Family Trip To Apple Hill | Placerville, CA

 

Growing up in California one of my most favorite places was Apple Hill in Placerville. We went many times when I was growing up and then Brent and I took lots of trips during our dating and early marriage years. It is a place close to our hearts. And when the heat of summer is still lingering into early fall, it feels so good to drive up the hill to get that long awaited fall experience.

Apple Hill is the home of over 50 family owned farms offering apple orchards, pumpkin patches, bakeshops, wineries, breweries, Christmas tree farms, and family activities. You can drive the scenic route, stopping at places along the way. It is a pretty spectacular place and I have been wanting to bring our kids here for many years. So we finally made it happen during our visit to Sacramento last fall. 

High Hill Ranch is one of the most popular stops. We came midweek and had almost the whole place to ourselves. Their little fishing pond feels iconic to Apple Hill. 

There are a variety of apple stands, shops, restaurants, and activities at different spots. It is fun to see so many of the same things from my childhood while also experiencing new current attractions.

One of my favorite treats from High Hill is the carmello - a marshmallow covered with caramel. It makes the marshmallow extra soft and creamy. It is so yummy!

From High Hill we usually stop at Rainbow Orchards for hot, fresh apple donuts and corn dogs. We also often buy a jug of fresh apple cider and grab enough cups to enjoy over the course of the day. They have a family friendly seating area with picnic tables and grass for kids to run around in. There are other places to buy apple donuts but getting them hot is a next level experience.

We stopped at Apple Ridge Farms for the first time and the kids got to try out gem mining. This was a huge hit and the kids loved discovering colorful gems.

Our next stop was Boa Vista Orchards. They have a big apple and produce shop that we enjoy. They give out free samples of apples to try and also sell delicious tri tip sandwiches. There is also often local artisans selling handmade goods. They are one of the few places that is open year around so even if you visit during the off season, you can always grab some produce and something to eat here.

Don't underestimate the value of getting to choose your own apple! Such happy kids.

Across the street from Boa Vista was the cutest little tractor train ride.

And that amazing view of Apple Hill behind it. 

The kids loved the train and the owners were exceptionally kind.

Our last stop was Abel's Acres which is also one of the larger locations and a long time favorite of ours. They sell pies, food, and gifts. This is a great place to grab a meal. They also have a lot of kid activities out back.

We ended our Apple Hill adventure that day at Abel's. It was just enough for our crew but there are so many other fun places to explore if you have the time. I will share my list of all our favorite places over the years at the end of this post.

While we were in Sacramento we also had to do a drive by of our old house. I still take pride seeing some of the trees and plants I planted years ago doing well. 

Another necessary stop is to get some ice cream at Leatherby's. They serve up giant, incredible ice cream sundaes. We have yet to find a place like it anywhere else we have lived.

It is also a big highlight for the kids. They always ask if we are going to Leatherby's when we are in Sacramento. Of course we will!

Here are all our favorite Apple Hill locations:

High Hill Ranch - the main event! shop local venders, see apple cider being made, pictures by the pond, we love eating carmellows, we loved hitting up the thrift store nearby which is unfortunately no longer there

Boa Vista Orchards - best price to buy apples, food, tractor train

Delfino Farms (Previously Kids Inc.) - can go on a small hike, sell pie and ice cream

Larsen Apple Barn - museum, had turkey sandwiches

Rainbow Orchards - our favorite place for hot apple donuts and corn dogs

Denver Dan's - gift shop and jam, cuts spiral apples and puts it on your thumb!

Grandpa's Cellar - country feel gift shop and crafts

El Dorado Orchards - train ride and crafts

Plubell's Family Orchard - nature trail, carnival, animals (not sure if this is still open)

Mill View Ranch - large gift shop, donuts, caramel apples

Bill's Apples/Felice's Dolls - life sized dolls sitting in abandoned cars out back, snow run, gift shop

Abel's Apple Acres - get lunch here, garlic fries, pies, gifts shops, local vendors, kids activities out back, last stop before getting on the freeway to go home