Travel // Apple Hill, California

While the temps might have felt more like summer than fall over the weekend, it didn’t stop us from spending a day in Apple Hill, California. [Warning cuteness overload to follow] Apple Hill, located in the Sierra Nevada foothills an hour West of South Lake Tahoe and East of Sacramento, makes for a fun day trip.

This year’s annual trip, to Apple Hill [2012], was a little different. Different because it was a family affair including Natasha, Jess and their families — six adults, three babies, one toddler and one dog to be exact. Fingers crossed it will turn into a fun fall tradition.

We might have only stopped at three locations, but it was just the right amount of time.

One | O’Halloran’s Apple Trail
Although, they offer a variety of activities it’s a must stop for pumpkins.  The ranch is complete with the cutest pumpkin patch where you can pick a pumpkin right off the vine. It also makes for a perfect photo opp.

Girlfriend is giving us serious attitude here. Oh,vey.

via: Schue Love

Two | Jack Russell Brewery
Clearly, a must stop for dad. Don’t get me wrong this mama wasn’t complaining either. We timed the brewery stop for lunch — which was perfect. Aside from a variety of beer, wine, and hard ciders there were a number of vendors offering tasty treats from kettle corn, apple sausages, to hand squeezed lemonade. We grabbed a picnic table in the shade and laid a blanket on the grass for the babies to play. #winning

Three | Rainbow Orchards
Home of the infamous Hot Apple Cider Donut — enough said.  This place was packed! I waited nearly 20 minutes in line for apple donuts, 6 lbs of apples, and a half-gallon of apple cider. However, it was worth the wait. The grounds are ok, but there’s plenty of shady/grassy areas to hangout, enjoy a  donut or caramel apple, and let the babies/kids play.

We didn’t visit any u-pick orchids this time around, but there’s always next time. FYI: I only scratched the surface of things to do in Apple Hill — I guess I’ll just have to go back.

Now, what to make with all the apples! Stay tuned for a delicious apple recipe.