Even Menachem: Berries, wine and far-reaching views

Even Menachem combines agricultural experiences with striking views: At Barak's Berries farm, visitors can pick berries themselves, and from the farm, views stretch from the mountains of Lebanon to the Mediterranean. There is also a family winery with a winemaking tradition spanning three generations. Berries, winegrowing and scenery thus offer different highlights to consider when planning a vacation.

Berries and winegrowing

The fields at Barak's Berries farm grow red and yellow raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, goji berries and blackcurrants, along with other seasonal berries. Visitors can pick berries themselves and take them home; seasonal availability may vary. The farm covers 20 dunams and grows fruit and vegetables, making the berries part of a diverse farming operation. The farm has picnic tables, sunshades, restrooms and a shop selling its produce. If you plan to pick berries, it's best to check seasonal availability and current visitor arrangements in advance.

The family winery “יקב לגזיאל” is located in the moshav of Even Menachem and continues a winemaking tradition spanning three generations. The two agricultural attractions are distinct: At Barak's Berries, picking your own fruit is the main draw, while the winery is known for its winemaking tradition passed down through generations. Even Menachem thus offers both a seasonal harvest experience and a local winemaking tradition.

Views and nature breaks

From Barak's Berries farm, visitors can look north toward the mountains of Lebanon, east toward Mount Adir and west toward the Mediterranean. The compass points make the contrast between mountain and sea views clear: Two landmarks lie in the direction of the mountains, while the third faces the Mediterranean. A stay at the farm therefore offers several different landscape views.

A wooded area between Even Menachem and Shtula offers a different kind of nature experience: visitors can sit in the shade of the trees. It is about a five-minute drive away; actual travel time may vary. This provides a contrast between the views at the farm and a shady spot in the woods, without confusing the two locations.

Cultural history in the Northern District

The broader destination of the Northern District offers a distinct perspective on cultural history. Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo represent different archaeological themes, adding regional history to the picture of Even Menachem.

As a biblical tell, Tel Hazor preserves significant remains of a city with biblical connections; the visit focuses on the upper city. Notable structures include Solomon's Gate, dating to the 10th century BCE, a gate with six chambers and two towers. The Canaanite palace was used by the kings of Hazor in the 14th and 13th centuries BCE. The Late Bronze Age palace is considered the most elaborate in Israel and one of the most important in the Levant.

Tel Hazor's water system also demonstrates the site's engineering skill: It preserves significant remains of an underground water-collection system considered an ingenious, geographically adapted solution for storing water. Three-meter-wide steps are carved into the walls of the vertical shaft; the excavated shaft is 45 meters deep. The fortifications are considered the finest example of their kind in the region stretching from southern Turkey to the northern Negev.

Tel Megiddo offers a different historical focus. It is one of three tells that preserve significant remains of cities with biblical connections and are closely associated with events in the Bible. The Early Bronze Age temple complex is exceptional for the number of its temples, the continuity of its cult practices and the documented ritual activities. Another notable feature is its orthogonal Iron Age city plan, which has few parallels in the Levant. The Northern District thus brings together archaeological evidence of worship, urban planning and water engineering.

When looking for a vacation rental, it helps to distinguish between the local and regional highlights: Berries, the winery and views from the farm are among Even Menachem's attractions; Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo represent the Northern District's cultural history. Consider which of these you would like to prioritize when choosing where to stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Gevulot, Nazareth, Shefayim, Amnun, Rishon LeZion, Gesher HaZiv, Nir David, Shomera.

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