Casa de Fruta
I thought it would be fun to share a new feature on CatholicTourist.com to highlight simple little discoveries I make along the path to larger destinations. This “Along the Way” feature will be a quick look at simple, interesting places that are off the beaten path or perhaps less known venues. My intention is to share the good news about sites I visit, even if they are not explicitly religious.
Such is the case with today’s “Along the Way” stop — Casa de Fruta. As I debut this feature, I’m going to share specific points about each of the spots I visit. This will be a recurring feature, but the points shared will be the same for each new venue.
Destination Name:
Location:
10021 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister CA 95023
Closest Catholic Church:
A Bible passage to ponder while you’re here:
I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. John 15:1-9
Find it along the way to:
Most Californians wander across Casa de Fruta heading either north or south between San Francisco and Los Angeles along Highway 152. We pass it going home from the Bay Area to Fresno and it’s become a destination for our family, a “stopping place” to rest and replenish. When you stop at Casa de Fruta, you’re sure to run into large groups of motorcyclists, who often make it a destination. Casa de Fruta also holds a popular Renaissance Faire every year.
What you’ll find here:
- Fruit Stand with amazing selection, beautifully displayed. The selection includes not only fresh fruits and vegetables, but also a great selection of dried fruits and nuts and a wine selection.
- Children’s amusement rides including “Casa de Carousel”, “Casa de Choo Choo” and “Casa de Sluice”. Kids will also love the nearby Casa de Sweets which will give Mom and Dad a walk down memory lane with tons of traditional candy favorites.
- Accommodations, including a hotel and RV resort. I’ve never stayed in either, but both look busy so they must have something good to offer!
Be sure to check out:
The garlic – if you’ve come to Casa de Fruta from Gilroy, you’ll already be in the mood since you’ve been smelling the aroma along the highway for miles. Another favorite of ours is the amazing dried fruit which you can purchase either prepackaged or by the pound, which enables you to create your own mix.
Learn more at:
About Lisa M. Hendey
