5 Things to Know About Apple Hill Season in El Dorado County

El Dorado County is a gorgeous county in east-central California. The scenery is unmatched, with 1,805 square miles of hills and mountains populated by friendly locals. If you’re looking for El Dorado County real estate and wondering how best to get to know the area, why not learn more about Apple Hill Growers? This collective of more than 50 ranchers offers farm tours, apple picking and baked goods for purchase, and fall activities galore. If you’re wondering which farms you should visit this fall or want to know more about the association’s history, Kristen Haus, a realtor in the area, has the scoop on all things Apple Hill below.

Nearly 40 years ago, a group of pear ranchers in El Dorado County suffered a pear blight that took the production of the crop from 52,000 tons of pears in 1958 to a mere 8,435 in 1965. The ranchers, about 16 of whom had formed a loose association, decided it was time to do something. They set about growing apples.

 

Since then, the Apple Hill Growers Association (Apple Hill as it’s commonly known) has grown to more than 50 ranchers producing plenty of varieties of apples and even Christmas trees, wineries, and vineyards.

 

Today, Apple Hill is a thriving collective that believes in giving back to the community through scholarships, education, and other initiatives; it’s also a destination spot for incredible fall activities and delicious, crisp, farm-fresh apples and baked goods.

 

Apple Pantry Farm in Camino, just outside of Placerville, CA, is the perfect early-fall destination. Its season runs from mid-September through mid-November, and it is known for its specialty pies which you can purchase at the bake shop, as well as gifts you can buy at the gift shop.

 

This is the perfect spot for a family picnic under the russet leaves of mid-fall. Enjoy a beautiful day under the clear California sky, indulge in fresh, flavorful apples freshly picked, and even end the day with a slice of scrumptious pie.

Home to its famous hot apple cider donuts, Rainbow Orchard is a prime spot for a midday break — swing by, indulge in some donuts and other baked goods, and take a photo with their signature rainbow-painted barn. This farm has been in operation since 1977 and is run by the third generation of the founding family.

 

On top of all the fresh produce the farm produces, they also host events throughout the year — stop by in the summer months to pick blueberries, or swing by any day between September and early December to hang out in the play area. The farm hosts weekend barbecues as well as wine and hard cider tastings throughout the fall. This is a local insider favorite.

 

If you’re visiting El Dorado County homes for sale and want something to do on the weekend, you won’t go wrong by visiting High Hill Ranch. In addition to delectable baked goods and fresh produce, they offer hayrides, pony rides, and even a fishing pond. No matter how disparate your family’s tastes are, it’s almost guaranteed everyone will find something to love at this ranch.

 

This ranch has been family-owned since the 1960s and is also home to the largest craft fair in Northern California. In short, if you’re looking for something fun to do, the chances are high that High Hill Ranch has it!

Apple Hill is home to 50-plus farms, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing but produce to do in the area. 

 

If you are looking for a long-lasting souvenir to put in a place of honor in your future El Dorado County home, you’ll absolutely want to check out Handblown Glass Pumpkin Patch. Ever wished you could go to Venice and witness the famous glass-blowers of Murano at work? Well, you don’t have to travel further than Northern California to experience something similar, as the artisans of Handblown Glass Pumpkin Patch occasionally show up at various local events to put on a demonstration — and even if you don’t catch them live, their artwork stands on its own.

 

For something a little more active, try taking your family to Crystal Basin Recreation Area, a top-tier destination in the Sierra Nevada mountains. In addition to being a beautiful sight to behold, the basin provides power to hundreds of thousands of homes in Sacramento. It’s well worth the visit!

If you’ve visited Apple Hill, bought a glass-blown pumpkin, marveled at the natural beauty of Crystal Basin, you may find yourself wishing you could stay in this area forever. Reach out to Kristen Haus at Haus Homes Realty Group to learn more about how the team can help you achieve your real estate dreams in this beautiful part of California.

_{*Header photo courtesy of Casa Manzana}