In the foothills of Northern California just off Highway 50 you can find some of the very best apple orchards in the state. Apple Hill sits adjacent to the historic town of Placerville and invites visitors all year long to enjoy seasonal offerings.
You can find Christmas trees, holiday décor, craft fairs, artisan gifts, farm animals, seasonal fruits, veggies, and much, much more. There’s something for everyone and each season offers its own magical spin. But by far, the very best season, in my humble opinion, is apple season. Just as the name implies, the Apple Hill orchards come alive with everything apple. Apples, apples, everywhere.
After the long, hot, dog days of summer, the cooler temperatures of September welcome the brilliant colors and pungent aromas of Autumn. But don’t get me wrong. There are still plenty of days where the temps climb into the 90’s. Whew! It can be hot. Not to worry, though. There’s always plenty of shade and cool drinks nearby.
There are 47 farmers and ranchers that make up the community of Apple Hill. Each one highlights its own specialty, and each one is committed to preserving the history of farming in Northern California. During apple season, which officially begins in September, you can find apples of almost every variety. There’s also plenty of apple pies, apple cakes, candied apples, caramel apples, apple taffy, apple butter, apple cider, apple wine, and everything else apple. And they don’t disappoint. There’s a sweet treat or savory nugget just waiting to be discovered.
One of my favorite orchards to visit is Boa Vista. I love browsing the artisan booths with all their specialty crafts and goodies for sale. Jewelry, sweaters, scarves, décor, olive oils, soaps, lotions, carved figurines, and all manner of Halloween treats. It’s all there.
I also love the produce shop. Locally grown veggies, sauces, dips, pies, donuts, wine, cider, nuts, and lots of other goodies. If you’re a kitchen foodie like me, then you’ll feel like you’ve been to heaven.
Best of all is the array of apples. Of course! Depending on the harvest Boa Vista Orchards displays and sells up to 20 different varieties. Who knew there were so many apples!
Here are 3 of my favorites:
Candy Crisp. This golden apple has a pink blush with a mild flavor much like a pear. It’s juicy, sweet, and very crisp. Use it for pies or applesauce. It mixes well with Granny Smith’s or other tart apples.
Ginger Gold. This crisp little beauty is pale yellow and make a great snacking apple. Its flavor is both sweet and tart. We can thank the state of Virginia for this gem. In the late 1960’s a Virginia farmer just happened to find a little seedling. It seemed to be there purely by chance. But the farmer took a chance and good thing he did because this apple is truly a favorite among apple snackers.
Pink Lady. This crunchy apple gets its name from the color of its skin. You know it’s ripened to perfection when the skin turns a lovely shade of pink. It comes to us from Western Australia where the famous Giblett Family became the first farmers to harvest this gorgeous apple. It boasts a “fizz-like” burst of flavor that is tart but finishes on a sweet note. Hmmm…just like a fine wine. Anyway, this is a great apple for snacking and salads.
So, there you have it – 3 of my favorites. But don’t let me sway you one way or the other. You be the judge. Head on up to Boa Vista Orchards and lose yourself in the apple experience. Sample something you wouldn’t ordinarily find in your local supermarket. Sample as many varieties as the harvest offers. You’re sure to find a favorite. And who knows? You just might fall in love with something new.