Pick Fruit at Riley's Apple Farm in Oak Glen, California

Looking for a fun activity for the family that is different and wholesome? Want to get away for awhile from the hectic metropolitan scene? Or do you and your significant other want to go somewhere and enjoy a fun date that will guarantee to be a memorable one? Then Riley's Apple farm is just for you. Riley's Apple farm is located on 12201 South Oak Glen Road in Oak Glen, a small portion of the city of Yucaipa, California (zip code 92399). It is halfway between Los Angeles and Palm Springs and only a 15 minute drive from neighboring cities such as Loma Linda and San Bernardino. It is easily accessible off of the 10 Freeway.

The popular season for apple picking is September through mid-October. They also have raspberry picking and pumpkin patches available. There are also fun activities such as archery, tomahawk throwing, and corn husk doll making. They even have a "U-press" apple cider station where you can make your own fresh apple cider (I have tried the apple cider and it is amazing).

Riley's Apple Farm offers the following apples for picking: Gravenstein, Rome, red Delicious, McIntosh, Mutsu, Jonathon, Jonagold, Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, Spartan, and Winesap. If you drive less a mile north from the farm you will reach Los Rios Rancho (also part of Riley's) and they have apple sampling there and pre-picked bags of apples to purchase. My preferences are the Jonathon (predominantly sweet with a slight tart) and the Honey Crisp (tart and very juicy). The general store at Los Rio Rancho also offers apple goods such as apple butter, apple cider, and 5 pound apple pies!

The entire area surrounding Riley's Apple farm also includes nature trails, picnicking areas, and quaint villages. The view is absolutely spectacular. The foliage in the autumn season is similar to that of the scenery in the New England states (I used to live in Boston and that is one thing I miss the most). The mountains of the San Gorgornio wilderness provide a breathtaking backdrop. The entire Oak Glen area is about a mile high above providing a cool and comfortable climate for outdoor activities.

Prices vary. For apple picking, it's about $11 for a bag which you can fill with as many apples you can. Activities such as archery, tomahawk throwing, and corn husk doll making cost about $1 to do for all of the activities. The "U-press" cider station costs $15 a gallon. Pumpkins cost per the pound and color. If you purchase pre-picked bagged apples they usually range form $6.50 to $7.00 for a small bag and $12-$12.50 for the larger bag. Considering this is one of those unique and memorable places, the prices are decent and worth it. I look forward to my next visit over to Riley's Apple Farm.