Olive Festival

We went to the Olive Festival during the last weekend it was held. Its located in the same venue that houses The Lavender Festival at Highland Springs Ranch. Having been to the Lavender Festival over the summer, this Festival was definitely low key in size, vendors, and ambiance which is not a bad thing at all. I was able to really take my time and peruse the area. I didn't feel rushed at all. I'd recommend purchasing the sour dough bread that is exclusive to the Ranch. I was able to purchase their Fig jam, the newest product they were offering. There weren't any food trucks this time around however, the food selections were on par. Definitely take advantage of building your own charcuterie board with their selections of cheeses, meats, and olives. Great wine selections. Because this Festival was markedly smaller, the venue also included a Pumpkin Patch for children with an array of activities and goodies. I brought my niece and nephew and they had fun. They got dressed for the occasion. We took advantage of the chicken egg harvest which included a tour, chicken interaction, and a chicken egg to bring home.Tickets were $7 this year. Free for the kids 12 and under. Parking $5 at the event. No shuttle. Definitely worth the trip for a low key fun weekend.

This festival is a lovely little retail outing set in a beautiful natural historical mineral springs conservatory. The retailers are knowledgeable and the music was wonderful. The entrance isn't pricey and the parking is free. Years past, the food was wonderful, but this year Asians serving Greek gyros is not the answer to international cuisine. I will definitely eat before I go next year.