Harley Farms Goat Dairy

If you could take just one photo: Harley Farms Goat Dairy

While an interest in food has been required for basic human survival, it's the interest in the Slow Food Movement and artisenal foods that are hip again. While you could go up to the wineries in Sonoma or the bakeries in San Jose to see local food being prepared, why go so far when you can easily stay local? Head out to the coast and Harley's Goat Cheese Farm tucked into the town of Pescadero will be your reward. Maybe you'd like a chive-encrusted goat cheese to have with your picnic? Maybe it's the edible flower arrangement on top to bring as a hostess gift? Maybe you're a purist, and the straight-up goat cheese roll is your thing. Any way that you slice it - no pun intended - you are going to get fresh, locally-made goat cheese . The beauty of this rustic location is that you pass the milking shed to get to the entrance. Or if you prefer, you can hang out at the yard gate to catch a glimpse of the four-legged pals who contributed to this production. Either way, a trip to Pescadero is not complete without a visit to Harley Goat Cheese Farm. Oh, and they don't stop with goat cheese...have you tried their ricotta? Baked to have warm with crackers or chilled and then grated over warm pasta, you can't go wrong with a cheese this fresh.

Add a Comment

If you could take just one photo: Harley Farms Goat Dairy

You notice the large, weathered white barn first as you a few blocks from Pescadero's main street. The small "Harley Farm" sign is bright blue and then you see the goats -- lots of them in the clover-covered fields beyond. The trip is guarded by a large, brown inquisitive llama named Bart. But the tastiest surprises await inside the barn.

Add a Comment

Tame, affectionate, jubilant—the resident goats of the family-run Harley Farms dairy in Northern California won’t butt you like those petting-zoo pests often do. They may nibble your ear or your shirttail, but they seem to leave everything intact. Spring is the best season to stop by for a look at the frolicking herd or to take a scheduled tour and get close to newborns and frisky kids. Visit the shop to enjoy the exquisite chevre, ricotta, and fromage blanc that proprietress Dee Harley and staff coax from the goats, particularly their signature “Monet,” which is stuffed with fresh rosemary and lavender and topped with edible flowers. Cheese experts know it’s produced on the coast just by tasting the natural sea salt in it.

Add a Comment