Hamilton Journal News

Warren County farm now open

Hidden Valley Orchards has some of the region’s best-kept secrets.

- Alexis Larsen

If you haven’t been to Hidden Valley Orchards in a while it’s time to go.

At the beginning of 2018, the sweet 65-acre Warren County family fruit farm was purchased by Robyn and Randy Lane, who had big plans for the business and a makeover in mind.

I had the opportunit­y to tour the property with Robyn in 2019 and was completely blown away by her vision. The changes that had been made were impressive.

Since then, the Lane family has only continued. The laid-back farm that has offered fresh fruits and vegetables for more than 60 years now has a shabby chic farm bar called The Crate Room, which opens to one of the best patios in southern Ohio with a view that won’t quit.

It’s a great spot to grab an HVO hard cider or one of the rotating beers from the tap room, walk out the garage doors on a good, sunny day and enjoy a “crop-tail” that will feel more like vacation than a farm.

It also has an awesome new ice cream barn called “The COOP” that serves up soft serve ice cream, sundaes and waffle cones with options to slush, swirl or float. It will celebrate its one-year anniversar­y weekend on May 15 with some festivitie­s.

HVO’s opened for the season on March 26, heralding the beginning of warmer, sunnier days ahead, and from the looks of the calendar, the Lanes will have plenty on their plate this spring and summer.

Right now they are listing these upcoming events:

April 12: Pasta 101 cooking workshop

April 19 and 26: Pierogi and

kolach workshop

April 21: DAOU Winery wine tasting

April 28: Justin Vineyards and Winery wine tasting

May 15: The COOP ice cream bar first-year anniversar­y weekend

May 22: Chance Saunders

concert

May 26: Coppola wine tasting

May 28: Zack & Kali acoustic concert

July 2: Zack & John acoustic concert

July 20: BLUESberri­es Festival

July 17: Honey Day Fest Aug. 7: Corn Crazy Festival Sept. 5: Strings Attached concert

Sept. 19: Katie Pritchard concert

Between all of these events, there are apples, peaches, blueberrie­s, strawberri­es, grapes and, later in the year, pumpkins to be picked. as well as fresh baked goods, wonderful coffee and other things for sale in their rustic country store.

Last year, the pies and food I purchased did not disappoint.

The team at the helm continues to build and create their vision. I don’t know what the future holds, but I feel confident they will continue to impress.

And I can’t wait to make my way to one of the best patios out there.

Dayton Eats looks at the regional food stories and restaurant news that make mouths water. Share info about your menu updates, special dinners and events, new chefs, interestin­g new dishes and culinary adventures. Do you know of exciting outdoor spaces, new exciting format changes, specials, happy hours, restaurant updates or any other tasty news you think is worth a closer look at? E-mail Alexis Larsen at alexis.e.larsen@ hotmail.com with the informatio­n and we will work to include it in future coverage.

 ?? TOM GILLIAM/CONTRIBUTI­NG PHOTOGRAPH­ER ?? The All About Apples Weekend at Hidden Valley Orchards, located at 474 North, OH-48 in Lebanon, was held last September.
TOM GILLIAM/CONTRIBUTI­NG PHOTOGRAPH­ER The All About Apples Weekend at Hidden Valley Orchards, located at 474 North, OH-48 in Lebanon, was held last September.
 ??  ?? Hidden Valley Orchards in Lebanon hosted their Holiday Luminary Walk & Live Nativity ticketed event on Sunday, December 13.
Hidden Valley Orchards in Lebanon hosted their Holiday Luminary Walk & Live Nativity ticketed event on Sunday, December 13.
 ?? TOM GILLIAM/CONTRIBUTI­NG PHOTOGRAPH­ER ?? Hidden Valley Orchards is located on Ohio 48 in Lebanon. There’s plenty to see and do including shopping at the HVO Market & Bakery, ice cream from The Coop at HVO, craft beer, cider, wine and cocktails from The Crate at HVO, live music and a playground.
TOM GILLIAM/CONTRIBUTI­NG PHOTOGRAPH­ER Hidden Valley Orchards is located on Ohio 48 in Lebanon. There’s plenty to see and do including shopping at the HVO Market & Bakery, ice cream from The Coop at HVO, craft beer, cider, wine and cocktails from The Crate at HVO, live music and a playground.
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