Every year we make a point to drive into the western Sierra foothills of El Dorado County and pay a visit to Apple Hill. An hour from Davis, an hour from Tahoe, with a mix of orchards, vineyards, and pine tree groves, it’s a beautiful place to drive around when the crowds are low. Weekends this time of year tend to gridlock the roads, but last Sunday was cold and wet—maybe a little too wet, even—so the crowds were kept at bay.
The best guide to Apple Hill, in my opinion, is the one that Heather of Farmtots wrote for us, so just some family photos (i.e. gratuitous kid pics) from the day…
We always try to stop at Smokey Ridge for Mutsu apples and chestnuts. (I’ve talked about them, and the trick to preparing chestnuts, before.)
We got a slice of fresh pie at Apple Pantry Farm. So good, with plenty of cinnamon and the option of ice cream.
Made-to-order cider donuts at Rainbow Orchards. Warm and fresh and delicious.
High Hill Ranch is a bit big for my taste, but it gave us a warm, dry place to sit down for chili cheese fries and more apple pie. (Such a healthy combination.)
Everyone was wet and chilled so we didn’t make it to some of our other favorites, but I think we still appreciated the cooler weather—it truly felt like fall!
P.S. Apple Hill in 2012, 2013, and 2015, and the full guide. Also, the most delicious (and beautiful) apple recipe!
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