The Joy of Autumn

**Photo Credit:** @taylorannphotographyllc

SEPTEMBER 2023

Community

Autumn, often affectionately referred to as fall, is a season that captivates the hearts of people around the world. As summer gracefully gives way to cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage, the magic of autumn begins. The trees, once adorned with lush green foliage, surrender to the artist's palette - shades of red, orange, and gold paint the landscape, creating a symphony of colors. It's a time when nature puts on a spectacular show and after the typically long and hot summers in Chico, Fall’s cool embrace is always welcome.

While California may not boast the same intense foliage transformation as the East Coast, it offers its own unique beauty and provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation due to its diverse landscapes and mild climate. Whether you're into hiking, wine tasting, or simply enjoying the beautiful fall foliage, there's something for everyone. Here are some fall outdoor activities to consider: hiking, camping, pumpkin patches, fall foliage drives, visiting fall festivals and hosting parties for your friends and family. Apple picking in California during the fall can be a delightful outdoor activity, especially in the state's apple-growing regions. While California is not as famous for apples as some other states, there are still several orchards and farms where you can enjoy this classic autumn activity and El Dorado County is home to one of the most popular, Apple Hill.

APPLE HILL

Nestled in the picturesque Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California lies a hidden gem known as Apple Hill. This enchanting region, located about an hour east of Sacramento, is a beloved destination for both locals and tourists alike, especially during the fall season. Apple Hill is a place where the simple pleasures of apple picking, savoring homemade pies, and strolling through fragrant orchards create unforgettable memories. In addition to apples and baked goods, Apple Hill is a hub for artisanal crafts and unique shopping experiences with local vendors and artisans. Let’s take a closer look at the charms of Apple Hill and why it's worth a visit.

What started as one man’s dream in 1951 (on a single 10 acre property) has grown into an association of over 50 local farms, including Christmas tree growers, wineries, and vineyards. It’s hard to believe that such a large enterprise today, was almost wiped out in the mid 60’s from a terrible bout of pear blight. Yes, that’s right; pear blight - because believe it or not, pears were the main crop in the Camino area in the 1950’s and 1960’s. After the terrible loss, the farmers collectively decided that it was time for a change. Two of the original farmers, Gene Bolster and Edio Delfino set out to discover a way to help the growers keep their farms and make Camino productive again.

It was in 1962 that Bolster and Delfino visited Oak Glen, a small community located in Southern California’s San Bernardino Mountains, that was rich in orchards that sold apples to visitors, along with homemade apple pies, fresh apple cider and delicious apple butter from roadside stands. Armed with an idea to recreate the already-successful business venture that was Oak Glen, Bolster and Delfino headed home and spent the next several years turning Camino into a the well-loved and important part of the community that Apple Hill is today. With over 50 farms in the Apple Hill Growers Association, and just as many independent farmers outside of the Association, there are simply too many farms to feature them all. Here are our top places to visit in Apple Hill:

DELFINO FARMS

If the name Delfino sounds familiar, it’s because Edio Delfino, the founder of Delfino Farms is also one of the original four farmers from the 1960’s that created the Apple Hill Growers Association (mentioned above) and is one of the two individuals who made the journey to Oak Glen that set in motion Apple Hill as we know it today. Delfino Farms was not always known by this name however, as the original ranch was named after Delfino’s many grandchildren and dubbed ‘Kids Incorporated’. After Delfino’s passing in recent years, the family made the decision to rename their beloved farm after their grandfather in his memory. Currently run by second and third generation farmers, Delfino Farms is truly the complete farm experience!

Open during the fall apple season is Joan’s Apple Bakery that is well-known for their incredible ‘hand-pies’ and other delicious homemade baked goods. Enjoy your treats out to the patio or bring a blanket and take in the views from the grassy knoll above the orchard and vineyards. The wonderful part about this farm is that they allow you to wander the grounds, walking trails and orchards on the property. Let your kids run off some energy from all the sugar and excitement, or enjoy a romantic stroll with your partner - but keep an eye out, last time we were there we caught a wedding proposal in action!

