Granny May's U-Pick Strawberries, A Sweet Family Tradition

2020 Rates

7246 Auburn Folsom Rd,

Granite Bay, CA 95746 

(2 hrs. from Reno)

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Strawberry picking, and U Pick experiences in general, have been a cherished tradition for my kids and me since they were toddlers. There is something especially joyful about hand picking fresh, juicy strawberries alongside the kiddos while watching them get excited about where their food comes from and, of course, hunting down the perfect berries.
Granny May's has consistently been delivering outstanding berries, produce, & service throughout the years and can be found a roughly 2 hour day trip from Reno, tucked into the Granite Bay/Roseville area outside Sacramento. They are so well known and sought after during berry season, so be sure to hunker down and closely wait for tickets to drop as they are limited each session and sell out almost instantly.

In a nutshell, U Pick experiences are fun, exciting, and give my kiddos the opportunity to see where their food comes from while appreciating the farmers who put so much time and effort into growing it.

I know it may seem like a stretch to drive this far for a strawberry picking experience, but I love venturing out, especially when it turns into a full blown weekend adventure filled with learning, exploring, and the opportunity to scarf down homegrown fruit you simply cannot find at an ordinary grocery store. Thought Granny May's doesn't carry an organic label, the family farm follows growing methods that match organic standards very closely.

What makes the U-Pick experience even more special are the wonderful people behind it. The family managing the farm is hardworking and approachable, and go out of their way to accommodate their visitors.
Bonus points for their efforts in growing additional produce like green onions & zucchini, available for purchase for visitors at their stand.
We are already looking forward to our next visit.

Nearby: Roseville & Folsom are loaded with tons of shopping, restaurants, and things to do, just a 15-20 minutes drive away from Granny May's.

NOTES
*Reservations are required
*Tickets tend to sell out quickly, especially at the start of the season. Follow their Facebook and Instagram pages for U-pick dates and purchase tickets through their website.
*Admission includes a bucket and all the strawberries you can pick. Adults 17+: $15, children ages 4-17: $7, children 3 & under: free (basket not provided). Prices as of April 2024.
*Their farm stand offers seasonal produce (while supplies last). Call ahead to confirm hours and availability. Offerings may include strawberries, blackberries, watermelon, tomatoes, green beans, garlic, jams, and pickles.
*Enjoy a sunflower patch & giant strawberry photo backdrop at the farm
*There is ample parking available, but w/ limited shade.
*Visit early to beat the heat.
*Bring hats, water, sunscreen, and snacks.
*Card payments accepted
*Look for deeply red strawberries for the sweetest fruit, and enjoy freshly picked berries within 2-3 days. Pre-picked berries are also available at the farm stand

Information subject to change.  All opinions are my own.

Photography

© Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

Categorized under U-Pick and Seasonal/Holidays

Little Truckee Ice Creamery - Experience Quality, Handcrafted Ice Cream in Reno, Lake Tahoe, & Truckee

Locations

*Downtown Truckee (featured in post)

10157 Donner Pass Rd.
Truckee, CA 96161

*Donner Lake 
15628 Donner Pass Rd
Truckee, CA 96161

*Downtown Tahoe City

North Lake Tahoe Visitor's Center Parking Lot

100 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145

*Northwest Reno

1650 Robb Dr Ste B4, Reno, NV 89523

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The moment I tasted this ice cream, I knew I had to tell the world how amazing it is! Honestly, it is some of the best ice cream in the Reno Tahoe area. Scratch that, it is some of the best ice cream I've ever had. It is creamy, rich, packed with flavor, and tastes as fresh as can be. I can never get enough, and I always start craving another scoop the moment I finish one. It's an ice cream lover's/foodie's dream come true that you can't help but crave no matter then season and weather.

Little Truckee Ice Creamery started in Truckee in 2017, when owner Kenny Blum opened the original shop near Donner Lake. This small ice cream shop was created with families and the outdoors in mind and has since grown into several locations around the area. I used to make the drive from Reno to their Truckee shops just to get my fix, so you can imagine my excitement when the ice cream gods finally answered my prayers and Little Truckee opened in the old Rita's Italian Ice location in Northwest Reno.

Little Truckee serves up all the classic flavors you crave, made with quality ingredients and plenty of care, along with creative flavors that really stand out. One of my favorites is Truckee Trails, made with pine nut brittle, caramel, and house made brownies folded into a sweet cream base. It is dangerously delicious.

