Willian L. Lyon & Associates Inc.
10/02/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/02/2024 07:09
Get a Jump Start on Apple Hill Season: A locals Guide
The leaves are turning and there's a slight chill in the air - it's time to start thinking about Apple Hill! Early fall is the one of the best times to explore the charming farms and orchards that dot the mountain landscape just outside of Placerville in El Dorado County. A day spent apple picking, pie eating and cider sipping is a Sacramento tradition for both kids and adults alike!
Never been to Apple Hill before? No worries. We've got the inside scoop on where to go, places to visit, things to do, and - perhaps most important - where to eat. We've put together this local's guide to Apple Hill, so you can save time planning and instead spend your time taking in the fall vibes. Following are some ways to enjoy Apple Hill this fall.
When to Go to Apple Hill
Although October is primo season to visit Apple Hill, it's also the busiest. In fact, it gets busier the closer you get to Halloween, so we recommend visiting as early as possible. Apples are ripe for the picking, ranches are open and awaiting visitors, and there's no reason to wait until later in the season. We also recommend visiting on a weekday if possible. Weekends are much busier, and a midweek visit means you won't have to battle crowds or traffic. Full disclosure: many activities and special events (including craft markets) are held on weekends, so if this is important to you, try to arrive early - before 10 a.m. - on Saturdays and Sundays.
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Where to Go in Apple Hill
Apple Hill is actually a collection of dozens of local farms, ranches, orchards and vineyards. While best known for its apple growers, many farmers grow other produce, including pears, pumpkins, berries, grapes, flowers, and vegetables. Many farms have bake shops, kids' activities, and other events as well. You can have a look at an interactive Apple Hill map to see where each farm is located and what they offer.
What to Do in Apple Hill
Unsurprisingly, apples are the main focus of Apple Hill! The area has the ideal climate for apple growing, and is home to dozens of apple orchards turning out every imaginable apple variety, including Arkansas Black, Braeburn, Jonagold, Macintosh and Rome, among others. Some farms offer U-pick opportunities, where you can pick your selections straight from the tree. It should be noted that U-pick apples typically have limited quantities, so when they're gone, they're gone - it's recommended to check in advance. Following are some of the farms in Apple Hill where you can pick your own apples:
- Apple Ridge Farms
- Argyres Orchards
- Denver Dan's Apple Patch
- Harris Family Farm
- Pine-O-Mine Ranch
- Smokey Ridge Ranch
In October, pumpkin hunting is one of the most popular things to do in Apple Hill. There are several farms with pumpkin patches, as well as Halloween-themed activities for kids such as corn mazes and hayrides. Some options to consider include the following:
- Delfino Farmshas a 3-acre U-pick pumpkin patch as well as a 2-acre corn maze.
- O'Halloran's Apple Trail Ranchhas an on-the-vine pumpkin patch.
- Apple Ridge Farmshas a pumpkin patch and a hay bale maze for the little ones.
- High Hill Ranchhas pumpkins and a hay ride through the orchards.
- 24Carrot Farmhas U-pick pumpkins as well as flowers, tomatoes, and berries.
Shopping in Apple Hill
Shopping is another big draw of Apple Hill. In addition to fresh fruits and veggies, many spots also have farm stands selling gourmet food products such as jams and jellies, fruit and nut butters, honey, dehydrated fruit, sauces and other items. Apple Ridge Farms has homemade fudge, BBQ sauce and apple butters as well as local handicrafts; Rainbow Orchards has jams, butters, syrups and vinegars, and Grandpa's Cellar has local honey, jams and jellies, vintage cookware, soup mixes, home decor and local crafts.
Many farms host artisan craft fairs on weekends during the busy season. High Hill Ranch has one of the largest, with local vendors selling handmade jewelry, artwork, clothing and more.
What to Eat in Apple Hill
Fresh apples are the main draw, but Apple Hill is known for offering apple-centric food in all shapes and forms, whether baked into pies, pressed into juice, or candied. Apple pie is hands-down the most popular thing to eat here, as are apple fritters, apple cider donuts, apple turnovers, apple cake, and caramel apples. Most bake shops also offer frozen pies to take home. Following are some options:
- Larsen Apple Barnhas a wide variety of pies, including apple, pumpkin and berry, as well as turnovers and dumplings.