Open year-round is the newly constructed Edio Vineyards tasting room. The 2017 creation of third-generation Delfino’s features what is described as ‘fresh, balanced, alpine wines' whose grapes grow well in the cool climates of the Sierra foothills. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are highly recommended. They offer different tasting flights as well as small bites and charcuterie that is available for purchase.

Pictured above; photo credit: Delfino Farms & Jennifer Bourn). If you’re a fan of live music, make sure to check out their nighttime Summer concert series, ‘Folk on the Farm’. Here you can enjoy live music from all over the country right in the middle of the farm. Take in the beautiful mountain sunsets while enjoying a glass of Edio wine or their Henrietta Stich hard cider. Music is focused on grassroots country, bluegrass, and, of course, Folk. Folk on the Farm is held every summer from June through August.

BOA VISTA ORCHARDS

Boa Vista Orchards is one of the few farms that remains open year-round. They have a large farmstand that sells fresh produce, homemade and specialty foods, preserves, as well as an extensive variety of fresh and frozen fruit pies. Here you can enjoy a sampling of their different hard ciders and sit by the roaring fire.

During the busy season of Fall, you’ll find an extra special addition to the farmstand, the Boa Vista Pumpkin Patch. Open daily through Halloween, you and your family can wander through the field of pumpkins to pick your perfect one, or five! On weekends, you can find local arts and crafts vendors stationed outside with a variety of trinkets for kids and adults.

While you’re there, don’t forget to pick up a fresh apple cider donut! People come from near and far for a taste of Apple Hill’s cider donuts, and each farm does them a little bit differently. At Boa Vista they are available year round, so this makes a great pit stop if you are headed up to Lake Tahoe for the weekend. If you’re in need of more than a sugary bite, they also have a small food stand that sells a variety of hot sandwiches and burgers. Stretch your legs, grab a snack and enjoy.

HIGH HILL RANCH

At over 150 acres, High Hill Ranch is easily one of the largest farms to visit in Apple Hill. High Hill Ranch features delicious apple donuts, the largest apple pies and flavorful crisp apple ciders. Here you can explore the extensive property with a drink in hand (make sure to try their popular-selling apple beer) and check out the wide range of vendors selling arts and crafts; discover handmade jewelry, soaps, oils, face painting, candle making, woodworking and so much more. For the adventurous little ones there is a small pond where you can fish for trout, take pony rides and hayrides and visit the pumpkin patch!

No trip to High Hill is complete without stopping at the Fudge Factory for a caramel apple, and a taste of the homemade fudge and candy. The High Hill Grill is an option for lunch, serving up your standard BBQ food of burgers, tri tip sandwiches, sausages and fries, but also offers lots of picnic tables and grass space if you want to bring your own picnic or enjoy some of your recent farm stand purchases.

Pictured above; photo credit: Hannah Padilla, The Family Travel Guy, & High Hill Ranch

RAINBOW ORCHARDS

Rainbow Orchards is a third-generation farm that sells a variety of fruits like apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, and blueberries. Their apple varieties are extensive and starting in the beginning of September you will find Gala, Red Delicious & Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Jonathon and Macintosh Apples, closely followed by Fuji, Pink Lady, Braeburn, Rome, Winesap, Arkansas Black, Mitsu, Honey Crisp and Pippin Apples in the months to follow.

Their on-site Cider Mill presses fresh, unfiltered, all natural, delicious cider blended from the perfect combination of apples. Not only is their cider fantastic, but their hot apple cider donuts are the best in the area! There is always a wait for the still hot, fresh out of the oil donuts and they are absolutely worth that wait. They have a handful of picnic benches scattered throughout the orchards so you can eat your fresh apple donuts under the shade of the apple trees.

GRANDPA’S CELLAR

Grandpa’s Cellar offers a unique farmstand experience with a bakery and gift shop along with a variety of homemade in-house baked items, jams, butters, sauces, syrups, no sugar added alternatives, unique gift items, local honey and Gluten Free options with original recipes. With the inclusiveness of a gluten free menu, Grandpa’s Cellar has become a popular stop along the Golden Apple Trail for people who deal with food sensitivities. Visiting farmstand after farmstand that offers so many delicious things that contain ingredients you cannot eat, can make for a disappointing experience - but thankfully, Grandpa has thought of everything and now offers a wide variety of Gluten free treats so everyone can enjoy!

