Back in Time
Woman in the Middle | January 19, 2016We spent a Saturday night in November at the Hawk’s Head Publick House at Riley’s Farm in Oak Glen, California. There we took a time machine back to 1770 or so to attend the Harvest Feast. Given that we live in California, this was a unique opportunity to pretend we were on the east coast, hobnobbing with our ancestors!
The Harvest Feast is a combination dinner and living history event. All of the waiters, waitresses, and such were dressed in colonial costume. There was a story involving a duel, but, don’t worry, no one gets hurt. People attending the event can participate in an ax throwing contest. (FYI – Hope you aren’t going up against some Navy Seal or Army Special Forces guy. He will win. Every time. Take my word for it!) Oak Glen is at a higher elevation, so it was colder there than at my house in the low lands. Some of the events, such as the duel and the ax throwing, were outside. Wear a warm coat and gloves. I didn’t and I got quite chilly.
During dinner a trio provided authentic music to enjoy, which was quite nice. Dinner was delicious, but was served one item at a time. In order for that item to be eaten hot, you have to eat it before the next item came. I have no idea if this was the “authentic” way food in colonial times was served, or if the kitchen just wasn’t getting things out together. However, as I mentioned, everything was tasty and well worth the wait. The roast beef was particularly good.
Plan to devote at lest three hours to your time travel experience. It is a great opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy good food, good music, and good company.
Riley’s Farm does try to give an authentic feel. That means most light in the restaurant is provided with candles in lanterns, making the Publick House a little dark. The grounds are not well lit, either. The room was heated but still chilly. The tables near the fireplace had to put up with a little smoke. If you are prepared, maybe with a small flashlight and appropriately warm outerwear and a request to be near or far from the fireplace, depending on your smoke tolerance, none of these things should take away from your colonial experience. .
FYI – If you want to combine a visit to Oak Glen with this event, be forewarned that most shops in Oak Glen close at 5 pm, but this event doesn’t start until 6 pm. One couple who had been before brought flashlights and books to keep themselves occupied!
Wow, sounds bloody amazing
I’ve been to Riley’s Farm on a field trip with a kindergarten class. We went on a hay ride and watched apple cider being made among other things. I didn’t know they had events like the one you described.