CASA DE FRUTA ORCHARD RESORT

What started as a humble cherry stall in 1908 is now a huge roadside attraction, welcoming more than 3 million visitors each year. Located 40 miles north-east of Monterey, Casa de Fruta in Hollister is a pleasant spot to take a break or even spend the night. With a 900-square-metre market, 24-hour restaurant, sweet shop, camper van park, 14-room inn and fairground, there’s something at Fruta for the whole family.

'My great-uncles came from Calabria, Italy, to plant the very first orchards in the Pacheco Valley,' says Casa de Fruta partner Gene Zanger. The Central Coast attraction has remained in the family’s hands since its inception. Zanger remembers laying bricks in front of the shop when he was just 12 years old; now his own children play on the property. 'There are peacocks that roam the property,' he says, 'and there’s something in kids that makes them love to chase them around.'

The market, which Zanger calls 'the soul of the operation', sells dried fruit, nuts, wine, gourmet goods and fresh produce from all over the state. Visitors can try strawberries from Watsonville, pistachios from Fresno, garlic from Gilroy and much more. The family’s wine is offered in the traditional white, red and rosé—but Zanger says that visitors most often leave with a bottle of Casa de Fruta’s signature pomegranate wine.

The restaurant is open 24 hours a day. 'In 1957, we put a sign up that said, "We never close". And we haven’t since,' Zanger says. Diners can tuck into hearty meals such as meatloaf, casserole, and fish and chips. Zanger’s favourite? The prime rib, the fried chicken or the New York sirloin. Finish your meal with a warm slice of Fruit of the Forest Pie—or head across the way to the sweet shop for a cone filled with locally made ice cream.

With an inn and a camper van park on the property, guests are welcome to stay as long as they like. Parents can get some rest as the children wear themselves out on the miniature train (lovingly named Casa de Choo Choo) and the double-decker carousel.