We'd been keeping a close eye on the weather forecast for weeks, waiting for that telltale dip in temperatures that signals the arrival of fall. When we spotted the change we'd been waiting for, we knew it was time to set our plan into action – our annual apple picking adventure to Oak Glen was officially on the calendar. Little did we expect, though, just how much the temperatures would drop. Throughout our visit, the mercury never climbed above 50 degrees, and the sun played a game of peek-a-boo, making it a crisp and invigorating experience.
Hey there, fellow adventurers! I wanted to share the most amazing day my family and I recently had at Los Rios Rancho in sunny California. It's a place where apple orchards stretch out as far as the eye can see, and the sweet scent of ripe apples fills the air. With each visit, we learn a little more about making the most of this special place, and I wanted to pass on some tips for your own future apple-picking adventures.
Early Bird Gets the Apples: Los Rios Rancho has been growing in popularity, and for good reason. But, to enjoy the orchards without the crowds, we've learned to arrive early, usually around 9 AM. This not only guarantees the perfect photo op but also lets us beat the midday heat. Plus, you'll have your pick of the finest apples in the morning light!
Boot Break-In: On this particular day, I had bought Evelyn a shiny new pair of boots for our adventure. They fit well, but even the most comfortable shoes can have their quirks. So, our advice is to break them in before your trip to avoid any uncomfortable surprises.
Plan Your Activities: Many farms, including Los Rios Rancho, offer a variety of activities beyond apple picking, from hayrides, u-press cider to petting zoos. These can fill up quickly, so we always make sure to sign up or queue early to secure our spots. Check their website or call ahead to see what's happening during your visit.
Sunscreen, Always: California sun, even on overcast days, can be surprisingly strong. We found this out the hard way when both our girls ended up with rosy cheeks. Don't forget the sunscreen, folks! A little protection goes a long way.
Snacks and a Savvy Strategy: After all that apple picking, you're bound to work up an appetite. Local restaurants are delicious, but be prepared for waitlists, especially during peak season. We've learned to bring snacks for the kids and seek out places that offer a pager service. Our personal favorite is Apple Annie's in Oak Tree Mountain – great food, plenty to do while you wait, and those pagers make it a breeze.
This year's adventure was a blast, despite Evelyn's new boot hiccup. Hazel fully embraced the day, and Evelyn became our resident apple connoisseur. I've cherished visiting this slice of mountain life, a small taste of my own childhood spent at my grandparents' home in the Tehachapi mountains.
We're already counting down the days until our next apple-picking excursion, and now we're eyeing the Apple Blossom season for a whole new adventure! 🌸✨
Stay tuned for more tales of family fun and unforgettable moments. Until then, happy picking!
Check out this fun video I made of our day!
