Sundays are our Family day out and we love going around on road trips exploring new areas in Lebanon or doing something new and fun! Last Sunday happened to be the 9th Cherry Festival in Hammana. We've visited the festival for the past 2 years and we just love the area!
Hammana, a mountain village around 40 km above Beirut is famous for it's juicy and big cherries. And this year we decided to go for the Cherry picking event however, we decided gathering a group of likeminded families will be more fun!
Sharing our experience!
Hammana, a mountain village around 40 km above Beirut is famous for it's juicy and big cherries. And this year we decided to go for the Cherry picking event however, we decided gathering a group of likeminded families will be more fun!
Sharing our experience!
Cherry Picking!
Unfortunately, and although I tried to arrange with one of the Event manager's to prevent waiting in line, yet we ended waiting in the sun with not enough shades for almost 1/2 hour. I sincerely hope they will work more on their organizational skills to avoid parent's frustration and cranky children.
We paid 15,000 per a small bag that fits up to 2 kilos of cherries, and were transported by a mini bus along with a guide to a nearby garden. The guide instructed us on how to pick the cherries; by the stem, don't rip them off the entire branch and avoid cherries exposed to the sun.
The excitement on the little ones faces and watching them how they were nicely bonding with their parents was just priceless!
I have to say Fruit picking is a highly recommended and fun FAMILY activity worth trying.
We paid 15,000 per a small bag that fits up to 2 kilos of cherries, and were transported by a mini bus along with a guide to a nearby garden. The guide instructed us on how to pick the cherries; by the stem, don't rip them off the entire branch and avoid cherries exposed to the sun.
The excitement on the little ones faces and watching them how they were nicely bonding with their parents was just priceless!
I have to say Fruit picking is a highly recommended and fun FAMILY activity worth trying.
Hammana Festival
The entire trip and cherry picking took up to 45 minutes, after which we were returned back to the festival which was pretty much similar to last year's!
We walked around and enjoyed the authenticity of the old souk, the villagers courteous and friendly vibes, and indulging our eyes with tons and tons of perfectly shaped cherries.
THe souk was filled with various kiosks (Food - Arts and Crafts - Gadgets - Handmade pieces and of course cherries..) There was also a Ferrari Show and a kid's entertainment area.
We walked around and enjoyed the authenticity of the old souk, the villagers courteous and friendly vibes, and indulging our eyes with tons and tons of perfectly shaped cherries.
THe souk was filled with various kiosks (Food - Arts and Crafts - Gadgets - Handmade pieces and of course cherries..) There was also a Ferrari Show and a kid's entertainment area.
Lunch at Chaghour Hamana
Chaghour Hamana restaurant was recommended Upon enquiring with Hammana Municipality about a nearby Lebanese Restaurant with a good view and water.
Yet, I didn't imagine this place will be this cool! You can instantly feel the change of air upon walking into the big wide area. A fresh cold breath, green shades, trees all around, big open space, a pond with ducks in it, a small playground for the little ones and last but nit least powerful sound of the waterfall in the background!
Main ambiance of this place was just mesmerizing. Service was fast, food was good (we took Lebanese set mezza for $25 / person including open soft drinks). They are really generous and staff are very friendly and attentive.
Only down points: Bathrooms needed maintaining, there wasn't high chair available, and kid's playground needs lots of maintenance and security.
Besides that we had a great time and we can't wait to go again.
Yet, I didn't imagine this place will be this cool! You can instantly feel the change of air upon walking into the big wide area. A fresh cold breath, green shades, trees all around, big open space, a pond with ducks in it, a small playground for the little ones and last but nit least powerful sound of the waterfall in the background!
Main ambiance of this place was just mesmerizing. Service was fast, food was good (we took Lebanese set mezza for $25 / person including open soft drinks). They are really generous and staff are very friendly and attentive.
Only down points: Bathrooms needed maintaining, there wasn't high chair available, and kid's playground needs lots of maintenance and security.
Besides that we had a great time and we can't wait to go again.
The Beautiful Families
This is what added extra flavour to our amazing experience
Cherry picking is double the fun when you are sharing it with like minded adventurous and cool parents :)
Thank you all for joining our gathering and bringing in your cool positive vibes.
Cherry picking is double the fun when you are sharing it with like minded adventurous and cool parents :)
Thank you all for joining our gathering and bringing in your cool positive vibes.
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