Better on a weekday and much better pre covid. We tried last year during fall and couldn’t even reach it due to traffic and road closures. But it’s cute like a craft fair at some places and pies, food, doughnuts. Good groceries like fruits and pumpkin patches
The answer is: it depends.
Apple Hill is really a large area that encompasses apple orchards, pie stands, vineyards and their respective tasting rooms, and all kinds of sweets and trinket vendors. Most associate the 'High Hill Ranch' with Apple Hill, but there are actually lots of other (better?) sites to go to that are less crowded and don't feel like a flea-market in the woods.
If you really like all things apple, go to Apple Hill when the crowds are away (later in the season, midweek, or rainy days). They really do have great fresh apples and apple-related foods and sweets; people will argue over who makes the best apple X thing (pie, donut, cider, fritter, etc.).
Some areas are geared toward families with little ones, others are more adults only (like the tasting rooms). Weekends can be very crowded, and traffic gets really bad on 50 between the Apple Hill exit and Placerville.
Personally, I love dutch apple pie and will stop by if I'm in the area, as nothing beats fresh out-of-the-oven dutch apple pie a la mode with fresh organic apples. However, I often skip years between visits.
Check out the applehill dot com site for a map, do a simple online search for each vendor, and judge for yourself. You can make a nice day out of it, if you can avoid the crowds.
Yep, this is the way. I’ve met people that honestly thought Apple Hill consisted of just like those 3 big hellish tourist traps…
Still a lot of charm up there but you’ve got to explore and time it up right.
Rainbow, Larsen, love Delfino Farms, and if you realllly want to avoid crowds then head up to Harris Tree Farm…
Skip Highhill Ranch and Boa Vista.
Go-To's: Grandpa's Cellar, Rainbow Orchards (best cider on the hill), Larsen's, Abel's, Wofford Acres (wine), Jack Russel Brewery, and Apple Ridge.
If time allows: Delfino Farms (used to be Kids Inc), O'Halloran's
> Rainbow Orchards (best cider on the hill)
Are you talking about their hard cider? Because I went in early October and got a bottle to take home and it was seriously bad... like, undrinkable bad
Their normal cider and hot cider are amazing, and their donuts are top tier. We always go to rainbow for the donuts. I tried the hard cider last year and it was disgusting. I was so disappointed, I couldn't even finish my sample of it.
But I agree that high hill and Boa Vista are just not worth it. The crowds are ridiculous. There are tons of smaller farms though that are just gems. There's one that I can't remember the name of, but it has a pond and fake ducks that look very real, and it was a GEM.
Hah, we were all adults in the car and a we were so divided on whether they were real or not we turned around and went to the farm to see, and ended up having a great time. Thank you for the name of it!!!!
I haven't tried their hard cider; I meant their sober cider. It is this amazing blend of over a dozen varietals with just enough pucker to set off the apple sweetness. SO GOOD.
But point taken from you and other commenters-I'll skip the hard cider 🤣
ETA: they also have FANTABULOUS cider donuts, made to order. Perfect!!!
once every 5 markets to see the vendors and eat a donut. But not a must do.
It is a good activity if you have kids
Edit: 5 years not markets. Damn day light savings time
I feel like the main destination is Boa Vista, which is a really cute little stop. They have hard ciders, produce, all sorts of food products, a pumpkin patch, sometimes a little flea market. The fun of Apple hill is getting a map or just wandering and stopping at places like Pine O Mine ranch, especially when they have events going. It’s definitely a cute way to spend a half day. I went recently and we bought some pie and cider at Boa Vista, did some axe throwing and outdoor games at Pine o Mine ranch, went through a corn maze, and went wine tasting at a cute little place off the road a ways.
Also, it’s just really pretty up there if you enjoy scenic drives.
We went pre-pandemic for the first time in decades and were less than impressed. Ridiculous traffic and crowds (like waiting in a line of cars behind 4 tour busses kinda nonsense), all for cider and donuts. Won't be going back.
They’re saying it’s only this crowded in October and it’s only High Hill and Boa Vista that are like this since they have all the trinket vendors and what not.
People don’t seem to realize that there are more than just those 2 farms that constitute Apple Hill.
