Nut Tree 2.0

I grew up in Chico, and we went to San Francisco a lot, so naturally we stopped at the Nut Tree frequently. I adored it, from the gift shop full of “collectibles” (well, collectible to a 7-year-old girl, anyway) to the bland fare, but I’m kind of glad the new version is more, well, suited to grown-up tastes. My favorite thing there, of course, is the charming Capay Valley Farm Shop. Aside from lovely, fresh specialty produce from the Capay Valley (I love the fall crops that are in right now), you’ll find regional bounty, like jams (with the jars signed by the maker), honey, olive oil, wine, nuts, and gift baskets for the holidays. Growers represented include faves like Riverdog Farm, Good Humus Produce, Full Belly Farm, Capay Valley Vineyards, and Cache Creek Lavender. The store, run by a coalition of these and other Capay farmers called Capay Valley Grown, aims at creating a market for local, farm-fresh products from small producers—a good reason for a nostalgic stop next time you’re traversing I-80. 1661 E. Monte Vista Avenue, Vacaville; (707) 451-8950; www.capayvalleyfarmshop.com.