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