If you want to go Apple Picking with the kids here are some apple picking farms you can go and visit in the next few months with your family.
Here are local places to go Apple Picking:
SLO Creek Farms
- 6455 Monte Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 San Luis Obispo County
- Phone: (702) 245-3135
- Open: September 1 through End of November. Everyday from 10am to 5pm.
- Be sure to stop by and grab a few delicious apples. See you soon! Apples: Braeburn, Golden Delicious, Empire, Gala,Granny Smith
- Website: www.slocreekfarms.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slocreekfarms
- 5000 Highway 46, West Templeton, CA 93465 Near Paso Robles in San Luis Obispo County
- Phone: 805-239-1915
- Open: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday 10 - 6
- U-pick Apples: various types
- Website: http://www.jackcreekfarms.com
Riley's Apple Farm
- Riley's Apple Farm, located at 12201 S. Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa, CA, 92399. Our phone number is 909-797-4061 or toll free 866-585-6407.
- Open Annually on Labor Day weekend and goes through Thanksgiving weekend (u-pick end varies each year and depends on crop size). Once Apple Season arrives, we will be open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, 10-4 each day (activities CLOSE AT 4PM, so make sure you arrive early enough to complete all of your activities and picking by 4:00 p.m. Cider pressing shuts down at 3pm or earlier, so check in early to do that).
- Weekend activities: archery, tomahawk, and knife throw - $2 each activity for several tries. Cider pressing is $20 per gallon. Cider shuts down at three. It develops a waiting list rather quickly, so if you'd like to make cider, please arrive early & buy your ticket right away in our store. There is no entrance fee. No appointment necessary.
- Current apple varieties are Early Red Fuji (weekdays only), Fuji, Spartan, and McIntosh. Varieties subject to change without notice if we get picked out of a variety or a new one becomes ready to pick.
- Website: http://www.rileysapplefarm.com/U-Pick.html
When going picking, here are some easy tips to help you find and enjoy the best Apples:
Select firm, bruise-free apples: You can't really go by color as there are many different variations of apples that come in a wide variety of colors from yellow, to green, red, and even pink. But you can pick apples that are free of markings or discoloration.
Give it a twist: When picking apples directly from a tree be sure to give a little twist rather than pulling it straight off the branch. You don't want to risk pulling more than one apple from the tree, and by picking the apple with the stem, it will help it to last longer.
Don't throw: Instead place your apples gently into your basket. This will keep the fruit from bruising and keep it from going stale.
Keep them cool: Storing your apples in the fridge or basement, away from windows and hot appliances, will help them stay fresh longer.
Wash before eating, but not any sooner. This will also help prevent the apples from going bad.
Know your apples: Apples come in many varieties. Some are better for baking, while others are best for snacking. Not sure which is which? Ask the farmer or another orchard worker. They will know best!
Bring your camera! Capture the moments, the memories, and the autumn colors. Plan ahead and take that picture for your holiday greeting card!
Have a great time!!
