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