The Olive Doesn’t Fall Far From the Tree

September 7, 2006 - 9:36 PM by Allison

The Golan Olive Oil Mill and the Golan Magic Visitor’s Center have opened up in the Golan Heights just in time for olive harvest season.

This description makes me want to pack my bags right now.

Golan Magic has a new, giant 180 degree screen with a film that presents the area’s fauna, flora, and settlement history. A large three-dimensional model displays the Golan’s topography, communities and nature reserves. The spacious and airy Golan Olive Oil Mill and Visitor’s Center is a charming building built of basalt stone with wide arches. Set among scattered olive trees sits a hefty olive-pressing stone, a reproduction of a crusher and squeezer, and other artifacts.

Avner Talmon, the mill’s owner, reports that the site’s design was chiefly influenced by the architecture of antique Golan synagogues. Specifically, the broad arches at the entrance were inspired by the imposing structure in Umm El-Kanatir, today known as “Rechavam’s Arches”.

During the olive-harvest season (which begins in October), visitors can watch as olive oil is produced. The entire process, from crushing to bottling, is open to the public, and eventually, tourists will even be able to participate in the harvest itself…..

Finally, after spending the day on your feet, you’ll want to unwind with a Golan Olive Oil lotion-based massage at the Village Breeze Spa in Moshav Ramot. Don’t count on remembering much of the massage, however; chances are you’ll fall asleep before it’s over.

Later, cross the street to “Chava BaKfar”, where you can revive with a steak and a surprisingly good bottle from the new Maor Winery. Step out onto the balcony of one of the bungalows, and admire the beautiful view of a date orchard and the gleaming Kinneret. Life is good.

It sounds like a great recipe for a vacation — olive oil, steak, wine and a spa. What else do you need?

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