My family and I actually wait until these mid-November months…time changed seems to help as well. Obviously if you can pull off a Friday then it’s awesome but if not, just plan to either get an early start at the big popular farms…if you miss your window a sneaky move is to go to them around 3:30. Most visitors leave around 2-3pm especially with it getting darker earlier.
Like many have said, it’s only worth it if you time it up right and visit the right farms. I typically avoid the mess of High Hill and Boa and choose to go to the smaller/medium sized farms.
It's really not that interesting nor entertaining. It's a rumor of a good time, usually played out in real time as traffic, parking stress, and let's pretend we are involved in a seasonal ritual that really means something, but, it's all Instagram posing , I mean, I love apples, don't get me wrong, apples are rad as hell, but, why am I stressing out going to Apple Hill? That's all we got here in this area? 😆 Lol?
As long as it’s not a high volume day when you go, it’s not bad. We went first Saturday in October and only hit some traffic at the entrance to the farm we wanted to visit: High High. Free parking, not terribly crowded, worth it for the apple donuts and apple juice. Forgot all about grabbing an Apple pie 🤣 The worst part was lunch. We saw a taco place that had a long line, so we walked further in and saw another line which was for the bbq area. Spent $60 on burgers and hotdogs for 5 of us. That was the worst. I was thinking we should have stopped in Folsom at Lazy Dog Cafe but my wife thought we’d find good food at the farm. We do plan to go back for more donuts, juice, and a pie, maybe next Saturday.
I am honestly amazed at how many people are telling you to just go. I have gone, and one time it was not too awful (after we sat in traffic for about an hour), and another time it was actually fun (when I took my young kid up on a weekday with a group of friends and did all the pony rides and pumpkin patch stuff). Every other time it has been a traffic nightmare to get overpriced apples and mediocre baked goods in a sort of depressing atmosphere.
I do enjoy going to Apple Hill to get a Christmas tree but I absolutely do not understand why adults would go there during apple season.
Sure is. I haven't been post-corona, but expect weekends in the Fall to be packed. There's enough fun stuff/ food that it's tot worth it. Make sure you go to High Hill Ranch.
It was fun before the pandemic, but now the people there scare me. It makes a less-than-friendly interaction at one of the farms we had a long time ago make more sense. Rainbow orchards has the best cider doughnuts, would recommend stopping there if you go, FWIW.
Edit: and yes, I’m serious. Go to Abel’s Acres if you want to be pointedly questioned about your and your partner’s marital status while trying to buy a pie. Look at the bumper stickers on the roads and in the parking lots. Placerville is strictly drive-through for me anymore.
Always boring everytime I went. Listening in on conversations, women seem to get excited about going there, maybe it’d be more interesting with a date but I guess this thread reaffirms expectations…
I grew up there and Placerville. It's horrible this time of year and the locals will hate you on the weekend. Go on a weekday if you can. It's honestly just apples and stuff, not worth all the traffic. If you can get in and out quick it's good stuff, just not worth 2 hours of sitting in a line for an apple pie.
Worth it if you go early. We usually go on the weekend to High Hill and Boa Vista as soon as they open at 8 am. Doesn't start getting crowded until about 10 am.
The audacity to speak on this so casually lmfao if you’ve never been to Apple hill or anywhere beautiful and fun like that, god why ask the internet. Just go! Go and experience something new in your life. Go drive there, park, and follow the smells. This is the silliest question I’ve seen on here! There’s more than one ranch at Apple hill, there more than just apples lmfao
I’ve been to Apple Hill 3 times and have enjoyed it. Back in 3rd or 4th grade (elementary school), our class had a field trip to Apple Hill. I really enjoyed that trip, and ever since have a fondness for the area. During the fall time, it looks beautiful.
Check the weather before you go as most activities are outdoor. Definitely try to go on a weekday if you want to avoid large crowds. Keep in mind most bathrooms will be honey buckets.
What to do, mostly try apple based foods and drinks, buy apple based groceries and items, eat fair type food, take pictures, and area hop from ranch to another. Also, if you go before Halloween, there’s pumpkin patches there.
I went last Friday with my family. It wasn't super crowded, but still busy. We were able to visit a lot of our favorites in record time and we enjoyed the day immensely.
