Viewfinder: Everett Family Farm Stand

As you drive up Old San Jose Road, the Everett Family Farm Stand greets you with signs for flowers, vegetables, and "Don't Panic, It's Organic." If you haven't already checked it out, you will be surprised to find that it isn't your average little stand.

The organic goods are displayed in a quiet and spacious half screened-in room, with a fan buzzing overhead and a notepad to record your purchases. Right now, it's stocked with summer's finest: organic strawberries and raspberries, apples, pre-washed salad greens, cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, farm fresh eggs and much more.

They operate on the honor system, with a scale to weigh your selections out, so bring change. There is ample parking space outside in the gravel lot, which, while I was there, saw six cars come through in just a half hour.

The Everett family bought their 45-acre farm about 10 years ago from an Italian family who founded it a century ago. Many of the current buildings and barns, including the one being used for the farm stand, are the original buildings. The farm is located in the fertile and sunny Soquel hills, which explains why the crops are so healthy and abundant.

The Everett Family Farm also sells their produce to local restaurants, including Theo's, , The River Cafe and Cheese Shop, Avanti and Kelly's Bakery. You can also catch them at the Live Oak Farmers Market.

The Everett Family Farm Stand is at 2111 Old San Jose Road, Soquel. Open seven days a week, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 831-566-0472.