Nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley, you will find a little slice of the past. A historical place host to the Weber House and the last acre and a half of working orange groves. Every January since our boys were small, we have been been picking oranges fresh from the tree. The oranges are the best kept secret in Southern California and we are sharing our love for the La Verne Heritage Foundation's events with our readers.
Each year, the La Verne Heritage Foundation offers tours and events for the entire family. From orange picking in January, to Spring Squeeze field trips in March, Hands on History in April and May, Summer Concerts in Heritage Park and don't forget the pumpkin patch field trips in October.
The oranges are always sun kissed sweet and making this outing a family and friends event creates memories that will be remembered a lifetime. As you walk through the iron gates at the entrance, the kind volunteers great you with 5 lb. mesh net bags for sale. This year, bags are $8 each (subject to change without notice). We always buy 3 or 4 bags and strategically stuff them full. It is very easy to get more than 5 lb of oranges in each bag with easily 15-20 pieces of delicious citrus.
Our family grab picking sticks the foundation provides and walk into the orchard. Pro Tip, pick oranges higher in the trees where the sun lights the tree tops for the largest and sweetest citrus. The La Verne Foundation also has a few grapefruit trees you can pick from. After filling our bags, we pull up a chair at the picnic table and enjoy an orange in the orchard.
On certain weekends, the foundation has extra volunteers available to provide tours of the Weber House. This is a beautiful maintained, 2-story farm house with all the nostalgia and history of the late 1800's. While you are there, the foundation has a a general store with lots of gifts for you or your family and friends. The store sells jams and jellies, olives, local honey Pyrex and much more. It is a little county store in the middle of the bustling Los Angeles metro.
Orange Picking occurs every Saturday in January for 3 to 4 weekends only or while supplies last. Hours are 9 AM to 3 PM and we recommend you arrive early as they get very busy. Last weekend, the foundation had over 700 families confirm their attendance.
La Verne Heritage Foundation is located at 5001 Via De Mansion La Verne, CA. Follow them on Instagram for the latest information and upcoming events. If you want an amazing family outing, some of the best oranges you will ever taste and some of the greatest eateries in La Verne, this is for you.
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