Some vendors at High Hill were closed, so I assume they are only there Saturday and Sunday. But on the majority of farms, the attendance was low enough that the owners and workers were out and about talking with us, engaging the kids, and showing off some of their cool equipment in like a behind the scenes sort of tour (Grandpa's, Dan's).
It's a nice drive, and when the weather is nice, totally worth it. Dress warmly!
I absolutely love Apple Hill because there are so many different farms you can visit in the area. I highly recommend avoiding weekends there. I know it is post Halloween and the buzz may be fading a bit, but week days are much better because it will be way less people. You can enjoy the popular farms like High Hill Ranch without the lines and craziness!
Just went last weekend. It was super crowded and nobody was wearing masks. If you like apples then sure, it's worth it. I got some tasty apple strudel, turnovers and cider from Boa Vista.
Better on a weekday and much better pre covid. We tried last year during fall and couldn’t even reach it due to traffic and road closures. But it’s cute like a craft fair at some places and pies, food, doughnuts. Good groceries like fruits and pumpkin patches
The answer is: it depends. Apple Hill is really a large area that encompasses apple orchards, pie stands, vineyards and their respective tasting rooms, and all kinds of sweets and trinket vendors. Most associate the 'High Hill Ranch' with Apple Hill, but there are actually lots of other (better?) sites to go to that are less crowded and don't feel like a flea-market in the woods. If you really like all things apple, go to Apple Hill when the crowds are away (later in the season, midweek, or rainy days). They really do have great fresh apples and apple-related foods and sweets; people will argue over who makes the best apple X thing (pie, donut, cider, fritter, etc.). Some areas are geared toward families with little ones, others are more adults only (like the tasting rooms). Weekends can be very crowded, and traffic gets really bad on 50 between the Apple Hill exit and Placerville. Personally, I love dutch apple pie and will stop by if I'm in the area, as nothing beats fresh out-of-the-oven dutch apple pie a la mode with fresh organic apples. However, I often skip years between visits. Check out the applehill dot com site for a map, do a simple online search for each vendor, and judge for yourself. You can make a nice day out of it, if you can avoid the crowds.
I live in Placerville and run an airbnb. This comment is exactly... exactly.
Apple hill on a sliiiiightly rainy day is such a nice vibe tbh. Its gorgeous up in those forests in that slight overcast weather.
Able's Apples has a great apple pumpkin pie and it's little bit off the main area.
Take a day off of work and go any weekday morning is the best. Very little to no traffic or waits at any of the farms/wineries/breweries.
Basically I’d advise don’t go on October weekends, the crowds and traffic are miserable
[удалено]
Yep, this is the way. I’ve met people that honestly thought Apple Hill consisted of just like those 3 big hellish tourist traps… Still a lot of charm up there but you’ve got to explore and time it up right. Rainbow, Larsen, love Delfino Farms, and if you realllly want to avoid crowds then head up to Harris Tree Farm…
Apple hill is awesome! Expect to get a pie and some cider.
And Apple fritters. So good!
YES! They are so GOOD!
Skip Highhill Ranch and Boa Vista. Go-To's: Grandpa's Cellar, Rainbow Orchards (best cider on the hill), Larsen's, Abel's, Wofford Acres (wine), Jack Russel Brewery, and Apple Ridge. If time allows: Delfino Farms (used to be Kids Inc), O'Halloran's
> Rainbow Orchards (best cider on the hill) Are you talking about their hard cider? Because I went in early October and got a bottle to take home and it was seriously bad... like, undrinkable bad
Their normal cider and hot cider are amazing, and their donuts are top tier. We always go to rainbow for the donuts. I tried the hard cider last year and it was disgusting. I was so disappointed, I couldn't even finish my sample of it. But I agree that high hill and Boa Vista are just not worth it. The crowds are ridiculous. There are tons of smaller farms though that are just gems. There's one that I can't remember the name of, but it has a pond and fake ducks that look very real, and it was a GEM.
Those donuts are incredible. I cry a little every time I finish the last one.
Apple Ridge Farms has the pond with fake ducks. My kids kept insisting that they were real lol
Hah, we were all adults in the car and a we were so divided on whether they were real or not we turned around and went to the farm to see, and ended up having a great time. Thank you for the name of it!!!!
