Such is life in Apple Hill where the pace is slow and the fun is old-fashioned. When autumn sets in, the area is awash in fruit stands, working cider mills, bakeries, arts-and-crafts booths, petting zoos, and scarecrow contests. It's an enchanting place where California's rich agricultural history is proudly on display. Sprawling over 10 miles of El Dorado County, Apple Hill is made up of 52 local ranches including Christmas tree growers, pumpkin patches, vineyards, berry farms, and of course, apple orchards. The ranches sit just north of Highway 50, between South Lake Tahoe and Sacramento, making it an ideal day trip from San Francisco and beyond.

Apple Hill was formed in the early 1960s when the region's primary crop of pears was nearly destroyed by disease. A group of 16 growers joined together in an effort to increase the productivity of the land and promote its charms to the masses. They found a new source of income by growing apples, which thrived in the volcanic soil and varying temperatures of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The partnership's home-grown marketing campaign also continues to flourish, as half a million visitors flock to the area each year.

Hungry? Thirsty? Follow Me...

The variety and quality of edibles in this region is astounding, so finding a thing or two to satisfy your appetite won't be difficult. Just don't fill up at the first place you come to! Turnovers, fritters, dumplings, cheesecakes, apple butter, barbecued chicken, candy apples, apple cider, hard cider, donuts, muffins, and more are all there for your gastronomic pleasure. Not to mention endless varieties of apples, pears, cherries, berries, plums, peaches, apricots, nectarines, and nuts--depending on the season.

It's almost impossible to sample all the home-baked delights on The Hill, but I must say that Larsen's apple pie is to die for. Thin slices of fruit, solid but flaky crust, the sweet taste of cinnamon and sugar...it's simply divine. Enjoy a slice of heaven à la mode under the shade of the county's oldest apple tree, planted across the street from Larsen's back in 1860.

For something a little different, stop by Bavarian Hills Apple Ranch, a popular restaurant featuring traditional German cuisine. Celebrate Oktoberfest with a plate of schnitzel (boneless, skinless chicken breasts) and sauerkraut while enjoying live German music outside.

And for the Kids...

Apple Hill is the perfect playground for youngsters. The mini-van set won't want to miss Plubell's Family Orchard with its nature walk to adjoining ranches, weekend pony rides, and pumpkins-a-plenty. The main attraction here is a petting farm where pigs, sheep, cows, turkeys, bunnies, and ravenous goats are all within arms reach. Pick up a free cup of animal hors d'oeuvres, head for the critters, and show your kids a good time.

At High Hill Ranch, children can try their luck at trout fishing around the farm's small pond. Little ones will surely home in on the pony rides. In the event that a daunting long line should form, pacify the tykes with delicious caramel apples. Or take a ride on the Apple Ridge Express at El Dorado Orchards, where kids can tour the grounds on a miniature choo-choo. During the weekends of October, stop by Hangtown Orchards for the Pumpkin Catapulting Contest, which benefits the local Boy Scout troops. Not to be left out, the Girl Scouts will have their own contest featuring homemade scarecrows at Rainbow Orchards on October 25.

For Adults Only

Okay, the kids can come too, but they won't have half as much fun as you will. Take time out of the apple-orchard circuit to cruise through the area's microbrewery and wineries. The Jack Russell Brewing Co. in Camino is home to three British-style ales, including a light-bodied bitter ale, a ruby-red brown ale, and a nutty London porter. The hops are grown at the farm and free samples of the finished products are available in the tasting room. Children can race around on the lawn with Boomer, the brewery's resident pooch whose scruffy mug is slapped on every bottle of beer.

And why fight the crowds in Napa Valley when free tastings and gorgeous views can be found at Apple Hill? El Dorado County is home to 15 wineries, four of which lie along the highways and byways of Camino and Placerville. Check out Boeger's Swiss-Italian stone cellar founded in 1857. Sample the Rhone Italian and Bordeaux selections at Coulson Eldorado Winery. And don't miss the stunning views found at the Lava Cap Winery and Madrona Vineyards. Both are perched on scenic ridges overlooking the pine-tree swept hillsides, inviting visitors to stay awhile and enjoy a bottle of wine as part of a relaxing or romantic picnic.

Shopping, Music, and Other Distractions

Looking for homespun treasures? You'll find them here, where macrame baby booties and fanciful refrigerator magnets are de rigueur. El Dorado Orchards claims to offer the area's largest collection of handmade arts and crafts, but a number of booths can also be found at High Hill Ranch, Bolster's Hilltop Ranch, and William Tell's Appleland. Head to Bill's Apples for another selection of original art and unique country crafts such as jewelry, ceramics, and needlework.

If you're not in the mood to spend, pull up a picnic bench and listen to the swinging sounds of a bluegrass band. These muscians are often multigenerational, with old and young family members all jamming together. Bands pop up at a number of ranches throughout the season.