Harvest Festivals

Yes, it can seem annoying that the holidays start earlier every year with store displays up by August in some cases, no longer having its distinctive time frame as it runs together from October through December.  We can be a Scrooge and complain about it or embrace it and take a cue from Thanksgiving finding ways to be grateful for it.  Studies have shown those who decorate early are happier especially if holidays activate those “feel good” feelings and to be honest doing it early means having time to do so at a leisurely pace vs. stressing out due to limited time especially this year since Thanksgiving is so late.  Secondly, it is never too early to shop for gifts to avoid the crowds, especially for out of state friends, sending off those gifts with literally no one at the post office.   

Over the years, I have seen billboards, signs and ads on social media for the Harvest Festival but never really knew what it was about as images of pumpkins and haybales danced in my head.  This year, I happen to score a free ticket through ABC Finney’s Friday for the one at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds, the home of the Alameda County Fair we went to twice earlier this year.  Speaking of twice, the ticket is good for both days as long as you do not rub off your hand re-entry stamp.  Going in with low expectations after reading some of the reviews, I was pleasantly surprised with the variety of exhibitors that I did take advantage of that hand stamp and returned the next day.  

Showcasing many local businesses, ranging from arts and crafts from artisans 

that are often only found on Etsy to food related items 

available at these fairs or online, it was a great way to check off a few people from that Christmas list while supporting small businesses. 

Being and having friends that are foodies, I gravitated more towards the food related booths where I can taste test the products from Holy Honey 

and Wine Slush 

vs. the arts and crafts one, although I did pick up a lotus lamp handmade from mulberry paper for myself at Leena’s Little Light.  

However, if you do have an aversion to the holidays running together and prefer to have dedicated time to each, the last Bay Area Harvest Festival is this weekend starting Black Friday at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center.

Harvest Festival - https://harvestfestival.com/

Various locations and dates

“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.