Why Holiday Shopping in the Yolo Countryside Is Better Than Clicking “Add to Cart”
Rediscover the magic of gifting—locally, thoughtfully, and in person.
The holidays have a way of reminding us what really matters: connection, community, and slowing down long enough to enjoy the season. That’s why this year, we’re encouraging everyone to step away from the scroll, leave the doorstep deliveries behind, and rediscover the joy of shopping local in the Yolo Countryside.
Here, gift-giving becomes more than a transaction—it becomes a day out, a memory made, and a way to support the small businesses that make our region so special. From farm shops to handcrafted goods, every stop offers something unique you simply can’t get online.
Below are some of our favorite places to turn holiday shopping into a true Yolo Countryside experience.
Capay Valley Grown Gift Trail
A holiday shopping adventure—right on the farms that grow and make your gifts
One of the most immersive ways to experience local holiday shopping this year is through the Capay Valley Grown Gift Trail—a self-directed journey through the farms, ranches, and artisan producers of the Capay Valley. It’s your chance to shop on the farm for gifts and goodies that are as authentic and meaningful as they come.
Gift Trail Highlights
You’ll find items such as:
Olive oils & balsamic vinegars
Almond butters, almonds & nuts
Lavender products & essential oils
Floral wreaths
Jams, dried fruits, honeys
Wine & specialty foods
Greeting cards, prints, and oil paintings
Screenprinted bandanas
…and so much more.
Participating Locations Include:
Capay Hills Orchard • Capay Mills • Capay Valley Lavender • Capay Valley Vineyards • Casa Rosa Farms • Full Belly Farm • Grumpy Goats Farm • Junktiques • Pasture 42 • Polestar Farm • Séka Hills • Taber Ranch • Vitis & Ovis Farm • Viriditas Farm • and more!
How It Works
This is a self-guided experience—you choose your itinerary, pace, and how many stops you’d like to explore. Tickets aren’t required, but RSVPs are encouraged. Guests who RSVP receive a digital map one week before the event with complete details and open locations.
Distances between stops vary (3–15 miles), so allow yourself time to enjoy the drive, soak in the scenery, and savor each destination along the way.
Helpful Tips for the Trail
Happening rain or shine — dress for the weather
Print or screenshot the map for areas with limited cell service
Drive slowly, especially near hidden turnoffs and dirt roads
Bring cash for cash-only locations
Pack a cooler or tote bag for your purchases
Keep kids close + pets at home (service animals excepted)
Respect the land and take everything you brought with you
This trail turns your holiday shopping into a day of exploration—supporting local farms while experiencing the valley at its most festive.
Holiday shopping wrapped in charm, brunch, and scenic strolls
A trip to Park Winters turns gift shopping into a full seasonal experience. Their cozy Marketplace is filled with dried floral wreaths, artisanal pantry goods, fig jam, balsamic oils, lavender-inspired products, and handcrafted home items. After shopping, take a peaceful stroll through the estate gardens, warm up by a fire pit, or treat yourself to weekend brunch. It feels like stepping inside a holiday postcard.
Park Winters Marketplace
Holiday charm, brunch, and a scenic stroll
Shop dried floral wreaths, local pantry items, fig jam, balsamic oils, lavender goods, and artisan home items inside their cozy holiday cottage shop. Make a day of it with a delicious farm fresh brunch and a stroll through their gardens. They are also offering Dried Floral Experiences on December 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28— make a beautiful arrangement made with dried flowers from their farm that you can keep or gift to a loved one. The Marketplace and Brunch is open Fridays — Sunday from 10am-3pm.
Buckhorn Meat Co.
For the grillmasters, foodies, and holiday hosts
Brought to you by the family behind Buckhorn Steakhouse and Putah Creek Café, Buckhorn Meat Co. offers premium cuts and gourmet meats that make unforgettable holiday gifts or host offerings. Think hand-butchered steaks, house-made sausages, cured meats, and their famous Char-Roasted Tri-Tip. It’s a true taste of Yolo, beautifully packaged and perfect for festive gatherings.
The HIVE (Woodland)
Taste honey from around the world in one stop
At The HIVE, you can sample more than 30 varietal honeys—from floral to earthy to citrusy—and build custom gift sets for the honey lover (or tea drinker) in your life. The tasting room is interactive, educational, and fun, making it an experience for all ages. Their curated selection of beeswax products, specialty foods, and artisan goods makes holiday shopping effortless and delightful.
Cache Creek Casino Resort Shops
Luxurious shopping with artisan flair
Inside Cache Creek, you’ll find beautifully curated boutiques featuring artisan jewelry, leather goods, clothing, specialty gifts, and luxury accessories. It’s an unexpected but fantastic stop for high-quality holiday gifting—and a fun part of a bigger day trip if you stay for dining or entertainment.
Make Holiday Shopping Meaningful Again
When you shop local in the Yolo Countryside, your dollars stay here—supporting farmers, makers, shopkeepers, and the heart of our rural communities. You’re not just checking gifts off a list—you’re investing in the people who make this region vibrant, creative, and uniquely Yolo.
So this December, swap the shipping delays for scenic drives, the digital carts for real conversations, and the one-click purchases for an experience you’ll actually enjoy.
Shop local. Make it a day. Soak up the magic of the Yolo Countryside.
