Goat Love

What happens when 200 alpine goats get plenty of TLC on 9 acres of coastal pasture? Goat milk cheese so good it's won two world medals, not to mention over 30 national ribbons from the American Cheese Society. Get to Harley Farms Goat Dairy in Pescadero. This year the farm is expanding their goat flock by keeping almost all of the female kids born this past spring, making the coming months an especially cute—and lively!—time to visit. Explore Harley's newly acquired pasture and historic barn at your own leisure, or take a behind-the-fence peek at owner Dee Harley's magic on a 2-hour farm tour ($20) that follows the milk from goat to award-winning dairy. Play with Harley's loving flock and meet the bodyguards—three llamas: Rubicon, Haley, and Dolly Llama. They protect the herd against predators (yes, seriously!). End in the farm's restored Victorian hayloft with a sampling of their four styles of cheeses: fromage blanc, feta, ricotta, and Harley's signature chèvre—gorgeously decorated with edible flower petals from their garden. Don't forget to say hi to the farm's rescue donkey: Don Quixote. Happy animals come from Harley Farms.

HIKING BONUS: Keep the theme goating with a hike on Goat Hill Trail in Butano State Park, an easy 1.75-mile one-way path that can be hiked out-and-back or linked into a moderate 5.1-mile loop with Olmo Fire Road, Six Bridges Trail, and the more rugged—but rewarding—Año Nuevo Trail.

Harley Farms, 205 North St., Pescadero, (650) 879-0480, is open year-round for farm and dairy tours, retreats, and private events. Book a tour for $20. To get to Goat Hill Trailhead from Harley Farms, turn right onto Pescadero Creek Rd. and follow signs for Butano State Park, about a ten minute drive away; day parking $10. No dogs.