In the Castile family’s history, there’s a cherished tradition tied to the Eugene/Springfield area. During Jen’s childhood, her family made an annual summer pilgrimage from the Sierra Nevadas in California to visit their extended family in Oregon. These two-week stays were filled with memorable activities, with a standout being their visits to Harrisburg’s Detering Orchard for cherry and peach picking. Located just a short 30-minute drive from Eugene, it was a delightful and fruitful excursion that left them with an abundance of delicious fruit.

Now, as a married couple with two children, the Castiles continue this tradition by introducing their kids to the joys of Harrisburg and Detering Orchard. Their visits include delightful interactions with farm animals, tractor rides through the farm, pumpkin picking in the pumpkin patch, and purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables from the farm stands.

And let’s not overlook the excitement of the 4th of July celebrations in Harrisburg! The town hosts an impressive fireworks display on Independence Day, and every few years, the Castiles gather with friends to barbecue and enjoy the fireworks from their front lawn, making the short trip up from Eugene a worthwhile tradition.