Like clockwork, the autumnal equinox brought with it the transformation of aspen tree leaves from green to gold and an annual itch that only fall activities can scratch.

As a Florida girl, born and raised, the turning of the seasons was always just a phrase. I never actually had the privilege of experiencing a true summer-turned-autumn sequence, and once you get a taste of it in our region, there’s really no going back. 

My partner, being a hotshot firefighter, finally had a few days of Rest & Recuperation and shares the same thirst for seasonal pastimes, so naturally, we had to go to the place everyone has been raving about since we moved here — Apple Hill. 

Here’s where our expectations collided with reality… You see, we thought Apple Hill was one, singular place. We were naive to the fact that it was actually a long stretch of farm after farm, with an endless array of unique experiences packaged under the name “Apple Hill Growers”. 

Reality was definitely better, and we were grateful to have filled up our gas tank. 

Our next order of business was to figure out where the heck we wanted to go first, and honestly, where to even start? Thanks to our handy, dandy tiny screens, we found an entire map and started making some moves. 

First stop: Hidden Star Camino (Apple Hill Farm #23) for some of those famous apple cider donuts.

Upon arriving, we were shocked at how crowded it was. This was to be expected though, given it was the last weekend of September. The crowds added to the excitement we felt as we walked up to a bustling farm. 

There was so much to take in. To our left, apples were soaring through the air as children lined up behind a set of giant slingshots, antsy for their chance to hit one of the metal targets several yards away. To our right was a farmers market-style barn filled with tons of goods – carnivorous plants, jewelry, clothing, you name it. 

Behind a fence was one of the most unique playgrounds I’d ever seen, filled with random (and rather whimsical) structures ranging from large industrial culvert pipes to an old, two-seater single-engine airplane. If I was a kid, I would have had the time of my life here. 

The apple cider donuts were definitely worth the hype, and after feasting on more than I’d like to admit, we decided to find another place to explore. 

Second stop: O’Hallorans Apple Trail Ranch (Apple Hill Farm #18) for some apple-pickin’ fun.

Have you ever truly experienced fall unless you’ve gone apple picking? Prior to this, I would have said, “Yes, of course!”, but this really felt like we were performing a classic autumn tradition. Striding through rows and rows of apple trees on an overcast day as the breeze gently nuzzled my face, it felt like I had come straight from someone’s fall Pinterest board.

Using a keen eye to find a good-looking apple is harder than expected, but we took our time and spent the better part of an hour filling up our bucket.

Third and final stop: Grandpa’s Cellar (Apple Hill Farm #17) to see 100-year-old apple trees.

Upon entering, what immediately caught our attention was how many people were carrying flights of little coffee jars topped with delicious caramel sauce or fluffy whipped cream. Had we not stuffed our faces with apple cider donuts, we would have waited in line to snag our own. 

We wandered into the gift shop and my thoughts drifted to how much it reminded me of Honeydukes sweet shop in the world of Harry Potter. The smell of cinnamon, lavender and honey tickled my nose. Rows and rows of jars filled with raw honey, jams, apple butter and syrups lined the shop. There were autumn-themed trinkets, fall wreaths and a vast array of scented soaps that adorned the walls and shelves.  

Here, we also read about how Grandpa’s Cellar started as a fruit stand before a blight wiped out the pear industry in the area. Farmers in the Sierra Foothills decided to switch their orchards to apples and today, Apple Hill has over 55 ranches. 

The ancient apple trees were beautiful, with weathered and gnarled branches that stretched out overhead. If they could talk, I’m sure they’d have some interesting stories to tell about what they’ve seen over the years.

It was the perfect way to end our trip. Although there was so much more to discover at other farms, by this time it was nearing 3 p.m., we were full, happy and getting sleepier by the hour. 

We left Apple Country with a bag full of hand-picked apples, two honey-lavender lollipops, a carnivorous pitcher plant, and a clear idea as to why everyone loves Apple Hill.