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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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China
Ranch Date Farm and Bakery
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An oasis hidden in a desert
valley, the China Ranch Date Farm, is definitely off the
beaten path and is absolutely worth a side trip on your
next journey across the Mojave Desert.
As you wander down into this little palm lined haven
situated somewhere between Death Valley and the Dumont
Dunes, you will discover a gorgeous little river valley
with some interesting geological formations and lots
of hiking trails strewn throughout the area.
Nestled amongst a small group of homes, is this working
farm along with a tiny little date shop, about half
the size of a Starbucks, as well as a cool, clever little
place aptly named the "Modest Museum", which
is more or less a shed depicting the history of the
ranch.
It includes exhibits and artifacts from early Indian
sites and archeological digs, the pioneer families that
were in the area in the early 1900's, and the mysterious
Chinese man who is thought to first have settled the
Mojave Desert Canyon.
Inside the shop is a variety of local goods especially
made for or by China Ranch. Of course, you have your
typical date related items; cookies, muffins, date balls,
and the ever-important date shake.
Also inside is a small fridge with Ziploc bags stuffed
with fresh dates, and tags indicating the variety simply
stapled on. The small scale of packaging makes this
experience even more intriguing. Not sure what to choose?
Not a problem as visitors can sample their way through
the dates, getting a sense of freshness and quality
that China Ranch is bringing to the table.
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China
Ranch Date Farm |
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Every single
date here is a winner, and there is a date for every taste.
The hands down favorite is the purple label "Hybrid"
variety. These dates are jet black, almost looking like
elongated black olives. They are extremely meaty with a
creamy, rich, smooth texture, just like butter.
October through April are the best months to visit the
ranch if you want to take in a few hiking trails, as summer
temperatures can soar well above the century mark.
The Crack Trail provides a modest hike and the reward
is a captivating view of a small waterfall on the Amargosa
River as it flows south through the eastern edge of China
Ranch. A trail guide is available at the gift shop for
.50 cents. Destinations include old mines, slot canyons
or even mountain trails if you drive up into the Kingston
Range.
Nearby in the town of Tecopa, visitors
can immerse themselves in the desert mystique of the Amagosa
Valley, the gateway to Death Valley National Park. Here
you will find the ruins of the Tecopa Consolidated Mining
Co. and the added bonus of a soak at the Tecopa Artesian
Hot Springs at Cynthia’s, a 13-bed budget hostel
with three well-appointed guest rooms.
The bathhouse is rustic and was used by miners in the
early 20th century. Water temperature is an average 104
degrees Fahrenheit. The natural minerals in the spring
water will leave your skin smooth and refreshed after
a long day hiking and exploring.
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China
Ranch Date Palms |
China
Ranch Date Farm Gift Shop |
If you are more the outdoor type. There are also more than
200 camping and R. V. spaces available at Tecopa Hot Springs
Campground. Finally, a tour of Death
Valley National park will highlight your visit to Southeast
Inyo County.
China Ranch is located near the southern
end of Death Valley National Park. It is 50 miles north
of Interstate 15, approximately 85 miles west of Las Vegas,
Nevada, off Highway 127. Open every day. 760-852-4415
www.chinaranch.com Article by Mattew Martz
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Death
Valley One of the hottest and driest
place on the surface of the Earth. |
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Harvey
House in Barstow is listed on the National
Register of Historic Places. |
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