Nut Tree Plaza is a mixed-use building in Vacaville, CA that has a long and interesting history dating back all the way to 1921. Originally it began as a fruit stand run and built by Helen and Ed Power on Lincoln Highway. Today, almost a century later, it still stands as a Vacaville landmark even though it has changed hands several times.
As Nut Tree grew, more stores and facilities opened up there, eventually making it famous for pioneering local cuisine, unique architecture, and some of the big name celebrates who visited there. At its height, the Nut Tree featured an outdoor eatery, restaurant, a bakery, toy shop, and a gift shop. The toy shop was the main station for the Nut Tree Railroad that would deliver pilots from Nut Tree Airport to the plaza where they could eat every day.
Nut Tree’s restaurants were responsible for leading the way in the flavors that California cuisine would come to be known for. Recipes would often make use of ample amounts of fresh local produce. The restaurant was also quite memorable for its unique indoor aviary, which was encased with glass walls that extended from the ceiling to the floor.
Among a few architects who worked on Nut Tree, Don Birrell, design director of Nut Tree, had an extensive hand in the unique look and aesthetic of the establishment. He designed the interiors, menu, and logo for the Coffee Tree. As well, he and Ed Power modeled Nut Tree’s patio area after the Tivoli Gardens, an idea they got after taking a trip to Denmark. To create a similar appearance, they used decorative lighting and kiosks to evoke the image of the Tivoli Gardens architecture.
The financial struggle left in the wake of a family feud from the mid-’90s led to Nut Tree being closed. By the mid-2000s, the main Nut Tree buildings had been demolished, including the Coffee Tree. In 2006 Snell an Co. reopened Nut Tree, and ownership transferred again to Westrust who held another opening of Nut Tree in 2009. The new owners brought back historical elements of the old Nut Tree along with new and reopened Nut Tree Railroad.
You can still visit the Nut Tree at it’s 1661 E Monte Vista Ave, Vacaville, CA 95688 location. Opening at 10 AM and closing at 7 PM (9 PM on weekends), you can take the entire family there. The attractions include a large hobby horse area for children, a carousel, a life-size chess and checkers board, a miniature railroad, and an outdoor fireplace. They cater for on-site birthday parties and have a candy and cake shop just for the kids. Along with a large number of retail establishments to shop at such as famous footwear and pet-smart. They also have a huge array of restaurants to dine at, including a Buffalo Wild Wings. The Nut Tree Airport, a fully functional airport, is located with walking distance from the Nut Tree Plaza.
Whenever you stop by Vacaville, CA, always make sure to drop by the Nut Tree for a fun weekend with family and friends.
Getting to R&S Erection of Vallejo from Nut Tree Plaza, Vacaville
via I-80 W
- Get on I-80 W from E Monte Vista Ave
- Head northeast toward E Monte Vista Ave
- Turn right toward E Monte Vista Ave
- Turn right onto E Monte Vista Ave
- Turn left to merge onto I-80 W toward San Francisco W
- Follow I-80 W to Redwood St in Vallejo. Take exit 32 from I80 W
- Merge onto I-80 W
- Take exit 32 for Redwood St
- Continue on Redwood St. Drive to Mississippi St
- Slight right onto Redwood St
- Turn left onto Couch St
- Turn left onto Mississippi St