – 12-1 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, 2050 Viborg Rd., Solvang. Free. For information, call 694-2351.

“The Caverns” Performance – 7-10 p.m. Naughty Oak Tap Room, 3569 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Visit www.naughtyoak.com.

Parent’s Night Out – YMCA, 900 N. Refugio Rd., Santa Ynez. Childcare available allowing parents to enjoy the evening on their own. Visit www.ciymca.org/stuartgildred.

30

SYV Master Chorale, Trinkets & Treasures Rummage Sale Fundraiser – 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Rd., Solvang.

22^nd Annual Chumash Inter-Tribal Pow-Wow Dance and Drum Competition – 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Live Oak Campground, 4600 Ca-154, Santa Barbara. Native American Dance competition accompanied by vendors selling food, beverages, arts and crafts. Free. $5 parking fee. Visit www.santaynezchumash.org/powwow.

Live Music and Dining – 5 p.m. Fresco Valley Café, 442 Atterdag Rd., Solvang. The Hummingbird Restaurant presents live Dixieland music along with a 4 course Caribbean cuisine meal. $35/person with reservations. $40/person for walk-ins. Call 403-7100.

“K.Phillips & Kathleen Sieck” Performance – 7 p.m. Standing Sun, 92 2nd St., Buellton. $12/standing room or $17/reserved seating based on availability. Visit www.standingsunwines.com.

1

Free Recycling – 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 4004 Foxen Canyon Rd., Los Olivos. Free household hazardous waste and electronics collection event. For details, visit www.lessismore.org.

2

Diabetes Medications Seminar – 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, 2050 Viborg Rd., Solvang. Free. For information, call 694-2351.

Every Day

Cachuma Lake Recreation – Wildlife cruises and boat rentals, fishing, nature walks and Nature Center. Visit www.countyofsb.org/parks.

Zaca Creek Golf Course – Perfect little 9-hole course, daily from sunrise to sunset. No tee times. Call 691-9272.

Every Sunday

Bethania Lutheran Church Services 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.– 603 Atterdag Rd., Solvang. A time of worship and prayer in an inclusive and progressive community. Call 688-7927.

Every Monday

Weight Room – 6-8 a.m. and 1:30-8 p.m. Buellton Rec Center, 301 2nd St., Buellton. $3. Call 688-1086.

Senior T’ai Chi – 9:15 a.m.; Arthritis Class – 10:15 a.m.; Creative Coloring – 1 p.m. 2nd and 4th Mondays; Senior Issues – 1 p.m. 2nd and 4th Mondays at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Every Tuesday

Knitting – 9 a.m.; Computer class 9:30 a.m.; Bridge and Poker – 1 p.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Preschool Storytime – 10:30 a.m. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Call 688-4214.

Preschool Storytime – 11 a.m. Buellton Library, 140 CA-246, Buellton. Call 688-3115.

Country 2 Step Dance Lessons – 6:30 p.m. Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St, Santa Ynez. Visit www.mavericksaloon.com.

Every Wednesday

Yoga – 9:15 a.m.; Bingo – 1 p.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Wiggly Storytime – 10:30 a.m. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Call 688-4214.

Knit and Crochet – 1 p.m. at the Buellton Senior Center, West Hwy. 246, Buellton. Call 688-4571.

Solvang Farmers Market – 2:30-6:30 p.m. Between Mission Dr. and Copenhagen Dr., Solvang.

Reading with Dogs – 4 p.m. Reluctant readers can read practice reading aloud to a trained therapy dog. Buellton Library, 140 CA-246, Buellton. Free. Sign up required 30 minutes prior to event. Call 688-3115.

Music Under the Stars – 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Vineyard House, 3631 Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez. Every Wednesday through Sept. 13. For reservations call 688-2886. Visit www.thevineyardhouse.com for a full list of events.

Trivia Night – 7-9 p.m. Naughty Oak Tap Room, 3569 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Visit www.naughtyoak.com.

Every Thursday

Chair Exercises – 10 a.m. at the Buellton Senior Center, West Hwy. 246, Buellton. Call 688-4571.

Arthritis Class – 10:15 a.m.; Poker – 1 p.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Brain Injury Survivors of Santa Ynez Valley – 12-2 p.m. Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Rd., Solvang. Jodi House Brain Injury Support Center is offering a support group for care givers and brain injury survivors. Visit www.jodihouse.org.

Tail Waggin’ Tutors – 3:30 p.m. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Reluctant readers can read practice reading aloud to a trained therapy dog.  Call 688-4214.

BBQ Out Back – 5:30-8:30 p.m. The Bear and Star, 2860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. Enjoy live music as you dine. Visit www.thebearandstar.com.

Line Dance Lessons – 6:30 p.m. Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St, Santa Ynez. Visit www.mavericksaloon.org.

Every Friday

Pilates – 10:00 a.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Bingo – 1 p.m. at the Buellton Senior Center, West Hwy. 246, Buellton. Call 688-4571.

Live music – 5 to 7 p.m. at Carr Vineyards and Winery, 3563 Numancia St., Santa Ynez. Ages 21 and up. For more information visit www.carrwinery.com.

Firkin Friday at Figueroa Mountain Brew – 5-10 p.m. Every other Friday at the Buellton and Los Olivos Figueroa Mountain Brewery locations. For more information visit www.figmtnbrew.com.

Every Saturday

Guided Nature Walk – 10-11:30 a.m.; Junior Rangers – 12:30-1:30 p.m. Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Highway 154, Santa Barbara. All Ages. Free. For more information visit www.sbparks.org.

Cachuma Lake Nature Walk – 10-11:30 a.m. Call 688-4515 or visit www.sbparks.org.

Every Week

Crafting – Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 12-5:30 p.m. Buellton Library, 140 W Hwy 246, Buellton.

Summerset Farm You Pick Berries – 9 a.m. Daily. Summerset Farm, 3450 Baseline Ave., Santa Ynez. Call 245-0989.

Coming Up

Log onto www.cityofsolvang.com or www.buelltonrec.com to see the full schedule of programs and events from adult sports, youth sports, teen dances, field trips and excursions.

The post September 19 – October 2 Events Calendar appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.