Autumn in Gold Country
Have you been thinking about a quick fall getaway this year? Perhaps someplace that’s not too far away? El Dorado County might just be the perfect choice. Two hours east of Benicia is a treasure trove of interesting things to do, including enjoying fall foliage, wine tasting, visiting historical sights, and exploring the hiking trails of the Sierra Nevada Foothills. Best of all, there’s no need to break the bank, as this destination is an easy car trip east. Read on to find out what excursions await you.
The Town of Camino and the Farms
Located east of Placerville on Highway 50, the community of Camino is home to scores of farms, wineries, and other roadside markets. A group of apple and other fruit and vegetable growers, Christmas tree ranches, flower gardens, wineries, and “you pick” farms have banded together to form Apple Hill Growers, an association that has an app with a directory of all the farms, markets, events, and activities in the area. There is also an online map for visitors to use. The map is also printable if you wish to have a physical map. This website informs potential visitors as to the hours that the businesses are open, their addresses, and the goods and services available. Some, but not all, establishments are pet friendly. Some of these establishments are seasonal, and some are year-round, but all are committed to offering unique dining, drinking, harvesting, marketing and learning experiences for visitors of all ages. Below, find a selection of a few places featured in the Apple Hill Grower website.
Farms, Markets and Ranches
24 Carrot Farm, a certified organic farm grows fruits, vegetables, and flowers. They have apple orchards and “you pick” options of flowers, tomatoes, berries, and pumpkins. Rainbow Orchards specializes in stone fruit, pears, walnuts, and persimmons. Prepared food items include corn dogs, fresh pressed cider, and tri-tip barbeque as well. They also have a hay bale hop for the young and young at heart. Bluestone Meadow features lavender, lavender products and lavender crafts. Bluestone Meadow also has facilities to hold weddings. Additionally, they have kids’ activities including a train, a puppet theater, duck races and giant bubbles.
Seasonal Attractions
Several businesses offer seasonal opportunities like pumpkin picking, choose & cut-your-own Christmas tree, and wedding venues. Silverthorn Meadows offers elegant wedding venues and has cut-your-own Christmas trees as well. They also offer “glamping,” a camping luxury option where you sleep in king sized beds while listening to the nearby creek. Beautiful views overlook the woods and waterfall. Indian Rock Tree Farm also offers an opportunity to cut-your-own Christmas tree and/or choose fresh, seasonal wreaths. They also have a wedding and event venue in a beautiful natural setting that features Indigenous American grinding rocks from long ago.
Especially for Children
Besides having an apple and fruit market and fresh eggs, the Harris Family Farm also offers a picnic area, camping, and specific kids’ activities like scavenger hunts, gem mining, and farm animals. Another farm, Hidden Star Camino, has a bakery, cider bar, blacksmithing, and a large kids’ play area. Additionally, there are life-sized vehicles including a fire truck and airplane for children to play on. There is also a panoramic view to enjoy on the premises. Apple Ridge Farms boasts a hay bale maze for kids to enjoy, as well as face painting, and a nature trail with a pond. They also have gem mining and a pick-your-own pumpkin patch.
The town of Camino and the surrounding area in El Dorado county, have a wide assortment of places to enjoy the change of seasons. We owe it to ourselves during these busy days to take a break from routine, and enjoy what nature has to offer.
