On location: San Joaquin County
September/October 2017 California Bountiful magazine
What makes it distinctive? Find out!
San Joaquin County was organized in 1850, when California was admitted to the Union. Stockton had been a jumping-off point for prospectors heading for the Sierra Nevada in search of gold. The county, which includes part of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, boasts rich soils that support a $2.7 billion agricultural economy. Delta waterways also play host to numerous boating activities and the Port of Stockton.
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Jim Ferrari, Linden
The Ferrari family grows cherries and walnuts in Linden, just east of Stockton. Third-generation farmer Jim Ferrari also runs Ferrari Brothers, which deals in commercial walnut processing, hulling and drying. He was recently elected president of the San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation.
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San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum, Lodi
This popular destination sits in Micke Grove Park, once the home and farm of William Micke. The museum preserves some of the Flame Tokay grapevines he once tended. It also tells the stories of local agriculture, including innovations that have sprung from the county's farms, and of the people who have lived there.
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Lodi Grape Festival, Lodi
Started 80 years ago as a celebration of a settled labor dispute, the festival today is known for its wine tasting—winegrapes being the region's chief crop—and murals made from grapes and other commodities. This year's festival is set for Sept. 14-17.
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Dell'Osso Family Farm, Lathrop
Three brothers from Italy began growing asparagus here in 1920. Today, the third and fourth generations of Dell'Ossos grow pumpkins and corn, the latter crop fashioned into a maze every fall. The farm also offers other seasonal events.
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Market Tavern, Stockton
Phillip Wong and Nicholas diArenzo opened this north Stockton restaurant in 2012. The tavern features local ingredients on its dinner and weekend brunch menus and craft beer on tap at the bar. The grab-and-go market offers bread, salads, sandwiches, meat and produce.
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