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

2620 Carson Rd.

Placerville, CA 95667

Website

Instagram

2024 Apple Hill Visitor's Guide 

YELP

Pine-O-Mine Ranch is one many charming farms that make up the Apple Hill Grower's Association, a destination that attracts thousands of apple lovers every fall. 

When I visit the hill, apple picking is always at the top of my list of things to do. My kids and I love the thrill of hunting for apples and tasting them upon purchase. There’s just nothing quite like a fresh picked apple so juicy that the juice just runs down your arms. 

As a parent, I cherish the opportunity to show my kids where our food comes from and how much effort farmers put into nourishing us. Usually, we pick our apples at Denver Dan's #14, but this year we wanted to try something new, so we headed to Pine-O-Mine.  I'm so glad we did.

As you find your way a little ways from the entrance, you'll be greeted by a bright red barn, surrounded by apple trees and a lovely pumpkin patch (& maybe some vendors depending on the time of the season). While it’s on the smaller side, don’t let that fool you.  They have a wicked good milkshake trailer, a nice hot lunch, and plenty of drink offerings, some frozen pies, and lots of charm in their barn.

The farm offers several popular apple varieties to choose from, including Fuji, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Red Delicious. You simply grab a bag from the barn and head out to pick your apples, then simply returning to get them weighed and pay for them afterward.

After our apple hunt, we couldn’t resist trying the caramel corn from a nearby tent that we overheard others raving about. It was delicious and reminded me of Cracker Jacks from my childhood. The caramel corn is made by a family-owned business who use their grandma’s recipe.  These kind of recipes are the best - withstanding the test of time & carrying the warmth of family traditions.

Pine-O-Mine also had hot food provided by Brawt Envy, and let me tell you, their sausages were fresh, juicy, and delicious. And the guys who cooked our food were super rad, making the whole experience even more enjoyable.

Before leaving, I knew I couldn't pass up their classic caramel apple milkshake.  I can remember the first time tasting a caramel apple milkshake at High Hill Ranch.  It was life changing.  Caramel Apple Milkshakes are everything during fall.  They're so delicious, addicting, and always get me excited for the season.  Next time, I’m definitely exercise my foodie spirit and snag their Apple Pie Milkshake (yes, it's exactly how it sounds, with an actual piece of pix mixed into the milkshake).  A worker told me how amazing it is.  

With its beautiful scenery, tasty food, delectable desserts, friendly people, pumpkins, U-Pick apples, and plenty of photo opportunities, Pine-O-Mine has easily made my list of top farms on the hill.

Notes

-Apple picking is all about timing and weather.  Call ahead to check on availability and the best time to pick apples. The orchard is on the smaller side and can run out of apples quickly.

-There’s a limited selection of apple goods available for purchase inside the barn, including frozen pies, jerky, alcoholic beverages, apple cider, and nuts.

-Plenty of parking available

-Food trucks & vendors available on certain days & times

-Their pumpkin patch is accessible to all and a great spot for photo shoots, 

-There are a few picnic tables and porta potties with handwashing stations available on the farm

***Information subject to change.  All opinions are my own. 

Photography

© Katherine Fung,

All Rights Reserved.

Categorized Under Seasonal/Holidays ---> Apple Hill Grower's Association

Andelin Farm- A Charming, U-Pick, Family Owned Farm Providing Lots of Family Fun in the Summer, Fall, & Spring in Sparks, Nevada

8100 Pyramid Way
Sparks, NV 89436

Website | Facebook | Instagram

WAIVER

Andelin Farm in Sparks is one of those special places my family and I can’t get enough of.  This farm is where we've made some of our best & fondest memories.  Over the years, the Andelin family has been improving the farm, adding & optimizing experiences for everyone's enjoyment and comfort.  

One year, they added a gemstone mining sluice and a chick holding experience, both of which have been hits with my family.  They've also been adding in shade tents and places to sit to help with the heat, and even started growing their own sunflowers, pumpkins, & tulips one year for a U-Pick.  

For those who have never visited the farm, it's basically a huge fenced in area loaded with tons of activities like zip lining, barrel/hay/train rides, farm animals, a barn store, and so much more.  Pay a flat fee and enjoy most of the activities all day long (pay a little extra for pony rides, gem mining, feed for the animals, and train rides).  Visitors not looking to enter the farm can access the barn store and food  trucks and just hang around without paying admission.  The year that the housing developments starting forming around the farm got everyone on the edge of their seats, but low and behold, Andelin Farm is still here, and for that, I'm so thankful.  