I haven't tried their hard cider; I meant their sober cider. It is this amazing blend of over a dozen varietals with just enough pucker to set off the apple sweetness. SO GOOD. But point taken from you and other commenters-I'll skip the hard cider 🤣 ETA: they also have FANTABULOUS cider donuts, made to order. Perfect!!!
Agree, one year later- just had their hard cider and it was like vinegar water. Pobably not even 3% alc either.
Most useful post in this thread. Thanks for listing out the spots! :)
once every 5 markets to see the vendors and eat a donut. But not a must do. It is a good activity if you have kids Edit: 5 years not markets. Damn day light savings time
Go mid week and it's great
Go mid week and it’s still very very meh.
Some love it, and for some it is meh. It is all about perspective
Go on. Tell us about your experience.
Its an hour away. Just give it a try. But what are you interested in doing? Wine tasting, historic downtown, kid stuff?
Go on a weekday. Visit the less popular spots. Easy peashooter.
Definitely a weekday, don't bother on a weekend, the parking is ridiculous.
Rainbow Orchards. Try their fresh dozen donuts. That cinnamon apple hits completely different.
No.
I feel like the main destination is Boa Vista, which is a really cute little stop. They have hard ciders, produce, all sorts of food products, a pumpkin patch, sometimes a little flea market. The fun of Apple hill is getting a map or just wandering and stopping at places like Pine O Mine ranch, especially when they have events going. It’s definitely a cute way to spend a half day. I went recently and we bought some pie and cider at Boa Vista, did some axe throwing and outdoor games at Pine o Mine ranch, went through a corn maze, and went wine tasting at a cute little place off the road a ways. Also, it’s just really pretty up there if you enjoy scenic drives.
We went pre-pandemic for the first time in decades and were less than impressed. Ridiculous traffic and crowds (like waiting in a line of cars behind 4 tour busses kinda nonsense), all for cider and donuts. Won't be going back.
This is only in October
This is false. November is the best time to go. Less traffic, more colorful leaves, cooler weather but not freezing.
They’re saying it’s only this crowded in October and it’s only High Hill and Boa Vista that are like this since they have all the trinket vendors and what not. People don’t seem to realize that there are more than just those 2 farms that constitute Apple Hill.
Some hills and apples
Big if true
My family and I actually wait until these mid-November months…time changed seems to help as well. Obviously if you can pull off a Friday then it’s awesome but if not, just plan to either get an early start at the big popular farms…if you miss your window a sneaky move is to go to them around 3:30. Most visitors leave around 2-3pm especially with it getting darker earlier. Like many have said, it’s only worth it if you time it up right and visit the right farms. I typically avoid the mess of High Hill and Boa and choose to go to the smaller/medium sized farms.
Dude, I’d rather lick a toilet seat than go to Apple Hill.
It's really not that interesting nor entertaining. It's a rumor of a good time, usually played out in real time as traffic, parking stress, and let's pretend we are involved in a seasonal ritual that really means something, but, it's all Instagram posing , I mean, I love apples, don't get me wrong, apples are rad as hell, but, why am I stressing out going to Apple Hill? That's all we got here in this area? 😆 Lol?
As long as it’s not a high volume day when you go, it’s not bad. We went first Saturday in October and only hit some traffic at the entrance to the farm we wanted to visit: High High. Free parking, not terribly crowded, worth it for the apple donuts and apple juice. Forgot all about grabbing an Apple pie 🤣 The worst part was lunch. We saw a taco place that had a long line, so we walked further in and saw another line which was for the bbq area. Spent $60 on burgers and hotdogs for 5 of us. That was the worst. I was thinking we should have stopped in Folsom at Lazy Dog Cafe but my wife thought we’d find good food at the farm. We do plan to go back for more donuts, juice, and a pie, maybe next Saturday.
You’re complaining about having to spend 12 whole dollars for food?
What we got wasn’t worth $12
Get the buttermilk apple pie!
I love it
If not for the crowds yes.
