As a single, grown woman, who remains a child at heart I cannot turn down the opportunity to go on an Easter Egg Hunt.
One of my fondest childhiid memories is engaging in Easter activities with a neighbour and her children. Like an aunt she would set up activities for us that included Easter egg dying and hunts where we would find paper eggs and plastics ones hidden around their home and backyard, then redeem them in for edible sweet prizes. The closest I could find of such an experience is at Taves, as a part of their Easterfest.
Happening Easter long weekend Taves Apple Barn and Farm has been decorated festive with inflatable eggs, giant peeps, and plenty of pastels to mark the occasion.
On top of their regular attractions of the petting farm, market place, FarmVille, concession stand, and the cidery; there is a special Easter scavenger hunt. Participants collect stamps from the aforementioned stops and at each earn a treat. A whole chocolate bunny at the welcome window, a slap bracelet at the petting farm, a carrot rocket ship from the market, etc.
The grand attraction is the taking a tractor pulled hayride out to the Bunny Trail, and embarking on an egg hunt in their blossoming apple orchard.
Our preplanned visit corresponded with a rainstorm, but tickets are non-refundable. This was just as well, as we found the weather and our first thing in the morning start has us avoiding much of the crowds and children, whom we would have felt bad taking the spot of. This got us no wait times or lines, and the ability to explore and engage at our own pace.
The goal of the egg hunt was to collect all 6 colours of eggs and drop them into the collection bin. After doing this you get your choice of a plushie or hot wheel car as a prize. I got a cute green frog.
There was also the opportunity to find a golden egg to earn socks. Try as we might, we couldn’t find it, only to learn that it “could be there” and they only put it out during peak times.
We also got to meet the Easter Bunny in a chocolate brown. He walked the grounds greeting kids and posing for photos. We got ours in their flower carriage. It would have been nice if he gave away chocolates, not that we needed more after the scavenger hunt.
We took some time getting our heart racing on their jumping pillows and running around their playground.
We could have stayed all day at their snuggle spots. This is an expansion of their petting farm, with the ability to sit on blanket covered hay bales as we held baby animals in our laps.
We fell for the baby goats, who just wanted to keep warm via our body heat, even falling asleep.
The rabbits were just as cozy, easier to hug, but eager to nip.
And the baby chicks were fhe most docile, standing still in the palms of your cupped hands. The only worry was the potential of them pooping in it. Thankfully there were sinks nearby for hygiene.
I appreciated how dogs were welcomed on the property and guests could puchass pet passes. They even had their own Easter egg hunt set up for the four legged friends.
Seeing as you end up spending the day, it is nice that they have a concession for easy snacking. Not gourmet, but it was enough to satisfy.
An on the sweeter side pulled pork sandwich with crunchy slaw, between a soft bun with a side of regular kettle chips.
The Mac and cheese was more mush than pasta. Cheesy enough with a nice crunch from the breadcrumb topping, but overall it had the texture of porridge.
We made the two a combo with a couple of their own apple cider slushes. A refreshing way to enjoy their cider with an icy crunch.
Their seasonal mini donuts where sprinkled in pink sugar. I couldn’t taste any flavour difference.
For something dressier and more like dessert, they have a Bunnilicious Delight Slushie. The same cider as above, topped with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles. Finished off with a lollipop wrapped straw and a pink bunny marshmallow.
We would enjoy our meal above within the covered patio area of their Taves Cidery. They have new two person cabanas that each come with their own fire bowl. Along with fuzzy blankets we found respite from the chill of the rain today.
And seeing as we were already here, we indulged in the cidery’s newest drink specials. Combining magic and whimsy in a glass, with a nod to the worldwide popularity of Wicked, the musical.
Available as a taster of four, a full glass, or as the enchanted sipping tree pictured; these can be either cocktails or mocktails.
Glinda’s Glamour was a soft pink like the good witch. A shimmering blend of Nanny’s Nicest cider and hibiscus-infused Wall Flower Gin, finished with bursting yogurt boba, and crowned with an edible rosebud. This was slightly floral, but more sweet candied peach. I liked the boba pearls touch, but they were hard to get at, at the very bottom of the glass. Plus added no flavour, just a textural pop in the mouth.
The Wicked Witch was a great contrast to the above, as per the musical. A silvery sparkling blend of absinthe, vodka, sour apple and lemon syrup, Billy’s Best cider, sour, and apple busting boba. Like the one before, the boba is a fun touch for a cocktail, but inconsequential. This was a sharp and slightly sour Granny Smith appletini.
Merlin’s Mischief is the one in purple. A shimmering potion dyed with peaflower-infused Wallflower Gin, Taves’ K-Field Cider, elderflower, and a touch of lemon syrup. Reminiscent of a grape cream soda.
The Glass Slipper was a bold teal, mixed with their Gander Gooseberry Cider, St.Germaine, curaçao, and a hint of caramel syrup. The slight tartness of the gooseberry mixed with the creaminess of the coconuty tropical curaçao comes through in this one. My favourite of the four visually.
In short, I have never had a bad time time at Taves, and I appreciate that each time I revisit there is always something new to see and experience. I only would like to see them invest more time into their concession options like they do their desserts and drinks. More simple and quality controlled classics like hot dogs and hamburgers, or even a chicken and waffle combo.
Taves Farms
333 Gladwin Rd, Abbotsford, BC V2S 8A7, Canada
+1 604-853-3108
tavesfamilyfarms.com
