It seemed like it might never get here, but winter’s thaw has finally given way to the blossoming of spring. What better way to celebrate nature’s renewal than with a trip to Bellewood Acres?
The 62-acre facility, which features apple and pear orchards plus a café, store, bakery and distillery, will host its annual Easter weekend celebration April 20th and 21st, with fun activities for both children and adults.
“Spring is a really good opportunity for people to enjoy sunshine, great views, and a newness of life and community,” says Eric Abel, Bellewood Acres owner. “Our views of Mount Baker are really beautiful, and we have a cool outdoor environment for people to come out of their hibernation and get back in touch with nature.”
The Abel family acquired the farm last year from retiring founders John and Dorie Belisle, and Eric says they’re excited for more visitors.
“Nature and agriculture’s really beautiful during all the different seasons, but particularly in the springtime,” he says. “The blossoms are coming out and the bees are buzzing. It’s a really great time to see an apple orchard.”
Bellewood’s April 13th and 14th Blossom Walk weekend will give visitors a chance to take free tractor train rides into the orchard, or walk to the orchard by exploring the wooded conservation trail along Ten Mile Creek. The following weekend offers even more fun. Easter weekend activities will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on both Saturday, April 20th and Sunday, April 21st.
For just a $7 admission fee (adults are free), children can take photos with the Easter Bunny and join in an Easter egg hunt to win fun prizes. There will also be face-painting, pony rides, and adorable animals like rabbits and sheep to pet at the farm zoo. In addition to orchard tractor train rides, young children will also enjoy live entertainment on Saturday from Dana’s Music Playground, at both 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. And don’t forget about the always popular, made-from-scratch apple cider donuts.
Adults have plenty of reasons to attend, too. Bellewood Acres’ café and bakery will have delicious breakfast and lunch items, and Bellewood Distilling’s farm-made spirits will be available for free tasting. The distillery produces award-winning vodka, gin, liqueurs, and apple brandy. The gift store and market also features local wines, ciders, foods and artisan gifts. On Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., there will be live music –Irish and American folk songs, specifically – courtesy of Gallowglass’ Jan Peters and fiddler Kera-Lynne Newman.
A plant sale, with a selection of organic vegetable starters, will also take place Sunday. All proceeds will benefit Growing Veterans, a non-profit agriculture program that helps veterans connect with their community through farming. Their farm is just up the road from Bellewood Acres.
In addition to the Easter celebration, anytime this spring a great time to visit Bellewood Acres. On Mother’s Day, mothers can enjoy a lovely brunch with a complimentary rose and mimosa.
All in all, Abel and his family are excited to help showcase the beauty and bounty of what their farmstead has to offer the community. They hope to see you soon.
Bellewood Acres is located at 6140 Guide Meridian Road, between Bellingham and Lynden. The Bellewood Acres store, café and distillery are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, call 360-318-7720 or visit www.bellewoodfarms.com.
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