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One of my favorite ways to while away an hour is winding my way thru row after row of trees bursting with glistening, deep red cherries. My attention fixated on the heavy branches, eyes feasting on the color palate of red fruit, green leaves and blue sky.

branches loaded with bing cherries



A cooling breeze is a welcome counterpart to the warmth of the sun filtering thru the trees. Hands reaching for the perfectly ripe fruit and claiming particular cherries as my own. Into my bucket they go with a few not making it past my mouth.

fresh picked cherries bucket


As my teeth break the skin of my first cherry of the season and the sweet tasty juice bursts forth, thrilling my taste buds, I am more than content.
Cherry picking is therapeutic and a peacefulness settles on me sometime during the experience. I always feel tranquil and quiet inside for hours afterwards. It’s a day well spent and I have a bucket full of treasure to bring home.


2010 Cherry Picking is underway!


5 star ranch entrance cherry picking


We went to the 5 Star Ranch this year and had such a wonderful time. We came home with many pounds of delicious Bing & Rainier cherries. These cherries are so much more flavorful than the supermarket. The people who run 5 Star Ranch are so friendly. If you ask and sometimes even if you don't they'll take the time to point out trees that have big ripe cherries.

5 star ranch friendly people cherry picking


They never use any pesticides or herbicides. The cherries are $3.00 lb but if you get on their email list they'll email you a coupon for a free pound with purchase. For the remainder of the season their hours will be: 8:00am - 3:00pm Saturday and Sunday, and 8:00am - 1:00pm weekdays thru June 2nd and possibly thru July 4th if they have cherries left. You can call or check their website for updated information:

5 Star Ranch
40109 90th St. West
Leona Valley, CA 93551.
(661) 270-9101
email: dan@5starranch.com
http://www.5starranch.com/

How To Get to 5 Star Ranch
Take the 5 Freeway north to the 14 Freeway north towards Palmdale/LancasterExit Palmdale Blvd and turn LeftDrive straight approximately 10 miles to 90th St. WestTurn LeftDrive straight to 40109 90th St. West Note: Palmdale Blvd. turns into Elizabeth Lake Rd. at 10th St. West

Scroll Down for more Cherry Picking Locations & Directions


Some Cherry picking tips:

pick your own cherries


Cherry season can be as short as 2 weeks or as long as 6 weeks so don’t wait. ( Although one farm’s cherries can be all gone and the another’s farm can still have plenty )

It’s a good idea to call first since a few farms are already open but most will be opening on June 12 or June 18th. You can also just drive down to Leona Valley and find signs directing you to open orchards. ( Bring this list with handy phone numbers in case you have any trouble finding an open orchard )

Go early to beat the heat but bring a jacket since the weather is unpredictable. Wear suncreen and bring a hat to shade your face. Bring water to keep hydrated.

Cherries stain so dress appropriately and bring baby wipes for the little ones.

You’ll be walking on dirt with holes here and there so closed toed shoes are strongly recommended.

rows of cherry trees


Make sure your child knows to spit out the cherry pit. If you’re in doubt bring along or buy a cherry pitter.

Just a reminder: always keep your children in sight - a good rule in any public place

You might want to bring a cooler to keep the cherries their very freshest during the drive home: Once you get your cherries home, promptly refrigerate them and wash just prior to eating. You can freeze cherries. We like to pit them first so you can use them in smoothies all year long

Sour cherries make the best pies but are scarce. Call Cherry Tyme (661) 270-0649 for harvest dates.


Some details vary from farm to farm so call or check the farm’s website’s if any of the following are important to you:

Bring cash. Only a few places take credit cards so call if you need to charge your cherries. There is no charge for parking or admission. I have heard that some have a minimum purchase amount but I’ve never encountered this personally.

Some orchards plant full grown trees while others plant dwarf trees making all the cherries more accessible, especially for children.

Certain orchards have places to wash up and/or port-a-potties, tractor or wagon rides, picnic and barbeque areas and some offer other items for sale like cookbooks, t-shirts, cold drinks, water, honey, nuts, cherry pitters, baked goods and more!