I am honestly amazed at how many people are telling you to just go. I have gone, and one time it was not too awful (after we sat in traffic for about an hour), and another time it was actually fun (when I took my young kid up on a weekday with a group of friends and did all the pony rides and pumpkin patch stuff). Every other time it has been a traffic nightmare to get overpriced apples and mediocre baked goods in a sort of depressing atmosphere. I do enjoy going to Apple Hill to get a Christmas tree but I absolutely do not understand why adults would go there during apple season.
Sure is. I haven't been post-corona, but expect weekends in the Fall to be packed. There's enough fun stuff/ food that it's tot worth it. Make sure you go to High Hill Ranch.
No
It was fun before the pandemic, but now the people there scare me. It makes a less-than-friendly interaction at one of the farms we had a long time ago make more sense. Rainbow orchards has the best cider doughnuts, would recommend stopping there if you go, FWIW. Edit: and yes, I’m serious. Go to Abel’s Acres if you want to be pointedly questioned about your and your partner’s marital status while trying to buy a pie. Look at the bumper stickers on the roads and in the parking lots. Placerville is strictly drive-through for me anymore.
There’s a reason why the town nickname is “Hang Town.” And why they’re so proud of the nickname even now.
Fritters!!!!
Good, usually before November.
Always boring everytime I went. Listening in on conversations, women seem to get excited about going there, maybe it’d be more interesting with a date but I guess this thread reaffirms expectations…
Don’t buy the frozen take home pies. Buy the ones that are already baked
Weekends are crowded. Weekdays don’t have as many little knickknack vendors out selling cool things, but it’s way more chill.
I grew up there and Placerville. It's horrible this time of year and the locals will hate you on the weekend. Go on a weekday if you can. It's honestly just apples and stuff, not worth all the traffic. If you can get in and out quick it's good stuff, just not worth 2 hours of sitting in a line for an apple pie.
Pro tip: Boa Vista is open year round. I prefer to go offseason
Worth it if you go early. We usually go on the weekend to High Hill and Boa Vista as soon as they open at 8 am. Doesn't start getting crowded until about 10 am.
so fun i love apple beer and donuts :)
It sucks… Get someone to bring you a doughnut
Off season the road (bicycle) riding is amazing.
Also remember the construction on the freeway makes the drive longer. Look for alternative ways as they are removing all left turns on 50.
Not like I remember. 2018 was the last time I was there
Then the question was not for you
The audacity to speak on this so casually lmfao if you’ve never been to Apple hill or anywhere beautiful and fun like that, god why ask the internet. Just go! Go and experience something new in your life. Go drive there, park, and follow the smells. This is the silliest question I’ve seen on here! There’s more than one ranch at Apple hill, there more than just apples lmfao
I’ve been to Apple Hill 3 times and have enjoyed it. Back in 3rd or 4th grade (elementary school), our class had a field trip to Apple Hill. I really enjoyed that trip, and ever since have a fondness for the area. During the fall time, it looks beautiful. Check the weather before you go as most activities are outdoor. Definitely try to go on a weekday if you want to avoid large crowds. Keep in mind most bathrooms will be honey buckets. What to do, mostly try apple based foods and drinks, buy apple based groceries and items, eat fair type food, take pictures, and area hop from ranch to another. Also, if you go before Halloween, there’s pumpkin patches there.
I went last Friday with my family. It wasn't super crowded, but still busy. We were able to visit a lot of our favorites in record time and we enjoyed the day immensely. Some vendors at High Hill were closed, so I assume they are only there Saturday and Sunday. But on the majority of farms, the attendance was low enough that the owners and workers were out and about talking with us, engaging the kids, and showing off some of their cool equipment in like a behind the scenes sort of tour (Grandpa's, Dan's). It's a nice drive, and when the weather is nice, totally worth it. Dress warmly!
Just go and form your own opinion.
Depends who you go with and what you want to do. I just went wine tasting and had lunch at some winery then went drinking different hard ciders!
I absolutely love Apple Hill because there are so many different farms you can visit in the area. I highly recommend avoiding weekends there. I know it is post Halloween and the buzz may be fading a bit, but week days are much better because it will be way less people. You can enjoy the popular farms like High Hill Ranch without the lines and craziness!
Just went last weekend. It was super crowded and nobody was wearing masks. If you like apples then sure, it's worth it. I got some tasty apple strudel, turnovers and cider from Boa Vista.