Sweet as a Gravenstein Apple
One of the best ways to connect with a community is to head to a local fair. As someone who truly believes in “an apple a day,” I was delighted that Miles and I had a free Saturday to explore the Gravenstein Apple Fair in Sebastopol.
We dressed in our best complimentary gingham, and I saved my favorite apple-print scarf just for the occasion. It felt like stepping into a postcard from another time.
The moment we arrived, the scent of fresh apple fritters and cider drifted through the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and live music. Booths overflowed with handmade crafts, jars of jam, and baskets of farm fresh produce.
Within minutes, I had my first sip of fresh pressed Gravenstein cider, poured by the wonderful folks at Slow Food Russian River. This local chapter of Slow Food International works tirelessly to save the Gravenstein apple, support Sonoma County farmers, promote sustainable agriculture, and celebrate our apple growing heritage.
We wandered from booth to booth, catching demonstrations on cider making, floral arranging by Bohemian Flowers, and the Great Gravenstein Bake-Off. I would have happily volunteered as a judge for that one! As musicians, we naturally followed the sound of live music. Mariachi Cantares de mi Tierra lit up the stage with heartfelt performances honoring their cultural traditions. Later, Familiar Strangers brought their country-western swing, and we joined the crowd for a bit of two-stepping and some Bob Wills style hollering.
Before heading home, I picked up a few locally made keepsakes including a charming Golden Gate illustrated card from Kate Pinto of Bean Horse Car Designs and a blush-hued bud vase from Altar Ceramics that instantly caught my eye.
By the end of the day, my heart felt full. We drove back through the golden light with the warm California air spilling through the truck windows, the taste of apples still fresh on my mind.
Nearly two years since leaving Chicago, I am still falling in love with the slower pace here. Days like this remind me to savor it all and to always make time for that daily Gravenstein apple.
Lovingly,
– Michelle
Inspired Pieces from the Summer Crush Collection
Photos: "Camp Moon Afternoon" by Benjamin Miles | Camera: FujiFilm X100V