Nut Tree

If you're looking for some fun and want to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, Nut Tree Plaza in Vacaville, California is a great place to visit. There are numerous restaurants, shops, and even an amusement park in the plaza! It is ideal for the entire family because there is something for everyone. This place has it all, whether you want a quick bite or an all-day adventure!

Those who have driven down I-80 in Vacaville will recognize the Nut Tree. It's known as the state's first major road stop, and it attracts Californians with an eclectic mix of western California cuisine (which some claim they invented), packaged dried fruits, a miniature railroad, a fly-in airport, and retail offerings.

Brief History

The Nut Tree has been in operation since 1921, when George Power opened a small fruit stand along I-80. He had no idea he was starting his own business, but it happened!

The family grew their roadside stop into what would become one of America's most iconic businesses; more than just a large-scale American wholesaler or retailer, this company also manufactures products such as almonds and walnuts. People all over the world are familiar with and fond of the name Nut Tree.

Restaurants

The Nut Tree Restaurant was an early pioneer of California cuisine, with recipes featuring fresh fruits and vegetables.

• By 1978, it had established itself as the region's most distinctive and influential restaurant, serving not only a variety of dishes made from organic ingredients grown on their own farm, but also small loaves of wheat or rye bread baked fresh daily on-site.

• Unlike many other restaurants at the time, which used either indoor plants or live birds to create ambiance for diners, The Nut Tree went a step further by constructing aviaries inside so people could enjoy looking up into trees while eating breakfast!

• When Nut Tree Catering Company first opened its doors in 1952, they were eager to work with celebrities.

• They greeted and catered to them long before the term "celebrity" existed! When California Governor Ronald Reagan became governor, he not only hired Nut Tree as his personal catering service, but he also attended their ribbon-cutting ceremony when a new location opened.

• Throughout the years, celebrities such as Richard Nixon, Shirley Temple Black, and Danny Kaye have visited this company's locations.

• On March 4th, 1983 they served Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at an exclusive luncheon hosted by George Deukmejian who was then elected Governor of California just 2 weeks prior on February 27th. And if that wasn't fun enough: it seems like Nut Tree Catering Company's signature salad may have been a favorite dish for royalty!

Closure and Reopening

The Nut Tree was a popular attraction in Vacaville, California, until it closed down in 1996 due to financial problems caused by the family feud that led to the court case. The structures were demolished, and all traces of this once-popular landmark vanished in an instant.

After being closed for several years, the Nut Tree reopened in 2006 with a mixed-use development that included Nut Tree Family Park, a children's amusement park. More amenities, such as a bocce ball court and restaurants, are on the way. It reopened after several months due to a series of unfortunate events. It reopened in October 2009 under new management, who hoped to resurrect all of the old memories from before 2004.

Nut Tree Today

It's difficult to imagine that this bustling California landmark was once a small rural outpost. The Nut Tree now has over 250 shops and restaurants, including national chains like Gap, Banana Republic, and JCPenney, as well as local favorites like The Cheese Store of San Francisco and Morton's Steakhouse.

In a state known for its natural beauty, The Nut Tree Plaza in Vacaville, California is the ideal location! There's something for everyone here, with an amusement park, restaurants, stores, and everything under the sun all on-site. Choose something quick or stay for the entire day to have fun!

People have been coming here for years because it has everything they need - even if they don't know it yet.

Vacaville, California is blessed with some of the area’s most amazing, must-see attractions. Here’s a list of some of our favorites:

• Jack Hume Grove

• Lagoon Valley Park

• Andrews Park

• Nut Tree

• Vacaville Museum

• Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company

• Magnolia Park

• Hawkins Park

• Vezér’s Family Vineyard

All of these wonderful attractions are located just a short distance from our historic location at 1669 East Monte Vista Avenue in Vacaville! Stop by for a visit anytime!