It is that time of year again. The season that brings crisp air, crunchy leaves and beautiful colors. Being from the Pacific Northwest, it can be hard to cope with Southern California’s version of my favorite season. However, I found an escape from the heat when I stumbled upon Oak Glen — the largest apple growing region in Southern California.
Many locals have heard of Oak Glen and refer to the area as the go-to spot when Autumn rolls around. After doing some research, I decided a day trip to the town near Yucaipa would be the perfect remedy for fall-sickness. After an hour and a half drive into the mountains, my soul felt at ease among the bountiful yellow and orange leaves in the mile-high town. Visiting Oak Glen feels like going back in time and becoming part of a simpler way of living than we are used to in the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.
The area of Oak Glen is a five-mile loop of historic orchards and ranches established in 1914. During this time of year it can be easy to be caught up in consuming all things pumpkin, however, they let apples take the limelight here. Offering fresh pressed cider, caramel apples, apple pies and turnovers, mini apple cider donuts, apple breads, butters, jellies and jams, Oak Glen has every apple creation imaginable. All of their apples are locally grown and the farmers are no strangers to the business as they’ve been growing apples since 1867.
Oak Glen is open year-round and caters their events and foods to each season. But face it, fall is the most fun time to enjoy apple picking, mountain air, pumpkin patches and corn mazes. This area is also known for its hiking trails, picnic areas, quaint shops, restaurants, bakeries and bed and breakfast accommodations. Oak Glen has several good places to explore, and these were just a few that I found noteworthy:
1. Apple Annie’s Restaurant & Bakery
According to the locals, Apple Annie’s is the main attraction for visitors to the Oak Tree Village in Oak Glen. Offering hearty home-cooked meals and fresh baked goods, it is no surprise the restaurant had a long line on a Sunday afternoon. Craving apple pie, I knew ordering the five pound mile-high pie would be a bad idea. Instead, I ordered a slice of Apple Annie’s Apple Pie and was served more than enough. The fresh pie was exactly how apple pie should be — warm apple slices with sweet, oozy filling and flakey, golden crust.
2. Soaring Swine Acres
Soaring Swine Acres sells homemade and all natural jams, jellies, sauces, salsas and butters. Not only do they have unique flavors, they also offer free samples — and what college student does not love free things? A few of their original recipes are rosemary pear jelly, cajun salsa, green tea jelly and mango lime jam. If you feel like making your own creation and impressing your friends instead, you can buy a “cobbler in a crate,” which comes with the cobbler mix, filling and topping.
3. Oak Tree Village Petting Zoo
I like to think animals are one of the best forms of therapy for college students. If you do not believe me, go to the petting zoo and find out for yourself. The animals that live in the Oak Tree Village include peacocks, cows, pigs, llamas, goats and mini horses. You can pet these animals or purchase food to feed them by hand. You can also watch the pig races that take place in the village and cheer on your favorite pig.
4. Snow-Line Orchard
A bit off the beaten path, Snow-Line Orchard was built in 1898 and offers apple tasting, apple cider and mini donuts. Since I was embracing anything and everything apple flavored during my visit, I decided to pick up some mini apple cider donuts for the drive home. As I stood in line, I watched employees make the donuts by using machines that shape the dough and drop it into the oil. These delicious little treats are made using their apple cider and then lightly sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.
5. Riley’s Apple Farm
If you want the full farm experience, Riley’s Apple Farm is the place to go. They offer apple picking, apple cider pressing and fun activities like tomahawk and knife throwing. They also raise over eight different kinds of apples in their orchards, including Fuji, Red Jonathans and Braeburns. While you are here, make sure you take a seasonal hayride through the apple orchards and pick out a pumpkin to take home from their pumpkin patch. On Thanksgiving weekend, the farm will host the annual apple butter festival.
