Where to Go in Apple Hill, California

Apple Hill is a mountainous area in Northern California, on Highway 50 just east of Placerville. Once you get there, just follow the signs--Schnell School Road is a good exit to take when coming from Sacramento (turn right on Carson Road), or the Cedar Grove or Camino exits from Lake Tahoe.

Any place that has a sign with a big red apple out front is part of the Apple Hill Grower's association, and they should have maps of all the other member growers in the area. You can also go to the website at www.applehill.com to download a map and get other information.

Since there are a lot of things to do and places to visit, here are a few ideas of places you should be sure to check out:

Abel's Apple Acres
Open daily, Labor Day - Dec. 24 Thanksgiving: 10-1, 12/24: 9-32345
Carson Road
(530) 626-0138
This is usually our first stop my family makes when we get to the hill. We stock up on yummy apple donuts, fritters, dumplings and other sugary treats, as well as get our first taste of the super yummy apple cider. There is a food concession here that sells a variety of lunch items like hamburgers, hot dogs and more. The food is pretty good, but pricey. There are activities for the kids, like pony rides and a hay maze, and lots of vendors for the adults to browse. Don't forget the fresh produce and house-made fudge!

Boa Vista Orchard
Open daily 9-5 year 'round Closed Christmas Day
2952 Carson Road
(530) 622-5522
A popular spot and easy to find right on Carson Road, Boa Vista has a nice selection of produce and pies. They have some typical food in their little restaurant, but on weekends during the busy season they barbeque tri-tip and it's delicious! There are several nice crafts vendors, and there's a pumpkin patch across the street for Halloween.

El Dorado Orchards
Open Fridays 10-3, Sat., Sun. 9-5, September - November
2881 North Canyon Road
(530) 642-1222
This is a fun place for adults and kids alike. Along with the requisite crafts vendors, eatery and baked goods shop, they offer a train ride that takes passengers around the "Cider Lakes". One vendor there sells rubber band guns that are lots of fun for little boys and tomboys. There are often craft activities for the kids available.Ã' Kids, Inc.Friday through Monday, Sept. 4 - Dec. 53205 North Canyon Road(530) 622-0184Just like the name indicates, there are lots of fun activities for kids here, like a corn maze, pumpkin patch and a nature trail. The Hill Grill serves tasty Mexican food on Saturdays and Sundays.

High Hil
lOpen Daily 8am - 5pm, the Friday before Labor Day - December 24
2901 High Hill Road
(530) 644-1973
This is another annual favorite of my family, with their affordable outdoor barbeque lunch, pie shop, market with lots of fresh apples and interesting products, and tons of vendors to choose from. They offer pony rides and a pumpkin patch for the kids. Be sure to visit the Cider Shack for an apple milkshake, but I would pass on the apple beer and apple wine. They do have the best apple cider on the hill, with free samples--and you can watch it being made, which is lots of fun!

There are many more places to visit at Apple Hill, but these are a few of our favorites. It's worthwhile to keep a map and make two or three trips up to Apple Hill each season to taste and see all that is offered.