Take your Pick: Four Bay Area U-pick Farms Now Open

A delicious outing to visit farms and pick peaches, berries and organic produce is a great way to escape from your prolonged home hibernation. Nothing tastes better than the U-pick fruits of your own labor. Coronavirus shutdown-prompted closures delayed the start of U-pick season, but luckily for us–the fresh fruit lovers–the following four farms are welcoming us to enjoy this annual beloved tradition. Just remember to wear your mask and keep a social distance.

Information
Webb Ranch: Open by appointment only. $4 for entry and $5.50 per pound of berries. 2720 Alpine Road in Portola Valley. webbranchinc.com.
Blue House Farm: Strawberries U-pick open from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Strawberries are $5 per pound. First come, first served; no reservations needed. 950 La Honda Road in San Gregorio, bluehousefarm.com.
Cloverfield Organic Farm: Open Noon to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Pick your own organic produce. 501 La Paloma Road, El Sobrante. cloverfieldfarm.us.
Gabriel Farms: Open by appointment for U-pick berries. Normal weekend hours will resume in August. 3175 Sullivan Road, Sebastopol. gabrielfarm.com

Photo courtesy of Webb Ranch

Summer Sunday Virtual Dinner at Robert Mondavi Winery
Sunday, August 2, 2020 at 4 p.m.

Join in for a behind-the-scenes look at one of Robert Mondavi Winery’s signature events – “Dinner Under the Stars.” Marking the release of their celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, this sell-out dinner takes place annually at Mondavi’s lavish Oakville estate – this year virtually! The winery’s Executive Chef Jeff Mosher, accompanied by Master of Wine Mark de Vere will serve up the menu, ingredient list and cooking demos, share designer tips for a beautiful table, and of course, introduce the award winning 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. Joining in this dining soiree will be Emmy Award-winning radio and TV personality Liam Mayclem. Sip along with Liam while you enjoy the event and check out the winery’s Reserve wine packages.

Information
You can watch this event streamed live on the main Summer Sundays page or on the Mondavi YouTube channel. How about making it truly exciting for your family and friends by hosting your own “Dinner Under the Stars?” Cheers!
robertmondaviwinery.com

Photo courtesy of Robert Mondavi Winery

Heller Airport Virtual Runway Run
August 7 through August 16, 2020

Forget about the canceled summer Olympics in Tokyo. You can express your need for speed with a unique 2K/5K/10K running event that’s fun and healthy for the whole family. Due to the public health situation, large events like the Runway Run are not currently permitted by the city, county, and state, but it does not mean the end of the 2020 Airport Runway Run in San Carlos. So get out your walking and running shoes because this will be the first-ever, and possibly only-ever, Virtual Airport Runway Run! The runway is where you make it! Runners, walkers, and strollers may complete their 2K, 5K, or 10K virtually, on the course of their choosing. Entry fees are nonrefundable. If you are unable to participate, you may transfer your registration to another participant. First-ever Runway Run participant medals will be available with Virtual Registration!

Information
heller.org/airport-runway-run
Photo courtesy of Heller Airport

Virtual Travel Adventures with Darley Newman

No need for a visa or the overweight carry-on luggage! Travel the world in the comfort of your home. Enjoy the new season of six-time Emmy nominee Darley Newman’s “Travels with Darley,” launched on Ovation TV’s Journey app with a series of 13 travelogues produced in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the U.S. It comes at a welcome time since we cannot travel, but we can come along for the ride as Newman explores stunning vistas in Tahoe, dines on oysters in Morro Bay, swims with sharks in Dubai and samples crepes and galettes in Brittany. Newman whisks viewers off to the castle-dotted landscapes of the Rhine River or heads out to the desert safari and much more. You are in for a treat! It is the closest you can get to the enjoyment of a real travel adventures. But that will come in 2021, hopefully.

Information
Catch a sneak peek at “Travels with Darley” at darleycnewman.com

Photo courtesy of Darley Newman

Lina Broydo immigrated from Russia, then the Soviet Union, to Israel where she was educated and got married. After working at the University in Birmingham, England, she and her husband immigrated to the United States. She lives in Los Altos Hills, CA and writes about travel, art, style, entertainment, and sports. She hardly cooks or bakes, with no borsch or piroshky on her home cooking menu. Therefore, she makes reservations and enjoys dining out, mostly sushi.