Many of these orchards are pesticide free. Others are also herbicide, insecticide free and others are certified Organic.

Most orchards don’t allow pets.

Generally, you are asked to pick only the cherry and leave the stem which insures a good crop of cherries next year.

fresh picked cherry


Some farms let you bring scissors and cut the cherries mid stem. Cherries with the stem intact are said to stay fresh longer.

bing cherries on tree branch


One tree's cherries can taste different from the next. You might want to sample one from each tree you pick from. Remember, you pay by the pound so only taste the cherries and wait to feast until after you buy.

cherry orchard rows


Directions to Leona Valley, California:

Leona Valley California


Leona Valley is only 50 minutes north of Los Angeles and 10 miles west of Palmdale. See Leona Valley on a map here.

From Los Angeles and San Fernando Valleys: Take the 5 freeway North to the Antelope Valley 14 Freeway North. Take the Palmdale Blvd exit and turn left (west) on Palmdale Blvd. Drive 9 miles to the center of Leona Valley and look for signs directing you to open orchards.

cherry orchard signs leona ave leona valley


If you are going to a particular orchard just put the address along with your address here: www.mapquest.com and print out specific directions. You can even stop at some of the local businesses and ask for an orchard map.

Whether you want Vans, Bings, Tartarians, Stellas, Rainiers, Montmorency or Brooks cherries, I’m sure you can find what you are looking for at these local farms.

Below you will find a list of Los Angeles County Cherry Orchards in Leona Valley. However I do list one in Littlerock & one in Llano.


Leona Valley:


5 Star Ranch
40109 90th St. West
Leona Valley, CA 93551.
(661) 270-9101
email: dan@5starranch.com
http://www.5starranch.com/

Ambers U-Pick Cherry Farm
9300 Leona Avenue
Leona Valley, CA 93551
(661) 270-1919
email: ambersfarm@roadrunner.com
http://www.ambersfarm.com/

C & D Cherries
40722 90th St. West
Leona Valley, CA 93551
(661) 622-7061
http://www.cdcherries.com/

Northside U-Pic em sweet Cherries
9729 Northside Drive
Leona Valley, CA 93551
(661) -270-1290
email: northsidecherries@roadrunner. com
www.northsidecherries.com

Big John’s Cherries
9258 Leona Ave.
Leona Valley, CA 93551
(661) 270-9565
email: upickfarm@dslextreme.com
Big John's Cherries website

Windy Ridge Cherry Orchard
9811 Leona Avenue
Leona Valley, CA 93551
(661) 270-9106
email: wrcherries@antelecom.net
http://www.pickcherries.com/

The Cherry Pit Ranch
40164 90th Street West
Leona Valley, CA 93551
email: cherryfarmer@thecherrypitranc h.com/
http://thecherrypitranch.com/

Rhodes Orchard
10600 Leona Avenue,
Leona Valley, CA 93551
(661) 270-1569
http://www.rhodesorchard.com/

Rolling Thunder U-Pic Cherry Ranch
10254 Leona Avenue
Leona Valley, CA 93551
(661) 270-9688
www.rtcherryranch.com/

Copeland's Cherry Ranch
9611 Leona Avenue
Leona Valley, CA 93551
(661) 270-1900
email: copelandscherryranch@gmail.com

Nessa Ranch
38820 Bouquet Canyon Rd
Leona Valley, CA 93551
(661) 270-1973
email: nessaranch@netzero.net

Pitchfork Ranch
13500 Elizabeth Lake Rd
Leona Valley, CA 93551
(661) 270-0680

Villa Del Sol Sweet Cherry Farm
6989 Elizabeth Lake Road
Leona Valley, CA 93551
661-270-1356
email: info@upickcherries.com
http://upickcherries.com/

Hobart's Cherries
40121 95th Street West
Leona Valley CA 93551
661-270-0342

Cherry Tyme Sour Pie Cherry Orchard
39913 107th St W
Leona Valley, CA 93551
(661) 270-0649

