4 Things to Make Your Trip to Apple Hill Unforgettable

We had to promise Big Bro we were going to see something “fun and cool” in order to get him out of the house. Isn’t that how it always goes when there is an actual activity planned? Do you need to stay in to hastily get some laundry done the day prior to work? “We go in car now?” You have an annual family trip to Apple Hill? “Me want to stay and play with toys!” I have to admit, with that kind of attitude, I was a little concerned the “fun” part of our claim would be difficult to find. We flat out lied about the “cool” part – summer was holding on tooth and claw, with the hottest September we could remember.

Still, our trips to Apple Hill have always been fond memories. Little Sis was excited to return to the site of her first horse ride, even though she had to miss a school friend’s party to do so. And there was minimal complaining from Big Sis, who has been rapidly approaching the age of being too cool to show excitement for (or even interest in, really) family outings. 

History

What started in the 1960s as a small association of 16 original farms has since grown to include more than 50 entities, including apple farms, bakeries, wineries and Christmas tree farms. Interestingly enough, the original crop grown in the area now encompassing Apple Hill was pears. However, after encountering the Pear Blight of the early 1960s, the farming families of the area had to think beyond the pear tree and ended up embracing apples as their cornerstone crop. According to the Apple Hill Growers’ Association, apples grown in Apple Hill are stiff competition for Washington apples. They are allegedly sweeter because of the longer dormant season experienced in the region.

When to Go

I love the fall. The slant to the afternoon light warms my fall memories. I savor the cool breeze that picks up in between hot summers and cold winters. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I insisted on getting married in October. Needless to say, an autumnal apple harvest extravaganza is right up my alley. After staying home almost exclusively during the thick of the COVID pandemic, I was psyched to indoctrinate Big Bro into the charm of Apple Hill.

Labor Day weekend marks the official opening of the Apple Hill season, although the area is generally open year-round (see the Boa Vista website for round-the-calendar events). October weekends see the height of crowds for the season, hence why we chose to go the second weekend of September and suffered through the almost 100 degree heat. Should you choose to visit during the more popular weekends, expect to see a fair amount of traffic.

There is so much to see and do while spending time in the Apple Hill area. Hopefully the following will help you decide on some amazing locations and activities to visit!

1. Run Through a Giant Picket Fence Maze

After our two hour drive, we finally pulled into our first destination: Abel’s Apple Acres. This is a personal family favorite of ours with tons of fun activities for the kids. The adults perused the country store (I was able to pick up some hand-made gifts for Christmas and yummy goodies) while the kids ran around in a giant outdoor maze with picket fence walls (3 dollar charge for all-day entrance). We loved being able to see just over the top of the maze (as on-lookers) to keep an eye on Big Bro while still giving him a chance to exert that ever-present toddler independence. 

Most weekends, there are horses present for rides. Unfortunately, they just didn’t show up the day we visited, but it has been a very popular, and memorable, attraction during past excursions. The outdoor market is also packed with fun vendors offering anything from child-sized aprons to glitter tattoos. 

2. Eat a Picnic Lunch

There is an amazing deck with sectioned off eating areas. In response to COVID, they have put up gazebos with screened doors around picnic tables to allow for social distancing. Some include large round tables to cater to large groups and others still seat large families but with multiple tables including a children’s table and chairs for multigenerational families. Derek loved it because the gazebos had large metal screen doors that could be closed to keep bugs out while you eat. I loved it because we could keep Big Bro corralled without keeping him reigned in too tightly. And of course there is the lovely view of pine trees and an open grassy area. 

Apple Hill is very casual and laid-back. We elected to bring a picnic lunch and simply made use of their picnic tables, however, there is plenty of food available for purchase at most places. Able’s features Terri’s Country Cuisine and BBQ with sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, fries and the like. And of course, there are delectable offerings from the bakery: the apple donuts are a must!

3. Pick Your Own Apples

Our next stop was at Pine-O-Mine Ranch. They also offer BBQ as well as local beer, hard ciders and apple cider milkshakes! This was a quick stop for us. We had hoped to do some apple picking, but opted against it when we saw there was a 3 dollar entrance fee per person in addition to paying $3.75 per pound for the U-pick apples. Furthermore, the “orchard” they used for U-pick is a small, scarcely-planted area near the parking lot… Not exactly a true “orchard experience” in my opinion, and not really warranting an entrance fee. There are plenty of U-pick farms in the Apple Hill area and we will check out a different one next time. The trees were loaded with apples, however, if you are interested. They did have some fun games like cornhole. And the kids loved playing with their shuffleboard, so it wasn’t a complete loss.

4. Ride a Train

Boa Vista Orchards was our final stop. If you look at the Apple Hill map, you will notice Boa Vista is missing. It seems the grower’s organization and this orchard went separate ways a few years ago due to a difference of opinion. There may be some controversy and squabbles surrounding the separation, but I had to mention them here as it was pretty much the highlight of this year’s trip.

As always, they have a large market with plenty of fresh produce and baked goods. We brought home caramel apples (they were delicious), a frozen take-and-bake caramel apple pie (it turned out fantastic), a jug of apple cider and a bottle of apple wine. They have a lovely, elevated deck overlooking one of their apple orchards on which to enjoy your purchases. But the best part was found across the street.

We picked up the two littlest kids and ran across the road as it is, unfortunately, lacking a cross walk. But it was so worth it. Big Bro’s face absolutely lit up as we approached the ticket stand to ride on a train. It was 5 dollars a piece for kids of all ages. Reportedly, some adults can even fit in the train cars, although we did not attempt. Big Bro rode in the toddler car which was outfitted with harness straps in addition to a lap belt. Be aware, there is a water feature on this train ride. Little Sis, who sat in the first car, took quite a bit of spray. It was, all-in-all, a ton of fun.

Stay The Night

Previous years, we hit several more farms. This year, with the younger two along for the ride, we only made the three stops. As mentioned previously, there are many more venues available to be explored. I’m toying with the idea of staying overnight next year to experience more of the fun.

There are two bed and breakfast establishments located within the Apple Hill area: Ponderosa Ridge B&B and North Canyon Inn. However, these both look more suitable for a couple’s getaway than a family overnight. Luckily, Placerville is a hop and a skip away, and Pollock Pines isn’t terribly far either. Most hotels in the area would require two rooms to accommodate our large family of 6. There are also several campsites nearby, including Crystal Basin Recreation Area and EID’s Sly Park Recreation Area.

What I Would Do Differently Next Time

Next time, I hope to plan our stops ahead of time. We have our favorites and there is a certain joy returning to a familiar location. However, each stop takes a decent amount of time to really enjoy and it is impossible to make the full loop. I look forward to the idea of seeing something new. We will also remember to bring a cooler big enough to accommodate all of our purchases. There are too many yummy things!

A visit to Apple Hill is about celebrating the simpler things. There aren’t hectic schedules. Electronics are not blaring. Fresh produce and tasty treats are everywhere. It is an amazing place to bring a toddler: lots of open space to run around with neat attractions sure to hold their attention. I personally felt it was a good place to bring teens as well, if only because the spotty cell service forced them off their phones for a little while. Do your family a favor and include a fall visit to Apple Hill on your calendar… Just make sure to bring a cooler big enough to transport all those goodies home.