California Bountiful Magazine - July/August 2020

on location

Tehama County

Formed in 1856 from pieces of Butte, Colusa and Shasta counties, Tehama County straddles the Sacramento River. A mile north of Red Bluff is William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park; Ide was a Bear Flag Revolt leader and the only president of the California Republic. Visitors also can explore Lassen Volcanic National Park and the river itself. Walnuts are Tehama County’s leading crop, followed by olives and almonds.

Tyler Christensen, Dairyville “I’m told I’m a fifth-generation prune farmer,” said the 20-year veteran of agriculture, who grew up on the family farm and went full time after earning an agricultural business degree. He grows almonds and walnuts in addition to prunes, and is active in the Tehama County Farm Bureau. “I enjoy working with the land, working outside,” he said. “I enjoy dealing with mechanical things and working with a lot of neat people.”

NOT THEIR FIRST RODEO

Red Bluff Round-Up, Red Bluff With roots going back a century, the Round-Up features four days of rodeo events along with 11 days’ worth of a whole lot else: parade, art shows, street dancing, chili cook-off and golf tournament, among other things. (Organizers plan a return in the spring of 2021 after this year’s rodeo was canceled.)

TIME TO EXPLORE

Burlison Fruit Stand, Los Molinos

M&M Ranch House, Red Bluff

Bianchi Orchards, Los Molinos

This roadside stand was started by Verlin and Edna Burlison in 1948. Seven kinds of honey “straight from the bees” highlight the offerings. Visitors also can find pistachios, almonds and walnuts year-round, along with a wide variety of fruit in season; right about now, that should be apricots, peaches and pluots.

Near the Tehama County Fairgrounds sits this local establishment, which dishes up classic American fare: steak, meatloaf, burgers and sandwiches with creative names such as The Deputy and The Outlaw. Breakfast is served in the morning and early afternoon.

The Bianchi family started growing walnuts here more than 40 years ago. The family has 80 acres of trees and a store with plain, cinnamon- glazed and honey-glazed walnuts. Winegrapes were planted in 2012, and the wine can be sampled in the on-site tasting room.

Image above: Red Bluff clock tower, courtesy of Tehama County Economic Development/Dan Massie

Editor’s note: Many businesses have temporarily closed or limited their hours and services because of the pandemic. Call ahead before visiting.

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