Living in Sacramento, it is a right of passage, a tradition for many, to go and explore Apple Hill each fall. Our family has never been… until just recently. We missed the pumpkin patches and Halloween theme activities as we went the weekend after Halloween. Which ended up turning out just fine. We were more excited about the apples and all things that go with apples!
I asked my friends which farms to visit… as there are hundreds (okay there are a LOT) of farms with their own specialties. Our family decided to visit three farms: Apple Ridge, High Hill and Pine O Mine.
Apple Ridge Farm
This farm was a cute and quaint farm. There was a large area for local vendors to share their crafts they were selling. There was a fun hay maze (for kids) that my boys were excited to run through. There was also a petting zoo… more like an area where you could see goats, chickens, and other farm animals up close (through a fence).
My girlfriend told me there was a family-friendly nature hike around the farm. Our family loves hiking and enjoys exploring so we headed straight to the nature trail after checking out the animals. The trail was an easy to walk (relatively flat) trail that meandered around the farm.
Hey look! I was there too! Why is it that most of my family’s activities I take a million photos of the boys and my husband… and then remember to document that I was there too!? So enter the awkward selfie while on a hike photo as shared above. Ha!
While on the trail and exploring leaves, sticks, critters and more, we found a super cute bench. Thankfully another family was hiking behind us and I asked their dad to take a photo of our little family. Look at that, we are all looking at the camera and there was no photo shopping people in to (or out) of the photo! Ha! It is an Apple Hill miracle!
After our hike, the boys were excited to try their promised (bribed) apple cider donut. It was all of our first time to try one of these delicious treats. It was well worth the wait.
High Hill
After we scarfed down our donuts and regrouped in the van, we headed to our next farm: High Hill. This was by far the most popular farm in the area. It was huge. It was crowded. It was nuts! There were so many people and cars it was a bit overwhelming.
The cool thing about this farm is that we ended up parking our van in the apple orchard. Unfortunately the trees were all picked over so there were no apples to enjoy as we walked from the van to the farm.
This farm had a lot of vendors selling their crafts and trade. It also had a huge market area where they were selling more apple varieties than we had ever known possible! They even had their own brand of apple beer and apple wine. Sadly, we did not taste any of the fun apples or fun adult beverages. In hindsight, that would have been a good idea. We were newbies and overwhelmed with the popularity of the place.
After walking around for a while, chatting with vendors, we decided to head down to their pond and people watch. There were people fishing in their pond, rolling down the hill, chatting and doing whatever people do when they get together on a Sunday afternoon. My boys just sat and watched. So I sat and watched my boys watching them. Ha!
All the boys could talk about was that they wanted to pick their own apples… from the tree! So off we headed to our next and final farm.
Pine O Mine
This was by far the most quaint and personal feeling farm of the three. As we pulled up we were greeted by the farmer who owns the place. He shared that he is one of the last farms that allows people to pick their own apples. The boys were to the moon excited. The only apples that were left to pick were Granny Smith.
They are not my boys favorite flavor apple, but they didn’t care. They were too excited to pick and eat from the tree! After we got our bags (that were labeled bushel and peck) they were off to pick their own apples.
Before we knew it, we had three bags full of apples. The boys were filling their stomach with fresh picked granny smith apples, and they were content and happy.
I also enjoyed picking and eating a freshly picked granny smith apple at the farm. Delicious.
Our family had a great time exploring the different farms and areas of Apple Hill. I can see how this is a fall family tradition for many in the Sacramento area. There are so many things to go see, do, explore, eat, and great photo opportunities! The apple recipes, baked goods, crafts and more are such a fun thing to taste and try also.
I wore my new Ahnu Sugar Pine Waterproof boots that I received as a FitFluential Ambassador. I love the pop of color (ANEMONE) and the sturdy fit. It has been a while since I have worn hiking boots that go above my ankles so it took some getting used to… but these boots not only looked nice they also kept my feet supported and sturdy as we hiked around different surfaces.
I have used these beautiful waterproof hiking boots on multiple hikes with the family over the past few weeks. We have hiked by redwoods, along the American River, in Apple Hill, and more. They have great traction, are waterproof, provide sturdy ankle support, and have Vibram® rubber outsoles and Ahnu’s signature Numentum™ technology for underfoot support and comfort. This lightweight hiker is designed for all day comfort on the trails and city streets.
vanessa: thequeenofswag says
I’ve always wanted to go apple picking. Looks like such a fun time.
TriGirl says
Fun! I haven’t been apple picking since I was a kid. But I totally should because I love apples! I hope you have a chance to try that apple wine; it sounds intriguing 😀
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
We haven’t gone apple picking since my kids were younger. I used to love that perhaps I can still drag my teens out to do it
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
So jealous! I want to go apple picking so bad! I think I’ve only ever done it once :O
Colleen says
Yum I love green applies, and what a beautiful family.
HilLesha says
My family and I have been apple picking, or picking for any fruit for that matter, but I can easily see ourselves doing that as a family! 🙂
Liz Mays says
I’m so jealous you have apple orchards there. I had them in Michigan, but there aren’t any down here. 🙁 What a super fun family outing!
Raijean says
Looks like you guys had a blast. I took the boychild to an apple orchard a few weeks ago and we had a blast.
Ty says
Looks like everyone had an absolutely blast! My family loves apples but we’ve never been picking. I’ll definitely have to take the family there one day since we’re only an hour away.
Kelli says
My parents just went there Saturday! I always wanted to go growing up but we never did (I grew up in Antioch – East Bay). Looks like fun!
Penelope says
What a beautiful family you have! We don’t do things like this much (hike together) but I really wish we would, it’s great to get out into the fresh air and enjoy nature together.
Tammy Litke (@threedifferent) says
How much fun was that day?! We used to go to the apple orchard quite a bit in fall when our daughter was younger, it always made for an adventurous day out 🙂 I bet you’ll be back next year and you’ll remember to bring empty stomachs and full wallets for the High Hill stop!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
Apple picking and hiking are 2 of my favorite things to do this time of year. I was so impressed with my Ahnu boots. Cute and very comfy -two things rarely said about hiking boots!
CARLA says
Im so so so glad you and yer applepickers are in my life.
Maureen says
I have always wanted to go to Apple Hill, but I am not a person that deals well with crowds! That apple wine & beer may finally get me to visit though…HA! 🙂
Stephanie says
What a fun family outing! My aunt had an mini apple orchard in her yard when I was a kid! There was nothing like her homemade apple pie each fall. (She was a home economics teacher!) I am looking forward to sharing these experiences with my kids. PA and NJ have all kinds of farms to explore!
Crystal says
I would definitely make that a family tradition! Apple Hill looks just beautiful, and I know my kids would love checking it all out.
Sandra Laflamme says
We always hike together. Started together with the kids when they were babies in backpacks. We have always gone apple picking too! Looks like a great orchard and a fun time with your whole family! Love the Ahnu boots too, great color!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
I love going apple picking and visiting farms with my family. The kids love it and love hanging out with all the animals too. Looks like you had a great time and love your family picture!
jill conyers says
We love to hike! But, I can’t get my kids to go to an apple orchard this year. ugh!
Stephanie (@FitMomTraining) says
we try to get to the corn maze every fall. We didn’t make it this year but next year for sure!
I can’t believe how big your boys are getting!! Wasn’t T a baby like…a week ago?!?!
Theresa @ Faith and Family Reviews says
We love apple picking. Only a few of us got to pick apples this year. We hope to one day have a small orchard of our own!
Marcie W. says
What a fabulously fun time! We actually got to visit a similar farm this fall and had such a great experience. Your hiking is an added bonus.