$1 Berry Tarts – Perfect size, perfect price!
One of the hardest parts about coming ‘home’ is the sheer amount of catching up there is to do. Many people believe life on the road is the chaotic part, but they’re mistaken. Honestly, I get most of my battery recharging, creative juice flow, inspiration, etc., when we’re on the go. During our respite back at Home Base, my free time is spent catching up with family, taking care of various checkups, car maintenance, and so on. We hardly ever have the time to get out and explore our very own backyard.
This makes our latest find all the sweeter. Earlier in the summer, a local berry farm ran a Groupon special, and it was quickly snapped up by me at least three of my family members. We’re very fortunate to live in an area in which a ten-minute drive from the city will land you smack in the middle of agriculture nirvana. Hoffman Farms Store is located within this little haven, just off Scholls Ferry Road in Scholls, Oregon. For those not in the know, Scholls Ferry, along with its cohorts, Farmington & River Roads, sprawl through miles and miles of Washington County’s west side. Out this way you’ll find everything from Alpacas to Vineyards. Berry and apple farms, lavender fields, mini horses, antique shops – these are just some of the places you’ll pass, and on a nice day, a fair amount of cyclists. We are located just outside the most bike-friendly city in the world, after all.
Hoffman Farms Store is a small, family owned and operated farm residing on the historic Butler/Flint Century Farm in Scholls . They’ve been in business for over two decades, but relocated to their current home in 2000. The Store is quaint, clean and charmingly decorated. Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Prices are wonderful, but the main attraction has to be those berries! Big, juicy, bright and fresh – you’ll have a hard time resisting them until you get to your destination.
At this time, with summer winding down, Hoffman Farms Store has some blueberries and blackberries left, but the season is sadly over for strawberries, raspberries, and marionberries and all U-picking. However, they still offer a variety of fresh, locally grown produce, Walla Walla sweet onions, cucumbers, zucchini, green beans, sweet corn, cherries, cantaloupe, and Sweet Sue peaches. Fresh spinach, lettuce and herbs are harvested daily from the garden.
While you’re there, don’t miss one of their fresh-baked, handmade fruit pies and tarts. The little hand tarts are just $1 and the perfect size for an on-the-go treat. You can grab a coffee as well, since Hoffman Farms Store even boasts it’s own real espresso machine…the kind the big guys abandoned for less attractive and more automated gizmos & gadgets.
Be sure to take a walk around the grounds while you’re there. Among the fields you’ll find great places to stop in the shade, have a picnic, and even one of the most unique play structures I’ve seen.
You can currently visit the Hoffman Farms Store daily. Hours and updated availability is located on their website.
22242 SW Scholls Ferry Road
Beaverton, OR 97007
(503) 628-5418
