Community Spirit » Spotlight - Half Moon Bay » Wild West Town
Located just south of the city of Half Moon Bay, Long Branch Farms is a family run venture where Kevin Palmer
and family have created an authentic old western town. The Palmer's present their guests a taste of the
Wild West in a setting that features gunfights, gold panning, as well as roping and riding demonstrations.
The ranch also lays claim to an authentic and documented lock of hair from Abraham Lincoln.
Over the years Kevin and Jill Palmer constantly searched for just the right property to begin building their dream. They located a run down parcel of 46 acres just south of Half Moon Bay. After moving into the existing 1930's house, they began working on the paddocks and pasture. The animal menagerie grew to include several horses, sheep, goats, a potbelly pig, chickens, rabbits, Australian sheepdogs, cats, and two alpacas.
The Palmer's constructed a frontier town with western facades of a jail, dressmakers shop, feed n' fuel, barbershop, a church, and a hotel. The original barn was transformed into a saloon with authentic gambling tables and an enormous bar used in the movie set for The Quick and the Dead. A mercantile shop displays western paraphernalia for sale.
The "town" of Long Branch continues to grow, with the latest addition being The Grand Palace
Parlor with the original bar from The Palace Hotel in San Francisco which survived the 1906 earthquake.
Authentic museum pieces make historical tours both fascinating and educational. Kevin and his brother
Cameron are active in local civic affairs. Cameron, who owns Cameron's Inn and Pub, caters most of
the events chuck wagon style next to an enormous barbecue. When you visit, you will see parents Alan
and Adora dressed in western garb, greeting guests as they arrive. It's a family affair with
everyone pitching in. Long Branch is a great example of holding to a young dream
and making it happen.
To this day, each family member participates in the everyday operations and care of Long Branch with
the children responsible for feeding the animals, collecting eggs from the hens, and helping to host
the special events. In addition, Kevin and Jill's children are each accomplished competitive equestrians.
Kevin and Jill Palmer have succeeded in creating an old west ambiance in an environment that is authentically American. Long Branch Farms is a place that takes visitors for a happy visit back in time.
