Pine-O-Mine Ranch #41 A Small but Charming U-Pick Apple Farm

2620 Carson Rd.

Placerville, CA 95667

Directions

(530) 344-2112

Website

Instagram

My Apple Hill Grower's Association List of Farms

More Reviews and Photos on Yelp

Pine-O-Mine Ranch is among a collection of 50+ farms that make up the Apple Hill Grower's Association- A destination visited by thousands of apple lovers every Fall.

When visiting the hill, apple picking is always on the list of things to do.  Me and my kids thoroughly enjoy hunting for and tasting apples.  Nothing is as juicy as a fresh-picked apple and in most cases, apples at the grocery will never compare. When biting into fresh-picked apples, it is so fresh that apple juice trickles down your arms.  These apples, along with all the other apples on the hill, are notorious for making some of the best apple cider ever.

In addition to the freshest apples, I love showing the kids where our food comes from and how much work farmers put into nourishing people.  

Usually, we love to pick our apples at Denver Dan's #14, but this year we were looking for a new experience.  That's when we came to Pine-O-Mine.  

If you're a parent like me, you'll love Pine-O-Mine because it's a fun-yet-educational place to take the family.

We entered the farm and drove a little way down before we were met with a bright red barn lined with apple trees and a pumpkin patch.  If you've visited High Hill Ranch, this farm will be small in comparison, but don't be fooled: it has a lot of charm.

The farm has several of the most popular varieties of apples to pick from- Fuji, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious & Red Delicious.  You grab a bag from the barn and return to get them weighed after you've picked your apples. 

After a fun time hunting for apples, me and my family grabbed a bag of caramel corn from the tent that we overhead people raving about.  The caramel corn was delicious and kind of took me back to my childhood, reminding me of Cracker Jacks.  Not only was the caramel corn delicious, it was sold by passionate people from a family-owned business inspired by their grandma's recipe.

The farm also has hot food brought to you by Brawt Envy.  Their sausages were fresh, juicy, and delicious.  The guys that made our food were down to earth and made our experience much more enjoyable.  

In accompaniment, we had the mandatory caramel apple milkshake, which never fails.  Next time I have to get the Apple Pie Milkshake, which is an apple milkshake with a piece of pie added in.  A worker told me how good it was and I was sold at that moment.

The farm has great scenery, food, dessert, nice people, pumpkins, U-Pick apples, photo opportunities, scenery and a great and relaxing environment.  From now on, it will be added to our list of farms to visit during our trips to Apple Hill. 

Notes: 

-Apple Picking is all about timing and weather.  Call the farm to inquire about availability and best time to pick apples.  Their orchard is on the smaller side and can run out after some time.

-Masks and safety enforced 

-Limited selection of apple goods inside barn.  Frozen pies, jerky, alcoholic beverages, apple cider & nuts available for purchase.

-plenty of parking available

-various food trucks available depending on availability

-cute pumpkin patch

-great place for photo shoots

-limited picnic tables 

-Porta Potties and hand washing station available 

-If you drive all the way to the barn, there might be parking available, depending on how busy it is

Categorized Under "Apple Hill Grower's Association and Seasonal/Holidays"

Andelin Farm- A Charming, U-Pick, Family Owned Farm that provides Lots of Family Fun in the Fall and Spring

8100 Pyramid Way
Sparks, NV 89436

Directions

(775) 530-8032

Website

Facebook

More reviews and pictures on Yelp

Purchase Tickets

Andelin Farm in Sparks is one of those special places my family and I can’t get enough of, especially when it comes to our fall traditions. This farm isn’t just a spot we visit; it’s where we make some of our best memories.

You can tell right away that the farm is well-kept and thoughtfully run by people who genuinely care about making sure everyone has a great time. What I love most is how they’re always coming up with new ways to make each visit better than the last. This year, for example, they added a gemstone mining sluice and a chick experience—both of which have been instant hits. Plus, they put up some shade tents to help with the heat and even took a gamble on growing sunflowers for a U-Pick experience. Spoiler: it turned out beautifully!

A couple of years ago, we were one of the last families on the farm, and time just flew by because our kids were having so much fun. We realized we hadn’t ridden the hayride yet, so we asked one of the workers if it was still possible, even though it was late. The worker smiled and said he’d check for us. To our surprise, the owner, Cameron, came out with a big grin and was more than happy to take us around. He gave us a little history about the farm and chatted with us like we were old friends. There’s something really special about an owner who takes the time to make sure his guests are having a great time, even when the day’s wrapping up. Cameron’s hands-on approach is just one of the things that make Andelin Farm so amazing.

