Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Apple Hill is a paradise for those who love all things apple. This charming area is home to over 50 apple farms, each offering something unique and delicious. From fresh-picked apples to homemade pies and cider, Apple Hill has something for everyone. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should visit this sweet destination.
Top 10 Reasons to Visit Apple Hill Farms:
Pick Your Own Apples: Apple Hill is known for its abundance of apple orchards, and many of these farms allow visitors to pick their own apples straight from the trees.
Savor the Best Apple Pie: Sample the best apple pie in the area at any of the numerous bakeries that dot the landscape. Made with locally sourced apples, these pies are a true delight.
Sip on Homemade Cider: Apple Hill is home to some of the best cider mills in the country, with many farms producing their own varieties of apple cider.
Enjoy Festive Events: Apple Hill is a hub of activity all year round, with many farms hosting seasonal events and festivals.
Take a Scenic Drive: The winding roads through Apple Hill offer stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and are especially breathtaking during the fall season when the trees turn golden.
Try Delicious Apple Treats: From caramel apples to apple donuts, apple fritters, and apple turnovers, there are plenty of sweet treats to indulge in.
Meet the Farmers: Many of the apple farms in Apple Hill are family-owned and operated, so you'll have the opportunity to meet the growers and learn about their craft.
Explore the Vineyards: In addition to apples, the area is also known for its vineyards and wine tasting rooms. Some farms offer tastings of locally made wines.
Take in the Scenery: The natural beauty of Apple Hill is unparalleled, with rolling hills, peaceful lakes, and forests of pine and cedar trees.
Experience Small-Town Charm: The friendly and welcoming community of Apple Hill offers a small-town vibe that's hard to resist.
Top 10 Apple Hill Farms to Visit and Why:
High Hill Ranch: This farm is the quintessential Apple Hill experience, with acres of apple orchards, a pumpkin patch, and an abundance of sweet treats.
Boa Vista Orchards: This farm is a must-visit for its charming country store and bakery, which offers an array of delicious apple pies, cider, and other sweet treats.
Rainbow Orchards: With its scenic location, family-friendly atmosphere, and delicious apple products, Rainbow Orchards is a top pick for visitors to Apple Hill.
Larsen Apple Barn: This charming farm offers homemade pies, cider, and a petting zoo, making it a hit with families with young children.
Delfino Farms: This family-owned farm is famous for its apples and also has a winery on the property, offering visitors a unique taste of the region.
Apple Ridge Farms: This farm is a great choice for families with children, with a playground, petting zoo, and hayrides.
Harris Tree Farm: This farm is known for its apple cider donuts and pumpkin patch, making it a popular spot during the fall season.
Abel's Apple Acres: With its scenic location and charming farm stand, Abel's is a must-visit for those seeking a classic Apple Hill experience.
Denver Dan's Apple Patch: This farm is beloved for its homemade apple butter and friendly staff, who make visitors feel right at home.
Kids Inc.: This farm is aunique destination within Apple Hill, as it is run by a group of local kids who grow and sell their own apples and other produce. Visitors can support this great initiative while enjoying the delicious fruits of their labor.
History:
The history of Apple Hill dates back to the 1960s when a group of apple growers in the area formed a marketing association to promote their products. Over the years, the association grew and expanded, and today, Apple Hill is known as a premier apple growing region in California. The farms in Apple Hill are still mostly family-owned and operated, with many passing down their traditions and techniques from generation to generation.
There is a long-standing animosity between High Hill Ranch and Boa Vista farms in Apple Hill, California. The two farms have been in competition with each other for many years and there have been reports of disagreements and even legal disputes between the owners of the two farms.
The Apple Hill Growers Association is a non-profit organization that was established in 1964 to promote the interests of apple growers in the El Dorado County area of California. Today, the association represents over 50 local farms, including orchards, vineyards, and Christmas tree farms.
The association is dedicated to promoting agriculture and agri-tourism in the region, as well as preserving the area's agricultural heritage. The association works to coordinate events and activities in the area, including the annual Apple Hill Harvest Festival, which attracts visitors from all over California and beyond.
In addition to promoting the region, the Apple Hill Growers Association also supports its member farms through education and networking opportunities. The association offers workshops and seminars on topics such as sustainable farming practices, pest management, and marketing strategies, as well as opportunities for growers to connect and collaborate with each other.
