Hadley Date Gardens

Tried the date shake. Ask for a sample first and see if you like it. I wish I did! It tastes like a vanilla shake with a hint of dates… a little overrated if you ask me. I did get a date bar which is yummy (sold at the register in the café). They also have dates with walnuts you can purchase just one if you wanted (those are 99 cents). They also have banana date shake — I liked that one too. I really liked the nostalgia to this place; love the fact they have samples in their market to try things like nut mixes, beet chips, tortilla chips, dates, etc. Really liked the items they sold. Very «palm springish»…if you know what I mean.

Our trip to California was dominated by one thing: the hunt for the best date shake. The winner, after careful survey of several purveyors, was by far Hadley’s Date Farm. The Oasis Date Gardens were a close second, with a more crystalized texture to Hadley’s thick and hearty consistency.
And while we are on the subject, allow me to let you in on the best kept secret in dates: Bautista Farms. We found this slice of heaven by chance as we drove past, and have ordered their dates by the pound each year. They ship on good faith and invoice you the cost. You have to call them personally to make the order (760−396−2337). I suggest the medjool. Plump, soft and melts in your mouth.
Read more reviews from the road: