Avila Valley Barn
The Perfect Spot for Your Country Fix
by Willow Douglass-Thomas
Leaving rural Anderson Valley and relocating to San Luis Obispo was a challenging transition that came with quite a bit of culture shock. After a long day of work and classes, I can’t just go home to my off-grid farm and spend time with my animals like I used to. So when I long for the comfort of home, I find myself pulling into the dirt parking lot of Avila Valley Barn, just a short ride from the heart of San Luis.
When I arrive, the first thing I do is grab one of the three-dollar enormous heads of romaine lettuce and mosey my way around the farm, feeling my stress melt away. To the sound of local live music, I stop at each outdoor pen to give a few pieces of lettuce to all the creatures. The highland cow, Georgia, is what makes me feel most at home, but I love checking in on the alpacas, emu, goats, chickens, donkeys, and more.
After evenly dividing my romaine between all of the animals so no one feels left out, my next stop is always the country gift shop and farm stand. Filled to the brim with homemade pies, fresh produce, and tasteful gifts, it is easy to get carried away. From preserves and pickles, to cookware and gardening tools, there truly is something for everyone. And that’s before you get to the food stalls out back.
The Avila Valley Barn property was purchased in 1970 by Dr. John DiVincenzo, a local orthodontist and avid apple breeder who wanted it for his apple orchard. In 1986, he built a small farm stand to sell his fruit, as well as vegetables and fruit from other local farmers. He hired Debbie Smith to manage it. The job provided housing, which Debbie and her seven children required. The doctor rightly assumed that the children would be helpful to have around.
When Debbie was first hired, there was little on the property aside from the orchard and the small farmstand. Over time, she began to play a more prominent role at the farm. She expanded the farm stand into the complex of buildings and animal pens it is today, adding animals and attractions as she went. When the doctor passed away in 2009, Debbi became the official titleholder of the property.
Throughout Debbie’s tenure, most of her seven children and their friends helped in one way or another on the farm. Some managed the farm stand while others drove tractors or operated the shops and food stands. Years of group effort and personal experience paid off. In 2019, Debbie’s twin sons, Jake and Jessie, stood up as she stepped down. Today Jake, Jessie, and Jake’s wife, Raven, are running the farm and carrying on Debbie Smith’s legacy.
Avila Valley Barn continues today, and is thriving. After I inevitably check out with more than I planned in my basket, I join the rest of the hungry guests at the Chicken Shack and SmokeHouse. Many people gravitate towards the pulled pork or tri-tip sandwiches, but I have always loved the crispy chicken sandwich that is served on a garlic-toasted bun with pickled onions and tangy coleslaw. Those who are looking for a quick bite to eat will often stop by the corn stand to get a cob and smother it in the various spreads and seasonings they have set out.
I sit on the picnic tables and watch youngsters run around with the farm dogs and chickens, while their elders listen to the music and observe. Some children ride ponies or go on a hay ride around the property, while others take part in one of the many seasonal activities. In the spring and summer, you can pick your own bouquet of flowers or seasonal produce, while in autumn and winter you can bring your family to pick out pumpkins and Christmas trees.
When I finish my meal, I walk the short distance to the Sweet Shoppe for a cone of Slo-Maid local ice cream. The sweet treat usually wraps up my time at Avila Valley Barn, and I go home with my heart full and feeling revived from my country fix. That is, until I find myself pulling into the dirt parking lot this time next week.
Avila Valley Barn
560 Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo
(805) 595-2816 | avilavalleybarn.com
Willow Douglass-Thomas is a student who grew up in Anderson Valley and is now attending school in San Luis Obispo. She loves spending time with animals and incorporating bits of home into her SLO life.
Photos by Torrey Douglass