One of the largest purveyors of organic produce in the United States, Earthbound Farms (7250 Carmel [1] Valley Rd., 831/625-6219, www.ebfarm.com [2], Mon.–Sat. 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.) offers visitors easy access to its smallish facility in the Carmel Valley. Drive up to the farm stand and browse a variety of organic fruits, veggies, and flowers.
Outdoors, you can ramble into the fields, checking out the chamomile labyrinth and the kids’ garden (yes, your kids can look and touch). Select and harvest your own fresh herbs from the cut-your-own garden, or leave the cooking to the experts and purchase delicious prepared organic dishes at the farm stand.
If you’re interested in a more in-depth guided tour of the farm, check the website for a schedule of walks, which will take you, a group, and an expert guide—perhaps a chef or local famous foodie—out into the fields for a look at what’s growing and how to use it.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/central-coast/carmel
[2] http://www.ebfarm.com