5 places to get Langley Fresh this fall

Dec 19 2017, 4:43 pm

An autumn adventure out to Langley is exactly what you should be doing, you just didn’t know it until now. Get your friends together for a weekend day trip, because endless choices and inspiring stories are waiting just a few highway exits from the urban jungle. You owe it to yourself to discover some hidden gems and to fill your fridge with some amazing local groceries. So what are you waiting for?

Tourism Langley invited Vancity Buzz to experience five standout Langley attractions. If you find yourself there this fall, be sure to make time for at least one of these fabulous spots. It’s time to get #LangleyFresh!

1. The Fort Wine Company
The Fort Wine Company has made its name creating incredible fruit wines, but they got into the business by accident. According to Resident Wine Maker Toby Bowman, it was an excess stock of cranberries that led to farmer Wade Bauck’s experimental first batch of cranberry wine. Needless to say, people liked it. Today, Fort Wine creates 11 fruit wine varieties and sources ingredients like blueberries and apples from fellow B.C. farmers.

Fort Wine offers tours and tastings at their Langley winery. The sooner you discover the best Sangria ingredient ever, the better for you and your future parties.

The Fort Wine Company
26151 84 Ave, Langley, B.C.
Phone: (604) 857-1101
www.thefortwineco.com

The Fort Wine Company.

The Fort Wine Company.

Fruit wines on the shelf at Fort Wine.

Fruit wines on the shelf at Fort Wine.

Resident Wine Maker Toby Bowman pouring samples.

Resident Wine Maker Toby Bowman pouring samples.


2. Aldor Acres
Fall is the ideal season to visit the amazing Anderson family on their idyllic farm, Aldor Acres. Anderson grandparents Albert and Dorothy (that’s where Al-Dor comes from) are in their 25th year of local Langley farming. Together with their four children and 19 grandchildren, they’ve created a collection of agricultural businesses, including a dairy farm and an apple orchard.

October finds the farm transformed into a pumpkin patch wonderland, complete with hayrides and a petting zoo. The “Farmacy” is a great place to grab some local veggies, seasonal gourds and some of Grandma Dorothy’s famous homemade preserves. If you’re pleased with the pumpkin selection, you’ll be delighted to know you can return in a few weeks to cut down your very own Aldor-grown Christmas tree.

Aldor Acres
8301 252 St, Langley, B.C.
Phone: (604) 888-2403
www.aldoracresfamilyfarm.ca

Albert and Dorothy Anderson, their eldest granddaughter Melissa, and their youngest grandson Zach.

Albert and Dorothy Anderson, their eldest granddaughter Melissa, and their youngest grandson Zach.

A fellow blogger posing on the tractor.

A fellow blogger posing on the tractor.

The Aldor Acres petting zoo.

The Aldor Acres petting zoo.


3. JD Farms

Visiting JD Farms in the fall means doing your Christmas dinner guests a huge solid. That’s because they have some of the tastiest local turkeys anywhere. Antibiotic free and grain fed, the turkeys are in high demand throughout Langley and beyond.

Jack Froese, Langley Township’s current mayor, bought the farm in 1979 with his wife Debbie, and the family has been supplying the town with delicious poultry and more from JD Farms Deli and Bistro ever since. Today you can visit for an amazing home-cooked meal and pick up some deli meats, local groceries, and ready-made meals. The lasagna is so legendary, it sells out daily.

JD Farms
24726 52 Ave, Langley, B.C.
Phone: (604) 856-2431
www.jdfarms.ca

An incredible bowl of JD Farms turkey soup.

An incredible bowl of JD Farms turkey soup.

The display case of JD Farms Bistro & Deli.

The display case of JD Farms Bistro & Deli.

A JD Farms turkey.

A JD Farms turkey.


4. Darvonda Nurseries & Milner Village Garden Centre

For a true Langley “How it’s Made” experience check out Darvonda Nurseries, where North America’s tallest greenhouses help plants and vegetables grow in big numbers. The Jansen family have expanded their business with great success in recent years, due in no small part to their innovative use of 21st century growing technology.

Also on their 216th street property is the Milner Village Garden Centre, which hosts a winter market every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. until December 14. No need to worry about the weather at this market, where your shopping for local veggies, jams, cheese, crafts, jewellery and more are covered.

Darvonda Nurseries & Milner Village Market
6690 216th Street, Langley, B.C.
Phone: (604) 530 6889
www.darvondanurseries.com
www.milnervillagemarket.com

Tamara Jansen, Co-Owner of Darvonda Nurseries, enthusiastically discusses her growing business.

Tamara Jansen, Co-Owner of Darvonda Nurseries, enthusiastically discusses her growing business.

These Darvonda poinsettias are destined for a Costco near you!

These Darvonda poinsettias are destined for a Costco near you!

This Vancity Buzz writer sampling some delicious BC Buzz honey at the Milner Village Market.

This Vancity Buzz writer sampling some delicious BC Buzz honey at the Milner Village Market.


5. Fort Langley

Halloween and Fort Langley were made for each other. Of all seasons to visit what’s arguably Langley’s best known attraction, fall is definitely the spookiest.Year round, it’s a great way to relive the history of our region’s fur trade roots and check out replicas of the trading post’s buildings as they looked in all their glory over a century ago.

For years it’s been unexplained how employees and visitors alike have seen a small Native boy, described consistently with long hair and a traditional outfit. wandering around the fort. This is just one of the chilling stories that staff can share about the para-normality of Fort Langley, which can be thought of as the original Hudson’s Bay.

Fort Langley National Historic Site
23433 Mavis Avenue Fort Langley, B.C.
Phone: (604) 513-4777
http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/bc/langley/index.aspx

The Big House's dining room at Fort Langley.

The Big House’s dining room at Fort Langley.

Fort Langley.

Fort Langley.

What’s your favourite hidden gem in Langley? Share in the comments!

All images: Carla Mah

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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