Sara Cardine, Record Staff Writer
If
fall won't come to you, you might have to go find it yourself.
And if you are looking for some seasonal delights, set your sights no further
than Apple Hill in Camino. The area's orchards come alive in October and
November to offer up the very best in fall food, fun and festivities.
Off Highway 50 eight miles east of Placerville, Apple Hill includes more than 50
orchards, many of which also feature crafts, fresh cider and fruit pies as well
as apples and pick-your-own pumpkins. Visiting the area is as easy as driving
down major roads and pulling off when you see something that looks like fun.
Seven local wine families offer tours and tasting for visitors throughout the
year, and wine may be the perfect complement to the crisp fall weather and
changing leaves you're bound to find in Camino.
Picture a fall scene painted by Norman Rockwell. Pumpkins, scarecrows and hot
steaming cups of apple cider.
That's exactly what visitors encounter this time of year in Apple Hill. You'll
also be able to spend hours looking at food, wines and homemade crafts and
gifts. Much of the fare is holiday-themed if you're looking for a Thanksgiving
centerpiece or winter home decoration.
Once you get to a desired location, let yourself get lost among acres and acres
of pumpkins. Even on a crowded day, you likely can find a spot in a patch where
the only sounds are trees blowing in the wind and the occasional chirping of
birds. There are many things for children to do, from hay rides and pumpkin
picking to duck feeding and nature walks, so be sure to give yourself enough
time to visit different orchards.
Stop and taste the apples. Gourds may be the show stoppers, but Apple Hill is
best known and loved for, well, its apples. There will be no shortage of tasting
opportunities and apples sold by piece, pound or box. Pink ladies, Fujis and
Gala are just a few varieties of what you'll find.
Dining and side trips
You'll want to come hungry, if only to fill up on harvest-time goodies such as
caramel apples and fall fruit pies. If the weather turns chilly, be sure to
complement your snack with a hot cup of spiced apple cider or coffee. Most
orchards sell apples, gourds and gourmet goods made locally, including apple
butter, cold cider, jellies and jarred foods.
Even local growers know a person cannot live on apples alone. That's why Camino
offers a variety of small pubs and eateries for visitors year-round. The
Forester Pub and Grill on Carson Road dishes up traditional fare such as
shepherd's pie and fish and chips. Also, many local ranches offer lunch to weary
travelers, including Boa Vista Orchards, Honey Bear Ranch and Bolster's Hilltop
Ranch & Winery.
