In April of 2017, Betsy’s husband pulled into The Bake Shop at Bloomingcamp Ranch for a slice of his favorite Strawberry Rhubarb pie. As a newer resident of Oakdale, he had never been to this bakery and was informed they didn’t sell pie by the slice. So he bought a whole pie, asked for a knife, and sat out on the porch to partake of his treasure. That first visit sparked a rollercoaster of events no one saw coming, especially Betsy. Her husband was told that the locally loved bake shop was closing in two weeks after being a fixture in the Oakdale community for decades. After a long visit and some wild ideas, he called his wife and asked her to pull the car over. Betsy (Stueve) Townsend, a 2nd generation resident of Oakdale, remembered attending Bloomingcamp’s annual Harvest Festival as a child, eating their caramel apples, and purchasing her family’s pet lamb "Bloomer" from the original owners of Bloomingcamp Ranch. It was a beloved jewel for Betsy and many other residents of our small town, and she hated to see it close. The timing was less than ideal, there were a lot of fears and worries, but they were coupled with a lot of prayers. Two weeks later Betsy and her husband took over the reins of Bloomingcamp Ranch and The Bake Shop without it missing a beat, opening it up under their management on May 1, 2017. The warm and inviting environment Betsy re-created is reminiscent of the its former years, and she continues to strive to bring it back to all its former glory, hosting concerts, festivals, craft events and more. Their biannual Funky Flea Market in May and September, along with their annual Harvest Festival in October are among the community favorites and bring in thousands of people each year. Daily customers can enjoy the rolling hills, ducks on the pond, and surrounding almond orchards while enjoying their treats of pies, dumplings, and cookies. In addition to their baked goods, the shop also offers eggs, honey and almonds from Betsy’s family farms. With a small town feel and tradition on the highway to Yosemite and other mountain retreats, it provides a peaceful stop for daily visitors passing through our beloved little town. Stop by for a restful visit and treat today, and say hello to Betsy and Liz when you do.
Bloomingcamp Ranch 10528 Hwy 120 Oakdale, CA 95386 www.bloomingcampranch.com
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May 2022
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