FARMSTEAD ADVENTUREs

​Apple Philo Farm is a charming bio-dynamic apple farm in the small country town of Philo, in Northern California...and it's the perfect destination for a family nature adventure.

Be prepared for a gorgeous scenic drive along a long windy road. You will pass through rolling picturesque vineyards, gushing rivers, lush green pastures and an ancient, mystical redwood forest. Roughly ten minutes from Apple Philo Farm is Boonville, a quaint little one-road town with hidden gems such as the Farmhouse Mercantile store and ice cream parlour Paysanne, serving organic Ice cream.
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​As we pulled up to the Apple Farm, a welcome committee of three shaggy lovable dogs cheerfully greeted us in the driveway with Karen, the owner and clearly the boss, in tow. 
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For people not wanting to stay the night, but rather passing through, there is a farm stand in the drive way, situated in a rustic barn that has clearly seen this land through all kinds of seasons. On display is all the organic product the land produces. Take your pick from an assortment of home-made jellies, apple cider, bags of dried apple, eggs, and their trademark apple juice. 

There is also an impressive vegetable patch (featured above), sure to inspire anyone with a green thumb.
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We had booked in for a night's sleep and evening cooking class, so Karen suggested we settle in and pick our cabin. Our family group eagerly scattered into the property in hunt of “the best bed’ .
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These two roomed, cosy A-Frame cabins were clean, light and organized. And the best element of all.... each had small iron fire place to make extra sure you get the full experience of comfort amidst the brisk spring rain. 
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After settling into our rooms, Tim, Karens husband, and the three dogs gave us a tour of the apple orchards, allowing us to gather a sense of the land and what a working apple farm looks like. 
As we walked from one end of the property to the other, Tim shared the history of the land, the hands it had passed through and the joys and challenges it had bestowed upon his family. 
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Being springtime, the 1700 or so trees were absent of apples, but in their place, white blossoms appeared in full bloom. In the gentle breeze, flowers flew through the orchards landing on us like snowflakes. 
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When the clock struck 4PM, we found ourselves aproned up and posted in the warm kitchen with Karen who handed us a chill glass of white and began educating us on how to prepare and cook...... a goat.
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​We learned about what their goats are raised on, when and why they slaughter them and how this procedure is an integral part of the cycle of life on a farm. 
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We were introduced to some long standing family recipes such as a coffee chili rub for the meat, freshly picked, shaved asparagus and chimichurri secret sauce.

We felt right at home with their stellar hospitality. As we sat down with Karen and Tim, and had our first taste of goat and organic leafy salad, straight from the garden. 
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Falling asleep with gentle rain upon our cabin's tin roof may have been the ultimate end to a wonderful experience at the Apple Farm. I left the next morning inspired to continue this interactive and educational style of adventure with my family and friends. 
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If you wish to visit the Apple Farm you can find more information here on their website, and tell them I said HI!!

What fun and educational adventure have you been on lately? ​Leave a comment in the box below so we can all enjoy your discovery!
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