Nut Tree Plaza

Before becoming today's vibrant outdoor shopping and dining center,
Nut Tree Plaza Click to open side panel for more information was a pioneering California cultural phenomenon and an internationally renowned roadside icon. Spanning over a century of history, the story of the Nut Tree reflects the evolution of American road trip culture, mid-century design, and Northern California heritage.

A Frontier Seed & The Roadside Fruit Stand (1859–1920s)
The legendary story began in 1859 when young pioneer Sallie Fox picked up a black walnut in Arizona while traveling west along the trail. Upon settling in Vacaville, her family planted the seed on the ranch, where it grew into a massive, shaded black walnut tree.

In 1921, when a heat wave caused a bountiful crop of figs to ripen all at once, Helen Harbison and her husband Edwin "Bunny" Power set up a small roadside fruit stand in the shade of that walnut tree along old U.S. Route 40 (then the Lincoln Highway). Calling it "The Nut Tree," they sold fresh fruit and fruit confections to weary travelers.

Mid-Century Innovation & "California Cuisine" (1950s–1970s)
As Highway 40 expanded into Interstate 80, the Nut Tree transformed from a simple roadside stop into a world-famous destination:

Pioneering Food: Decades before the farm-to-table movement hit mainstream dining, the Nut Tree Restaurant pioneered early "California cuisine," serving fresh, locally sourced fruits, edible flowers, house-baked breads, and imaginative salads.

Mid-Century Design: Design Director Don Birrell introduced vibrant California modernism to the complex. The space featured floor-to-ceiling glass aviary enclosures, Herman Miller Eames chairs, colorful graphic art, and outdoor patio gardens inspired by Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens.

The Nut Tree Airport & Railroad: In 1955, Edwin Power Jr. built a landing strip adjacent to the restaurant. The iconic #10 Nut Tree Railroad miniature train was created to ferry pilots, celebrities, and families directly from the runway to the dining room and toy shop.

A Destination for Presidents, Royalty, and Families
During its golden era, the Nut Tree became a compulsory stop for cross-state travelers, aviation enthusiasts, and notable global figures.

Famous Guests: Guests included Presidents Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan, aviation pioneer Chuck Yeager, Shirley Temple, Bing Crosby, and Danny Kaye. In 1983, the Nut Tree catered an official luncheon hosted by Governor George Deukmejian for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip during their visit to California.

Nostalgic Traditions: Generations of West Coast families grew up with beloved Nut Tree traditions, such as riding the colorful rocking "Hobby Horses," eating giant frosted honey bear cookies, attending the annual Pumpkin Patch weigh-ins, and picking up unique toys and aviation gear.

Preserving the Legacy Today

Though the original restaurant closed in the late 1990s, the spirit of the historic roadside attraction lives on. Reopened as a modern lifestyle center, Nut Tree Plaza thoughtfully preserves its rich heritage:

The Nut Tree Railroad continues to give rides to new generations of children.
The classic Hobby Horses and carousel remain active central features.

The historic 1906 Harbison House stands on the grounds as a museum dedicated to preserving Nut Tree history.

The adjacent Nut Tree Airport remains a active county airport and regional aviation hub.
Today, Nut Tree Plaza bridges Vacaville's rich agricultural past with modern retail, dining, and family entertainment, continuing its long legacy as California's favorite highway stop.