Pricing reflects the quality & taste of the ice cream. It's always worth every penny, but if you find yourself torn and on a budget, go for the pint and split it between your peeps - it's the best bang for your buck.  For my adventurous foodie friends, order 4 minis in different flavors and book your one way flight to flavor town.  You're welcome!

Locations

-Donner Location: Right next to Donner Lake & Donner Memorial State Park ($10 day-use fee) - both gems filled with natural beauty and endless things to do. Camp, kayak, paddleboard, pedal boat, hike, or just lounge on the unique, almost private patches of shoreline while enjoying a nearby BBQ picnic.  There's absolutely nothing more satisfying than spending a whole day at the beach and later topping it off with the best ice cream.

-Downtown Truckee: Truckee is one of the most charming alpine towns that has the best views and vibes.  Catch the ice cream trailer on the main street and enjoy a scoop or two with a magnificent backdrop of evergreen trees and a bustling strip of shops, boutiques, and restaurants.

-Tahoe City: Just about a 20-minute drive away from Truckee, you’ll find this neighborhood gem, along with a strip of charming shops and restaurants right by the shore that goes by the name of Tahoe City. The ice cream truck is parked in the California 89 Home & Apparel parking lot.  Free parking available at Common's Beach and the Tahoe City Transit Center.  Common's Beach is one of my top 10 hidden beaches in Lake Tahoe where you can enjoy seasonal markets, movies on the beach (summer nights), events, an epic playground, watersports rentals, and more.  Just a half mile, you'll find Cobblestone Center - enjoy movies at Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema, dining and live entertainment at Tahoe Tap House, and browse some really cool boutique shops.  Common's beach is directly across the street of Cobblestone Center.

-Northwest Reno: Located at one of the last Reno exits (Robb Dr.) before ascending on 80W to Truckee.  This stop is a great location to visit while heading in and out of town.  

Now, back to the ice cream...

All of their flavors are incredible.

-Blueberry Honey Lavender: Fresh and delicious, with the honey and lavender taking center stage while the blueberry adds a subtle touch. Every bite had me saying, "YUM!"

-Truckee Trails: Pine nut brittle and brownie in sweet ice cream marbled with caramel.  Hands down my favorite flavor! This OUT OF THIS WORLD foodie dream combines crunchy, flavorful brittle with brownie and ice cream, with pine nuts adding a warm, nutty tone that plays perfectly with the other ingredients. The pine nuts are a fitting touch, considering Lake Tahoe is surrounded by tons of pine trees.

-Chocolate Brownie: A sophisticated treat with RICH & INTENSE chocolate flavor and homemade brownies for extra flavor & texture.

-Salted Caramel: It's a popular flavor everywhere for good reason.  Theirs is no exception.

-Strawberry Lemonade: Super refreshing & the perfect non-dairy option.

-Spooner Strawberry: Clean and fresh with supreme strawberry flavor.

-Mountain Top Mint Chip - mint flavor not too overpowering, loaded with chocolate chips.  No artificial dyes.

-Cookies & Cream - OMG good! Oreo is my favorite go-to ice cream flavor anywhere.  Theirs is honestly one of the best versions ever to exist. Loaded with cookies and that classic oreo flavor. 

They even have vegan options like roasted coconut - a coconut milk base with toasted coconut and chocolate shavings, and rotating selection of sorbets. 

I could keep on going on about their other flavors, but you get the picture.

As someone who cooks at home all the time, I know that simple ingredients can be elevated with quality & care. Little Truckee Ice Creamery nails this, achieving a perfect balance between mouth feel, sweetness, and flavor that’s hard to get right.

Topping Options
Brownies, cookies, coconut, chocolate/caramel sauce, nuts, cherries, chocolate chips.

Seating
-Limited seating at the Downtown Truckee location.
-Outdoor patio seating at Donner.
-No seating at the Downtown Tahoe City location, but you can easily enjoy your treat right down the street at Common's Beach.
-Indoor seating available at the Northwest location.

NOTES
-If you're celebrating a special occasion, or just celebrating life, their brownie sundae is the ultimate indulgence. It’s huge & so perfect for sharing!
-In a single scoop, you're allowed to pick two flavors.
-They offer a mini option, perfect for kids or if you just want to sample a few flavors.
-Espresso available at the Donner & Reno location for affogatos.
-If you're planning to camp at Donner State Memorial Park (nearby), make sure to book sites well in advance. Campsites fill up fast!
-Watch out for specials on pints throughout the year, especially during the holidays.

Prices as of 2020

***Information subject to change.  All opinions are my own.***

Photography 
© Katherine Fung,
All rights reserved.

Categorized under "Good Eats"