Casa de Fruta is the home of fruit and a whole lot more

If you’ve never been to Casa de Fruta, or haven’t in a while, then it’s time to stop, stretch your legs and explore this unique rest stop.

Located along the Diablo Mountain Range, Casa de Fruta is about two hours from Fresno, two miles east of the Highways 152 and 156 junction.

Its location makes it a popular place to stop while en route to places along the coast, like Santa Cruz or Monterey. Folks on their way to Gilroy or San Jose like to stop there, too.

However, Casa de Fruta doesn’t need to just be a rest stop—it could be the destination. Consider making it a day trip!

You may remember last month I blogged about the 10 Reasons You Should Visit Santa Cruz This Summer. Well I just got back from my annual family vacay and it started off great, with a stop at Casa de Fruta, of course.

Fruit and Nuts Galore

The first Casa de Fruta orchards were planted in 1908. A roadside cherry stand opened in the 1940s and now over two million visitors stop each year.

The fruit stand is huge. It’s fully stocked with a wide variety of seasonal fresh fruit. Peaches, plums, pineapple—it’s all there. There’s also lots and lots of dried fruit. Think apricots, prunes, and mangoes.

If nuts are your thing, then be prepared to load up. They have nuts in their shells and without. Almonds, walnuts, pecans—every type of nut.

There are lots of jams, jellies, sauces, and dressings too. It’s hard not to leave with more than you planned to.

Stop and Eat

Casa de Restaurant is open 24 hours. The restaurant is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year. It never stops serving breakfast and is known for its fresh baked fruit and cream pies. Click here to check out the menu.

Casa de Wine is also a pretty neat spot. Like the name implies, you’ll find wine from award-winning Zanger Vineyards; you’ll also find wine tasting here. There’s a wide variety of fruit wines, made from apricots, blackberries, pomegranates, and Santa Rosa plums.

Also inside the wine shop is an easy, quick, and tasty place to get a sandwich, salad or wrap. You tell them what you want on it and they build it for you. Choose everything from the meat to the veggies to the spreads.

If you want to satisfy that sweet tooth, then Casa de Sweets is the place for you. You’ll find everything—baked goods, candy, ice cream. They sell coffee, too.

Save Time to Play

The atmosphere at Casa de Fruta is park like. There are lots of photo opportunities. Kids and adults alike will get a kick out of  the vintage feel.

There are a couple of rides that operate, weather permitting. The Casa de Choo Choo takes riders along a two-mile track that passes along the scenic Pacheco Creek. The carousel, known as Casa de Carousel, is double-decker and was handcrafted in Italy.

Casa de Fruta is also home to a Chevron Station, RV Park, and Inn. To learn more and to plan your visit go to CaseDeFruta.com or call 1-800-543-1702.

Happy traveling!

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FresYes Writing Team

We say “Yes and” to our community, which we love to work and live in. We always speak positively about our growing business, each other and the Fresno community. We are proud to support local businesses, engage in what’s happening in our community and lovingly participate in as many volunteer activities as we can as individuals and as a collective group. We are generous and we are proud to give back.

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