Pine-O-Mine Ranch is a top pick of farms that make up the Apple Hill Grower's Association, a collection of 50+ farms that each have something different to offer and attract thousands of fall, apple, and pumpkin patch lovers every fall season in the Placerville/Camino area on Highway 50.
What makes me favor a specific farm in the area? If you've visited before during fall, you'll know that some farms are more active than others, specifically those who go out of their way to whip up a good ol' time for their visitors for the pure reason of wanting to share this life, unique area, and Apple Hill love with everybody. This may translate into the most delicious baked goods, like caramel apple milkshakes made with fresh pressed cider straight from the orchard, the best heart warming experiences like joyful train rides around a pond reflecting fall colors, and endless food and drink offerings that anchor down the memories and keep everyone coming back for more.
At Pine-O-Mine, you can expect a charming red barn surrounded by an apple tree orchard, a lovely pumpkin patch, & potentially some vendors & food trucks depending on the time of the season. While it’s on the smaller side, don’t let that fool you. They have a great milkshake trailer, offer a nice hot lunch (not all farms do) and plenty of drink offerings, some frozen pies, and lots of fun atmospheric fall vibes. Not to mention their fun U-pick apple experience that you can't get just anywhere.
As a parent, I cherish the opportunity to show my kids where our food comes from and how much effort farmers put into growing real food and helping nourish everyone. 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.
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.
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 unique, 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, they mix an actual piece of pie into the milkshake). I've heard some great things about them.
With its beautiful scenery, tasty food, delectable desserts, friendly people, pumpkins patch, U-Pick apple experience, 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, so timing is of the essence.
-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
-Picnic tables and porta potties with handwashing stations available
***Information subject to change. All opinions are my own.
Photography
© Katherine Fung,
All Rights Reserved.
Categorized Under Seasonal/Holidays ---> Apple Hill Grower's Association
