Sunday, October 20, 2013

Apple Hill



California has been my home for my entire existence. How is it I have never visited Apple Hill? Apple Hill is an apple growing region in the foothills of the Western Sierras. This area is home to apple growers, wineries, breweries and craftsmen. It is a very popular tourist destination. It was time to load up the Racing Honda and take a road trip.


Apple Hill is forty five minutes north of Sacramento on Highway 50. You can refer to a map or just follow the cars. Our journey was on a Tuesday morning. Apparently we were not the only ones that were to visit this region. There are ‘farm trail’ signs that will direct you to the various stops. Our first stop was Boa Vista Orchards. It was located smack dabs in the middle of an orchard and pumpkin patch. It is a good thing we brought a full pocket book because we were about to do some apple product related shopping. Apple pies, frozen or freshly baked, apple doughnuts, fritters, streusel, juice, cider, caramel apples, and so much more. There was a snack bar and gift shop. If you want apples you have arrived. We filled up a cart with various apple products and went to our next destination.


A short scenic drive down the road to the Larsen Apple Barn was next. We were able to watch apple packers in action. Freshly pressed apple juice was offered to sample. This was the nectar of the apple gods. Yummy! We purchased dried and fresh apples. Our trunk was getting full.


After several more stops our final destination was the Jack Russell Brewery. For a nominal fee you can purchase samples of beer, wine, cider and mead. They had beautiful picnic grounds to enjoy your imbibing. We were now sufficiently liquored up and it was time to hit the road, with our designated driver of course.




Our journey home warranted a stop in nearby Placerville to “Z pies”. We had a good tip to purchase  frozen pot pies to go. When we got home we fired up the oven and cooked our pot pies and a frozen caramel apple pie. They were both delicious. This was a great road trip. I would recommend going on a weekday because this spot is not a secret. 

Apple Hill
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7 comments:

  1. ZoomieOctober 20, 2013 at 6:52 AM

    Sounds like fun. What kind of pot pie? I made a turkey pot pie last week. Guess fall is in the air.

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  2. ChilebrownOctober 20, 2013 at 6:57 AM

    We bought a chicken and mushroom and a beef burgundy. They had dozens to choose from. Very tasty.

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  3. Three Dogs BBQOctober 20, 2013 at 7:34 AM

    I like a good pot pie and a crispy apple. Sounds like a fun day. Did you have a tri-tip sandwich?

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  4. ChilebrownOctober 20, 2013 at 7:59 AM

    Three Dogs BBQ, We were concentrating on apple products on this trip. Apple doughnuts instead of tri-tip today.

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  5. GregOctober 21, 2013 at 5:28 PM

    I have buzzed by there on many occasions. Next trip I'll try it out.

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  6. ChilebrownOctober 21, 2013 at 6:35 PM

    Greg, This was the first time for me. I have driven by there a zillion times too.

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  7. ChrisOctober 26, 2013 at 12:17 PM

    What a great trip you two took. I love it when Alexis and I can get away like that.

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