Almond blossoms bring me joy

Something about almond blossoms makes me smile every time I see them, putting me in a joyful state of mind. Appearing in mid-to-late February while other trees are still dormant, almond blossoms serve as nature’s hopeful reminder that spring is not too far away, painting a once gray and brown winter landscape with a million splashes of pink and white.

Every year, I try to visit some of the best places in Northern California to see almond blossoms. That’s partly because brightly colored almond orchards are a photographer’s dream. Looking up through branches covered with clusters of delicate almond blossoms with a bright blue sky backdrop remains magical no matter how many times I’ve seen it.

Beyond how photogenic almond blossoms are, witnessing a landscape painted in pink and white as far as the eye can see is a reminder to slow down, take a deep breath, and appreciate the little things. Every year, no matter what is happening in the world, delicate almond blossoms show up without fail, beautiful and sweet smelling, if only for a few weeks. At the end of their life, their petals fall to the ground, dancing and swirling in the breeze like pink and white snowflakes.

I am not alone in feeling joy at the sight of almond blossoms. For centuries, in many cultures, almond blossoms have symbolized renewal, hope, and the transient nature of beauty. As I wrote in my story about almond blossoms last year, Vincent van Gogh was so taken by their beauty that he created several paintings dedicated to them.

In that same story, I discussed Modesto, California, as an ideal destination for viewing almond blossoms. Modesto is arguably the most popular and well-known destination, largely due to the visitors bureau's excellent ongoing efforts to promote self-guided almond blossom tours in the region.

But if you are inclined to dodge potential crowds and seek a more rural, quaint almond blossom viewing experience, look farther north to Capay Valley. Located just north of Sacramento in Yolo County, this incredibly fertile and beautiful valley has farms and orchards of all sizes bordering Cache Creek, the area's lifeblood. The almond blossoms are stunning, typically reaching peak bloom in late February or early March.

If you haven’t heard about Capay Valley, that is not surprising. Most know the area only for the Cache Creek Casino Resort. However, it is so much more than a casino destination. For decades, the produce from the many farms and ranches has supplied top markets and restaurants. Capay Valley is gradually coming into its own with expanding vineyards (it earned an American Viticultural Areas designation in 2002) and year-round wine tastings, farm tours, and olive oil tastings.

One of the best ways to learn more about this quaint valley’s food artisans, farmers, ranchers, and vintners is during the annual Almond Festival, which takes place over a weekend in late February each year. This festival has a history. Capay Valley held its first Almond Festival in October 1915 to celebrate the almond harvest. After being put on hold during WWII, the festival was revived in 1964 and moved to February to celebrate the almond blossom.

Though the festival's official base is Esparto Community Park, the event is a five-town festival that winds along Highway 16 from Esparto for 21 scenic miles through the towns of Capay, Brooks, Guinda, and Rumsey. Each town and stop is unique in look and feel and offers different activities, but all celebrate the almond blossom.

Based on experience, I recommend the following food, libation, or caffeination stops.

>> The Corner Store in Guinda is historic, funky, and fun, with great snacks.

>> Lucy's Cafe in Esparto has a great atmosphere, fantastic coffee, and delicious pastries to fuel your journey.

>> For lunch, Seka Hills Olive Mill and Tasting Room is a great place to get deli food, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and snacks.

>> Capay Valley Vineyards in Brooks is a great stop if they are open, typically only on weekends after Noon. Ask to taste the Sparkling Viognier. Trust me on that.

>> Taber Ranch Vineyard & Event Center (the tasting room is only open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is another perfect rest stop. It has a beautiful setting and delicious wine. Try the Rose of Tempranillo. Continue up the road past Taber Ranch for great views of almond orchards in bloom.

I trust you will enjoy Capay Valley's rural paradise and the intoxicating beauty of its almond blossoms as much as I do. Maybe you’ll see me along the way. I’ll be the one with the joyful grin and a camera slung over my shoulder.

— Story by Michael - See more photos by Michael Hodgson here – including plenty of almond blossom images and all available for purchase for gifts or just for you!