- High Hill Ranchalso has an expansive shop with pies, donuts, fritters, caramel apples and even caramel apple cider milkshakes.
- Apple Pantry Farmhas vegan options and they do not use any nuts in their recipes.
- Grandpa's Cellarhas a 7-pound party pie and is one of the only spots where you can find gluten-free pastries like crisps, cookies and muffins.
- Rainbow Orchardsis known for its hot-from-the-fryer apple donuts, as well as pies, cobblers, crisps and tarts.
For those responsible enough to NOT eat dessert first, Apple Hill also has spots that offer lunch. Some places to consider include the following:
- Bodhaine's at Drew Bean Farms:chicken pot pie, pulled pork, mac & cheese, plus vegan and gluten free options.
- Abel's Apple Acres: smoked pork, barbecued chicken, burgers, hot dogs.
- High Hill Ranch: burgers, hot dogs, chili.
Or, if you prefer, you can pack your own lunch and picnic beneath the trees. Many farms offer lovely picnic areas with scenic views, including High Hill Ranch, which has picnic tables and a grassy hillside overlooking a pond.
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Other Things to Do in Apple Hill
Although Apple Hill is best known for its family-friendly attractions and kid-centric activities, there are plenty of things for moms and dads to do in Apple Hill as well. For starters, there's the Apple Hill Hard Cider Trail, a collection of farms that produce hard cider from their mountain-grown fruit. Included are the following:
- North Canyon Cider Co.
- Delfino Farms
- Rainbow Orchards
- High Hill Ranch
- Wofford Acres Vineyards
- Smokey Ridge Ranch and Winery
The climate that makes for ideal apple growing conditions also makes for ideal wine grape growing conditions, and there are several wineries in Apple Hill where you can enjoy some foothills wines. Following are some spots to visit:
- Lava Cap Winery. With scenic views of the surrounding mountains, Lava Cap offers estate-grown varietals including Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet and Zinfandel.
- Boeger Winery. This family-owned winery offers tastings looking over its charming garden, complete with a pond. Their portfolio runs the gamut, including both varietals and blends. They also offer harvest tours and yoga.
- Madroña. Known for its Rhône and Bordeaux varietals, Madroña offers estate-grown varietals such as Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Riesling. They offer special events such as tasting classes, pairings, and winemaker dinners.
- Fenton Herriott Vineyards. This small winery offers tastings in its quaint picnic area overlooking the vineyards. Wines offered include Zinfandel, Barbera, Gewurztraminer and more. They also have bocce ball!
- Starfield Vineyards. It's all about the calming mountain scenery at this charming winery. They have miles of nature trails, a beautiful lake, and an amphitheater surrounded by manicured gardens. They offer dozens of wines, including sparkling wines and rosés, and they serve lunch on their outdoor patio.
- Delfino Farms. Delfino Farms produces small-batch wine under the Edio Vineyards label. Selections include Albariño, Chardonnay, Grenache, Primitivo, and several blends. They offer tasting and pairing experiences, plus folk music concerts during the summer.
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Apple Hill FAQ
What is Apple Hill?
Comprised of 50+ farms, ranches, wineries, and tree farms, the Apple Hill Growers Association (Apple Hill™) is an annual tradition for families from around Northern California. Most apple farms are open Labor Day weekend through December. You can find unique agricultural adventures and locally grown products down their bucolic backroads for the rest of the year. Christmas Tree farms usually open on Thanksgiving weekend, but a few will open the week before. In the spring and summer, berry farms and lavender farms open their doors for their seasonal bounty. Wineries are open year-round.
When Does Apple Hill Open?
Because it's simply a growing region, Apple Hill is technically always open. But each individual farm is only open to the public during certain times and they set their own hours. Most apple ranches open in mid- to late-September for the fall season, but some, especially those that grow other fruits and veggies, are open year-round. There are also Christmas tree farms that don't open until November or December. Wineries, breweries and cideries tend to be open year-round.
What's the Best Time to Go to Apple Hill?
October is hands down the busiest month in Apple Hill. To avoid the crowds, it's best to go during the week or early in the morning. Otherwise, wait until November when the crowds have thinned out.
Can I Bring My Dog to Apple Hill?
Every farm and ranch sets their own rules with regards to bringing dogs, so check with the spots you'd like to visit ahead of time to make sure they welcome your four-legged friend.