Modesto Almond Cruise Audio Companion Book: From Foothills to Sierra: California's Most Amazing Drive

Summary

Written and produced by Ric Arthur, whose credits include CBS’s NCIS and Hawaii Five-O, this immersive experience is brought to life with the support of the City of Modesto and narrated by NPR journalist Collin Friesen. Co-written by Andy Gergross, this book offers an insider’s look into California’s agricultural heartland.

Through engaging storytelling, rich historical insights, and exclusive interviews, this journey explores not just the almond orchards but the people who make this region thrive. Listeners will hear from almond farmers, who explain the delicate process of growing and harvesting the state’s signature crop; fruit tree nursery experts, who cultivate the next generation of orchards; olive oil producers, who continue a rich Mediterranean tradition in California soil; and historians of the Gallo Winery, sharing how Modesto became a powerhouse in the wine industry.

Whether you're cruising through the orchards or listening from afar, this book brings Modesto’s agricultural heritage to life in a way that is both immersive and unforgettable.

Sit back, press play, and discover the magic of the Modesto Almond Cruise—where nature, history, and community come together in one of California’s best-kept secrets.