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

2881 North Canyon Rd.
Camino, CA 95709

Directions

(530) 642-1222

*Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for the Fall Season 

*Open the day after Thanksgiving every Friday, Saturday & Sunday for U-Pick Christmas Trees

*Call to double check hours

Website

More Pictures and Reviews on Yelp

Apple Hill Visitor's Guide

My Tips and List of Farms on the Hill

When I first moved to Reno five years ago, it didn't take long to learn about Reno's passion toward living and celebrating the seasons and holidays.  

It was fall some years ago and I was feeling the fall vibes, admiring the majestic scenery all around and found myself searching for things to do during the fall in Reno.  Sure enough, Google knew exactly what I was looking for and steered me in the right direction.

Along with many other suggestions came Apple Hill (2 hr scenic drive from Reno).  Apple Hill, a collection of 50+ farms in Placerville, CA, was a place that sounded like Disneyland to me, having all the elements needed for a good time.  

I'm a sucker for scenery, road trips, farms, and apple goods- all of which I would be getting if I chose to embark on this trip.  I took the leap hoping to create some long-lasting memories and traditions for me and my family.  

Being a mother of three, I always do as much planning as I can ahead of time to make trips run smoothly.  I researched which farms were ideal for kids.  El Dorado came up as one of the many, offering face paint, apple goods, a craft fair, and a scenic train ride.

El Dorado did not disappoint.  On our first visit, my kids got face paint from a nice young lady and took a scenic train ride around two ponds lined with beautiful fall foliage.  Although the train ride was not as long as the family hoped for it to be, we still ride it every season because it is just that special.

The small-yet-quaint farm is right next to two of the busiest farms- BOA Vista and  High Hill Ranch- and is nestled away from the crowds.  If you're looking for an ideal spot for having a picnic, a fun place to relax while still being able to shop, and some apple goods to enjoy, I'd highly recommend El Dorado Orchards.  

Notes:

-Family Owned 

-Hot Dogs and Hot Sandwiches with chips $6-$11

-Train rides currently $5

-El Dorado is a small farm but it packs a punch. It has a craft fair, hot lunch, apple goods, face paint, and train ride.

-The scenery alone can keep me coming back for more  

-pies, brownies, caramel apples, cookies, cider, apple cider milkshakes, & jams and butters available but no donuts.  Visit BOA Vista Orchards, a min away up the street for some delicious apple goods, including donuts and fritters. 

-plenty of tables and benches on grass with tall trees for shade. Ideal for picnics.

-restrooms available

-Plenty of parking 

"Categorized under Seasonal/Holidays and 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

Directions

(775) 853-8837

Reviews on Yelp

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 and like many parents, I am always on the hunt for places to take my kids.  Finding places that are safe, fun and educational is like finding gold.  

Five years ago when I first moved to Reno, I found such a place-Magic Carpet Golf.  It drew me in with it's inviting, whimsical, handmade structures and tall trees.  I couldn't believe that I've been missing out on so much fun all these years.

One hot summer day, I dropped in with my son and fell in love with the place.  Upon entering, we were welcomed with some good old video games, many of which I played when I was a kid.  I was so happy that my kids would get to experience some of the joys of my childhood.  

We checked in at the counter, where we found three courses to choose from- a 19-hole-course with a fantasy theme, a 19 whole course with a dinosaur theme and a 28-hole course with a theme unknown to me since I have yet to try it out.  

Me and my son tried both the fantasy and dinosaur courses between different visits.  We were given a score card, putters & a ball by the nice person at the counter, headed out to our course, and went at our own pace.  Of all the times I've been here, it's never been busy to the point that I felt rushed.  

My son had a great time with a look of pure joy on his face as he swung his putter and admired the handmade structures (some mechanical moving).  It was so great to see him have so much fun, all while getting exercise and fresh air.   

I love the fact that mini golf is something you don't have to be good at.  You take the ball, aim for the hole and swing for the win — all while being able to enjoy the ambiance they've worked so hard to create. 

During the pandemic, I'm even more appreciative of outdoor places like this that enable people to have a fun and safe time, allowing good air circulation and space to distance yourself from others.  

Notes:

-family owned and run

-Masks required in lobby and outside when a distance of six ft cannot be maintained.  Putters wiped down.

-In the summer, they serve Dole Whips.  Yes, the ones from Disneyland.  If you're really hooked on them, believe it or not, you can buy the machine and mixture from Amazon.  

-Hungry? Walk over to Sushi Minato next door if you want to get your picnic on at Magic Carpet

-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 machine available inside building

-little play putter available for little ones (my 2 year old had fun pretend playing).  The person at the counter gave my son one along with a ball free of charge.

-I would throw a party here, hands down.  Check their website for more information on their birthday packages

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

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

-restrooms available

-No alcohol, no glass, no cooking

-the place is well kept and beautiful 

-closed on Thanksgiving

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

-Right next to Target across the street

-outdoor food and cake allowed for events