Bright Ranch
10600 Leona Avenue
Leona Valley, CA 93551
(661) 270-0905
email: briteranch@qnet.com

Sky Meadow Farms
11212 Elizabeth Lake Road
Leona Valley, CA 93551
(661) 270-9524
http://www.skymeadowfarms.net/



Littlerock:

JL Farms
7651 Avenue U
Littlerock, CA 93543
661-944-9903aolo
email: jifarms77u@hotmail.com

Llano:

Brian Ranch Airport U-Pick Orchard
34810 Largo Vista Road
Llano, CA, 93544
(661) 261-3216
661-261-3216
email: felice@brianranch.com


95
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Robert Plant and Alison Krauss

May 16th 2008 06:10
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss


Robert Plant and Alison Krauss have confirmed two concert dates in LA at The Greek Theatre as part of their North American tour this June.

The critically-lauded pair whose recent album Raising Sand has been a top-seller worldwide, received a Grammy-Award in 2007 for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for the track "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)". Along with 'Raising Sand' producer and band leader T Bone Burnett, Plant and Krauss are creating a show that will feature songs from their collaborative release, as well as delving into their impressive back catalog of individual hits.

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss Raising Sand


When?

June 23 - 24, 2008 -- 8:00pm.

Where?

Greek Theatre
2700 N. Vermont Ave,
Los Angeles, CA 90027

How much?

$49 - $125
Bookings through Ticketmaster.com


65
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Mark Knopfler

May 14th 2008 06:10
Mark Knopfler


Scottish guitarist and singer/songwriter, Mark Knopfler, is coming to LA's Greek Theatre in support of his brand new album Kill To Get Crimson.

The Grammy award-winner is also the lead guitarist and vocalist for Dire Straits and has collaborated with Bob Dylan, Bryan Ferry, Eric Clapton, Jools Holland and Chet Atkins in his successful career.

One of the most respected guitarists of the modern rock era, he has been ranked by Rolling Stone magazine as No.27 on their '100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time' list.

***FREE copy of Mark Knopfler's fifth solo album, Kill To Get Crimson with every two tickets purchased.***

Mark Knopfler Kill To Get Crimson


When?

June 27, 2008 - 8:00pm.

Where?

Greek Theatre
2700 N. Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027.

How much?

$41.25 - $91.25
Bookings through Ticketmaster.com


66
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Earth Wind & Fire

May 10th 2008 01:55
Earth Wind & Fire


Pop music legends Earth, Wind and Fire are bringing their Beyond the Elements tour to Los Angeles with special guest Macy Gray this June.

In a glittering 35-year career filled with awards, accolades and commercial successes, the omnipotent contemporary trio has sold eight double-platinum, two platinum and three gold albums around the world.

Do not miss this opportunity to see EWF perform their catalog of mega-hits including “September,” “Shinning Star,” and “Got To Get You Into My Live,” live on stage at the Greek Theatre.

Earth Wind & Fire


When?

June 22, 2008 - 8:00pm.

Where?

Greek Theatre
2700 N. Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027.

How much?

$50 - $90
Bookings through Ticketmaster.com

55
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Rilo Kiley

May 8th 2008 00:24
Rilo Kiley


Rilo Kiley are embarking on a headline tour this summer with a stop at the Greek Theatre in June.

Lead singer and songwriter Jenny Lewis and band mates, Blake Sennett, Jason Boesel and Pierre de Reeder create smart twisted pop that engages and thrills. Rilo Kiley’s latest album, Under The Blacklight has been hailed as a polished pop gem and breaks new ground for the four-piece band. Anchored by the power of Jenny Lewis' voice and clever songwriting, the album was one of 2007's most well reviewed and this tour will showcase the songs that took this band from indie darlings to rock mainstays in a few short months.

Rilo Kiley Under the Blacklight


When?

June 18, 2008 - 7:30pm.

Where?

Greek Theatre
2700 N. Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027.

How much?

$33.50
Bookings through Ticketmaster.com

47
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Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

May 7th 2008 21:17
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers


Singer/songwriter, and guitarist Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers will be performing at the Hollywood Bowl in June.

