Community Corner
GREAT ESCAPE: Let Them Eat Pie at Gizdich Ranch
It's hard to think of a more wholesome family activity than berry-picking, followed by a little lunch and some pie at Gizdich Ranch in Watsonville.
Got a hankering for some homemade pie? Or some fresh-picked strawberries? You’ll find all this and much more at Gizdich Ranch on the east side of Watsonville.
The longtime local farm, renowned as a you-pick place and pie shop, also contains many other delights for the young and young at heart. Antiques, apple juice, jams and country collectibles are all part of the Gizdich tradition, and the drive is worth it just to soak up some of the old-time farm atmosphere in a beautiful setting.
What to do here: From spring through fall, there’s always something mouth-watering to pick and take home. Right now, it’s strawberries; later on, there will be olallieberries, boysenberries and Red Delicious, Newton Pippin and Golden Delicious apples to pick yourself. If that’s not your thing, or you’re short on time, you can buy fresh or frozen berries there. In the fall you’ll find many varieties of apples for sale, including unusual heirloom varieties like Honey Crisp and Black Twig, that you can buy by the pound or by the half-bushel.
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Why we like it: It’s hard to think of a more wholesome family activity than berry-picking, followed by a little lunch and some pie in the Gizdich Farm Park, where picnic tables are available for visitors. Kids will like the hay bale tunnel and the old tractor, meant for climbing on, inside the Farm Park; parents will enjoy perusing the gift and antiques shops in the quaint complex. Unique ideas for gift-giving include apple gift boxes, jam crates, and apple cake-in-a-jar.
Samples of fresh-pressed apple and berry juice are available, and you can eat pieces of heavenly, just-out-of-the-oven pie here or take home whole pies: everything from apricot to pumpkin, depending on the season. The pie shop also sells coffee, beverages and deli sandwiches, as well as some other fresh-baked pastries, like apple dumplings, fruit puffs and shortcake.
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And even more to like: Gizdich invites visitors to take a self-guided tour of the farm any day; guided tours are offered to groups of 20 or more, although these must be arranged for in advance by calling 722-1056. From September through May, visitors who come on Saturday mornings can also observe apple juice pressing in action.
And if you’re wondering what to do with all this apple and berry bounty, the Gizdich website (www.gizdich-ranch.com) has recipes, and more recipes can be picked up at the farm.
About Gizdich Ranch: The ranch, originally 10 acres purchased in the 1930s by current owner Vince Gizdich’s grandfather, now includes more than 60 acres where some 14 varieties of apples are grown as well as berries. The you-pick operation began in the 1960s and has been a popular destination ever since, both for locals and tourists. Gizdich pies can be found at fine restaurants and grocery stores around the Central Coast, and are so popular for holiday gatherings that the farm recommends you call ahead to order for occasions such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.
Directions and phone: Take Highway 152 west over Hecker Pass; when you’re over the hill, turn left at the four-way intersection onto Carlton Road. Continue on Carlton for a mile until you see signs for Gizdich Ranch, and turn left onto Peckham Road. Gizdich Ranch is at 55 Peckham Road, Watsonville, and is open seven days a week, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For information, see www.gizdich-ranch.com or call (831) 722-1056.