We keep coming back to Andelin Farm every year, and I’m always telling family and friends to check it out. Whether it’s the fall festivities, holiday fun, or the different seasonal events they have going on, there’s always something new and exciting at Andelin Farm. From the pumpkin patch and corn maze in the fall to the springtime baby animal days and summer sunflower festival, they’ve got something for everyone all year long. If you haven’t been yet, make this the year you experience the magic of Andelin Farm—you won’t regret it!

2021 RATES

*Included in a per-person admission (2yrs. and younger free). 

2021 Rates: Online $12 + 3% fee & $14 at the farm.  

-hayride

-U-Pick Pumpkin Patch

-Wagon Rides

-Mini Zip Lines for Kids

-barrel train ride

-hamster wheel

 -straw bale maze

-bunny hop

-petting zoo (goats, sheep, chickens) (feed available for purchase)

-access to u-pick pumpkin patch

-chick experience 

-duck races (water pumps)

-lasso activity

-pumpkin shooters (slingshot and corn kernels)

-barn slide 

-kickball enclosure

Offered at an additional charge:

-pony rides (currently $7)

-corn creepers (haunted house in a corn field)

-zombie paintball

-5 acre corn maze (open Wednesdays-Saturdays 10am-10pm) 

Bonus nights for maze, Friday & Saturday, November 5 & 6, 2021. $7 Online $9 at farm

-pumpkins

-gem mining bags ($5-$25 depending on size of bag)

-Corn Cannon - shoots corn cobs. 2 shots for $1.  Offered Saturdays only.

-U-Pick Sunflowers

-Farm Store

Food-Trailers - Hot Food & Apple Cider Slushie

Notes:

-farm open early April to end of April, in spring and  late September-end of October for fall

-Weather at the farm can vary.  Check the weather before your visit to plan and dress accordingly. I always like to put sunblock on the kiddos, in any case during the day.

-all the workers are nice on the farm

-If you're looking to pick pumpkins, make sure you head out there early to mid October to catch them while they're still on the vine.  

-There are pre-picked pumpkins & Gourds (lots of varieties) at the entrance for purchase for people that are not interested in entering the farm

-Hot Food & Apple Slushies available

-They recently turned their barn into a farm store with homemade goods and crafts including - jams, mixes, hot sauces, snacks like kettle corn, sweet caramel nuggets, trail mix, yogurt pretzels, andelin t-shirts, sweaters, hats, jewelry soaps, and more.

-they always have a random vendor selling goods

-Cold drinks and ice cream available for cheap

-ideal for field trips

Private group tours available

-available for booking events

-the farm is thoroughly loved by younger kids, but adults can also have a good time with photo opportunities around the farm-pumpkin patch, cutouts, barn, and adult horse rides.  Alternatively, adults without kids can skip the pumpkin patch farm area and opt for their separate Halloween festivities- corn maze, corn creepers, zombie paintball

In the fall, they have a farm scene investigation book for the corn maze where you get to solve a mystery. 

-if you catch them at the right time, there's a line of fall trees in front of their house that make for nice pictures, especially when the leaves have changed

-farm produce available depending on availability- tomatoes were available during my visit.

-You will be walking on dirt all around the farm.  Don't forget to wear proper footwear.

Spring Festival 2021

Purchase Tickets 

More Information

Spring Festival-Weekdays

$9

Spring Festival-Saturdays

$10

Goat Bottle Feeding Experience

$6

Lamb Bottle Feeding Experience

$6

Calf Bottle Feeding Experience

$6

Spring 2021 Festival Season Pass

$28

Egg Hunt 4/7-4/10

$5

Pony Ride/Horse Ride 

$6

Private Tours- Spring 2021

$110

"Categorized under Seasonal/Holidays, U-Pick and Birthday/Event Venues"

El Dorado Orchards - Beat the Crowds, Have a Picnic, and Take A Scenic Train Ride

2881 North Canyon Rd.
Camino, CA 95709

Directions

(530) 642-1222

*Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for the Fall Season 

*Open the day after Thanksgiving every Friday, Saturday & Sunday for U-Pick Christmas Trees

*Call to double check hours

Website

More Pictures and Reviews on Yelp

Apple Hill Visitor's Guide

My Tips and List of Farms on the Hill

When I first moved to Reno five years ago, it didn't take long to learn about Reno's passion toward living and celebrating the seasons and holidays.  

It was fall some years ago and I was feeling the fall vibes, admiring the majestic scenery all around and found myself searching for things to do during the fall in Reno.  Sure enough, Google knew exactly what I was looking for and steered me in the right direction.

Along with many other suggestions came Apple Hill (2 hr scenic drive from Reno).  Apple Hill, a collection of 50+ farms in Placerville, CA, was a place that sounded like Disneyland to me, having all the elements needed for a good time.  

