“Fall” in Love with Apple Hill

Pumpkins are not the only thing synonymous with fall.  Along with the crisp autumn air are visions of crisp apples galore that can only be enhanced with a visit to Apple Hill.  Although I just discovered it last year with an early visit to Rainbow Orchards for the hot apple cider donuts popular in the East Coast, it left enough of an impression to explore it further this past weekend.  Taking advantage of the extra hour with “Fall Backward”, we checked out two other popular Apple Hill spots, Boa Vista Orchards and High Hill Ranch.  Although they are just about a couple of miles or so from each other, each has its own charm so your personal favorite will depend on what experience you are looking for.

Rainbow Orchards (www.rainboworchards.net), 2569 Larsen Drive, Camino, CA

If donuts are your top priority, I recommend Rainbow Orchards as their hot apple cider donuts just cannot be beat. 

With a fresh Cider Mill on site, their apple cider blends changes often depending on what varieties of apples they are using that week. 

In addition to apples, pies, jams and syrups are also available for purchase in the barn 

while picnic tables and bluegrass music adds to this down to earth atmosphere.  

Boa Vista Orchards (www.boavista.com), 2952 Carson Place, Placerville, CA

If you want more of a Farmers Market feel, to sample the different fruit varieties before committing to a 10 lb box and other produce in addition to the different apple varieties, Boa Vista is the place for you. 

Boa Vista Orchards has the largest marketplace complete with carts for you to load up on different varieties of apples, ciders, apple and pumpkin butters, pies, etc..  There are two windows for the bakery area, one mainly for pies 

and another for pastries and donuts. 

For those 21 and over, try their different hard ciders (blackberry, cherry, pomegranate, crisp hard cider) and beers (year round ale and apple beer) with the option of getting 6 three ounce tasters. 

High Hill Ranch (www.highhillranch1.net) – 2901 High Hill Road, Placerville

If you want more of a “festival” atmosphere”, High Hill Ranch is a great choice.  With craft vendors, hay rides, pony rides,

a trout fishing pond

and home of the famous apple cider milk shake,

it is very family friendly.  For those 21 and over, beers or champagne mixed with their fresh pressed cider and apple wines are calling you. 

Just do not forget fortification as between the Pie House, Chicken Kitchen, and Caramel Kitchen, they have the most food options to buy lunch on site.         

Finally, for the indecisive, if time permits, visit all 3, or discover a new one from http://applehill.com/.  With Halloween and pumpkins just past and Christmas tree farms in our near future, enjoy and be thankful for the “present” of apples that can easily grace our Thanksgiving table this year.