Beginning after Labor Day, you can spend a relaxing day in Apple Hill and take your time to enjoy its beautiful surroundings. A prime place for the bounty of agriculture and nestled in the Sierra Foothills between Camino and Placerville in El Dorado County, there's no place like it in the world. You'll delight in the fresh baked aromas of apple pie and fritters, freshly pressed apple cider, fine wines aged in oak barrels, and Christmas tree farms getting pruned and ready to cut during the holidays.

According to the Apple Hill Growers Association, last year more than 500,000 visitors came to Apple Hill on a mission to taste the best of the best. The 2,500-3,000 foot elevation marks an ideal growing season, along with a cold dormant season that ranchers certainly appreciate and take advantage of. Simply put, the apples grown here are some of the best you'll ever taste.

It's like stepping inside a Norman Rockwell painting- The winding country roads bordered by pine trees will lead you to quaint roadside stands that boast the best of their bounty. According to Apple Hill Growers Association Executive Secretary Linda Lindner, "There are cherries in June, berries in the summer season, pumpkins in October, and Christmas Tree cuttings beginning the day after Thanksgiving." Aside from several different varieties of apples, the area is also known for growing crisp pears, plump peaches, ripe plums and sweet cherries.

The region itself is rich in history. It did not earn its reputation as atourist destination until 1964, even when it was an agricultural center since the California Gold Rush in the early to mid 1800's. Starting out with 16 ranches, they are now boasting 37 apple ranches, almostshenandoahvalley.org a dozen Christmas tree farms, four vineyards and a brewery.

Denver Dan's is one of the half-dozen or so places where you can choose and pick your own apples, including their popular bananas apples, known for its yellow color and banana-like taste.

High Hill Ranch is a wonderful place to enjoy trout fishing, fudge tasting and craft bazaars. Not only will you find fresh produce here, you can purchase hand-crafted momentos to bring home to your family.

Honey Bear Ranch provides a restaurant with grilled cuisine and a bake shop filled with apple desserts and chocolate fudge and honey. In addition, their craft and food stalls are open on weekends so you can bring home some of the best that you've tasted.

Many of the Apple Hill orchards are perfect for family fun. There are petting zoos, miniature horse wagon rides, nature trails and gorgeous areas for picnics.