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,
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