Wednesday, October 28, 2020

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



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 for nearby fall activities was Apple Hill, a collection of 50+ farms nestled in Placerville, CA, offering all types of fall magic from apple picking, to apple milkshake flights and everything you could want and more from a fall experience.  Now this 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 an instant win.

As a mom of three, I always like to plan ahead to ensure outings go as smoothly as possible (despite the inherent unpredictablility of parenthood, lol).  I looked up which farms are best for kids, and of course, El Dorado Orchards popped up on Google as a must on that list, offering face painting, delicious apple treats, a craft fair, and a scenic train ride around a pond. 

This farm was the perfect introduction to Apple Hill. I mean... it had a whimsical train that looped around a beautiful pond that was located on a beautiful farm that had all the things. 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 hoped, but I still love it and 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.  If you're on a budget or just love bringing your own food & drinks, you can easily customize your visit to fit your wants and needs.

This charming little farm is tucked away next to the busier and more well known BOA Vista and High Hill Ranch, making it a perfect escape from the crowds.  But feel free to hit them up on the same visit if you're feeling bold and looking to milk Apple Hill of all its magic.

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
-Small in size but packs a punch with its offerings - 
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.

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