Also not to be missed are their wildly popular, “Famous Coffee Flights!” When the weather is cool, their delicious coffee combinations hit the spot! The flavors are always changing throughout the season so make sure to follow their social media pages to see what flavors they are offering when you visit. Soak in the full Fall experience and lounge in the picturesque apple orchard while you enjoy their seasonal pastries and coffee flight under the 100-year-old apple trees. Pictured above; photo credit: Grandpa’s Cellar, & Apple Hill Grower’s Association

JACK RUSSELL FARM BREWERY

Jack Russell Farm Brewery is a unique stop in the Apple Hill area. While it is a farm, this space is first and foremost a brewery. But don't let that stop you if you aren’t a fan of beer, because this spot is much more than a brewery! With various food trucks, outdoor seating, games, tasting room and a wine cave, there is something for everyone.

From beer flights to cider and mead tastings, you can opt to sit on the lawn amidst the hustle and bustle, or explore the quieter side over on the rustic patio outside the gorgeous wine cave/bar. The farm sits on 11 acres, with two acres each of blackberries, blueberries and apples and one-half acre planted with hops for use in brewing. The estate-grown hops (Cascade, Chinook and Columbus) for special-release beers available only in the tasting room.

APPLE HILL WINERIES

While not widely known, El Dorado County has many award winning wineries that are worth visiting. Renowned for its rich soil, altitude and varied terrain, the mountain vineyards of El Dorado county are cooled by winds that come from Sierra Nevada mountains, and due to their high altitude, receive more direct sunlight so their grapes can ripen at lower temperatures making it distinct from other wine-producing areas.

Boeger Winery

One of the most historic and enchanting wineries in the Sierra foothills, Boeger Winery, has been a staple in El Dorado County since 1972. Enjoy this beautiful setting on a historic gold-rush era homestead and visit with the friendly and knowledgeable tasting room staff in the tasting room or enjoy the gardens and outdoor seasonal tasting bar.

Lava Cap Winery

As geologists, the Jones family knew exactly what they were looking for when they bought the property that would become their vineyard and winery in 1981. As the name suggests, the land sits on a lava cap, and the resulting volcanic soils have proven to be ideal for supporting the growth of vines and for imparting character into the grapes from those vines. The winery is beautifully located in the middle of apple orchards and Christmas tree farm and features a large outdoor patio that peacefully looks over the vineyard and out towards the valley of the South Fork of the American River.

FALL PARTY IDEAS

**Photo Credit:** Little House on Chestnut

If you want to be the hostess with the mostess this autumn, it's time to start planning the perfect fall party. Whether you want to throw a gathering for your neighbors, a couple of friends, or even family, there's a fall party idea out there that was made for you. You can go the extra route and send a handwritten invite, or keep things simple and find a cute template online. Either way, trust us when we say you will be getting RSVPs left and right! The weather is typically ideal for having people indoors or out, there’s plenty of football on TV to keep people entertained, and who doesn’t love any food made with pumpkin. Plus, you don't need to spend loads of money to plan a special event. Here are a few fun ideas to get everyone together this Fall:

Pumpkin Carving Party

Scarecrow Party

Scarecrow making is an idyllic autumn project. Turn it into a scarecrow-making party or a fun contest among friends and you’ll have an event that guests of all ages will enjoy. As a bonus, everyone leaves the party with a cute, one-of-a-kind fall display! For this outdoor project, you’ll need to allow ample space outside for each person, couple, or family to assemble their scarecrow. Don’t let inclement weather hold you back, if you don’t have access to a barn, covered porch or patio, consider setting up a canopy to keep any potential rain from spoiling your fun.

When preparing invitations or flyers for the event ask guests to bring items to dress their scarecrow, such as: jeans, plaid or denim shirt, suspenders, vest, overalls, bandana, dress and apron, hair, straw hat, cap, scarf or bonnet. A great place to shop is the local thrift store or yard sales for clothing and accessories. Guests can make and decorate their scarecrow’s head using a stuffed pillowcase, burlap, covered Styrofoam, or a large painted gourd.

