Years ago, my college girlfriend hailed from Watsonville; this, I often visited this part of the world. When the 101 was fogged in or otherwise the less-preferred route from LA, the 5 to the 152 was a reliable path to the verdant green rolling hills of Gilroy, Pajaro, San Juan Bautista, and Watsonville. I always enjoyed stopping at roadside fruit stands and buying fresh produce, supporting the families who worked the land.
Those days are decades ago now, but the roads through these rural areas are still familiar to me. On a recent drive through Pacheco Pass, I stopped off here, drawn in by signage peddling "Avocados- 3 for $1."
My truck looked good in the dirt lot with a backdrop of green hills and fallow fields. I picked out a few nice avocados, paid cash, and was on my way. Didn't bite on the assortment of other fruits, veggies, and nuts. Took a pass on the portapotty, too.
These roadside fruitstands are an exercise in price-point marketing... just down the road, a saw a sign reading "Avocados- 4 for $1," and smiled to myself. Maybe next time I'll buy there? Doesn't really matter to me, pennies and dimes... but it means a lot to these hardworking folks that you stop in and spend a few bucks here that will go a long way supporting their families.
If you shop at farmer's markets in church parking lots and suburban parks, give this place a look, too. You'll be glad you did. read more