It’s not fall without a trip to Apple Hill! Pick your own crisp, juicy apples, indulge in some tasty apple treats, fun activities for the kids, and maybe even some wine tasting. Here are our favorite farms to visit in Apple Hill during the fall season:
Abel’s Apple Acres
Apples, pies, jams, you name it and Abel’s Apple Acres has it. Located on Carson Road in Placerville, Abel’s Apple Acres opens Labor Day weekend and closes on Christmas Eve.
The ranch offers homemade baked goods as well as fudge and a barbecue stand. So, you can make a day of it and have lunch and dessert at the ranch. There are pony rides and a maze for both kids and adults to enjoy. Don’t’ forget to visit The Pantry where you can take home homemade apple butter, cider sauce, and caramel, just to name a few items. Abel’s Apple Acres is more than just a farm; it’s really an experience for the whole family.
Willow Pond Farm
Come visit Willow Pond Farm, a 38 acre organic vegetable farm and apple orchard on Jacquier Road in Placerville where you can pick your own apples and enjoy some of the other local produce that’s available.
More than 40 kinds of vegetables are grown on this farm as well as apples, flowers, and herbs. Bring a picnic and sit by the pond where you can take in the scenery. Other local farmers contribute fresh eggs as well as nuts and pastries made from the various organic fruits that are all grown locally. You can stop by the Market Stand right on the edge of the vegetables to check out what’s offered daily.
Bodhaine Ranch
Situated on 15 acres of land in what is known as The Fruit Ridge District of El Dorado Country, the Bodhaine Ranch is a pie lover’s paradise.
The Bodhaine Ranch is known for melt in your mouth pie crusts filled with fresh fruit from seasonal harvests. It switched to a complete organic farming process back in 2002, so you can be assured no pesticides are used on any of the seven different types of apples available or the grapes. Order from the lunch menu at the Bodhaine Ranch and enjoy it in the picnic area…don’t forget your slice of pie!
High Hill Ranch
High Hill Ranch on High Hill Road in Placerville is bustling with activity during the fall season.
Get your fresh locally grown apples as well as homemade treats like apple fritters and the ranch’s famous Caramel Apple Crunch Pie smothered with homemade caramel. There is also a lunch menu to choose from that includes burgers, fries, and hot dogs, just to name a few. Besides all of the food, there are also pony rides, tractor hay rides and a craft show with dozens of vendors. Be prepared to spend plenty of time with the family at High Hill Ranch.
Delfino Farms (formerly Kids Inc.)
Delfino Farms has been known in the Apple Hill region for decades. Originally the farm was named Kids Incorporated after the original owners’ children.
The name was later changed by the family’s second and third generation (who now run the farm) to Delfino Farms to honor the entire family. Besides the apples on the trees, Delfino Farms is best known for its pies and its famous “Walkin’ Pie”. Don’t forget to try the Henrietta Stitch Hard Cider, named after the original owner’s grandmother. Visit Delfino Farms on North Canyon Road in Camino Friday through Monday from September 2-November 22.
Kids will love the giant corn maze and the amazing pumpkin patch and parents will enjoy some chilled hard cider.
Make plans to spend some time in Apple Hill this fall and soak in all that the area has to offer: fresh produce, baked goods, and plenty of activities for the whole family!
