Valerie Jean Dates

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Valerie Jean Dates is a historic date orchard and onetime popular U.S. Route 99 tourist stop located in Valerie, California USA, an unincorporated area a short distance south of Thermal.

Founded in 1928 and located on present-day State Route 86 at Avenue 66, the orchard is especially noteworthy as being the first to market dates directly to consumers. They are also responsible for being the first to market dates via mail order, for the creation of coconut- and almond-stuffed dates and for the creation of the date milkshake.

Though currently closed, the original building and sign remain in good repair. The site was added to the roster of the California Office of Historic Preservation on February 11, 1991.