As the host, you’ll want to make sure that you have enough hay for all of your guests to fill their scarecrow properly, and a variety of long sticks that can be used to keep your scarecrows arms upright. Consider providing extra scissors, twine, and safety pins for those that forgot theirs, or need a few extra.

Outdoor Halloween Movie Night

An outdoor movie night under the stars can be one of the most magical parts of the season and it’s sure to keep your kids, family and friends talking for some time! You’re going to want to start preparing a few weeks in advance to make sure you have everything you need for your movie viewing. But apart from a bit of planning, the set-up itself is actually quite simple. All you really need are four things: a DVD player or streaming device like your phone or tablet, projector, external speakers and a white screen. Don’t let not having a white screen hold you back from moving forward, and old white sheet or tarp will do the trick!

Once you’ve gotten your outdoor entertainment system in order you can start focusing on the seating arrangements. Since it’s a movie you’ll be showing you will want your guests to feel as relaxed as possible. To do this, simulate stadium seating arrangements by making one aisle of seats lower than the one behind it.

In the seating section nearest to the screen, set up a lounging area with blow-up air mattresses, bean bag chairs, blankets and pillows on the grass. The second “row” can consist of camp chairs and that can be spread out across your backyard. If you happen to have a lot of guests planning to come over, and have low gardening or beach chairs available, use them to add another row of seats. These will go between the lounging area and the regular-sized chairs.

Pro-tip: A good idea for guests who will be lounging on the grass is to set up old wooden crates next to them so they can use them as a safe place for their food and drinks.

To add a little something special, consider hanging twinkle lights from the trees or fencing for added ambience. Another fun option are mason jar solar lights. Just set them out when the sun is shining and they’ll automatically light up as the sun sets. If you have a pool in your yard, another fun option are neon color changing solar orbs that float on top of your pool.

One of the best parts of going to the movies is visiting the concession stand for a box of popcorn and candy, and no outdoor movie night would be complete without the snacks! For an outdoor movie night, since it will probably begin to get dark outside by the time all your guests arrive (make sure to have all snacks laid out prior to the sun going down), the last thing you want is for people to be fumbling around in the dark. Popcorn is an absolute must, so make sure to stock up on microwave popcorn or purchase large bags of pre-popped popcorn to serve. If you’re hosting a large affair, consider renting a popcorn machine from your local party store; it makes a large amount quickly and keeps it warm while you're enjoying the show.

If you’re feeling extra fancy and have an outdoor fire pit readily available, consider adding a s'mores bar to your snack area. Not only does the fire add something extra special, but everyone loves a smore. Another popular option for your snack table is a sweets and cider bar. Set out a variety of cookies, candies and sweets - as well as adult and kid-friendly jugs of apple cider. This is an easy option that allows people to get up throughout the movie to refill their drinks and snacks without a lot of effort.

Movie Ideas: Depending upon the ages of the people in attendance, you may want to select a family-friendly movie, or you may want a classic horror. Here’s a list of some great movies to get you started: Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, Harry Potter, Beetlejuice, The Haunted Mansion, Halloween, Poltergeist, The Exorcist, Young Frankenstein and A Nightmare on Elm Street.

FALL SWEETS

**Photo Credit:** ***saltharvestcreatives.com***

Hand-dipped Candy Apples

Growing up I can vividly remember my grandma making caramel apples every time she heard Autumn’s call. I can still smell the browning sugar and feel the crisp bite of the granny smith apples coated with the sticky and sweet caramel. With each passing year, I find myself overcooking, undercooking or completely ruining every batch of caramel that grandma made look so easy. While it's definitely not the same, this caramel apple recipe is so easy you really don’t even need a recipe. And the best part – you only need 3 ingredients:

Store-bought caramels – I recommend using Werther’s Chewy Caramels for best results. Apples – Granny Smith is the perfect apple as its tartness balances out the sweetness of the caramel and toppings. Any type of apple will work here, but I recommend sticking with Granny Smith.
Heavy cream – evaporated milk will also work if that's all you have on hand.
Once you’ve dipped your caramel apples, you’re left with the fun part of deciding on which toppings (if any) you’d like to add. While the caramel is still soft add toppings like chopped peanuts, sprinkles, or crushed Oreos. You can even take it a step further and dip your caramel apple in melted chocolate or drizzle melted chocolate across the top.