The band first found fame in the mid 70s to 80s and enjoyed a string of hits including "Don't Do Me Like That" and "Refugee". The band most recently performed in public at the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLII Halftime show.

When?

June 25, 2008 - 7:00pm.

Where?

Hollywood Bowl
2301 North Highland Avenue,
Hollywood, CA 90068.

How much?

$40 - $150
Bookings through Ticketmaster.com


52
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Sgt. Pepper's...Revisited

May 5th 2008 06:20
Hollywood Bowl


The rock masterpiece that is Sgt. Pepper's will be celebrated one more time in a repeat of last year’s sold-out concerts. As before, Sgt. Pepper’s will be performed in its entirety, plus other Beatles favorites.

This is your last chance to see Sgt. Pepper's at the Hollywood Bowl so make sure you make your tickets early to avoid missing out!

When?

June 28, 2008 - 8:00pm.

Where?

Hollywood Bowl
2301 North Highland Avenue,
Hollywood, CA 90068.

How much?

$10 - $110
Bookings through Hollywoodbowl.com


60
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Mariachi USA Festival


The Mariachi USA Festival features five hours of nonstop Mariachi magic featuring the finest Mariachis with beautiful ballet folklorico and spectacular fireworks finale.

This year will feature a jam-packed lineup of artists with performances by more than 100 elite musicians in the five hour show. The fireworks display promises to be as stunning as ever so head down to the Hollywood Bowl early and enjoy a picnic before the concert.

Mariachi USA Festival


When?

June 21, 2008 - 6:00pm.

Where?

Hollywood Bowl
2301 North Highland Ave.,
Hollywood, CA 90078.

How much?

$1- $150
Bookings through Ticketmaster.com


58
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Playboy Jazz Festival 2008

May 1st 2008 02:20
Playboy Jazz Festival


The Playboy Jazz Festival is an annual celebration of jazz and blues with a spectacular array of musical talents.

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the event that continues to bring the biggest names in jazz to the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles - Herbie Hancock, Al Jarreau, Guitars & Saxes and James Moody are just a few of the many artists to look forward to as well as legendary Jazz Festival emcee Bill Cosby.

When?

June 14 - 15, 2008 -- 2:30pm.

Where?

Hollywood Bowl
2301 North Highland Ave.,
Hollywood, CA 90078.

How much?

$20 - $140
Bookings through Ticketmaster.com

58
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Sheryl Crow


Singer Sheryl Crow returns to the Greek Theatre with her Detours tour in June with special guests Rocco DeLuca and The Burden.

The nine-time Grammy-Award winning singer/songwriter's new album, Detours, was released earlier this year and is filled with songs about having and holding, changing and letting go, about beginnings, endings, and the roads between them.

In the two months since its release, the album has already spawned two hit singles, "Shine Over Babylon" and "Love Is Free".

Sheryl Crow Detours


When?

June 11, 2008 - 7:30pm.

Where?

Greek Theatre
2700 N. Vermont Ave.,
Los Angeles, CA 90027.

How much?

$46 - $76
Bookings through Ticketmaster.com


55
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Body Worlds 3


Experience Body Worlds 3 and discover the mysteries under your skin with over 200 authentic human specimens including whole body plastinates not seen before - organs, translucent body slices - and for the first time, a special presentation on the heart.

The exhibition has educated and wowed visitors around the world through the unprecedented encounter with the human body in its post mortal state!

When?

Now until September 7, 2008.

Where?

California Science Center
Exposition Park,
39th Street & Figueroa Street,
Los Angeles, CA 90037.

How much?

$12.95 - $18.95
Bookings through omniticket.com

65
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Sisqo with Dru Hill

April 22nd 2008 02:30
Dru Hill


R&B singer Sisqo, best known for his worldwide smash hit "Thong Song" is coming to LA with his group Dru Hill for an unforgettable night at the Nokia Theatre in June.

