70174 Fri Jun 10 02:32:56 -0700 2005 4 3 California 0 383372 I was thinking about going to Leona Valley to pick some cherries. I've never been and was wondering if it's worth the energy, drive and money. Fri Jun 10 02:32:56 -0700 2005 0 funnyface 1 383420 Definitely. I went last year, and thought it would take all day to pick, I even packed a picnic lunch. We picked I think 12 pounds in about an hour and a half. The cherries were delicious. They have a website, there are links to the different orchards. Link: http://www.cherriesupic.com Fri Jun 10 12:17:11 -0700 2005 383372 0 LisaN 1 383425 I was there last weekend and am going back this weekend. If you've never been, I would highly recommend the experience. Apart from the fact that you get cherries for about $2.50/lb (supposedly they are selling for $4/lb at the store) you get to spend the day outside, in the sun, and away from LA proper. The cherries are a sight to behold on the tree and you pick and eat and pick and eat to your hearts content. We arrived early and were done picking by 11AM. I would recommend timing your arrival between 8 and 9, especially since this weekend is the official start of the season with a parade and stuff going on. Last weekend, we packed a cooler of sandwich stuff and afterward stopped at a great little park in Palmdale for a simple picnic with cherries for dessert. You get to meet new people and all of the families who run the orchards are warm, friendly and helpful. Pick your orchard wisely, because although we had a wonderful time, we were coralled into a very small orchard that had less than 50 trees, of which, only 10 were really ready for harvest. Nonetheless, we had a fine time and I'm sure you will too. Cherry picking has been a tradition in my family and we absolutely love it. Fri Jun 10 12:42:45 -0700 2005 383372 0 slaks99 2 385763 What is the admission fee? Sun Jun 11 13:20:53 -0700 2006 383425 0 Peter 1 3177337 Oh I so can't wait for cherry picking season. I really enjoy going to Leona Valley, up by Palmdale. I have gone to one place the past 8 years. They use no pesticides, herbicides, which most orchards do up there. Anyways here's a link, they send out e mails when the fruit and flowers are ripe. Yep they have lavender too. www.gatherafruitfulharvest.com Mon Dec 03 21:08:14 -0800 2007 383372 147627 Dayote