Where to pick your own Apples in California

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Fall is in the air- leaves are changing colors, falling to the ground…Pumpkin spice lattes, Pumpkin cheesecake and Apple cider. One of my favorite Seasons of the year!

Here in Southern California, we don’t get to see the Seasons quite like other States do, but a short drive to the Mountains and you are transformed into another World!

A short drive….

Welcome to Oak Glen, Ca. Located in the San Bernardino Mountains. Just a short drive from Palm Springs, San Diego, Orange County and 90 miles East of Los Angeles. Great family time and a wonderful day trip. You can even make it into a weekend trip and stay close in nearby Palm Springs.

As you take the drive into Oak Glen, you will notice many Apple Farms and Ranches along this beautiful drive, full of trees, hiking trails, stores and mountains. So many places to stop, and they are all wonderful and each Farm offers something different to the guests.

Things to do…

Some of the attractions along the drive are:

Apple stands, fruit picking (apples, raspberries & pumpkins), fresh apple juice & hand pressed cider and APPLE pie. There are a few small cafes to grab a bite to eat, as well as several food trucks set up at weekend events. Don’t forget the nature walks, hay rides, petting zoo, live music and lots of shops to window shop.

Oak Glen relies on the Apple Season tourism for their economy. This is a very busy time of the year.

Apple picking season is September through the end of November. These months are the best time to visit for the Apple picking. .

Picking Apples

One of the highlights of your trip to Oak Glen is being able to “hand pick” your own apples. Once you decide which farm you are going to stop at, you pay a fee and pricing varies from Farm to Farm. Most just charge for the apples (by the lb)- approx $3.99 lb

I recommend to bring-

Close toe shoes– remember you will be walking and most places are dirt.

Sunhat– even though it may be Fall, some days the sun is still shining!

Sunscreen- on those hot days, I recommend!

Light jacket– It can be a little chilly, bring a sweater to high jacket.

Water– a must! also pack some snacks for the kiddos.

Cash– most stores do take cards but bring cash in case. There are a few places that we stopped at, they only accepted cash.

Camera– a must!

Tip-

Parents-Some places you can bring a stroller or wagon.
A few places are Pet friendly- inquire with each business

Our day trip-

On our day trip, we visited several of the Farms and enjoyed the activities. I discovered a new place that we have never stopped at before. Parrish Pioneer Ranch.

This was our first stop- they have a great selection of not just apples, but also jams and jellies. They also have a Village with shops, live music, a Pirate show and art work.

Parrish Pioneer Ranch also has a specific apple that was named after a loyal employee- the Vasquez apple. They also have a ‘tasting room”, apple samples and wine.http://parrishranch.com/

Oak Tree Village–

In the busiest part of Oak Glen there are 14 acres of family fun! Unique shops including a turquoise shop, an old time general store and a candy kitchen. Don’t forget to stop at their petting zoo. Make sure that you visit- Apple Annies restaurant and bakery, they serve up some of the best apple pie! FYI- this is the HOME of the 5lb pie!

Snow line Orchard-

This is a farm, winery and cidery all in one! They even offer raspberry picking when they are in Season. They make mini-cider donuts fresh everyday! They also have 3 different kinds of apple cider. http://www.oakglenorchard.com/

Rileys at Los Rios Rancho–

Petting zoo, pumpkin patch and press your own cider! This is a perfect stop on your Oak Glen adventure. This place has a “Country Fair” feel to it. They have lots to do. Get lost in the corn maze, then grab some great bbq and dessert at the bakery. http://www.losriosrancho.com

Rileys Farms-

One of the most popular Farms is Rileys Farms, it may sound familiar because many schools take field trips here during the year. History buffs and apple lovers will enjoy this Farm. Step back in time to the Colonial days!

Rileys Farms have several activities during the year, such as candle dipping, blacksmith work, you can throw tomahawks, churn butter and watch a historical reenactment. They also have a tavern modeled after the those of the 18th century. The Hawks head, offers one of a kind dining includes servers dressed up in Colonial clothes and homemade comfort food. Check out all their events here-http://www.rileysfarm.com/

Willowbrook-

More of a Mom & Pop type Orchard. Less commercial feeling and less overwhelming as the busier Farms. FYI- They even have WINE TASTING & SMORES!!! http://www.willowbrookapplefarm.com

Moms Country Orchards-

Lots of handmade snacks and treats, as well as jams, jellies and fresh produce. http://www.momsoakglen.com

Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard–

Century old, family owned and operated vintage apple orchard. Located in the foothills of Wilshire Mountain. This farm and Orchard, is a working apple farm that believes in preserving our past.

“Restoring artisanal trades of the past to incorporate a more sustainable life inspired by nature”.

They even offer Farm to school programs. http://www.stonesoupfarmca.com

Stone Pantry Orchard-

Rustic and fun family orchard. You can pick apples, pears and wild blueberries during the seasons. http://stonepantryorchard.com

As you can see, this is a great town to check out-

Nature hikes and trails

There are several trails in the area, including: Crafton Hills Ridge Trail, Oak Glen Preserve and The Wildlands Conservancy.

Don’t forget to stop by and visit Oak Glen school muesum. http://www.oakglenschoolmuesum.com

History

Enoch Parrish opened his apple orchard in 1876, he traded 4 mules and wagon for 160 acres of land. By 1867 he had planted the first full scale orchard in Oak Glen, just over an acre of mainly Rome beauty trees.

Parrish was followed but the Wilshire Family, and then The River brothers and their families came to Oak Glen in 1906. Their Orchard- Los Rios Ranch is still in operation, as are many of the original orchards in the area.

Although Oak Glen grew apples mainly for export, in the 1940s several farmers began too sell their apples, apple pie, apple cider and apple butter at roadside stands.

The export trade has virtually disappeared and growers now rely on revenue from the visitors during apple season.