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About The Blue Mountain eagle. (John Day, Or.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (July 31, 2019)
JOURNEY Blue Mountain Eagle C6 Wednesday, July 31, 2019 A harvest of local offerings on the John Day River Food Trail Western Grant County businesses team up to promote agritourism By Angel Carpenter Blue Mountain Eagle A drive through Dayville, Kimberly, Spray, Mon- ument and Long Creek offers an abundance of scenic views, but the area is more than just a feast for the eyes. The prime micro climate, rich soil and water sourced from the John Day River are ingredients for an ideal area for growing crops, raising livestock and having recreational fun. Owners of orchards, farms, ranches, beehives, stores, cafés, RV parks, Airbnbs and more are promot- ing the local economy while introducing visitors to what they have to offer. A group of west-side proprietors gathered to create what they call the John Day River Food Trail, which uses Kimberly as its hub. Beekeepers Matt Allen and Liz Lovelock, who own Apricot Apiaries in Kimberly on the Thomas Orchards property, manage 400 beehives. Allen and Lovelock cooperate with Jeff and Laura Thomas family and family. They own and operate Thomas Orchards, a 100-acre property at Kimberly with a diverse crop of fruit trees. The beekeeping couple started their family busi- ness in 2012, and their blue beehive boxes are spread across 50 miles, focusing on honey production in the John Day River Basin. They keep a couple dozen bee- hives at Thomas Orchards and operate a stand there with a variety of honey and beeswax items, such as lip balm, salve and candles. The Eagle/Angel Carpenter See Trail, PageC7 Pat Irwin weighs a box of nectarines at Thomas Orchards on June 29, and Christy Howell, at the cash register, helps Linde Irwin as she purchases their four boxes of fruit. Spectacular Gift Shop • Area Information • Family Museum • Drinks & Snacks • Saddle Pads • Team Roping Ropes • Roping Gloves Enjoy John Day Valley’s mild climate and clear skies. Play all year round on great fairways and greens. • Car Renta t & Club ls A • Gre vailable at Rat es! ROUND BARN VISITOR CENTER JOHN DAY GOLF COURSE • 541.575.0170 51955 Lava Bed Rd. • Diamond, OR 888-493-2420 27631 Golf Club Rd., One Mile West of John Day 128425 All the Comforts of Home OUTDOOR Headquarters No Matter What Your Game Is, We’ve Got You Covered! …and then some! Ny da m’ s Blue Mountain Care Center Compassionate 24 HR. Care - Quality Life - Beautiful Location The helpful place. 652 W. Main, John Day • 541-575-0549 112 E. 5th St., Prairie City • 541-820-3341 127799 1188 Brewing Company, John Day, OR Family Friendly • Craft food, spirits and beer 1188 Crafted Beer Second location opening in August! Tap Room @ Historic Central Hotel, Burns, Or. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 141 E Main, John Day • 541-575-1188 127795