The farm is well kept and thoughtfully run by the Andelin family and their team who genuinely care about making sure everyone has a great time. I recently had a chat with one of the owners and found that her college son came back to lend a helping hand on the farm.  For most of their youth, the Andelin children would learn the meaning of true hard work while maintaining the lands throughout the ever changing seasons and caring for the animals.  I'm happy to hear how they've expressed their gratitude as adults for this upbringing to their parents.  And the team that helps runs the farm is always so welcoming and fun.  Let's say that the kids and I have had out fair share of precious moments with them (some involving Jiu Jitsu lessons and rock, paper, and scissor competitions). 

One year, my family was one of the last families on the farm (time always flies by on the farm) & realized we hadn’t ridden the hayride yet.  We asked one of the workers if we could catch a last minute ride, & one of the workers smiled and said he’d check for us. To our surprise, the owner, Cameron, came out with a big smile 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 as the day was wrapping up. Cameron’s hands on approach is just one of the things that make Andelin Farm so amazing.

After all of the baby goat feedings, chick holdings, gem mining, zip lining, u-picking, screaming from fear at Corn Creepers, and apocalyptic adventures fighting zombies, I still haven't had enough at the farm, LOL.  Whether it's the fall festivities, holiday fun, or the different seasonal events, there’s always something new and exciting to look forward to at Andelin Farm.

2026 Baby Animal Days & Tulips Festival

General Admission: 

Online - $15.56 (Price $14.00 + $1.56 Fee)

2yrs. & younger free

Season Pass:

$47

Included in General Admission: 

-hayride

-ropes course (Buster's Barnyard Challenge)

-basketball hoops

-access to U-Pick pumpkin patch (fall), tulips (spring) and sunflower fields (summer)

-Beeline Mini Ziplines

-barrel train ride

-hamster wheel

 -straw bale maze

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

-chick (spring) & kitten (summer) experience 

-duck races (water pumps)

-lasso activity

-pumpkin shooters (fall, w/ slingshots & corn kernels)

-slides 

-kickball enclosure

-tricycle ride

-hay maze

-vegetable garden/play store

-ball maze

Additional Charge:

-pony rides 

-gem mining

-U-Pick tulips (spring), sunflowers (summer), and pumpkins (fall)

-Calf Cuddling

-lamb/calf feeding

FALL

-Corn Creepers (haunt)

-Zombie Paintball 

-5 acre corn maze 

-U-pick pumpkins

-Corn Cannon

Notes:

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

-Stay on top of hourly weather and plan and dress accordingly.  Hats, sunscreen, and water are musts during summer.

-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.  

-Access to pre-picked pumpkins & Gourds available to public at barn store without admission

-Jams, soup mixes, pantry items, snacks like kettle corn, sweet caramel nuggets, trail mix, yogurt pretzels, Andelin merchandise like t-shirts, sweaters, hats, jewelry soaps, and more available for sale.

-Frozen pies, croissants, and cinnamon buns available at barn store.

-affordable drinks & ice cream available

-ideal for field trips

-private group tours available

-available for private events

-The farm is ideal for kiddos, but adults can also have a good time with photo opportunities, u pick activities, petting zoo, and horse rides.  Adults also enjoy visit to the farm during October for the corn maze (daytime & night), corn creepers, & zombie paintball.  Daytime maze comes with a fun farm investigation activity (grab a booklet at check in)

-Don't forget to wear proper footwear as the farm is mainly made up of compact dirt

-ground is solid enough for strollers, wheelchairs, and wagons

*Information subject to change.  All opinion are my own.

Photography

© Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

Categorized under Seasonal/Holidays, U-Pick & 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

INSTAGRAM

More Helpful Links

*Apple Hill Growers Association Website

*Apple Hill's 2025 Visitor's Guide

*Apple Hill's U-Pick Guide

*Official Apple Hill Instagram - for the latest updates and information

One fall,  I was soaking up those cozy autumn vibes, admiring the stunning scenery around me while searching for fun fall activities in Reno. Of course, Google led me straight to what I was looking for.

One of the top suggestions was Apple Hill, just a scenic two hour drive from Reno. With over 50 farms nestled in Placerville, CA, it sounded like a type of Disneyland to me-everything I could want for a perfect day out.

