Marion Garden Club members visit Rancho Bella Vista

The Marion Garden Club members drove in several cars to Cobden for a Horticultural visit.  We were delighted to have so many visitors, Jerry gave a short talk/tour around Rancho Bella Vista. Everyone agreed that ” the view”  was amazing and today particularly beautiful.

A short visit to the field to see actual peppers growing found many memebers picking their own fresh peppers in baskets provided for that purpose.  Next, the group went back inside the building  to view the processed products and taste samples of many jellies and salsas, etc. It was an enjoyable visit for everyone and  many remarked that the surprising taste of “sweet and heat” was unexpected, but they liked the jellies and in salsas the “Chipotle ” was a particular favorite.

– Carol

Pepper Fest 2008 – R UR Tastebuds Ready?

Come to Rancho Bella Vista and celebrate the festival of Chiles at our 3rd annual Pepper Fest. We’ll have all the fixin’s for a real Southwest style Cookout, and you’ll be able to take in that wonderful smell of fresh roasted peppers. We’ll also have live local music an “open mike” and lots of Darn Hot Peppers, Pepper products and items for sale from our Farm Store. (click here for coupon)

This year Pepper Fest is on Saturday, September 13th, from 11 am – 5 pm. We’re pretty easy to find. Follow Hwy 51 south from Carbondale, IL and continue on south past yellow Smiley Tower at Makanda for 6.5 miles, begin looking for the blue “Tourist Activities” sign , then TURN RIGHT immediately after (this is Vines Road); we are about ½ mile in on the right.

We look forward to re-connecting w/ all our Chile-head friends.

Buen Provecho!

DHP