Popular 90s group Dru Hill reformed earlier this year and now consists of Sisqo, Tamir "Nokio" Ruffin, Larry "Jazz" Anthony and newcomer Tao. They will be giving fans a preview of the songs from their forthcoming album, InDRUpendence Day, as well as delving into their impressive back catalog of hits.

Sisqo


When?

June 29, 2008 - 8:00pm.

Where?

NOKIA Theatre LA LIVE
777 Chick Hearn Court,
Los Angeles, CA 90015.

How much?

$45 - $85
Bookings through Ticketmaster.com


54
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Crosby, Stills & Nash

April 18th 2008 01:10
Crosby, Stills & Nash


David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash are coming together once again as they gear up for a marathon spring and summer Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN) tour with a stop at The Greek Theatre on Saturday, June 14.

It is the legendary trio’s first tour since 2005 - the last time all three were united on the road in any configuration was for Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s 2006 Freedom Of Speech Tour. CSN are one of the most popular, enduring and influential acts to emerge out of the original Woodstock era so remember to book your tickets!

When?

June 14, 2008 - 8:00pm.

Where?

Greek Theatre
2700 N. Vermont Ave,
Los Angeles, CA 90027.

How much?

$41 - $86
Bookings through Ticketmaster.com


63
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Smokey Robinson

April 15th 2008 09:16
Smokey Robinson


One of the great singers of modern pop, Smokey Robinson, will grace the stage of the Greek Theatre this June for what promises to be a memorable evening for all involved.

The Grammy Living Legend Award recipient and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee will perform all the songs from his latest album comprised of the Great American Songbook titled, Timeless Love, as well as the classic Motown solo’s and miracles hits.

Smokey Robinson Timeless Love


When?

June 13, 2008 - 8:00pm.

Where?

Greek Theatre
2700 N. Vermont Ave,
Los Angeles, CA 90027.

How much?

$40 - $85
Bookings through Ticketmaster.com

66
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Erykah Badu and The Roots

April 11th 2008 06:32
Erykah Badu


Grammy award winning urban artists and long time collaborators Erykah Badu and The Roots will be coming together for an incredible night of jazz, hip hop, and R&B fusion at the Greek Theater in June.

Since breaking into the scene in the 90s both artists have gained notoriety as highly uplifting, conscious performers dedicated to increasing awareness about issues facing the African American community while continually evolving their musical styles.

The Roots


When?

June 12, 2008 - 7:30pm.

Where?

Greek Theatre
2700 N. Vermont Ave,
Los Angeles, CA 90027.

How much?

$37.50 - $85
Bookings through Ticketmaster.com

58
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Lawrence Weiner As Far As You Can See


The 'As Far As The Eye Can See' exhibition at The Museum of Contemporary Art is the first major United States retrospective of the work of New York-based artist Lawrence Weiner (b.1942, Bronx, NY)

Weiner is one of the key figures associated with the emergence and foundations of conceptual art in the 1960s, and this exhibition provides a comprehensive examination of his remarkable and cohesive oeuvre, assembling key selections and bodies of work from throughout his 40-year career.

Lawrence Weiner As Far As You Can See


When?

April 13 - July 14, 2008.

Where?

The Museum of Contemporary Art
152 N Central Ave.,
Los Angeles, CA 90012.

How much?

TBA
Bookings through Tickets.com

79
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Sesame Street Live "When Elmo Grows Up"

February 12th 2008 03:30
When Elmo Grows Up


The latest installment in the Sesame Street Live series is "When Elmo Grows Up" - a musical show-and-tell where all the very much loved Sesame Street characters including Elmo, Bert and Telly reveals what they want to be when they grow up.

Elmo thinks about becoming a ‘weather monster,’ but has a hard time predicting his own forecast - he wants to be anything and everything all at once!

This fun-filled event is suitable for the entire family and children of all ages.

Elmo Sesame Street


When?

May 30 - June 1, 2008 -- for show times, click here.

Where?

NOKIA Theatre LA LIVE
777 Chick Hearn Court,
Los Angeles, CA 90015.

How much?

$12.50 - $47.50
Bookings through Ticketmaster.com


67
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