I'm a sucker for scenery, road trips, farms, and apple goods- all of which I would be getting if I chose to embark on this trip.  I took the leap hoping to create some long-lasting memories and traditions for me and my family.  

Being a mother of three, I always do as much planning as I can ahead of time to make trips run smoothly.  I researched which farms were ideal for kids.  El Dorado came up as one of the many, offering face paint, apple goods, a craft fair, and a scenic train ride.

El Dorado did not disappoint.  On our first visit, my kids got face paint from a nice young lady and took a scenic train ride around two ponds lined with beautiful fall foliage.  Although the train ride was not as long as the family hoped for it to be, we still ride it every season because it is just that special.

The small-yet-quaint farm is right next to two of the busiest farms- BOA Vista and  High Hill Ranch- and is nestled away from the crowds.  If you're looking for an ideal spot for having a picnic, a fun place to relax while still being able to shop, and some apple goods to enjoy, I'd highly recommend El Dorado Orchards.  

Notes:

-Family Owned 

-Hot Dogs and Hot Sandwiches with chips $6-$11

-Train rides currently $5

-El Dorado is a small farm but it packs a punch. It has a craft fair, hot lunch, apple goods, face paint, and train ride.

-The scenery alone can keep me coming back for more  

-pies, brownies, caramel apples, cookies, cider, apple cider milkshakes, & jams and butters available but no donuts.  Visit BOA Vista Orchards, a min away up the street for some delicious apple goods, including donuts and fritters. 

-plenty of tables and benches on grass with tall trees for shade. Ideal for picnics.

-restrooms available

-Plenty of parking 

"Categorized under Seasonal/Holidays and Apple Hill Grower's Association"

Magic Carpet Golf, Reno - Take a Magic Carpet Ride Into Fantasy and Back in Time Into the Prehistoric Era

6925 S Virginia St

Reno, NV 89511

Directions

(775) 853-8837

Reviews on Yelp

Website

I didn't grow up with mini golf, so I never had the interest to seek out places like Magic Carpet Golf.  After becoming a parent, my mindset changed and like many parents, I am always on the hunt for places to take my kids.  Finding places that are safe, fun and educational is like finding gold.  

Five years ago when I first moved to Reno, I found such a place-Magic Carpet Golf.  It drew me in with it's inviting, whimsical, handmade structures and tall trees.  I couldn't believe that I've been missing out on so much fun all these years.

One hot summer day, I dropped in with my son and fell in love with the place.  Upon entering, we were welcomed with some good old video games, many of which I played when I was a kid.  I was so happy that my kids would get to experience some of the joys of my childhood.  

We checked in at the counter, where we found three courses to choose from- a 19-hole-course with a fantasy theme, a 19 whole course with a dinosaur theme and a 28-hole course with a theme unknown to me since I have yet to try it out.  

Me and my son tried both the fantasy and dinosaur courses between different visits.  We were given a score card, putters & a ball by the nice person at the counter, headed out to our course, and went at our own pace.  Of all the times I've been here, it's never been busy to the point that I felt rushed.  

My son had a great time with a look of pure joy on his face as he swung his putter and admired the handmade structures (some mechanical moving).  It was so great to see him have so much fun, all while getting exercise and fresh air.   

I love the fact that mini golf is something you don't have to be good at.  You take the ball, aim for the hole and swing for the win — all while being able to enjoy the ambiance they've worked so hard to create. 

During the pandemic, I'm even more appreciative of outdoor places like this that enable people to have a fun and safe time, allowing good air circulation and space to distance yourself from others.  

Notes:

-family owned and run

-Masks required in lobby and outside when a distance of six ft cannot be maintained.  Putters wiped down.

-In the summer, they serve Dole Whips.  Yes, the ones from Disneyland.  If you're really hooked on them, believe it or not, you can buy the machine and mixture from Amazon.  

-Hungry? Walk over to Sushi Minato next door if you want to get your picnic on at Magic Carpet

-handicap accessible 

-water structures make for a relaxing environment 

-great shade in the summer

-at the end of your game, place your ball into the ball slot machine for a chance to win a free game

-drink and snack machine available inside building

-little play putter available for little ones (my 2 year old had fun pretend playing).  The person at the counter gave my son one along with a ball free of charge.

-I would throw a party here, hands down.  Check their website for more information on their birthday packages

-you don't have to have children to have fun here.  I always see adults on their oown,having fun.

-ideal spot for meetings, fundraisers, field trips, team building and work events

-restrooms available

-No alcohol, no glass, no cooking

-the place is well kept and beautiful 

-closed on Thanksgiving

-hours change according to season and weather. check website or call in for current hours

-Right next to Target across the street

-outdoor food and cake allowed for events