 Davison Orchards, Bob Van Tol photo
Davison OrchardsThree generations of Davison's still work at Davison Orchards, a family attraction five minutes from downtown Vernon. Learn all about growing apples from Farmer Bob on his guided Johnny Popper Apple Bin train ride through the orchard. In October, the train runs to the pumpkin patch where kids pick their own soon-to-be jack-o-lanterns.
Kids can feed the goats in the petting zoo, check out the antique tractors and ride the slide in the playground while moms, dads and grandparents shop for crafts, produce, preserves, fresh-pressed apple juice and baked goods in the Country Village. Homemade pie from secret family recipes is so amazing that locals call ahead and reserve to make sure they're not disappointed. Lunch and snacks using farm-grown produce and fresh-baked goods are also available. Open May 1 to October 31 at 3111 Davison Rd.
Planet Bee Honey FarmLive honeybees work their magic in plain view within Planet Bee's glass-sided indoor hive year-round. During summer, guides explain the society and life cycle of these industrious insects in a safely screened outdoor observatory. Watch the amazing bee dance as workers produce the raw materials for the many bee products on sale in the shop. Taste different kinds of honey, smell the scent of beeswax candles and learn about bee-related nutrition. Open daily year round, but the best time to see the bees at work is in summer. Located next to Davison Orchards at 5011 Bella Vista Rd, five minutes from downtown Vernon.
Farmers' MarketsThe Vernon Farmer's Market presents products from over 100 vendors in peak season on Mondays and Thursdays, April to October, in the multi-plex parking lot (3445 43rd Ave). Farmgate markets like Swan Lake Fruit Market and Garden Centre, 7920 Highway 97, north of the city centre, stock a wide variety of locally grown produce in season.
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