Overall, the Apple Hill Growers Association plays a vital role in supporting and promoting the local agriculture industry, while also providing visitors with a unique and memorable experience in the heart of California's apple country.
Culture:
The Apple Hill region is steeped in a rich agricultural heritage that dates back to the Gold Rush era. Many of the families who settled in this area started small farms and orchards, and their traditions have been passed down through generations. Today, Apple Hill is not only a destination for apple picking, but also a celebration of the area's agricultural roots, with events like farm-to-table dinners, craft fairs, and live music performances.
Spending the Day:
Arriving at Apple Hill, I was greeted by the sweet scent of ripe apples and the sound of happy families enjoying the autumn weather. I started my day by picking my own apples at one of the orchards, then continued on to explore the various farm stands, tasting rooms, and bakeries. Some of my favorite activities included watching apple cider being pressed, tasting fresh-baked apple pies, and sampling hard ciders at the local wineries. There were also plenty of family-friendly activities like hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos.
10 Interesting Facts:
Apple Hill is located in the small town of Camino, California.
The area is home to over 50 apple farms.
Apple Hill is known for its high-quality, locally grown apples.
The region produces over 5 million pounds of apples each year.
Apple Hill attracts over 1 million visitors annually.
The peak season for apple picking in Apple Hill is from September to November.
Many of the apple farms in Apple Hill offer seasonal events and festivals.
In addition to apples, many farms also grow pumpkins and other produce.
The scenic beauty of Apple Hill has been featured in several films and TV shows.
Apple Hill is just a short drive from Lake Tahoe, making it a great day trip destination.
Insider Travel Tips:
Plan to visit Apple Hill during the fall season when the leaves are changing and the apple orchards are in full bloom.
Many farms offer a variety of apple products, so be sure to sample a few different varieties to find your favorite.
Bring cash, as many of the smaller farms do not accept credit cards.
Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly in the foothills.
Consider purchasing a pre-packaged bag of apples for a quick and easy souvenir.
The Top Things a Person Can Do for Free There:
Take a scenic drive through the area to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage.
Explore the charming country stores and farm stands.
Check out the local art and crafts vendors.
Enjoy a picnic in one of the scenic parks or lakes in the area.
Visit some of the farms that offer free samples of their apple products.
Money Saving Tips:
Plan to visit during the week to avoid the crowds and potentially save on lodging costs.
Consider bringing your own snacks and drinks to save on food costs.
Look for free admission events and activities at some of the farms.
Getting There:
Apple Hill is located in Camino, California, which is approximately 45 minutes east of Sacramento. Visitors can take Highway 50 to the Camino exit and follow the signs to Apple Hill.
Best Place to Eat Near Apple Hill: Main Street Melters
A stone's throw from Apple Hill in the historic district of Placerville, you'll find an eatery that has locals and tourists buzzing alike - Main Street Melters. Known for its gargantuan, mouth-watering sandwiches and homely, retro-diner ambiance, this eatery is the embodiment of comfort food done right. From classics like the pastrami melt and the Philly cheesesteak to vegan options, each item on the menu is a showstopper, prepared with locally-sourced ingredients and served with love. With a side of their famously addictive garlic fries and a local craft beer to wash it all down, Main Street Melters offers the perfect, satisfying end to a day exploring Apple Hill. The welcoming staff, quick service, and reasonable prices further enhance the dining experience. Undeniably, when in Placerville, Main Street Melters is an absolute must-visit!
Hours and Reservations:
Most of the farms in Apple Hill are open from late August through December, with peak season from September to November. Some farms may require reservations for certain activities or events, so be sure to check ahead before visiting.
Safety Tips:
Be sure to follow all safety guidelines when picking apples or participating in farm activities.
Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for walking around the farms.
Watch for uneven terrain and other potential hazards when exploring the farms.
Apple Hill is a charming and unique destination that offers a glimpse into California's rich agricultural history. With its breathtaking scenery, delicious apple products, and family-friendly activities, it's no wonder that this region has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking to go apple picking, sample delicious treats, or simply take in the beauty of the surrounding countryside, Apple Hill is a must-visit destination that's sure to leave a lasting impression. So pack your bags, bring your appetite, and head to Apple Hill for a truly unforgettable experience!
Disclaimer: The information in this post was factual to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. Please call the location or visit their website to get the latest and most up-to-date information before visiting.
