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Posts Tagged ‘daylight farms’

The city of Half Moon Bay in northern California is really pushing this green thing. And that’s a good thing. As we’ve all heard, in one capacity or another, going green is the way to go. So here’s how to go green in Half Moon Bay: Start by visiting the Chamber which details unique ecotourism opportunities in the area. A place to stay is the first order of business, then we can move on to the fun stuff.

Would you believe Farmer John really does exist in Half Moon Bay? He and his wife, Eda, own Daylight Farms where they grow a selection of herbs and pumpkins. Eda’s desserts are apparently reason enough to pay a visit. Interestingly, for the past 30 years, Farmer John has supplied flowers for each presidential inauguration. But the pumpkins! Growing pumpkins is a big deal in Half Moon Bay and John and Eda are major contenders. They pride themselves on their pumpkin growing prowess, most recently producing more than 40 of their specialty, the Atlantic Giant (each pumpkin ranging from 250-500 pounds). Visitors who call ahead are generally welcome to join this farm family for dinner. Eda might prepare your freshly-caught salmon and John will discuss any matters of water, land, rural life or government.

Two local wineries score high on the ecotourism card: La Nebbia and Thomas Fogarty. La Nebbia is closer to Half Moon Bay, with their tasting room open from 10am to 5pm daily. Gourmet food products are available to sample and purchase. Dogs are welcome, as long as you clean up after them and don’t let them trample the plants and flowers. Thomas Fogarty is located in Woodside, about an hour’s drive from Half Moon. Burgundian-style pinot noirs and chardonnays are their specialty.

Since we touched on wine, let’s cut the cheese. A tremendous opportunity awaits near Half Moon Bay to visit a cheese farm — specifically, Harley Farms, Inc. Only 16 miles south, in Pescadero, it’s the only remaining dairy farm in San Mateo County. Renowned for their goat cheese, here you have the opportunity to make your own cheese.

Cheese aside, our bellies full, it’s time for whale watching. A year round activity in Half Moon Bay, you are likely to see the gray whale migration from December through May, versus the humpback, blue and/or pilot whales from May through October. Bird watching, fishing and lighthouse tours via boat are also available.

Between the farms, farmer’s markets, wineries and tours available, you won’t find a much better destination for ecotourism than Half Moon Bay, California.