For more information, follow the recipe below….

FALL CRAFTS & DIY DECOR

The DIY craze is all around us and shows up everywhere from social media to television shows to the homes of your friends and family. It can certainly seem intimidating, trying to decorate and replicate the different trends and styles you see out there. It’s not only time consuming, but can be quite expensive too. But that’s the great thing about DIY - you can create your own beautiful crafts for a fraction of what you would pay for them in stores. Take the popular ‘succulent pumpkin’ trend that I’m sure you’ve seen in the last few years. These beauties can run up to $50 in stores and eventually, will rot and die. But here’s a secret… you can reuse the same flowers over and over again, year after year, if you know what you're doing…

Step 1: Picking the perfect pumpkin. First you’re going to want to pick the perfect pumpkin. We recommend using a real pumpkin with a flat top and a short or no stem at all. Using a real pumpkin will help to make your arrangement that much more realistic. ‘Cinderella Pumpkins’ are a popular choice and can be found at Trader Joes and other retail stores. They will come in a variety of colors, but I like using the pastel orange or soft green for this craft as it gives a nice pop of color.

Step 2: Selecting your florals. Next you’ll want to head to the nearest craft store that has a floral section - not your local nursery or hardware store. The key to getting these succulent pumpkins to last is to use an uncarved fresh pumpkin and fake succulents. You will be able to achieve the look you’re going for, without the rot and smell. With the rise of popularity in succulents that we’ve seen, it’s very likely that not only will your craft store carry fake succulents, but there’s a good chance that they will look quite real. You’re going to want at least 7 different ‘varieties’ of succulents; I recommend getting varying sizes, with at least 2-3 of them being large and then scaling down to a few each in a medium and small size. Look for the popular ‘string of pearls' succulents, those make a nice point of interest and will drape nicely over the sides of the pumpkin. (Below; photo credit: Ed Gholich)

Step 3: Grab your odds and ends. Once you’ve got anywhere from 5-7 succulents of different shape and size, grab a bag of fake moss, as that will be the base for the succulents, on the top of the pumpkin. If you don’t own them already, make sure to pick up a hot glue gun, glue sticks and spray adhesive to piece everything together. Consider picking up a newspaper or some craft paper to lay down before you work.

Step 4: Prep work. It is recommended to do this craft outdoors as the moss can be a bit messy. You’ll want to spread out your craft paper or newspaper large enough to give you good workspace. First take your moss and start working it apart with your fingers to make it look soft and airy; this will give the bottom of the succulents a good base to grab onto. Next, cut the stems of your fake succulents off so they have a flat bottom to nestle into the moss. Now, we craft!

Step 5: Create a base. Once our materials are prepped, you’re going to take your spray adhesive or hot glue and over the top of the pumpkin with a decent amount of glue - enough to stick the moss to. Next, gently place your moss over the top of the pumpkin, and press it in gently, creating a base of greenery like below.

Step 6: Add your florals. Using hot glue, start by placing the tallest succulent just off center and work your way outward, using the larger succulents towards the middle. Once the larger succulents have been placed, continue to work around the pumpkin, placing smaller succulents on top and nestled in with the larger ones. Use the moss to cover any noticeable holes or spots, or cut down the succulents even smaller to fill the gaps. Pictured below; photo credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Fall is a season of vibrant colors, crisp air, and a sense of renewal. It offers a myriad of activities that allow us to connect with nature, savor delicious seasonal flavors, and create lasting memories with loved ones. Whether you prefer the serenity of a nature hike, the excitement of a pumpkin patch visit, or the cozy warmth of a bonfire, there's something for everyone to enjoy during this beautiful time of year.

As the leaves change and the temperatures drop, take advantage of the opportunities that fall provides. Embrace the season by exploring local traditions, sipping on hot apple cider, and immersing yourself in the breathtaking scenery. So, grab your sweater, put on your boots, and make the most of this enchanting season. Fall is not just a season; it's an invitation to embrace the beauty of change and savor the simple joys of life. Happy fall, everyone!

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