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NEXT: Casa de Fruta
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Are we there yet? Because of its location, tourists from all over the world find their way to Casa de Fruta while visiting some of the state’s other attractions and scenic areas. Events such as the Northern California Renaissance Faire also bring crowds. Zanger estimates a few million people “make us their stop” each year. “Locally, families come out many times a year as a favorite destination to visit or enjoy the day,” he says.
Farmer Joe Zanger shows off some of the fresh selections at Casa de Fruta's fruit stand.
More than just a pit stop Fruit stand evolves into multifaceted destination
Story by Ching Lee • Photo by Richard Green
Travelers who take state Route 152 on their way to the coast or the Central Valley have no doubt spotted Casa de Fruta or stopped there. The family-owned and -operated establishment is hard to miss while driving along the Pacheco Pass between the towns of Gilroy to the west and Los Banos to the east. Besides Bell Station, an unincorporated community about 17 miles to the east, there are no other major towns along the route, which connects the north and south freeways of 101 and Interstate 5. That makes Casa de Fruta a roadside oasis of sorts. With its expansive farmstand, shops, eateries, motel, RV park, amusement rides and other attractions, the sprawling site offers more than just a pit stop for drivers to fuel up and stretch their legs. The “house of fruit,” as it is known in Spanish, has become a must-go destination for shopping, entertainment and photo ops. Farmer Joe Zanger is one of six family partners who runs the cluster of businesses that makes Casa de Fruta, which maintains deep agricultural roots.
Showcasing California agriculture Because his farm “can’t grow it all or be the best at growing it all,” Zanger says he works with other California growers to bring “some of the very best dried fruits and nuts and seasonal fresh fruit” to Casa de Fruta. “Visitors marvel at the selection, much of which is not commonly found where they shop at home,” he says. Highlights include Watsonville strawberries, Hollister apricots, Castroville artichokes, Santa Clara Valley Bing cherries and Central Valley pistachios.
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July/August 2023
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