I’m a sucker for beautiful views, road trips, farms, random adventures, and all things apple related, so I knew this trip would be a, instant win.

As a mom of three, I always try to plan ahead to ensure our outings go smoothly as possible (despite mother life  always being unpredictable, lol).  I looked up which farms would be best for kids, and of course (in hindsight), El Dorado Orchards popped up as a must on that list, offering face painting, delicious apple treats, a craft fair, and a scenic train ride.

And let me say that El Dorado was the perfect introduction to Apple Hill.  I mean... it has a whimsy train that loops around a beautiful area.  Trains alone are fantastic, but pair them with a view around a pond featuring some fall foliage and it becomes something else.  The ride may not have been as long as I'd had hoped, but I still love it & make an effort to return every season because it’s just that special.

Of course, I went all out on my first visit and ended up having the kids get their faces painted, snagged some hot dog meals, enjoyed a 2nd train ride, and brought some apple goods home with me on my visit.  And it still wasn't enough, haha.

This charming little farm is tucked away next to the busier BOA Vista and High Hill Ranch, making it a perfect escape from the crowds. 

If you’re looking for a place to picnic, relax, shop, enjoy some apple goodies, and get a little dose of whimsy, I can’t recommend a visit El Dorado Orchards enough.

Notes
-Family owned and operated
-Hot dogs and hot sandwiches available for $6-$11
-Train rides were $5/person on my visit
-Though a small farm, it packs a punch with a craft fair, hot lunch, apple treats, face painting, and train rides available
-The scenery alone keeps me coming back for more 
-They offer pies, brownies, caramel apples, cookies, cider, apple cider milkshakes, and jams, but no donuts.  Head to BOA Vista Orchards just a minute up the road for an awesome variety to choose from.
-Plenty of tables and benches on grassy areas with tall trees providing shade, perfect for picnics
-Restrooms available
-Plenty of parking on site

***Information subject to change.  All opionions are my own. 

Photography

© Katherine Fung,

All Rights Reserved.

Categorized under Seasonal/Holidays ---> 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

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.  Like many parents, I am always on the hunt for (fun) places to take my kids, preferably those that are safe, fun (for adults as well), and educational.

I've passed by Magic Carpet Golf countless times on South Virginia St.  It's one of those places that stick out like a sore thumb and people can't help but wonder about.  I mean... it's hard to miss the ginormous blue genie and birthday cake from the road, LOL.  

One random day (with this spot in the back of my mind), I did a little more digging on the net to learn more about Magic Carpet Golf and found that it has been around since 19-freakin-74!!! 2026-1974=52.  Fifty two years of people hitting balls a gazillion ways through, over, and around gigantic whimsy art pieces.  If that doesn't scream fun, I don't know what will.  And this is just for their Reno location.  The family who started all of this magic opened their first location in South Lake Tahoe in 1968!

Magic Carpet Golf is made of 2-19 hole courses - fantasy & adventure themed, along with a 28-hole mixed themed course.  On top of fun holes (some with moving parts), they also have picnic tables, a small arcade (including lots that I played as a kid), and some vending machines for snacks & drinks.  Other huge pluses include friendly service & a beautiful & developed landscape that provides shade and adds to the charm of the whole place.

It's really hard to grasp how this place has been existence for so many years.  It's inviting, whimsical, fun, and is run by the same family that began it years ago.  I can't believe that I've been missing out on this magic of mini golf all these years.

Side Note:  I love the fact that mini golf is something you don't have to be good at to enjoy.  You take the ball, aim for the hole, and swing - all while enjoying the ambiance & atmosphere everyone worked so hard to create while sending out a prayer to the golf gods. 

I've made countless fond memories here with my family, and I know you will too.  I'm feeling super thankful for attractions like this that keep Reno fun and funky.  Hope you have fun when you make it out.  Oh, and please tell the dinosaurs hi for me, LOL.

Notes:

-family owned and run

-Hungry? Sushi Minato is within walking distance.  They serve some pretty good sushi & ramen.  

-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 machines available 

-small sized play putters are available for little ones. 

-great for parties & events.  Check their website for more information on their packages.  

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

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

-restrooms available

-No alcohol, no glass, & no cooking allowed

-well kept and beautiful 

-closes on Thanksgiving

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

-across the street from Target shopping center.

-outdoor food and cake allowed for events