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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Oak
Glen Apple Picking
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By Matthew Martz |
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If you’re looking
for a weekend escape, or a weekend trip for the family
close enough to the city, but still with a small town
feel then Oak Glen would be a great place to slip away
to this fall. The small community is located 15 miles
east of San Bernardino, at the foothills of the San Bernardino
Mountains.
The original native settlers in the area harvested acorns
and when Caucasians came they grew potatoes in the fertile
soils. Enoch Parrish opened the first apple orchard in
1876; and by the 1940s, various farms began to sell apples,
apple pies, apple cider, and apple butter at roadside
stands to visitors.
Export is no longer needed, as visitors, who are allowed
to pick apples directly off the trees at many orchards,
are the main business today. For an apple lover, the orchards
are a must visit. They produce many unique varieties,
such as the Vasquez and King David which are grown only
in Oak Glen, as well as “antique varieties”
no longer commercially available, including Ben Davis,
Gravenstein, and Pink Pearl.
The apple season is at its peak in the fall from September
until the end of November.
Your first stop in Oak Glen should be for what else, apples!
Many local orchards offer the chance to bring the family
and hand pick a basket to take home. But first be sure
to drop by the Oak Glen School House Museum and Park located
on South Oak Glen Road. It offers a historical overview
and free maps of the area. Tours are free but donations
are welcome.
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Oak Glen Apples |
With map in
hand, you’ll start at Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho,
one the longest running local orchards. Throughout the season
they host frontier events and fall school tours. They also
have a gift shop that sells jams and jellies, as well as
a bakery and BBQ that offers deli sandwiches, bakery items
including pies, hand -held pies, turnovers, and cookies.
All of which are a good reasons to stop.
Picnic grounds are onsite for an outdoor dining experience.
Also located at Los Rios is the Wild lands Conservancy.
This outdoor nature area offers trails to walk off some
of the apple pie you have eaten at the orchards. It’s
open weekends and most holidays from 9:00a.m - 4:30p.m,
but is closed Monday through Friday.
Monthly-guided night walks are held on the third Saturday
of the month from April through December with weather permitting.
The walk is free, but donations to the education programs
are encouraged. Groups can be accommodated with prior reservation.
Next up is Oak Tree Village, a 14-acre orchard of family
fun in the heart of Oak Glen. They have an animal park,
trout ponds, and numerous restaurants, and shops, plus panning
for gold, train and pony rides. Music and various entertainment
and special events are schedule throughout the season.
Just a short 2.5 miles south of Oak Tree Village, is Willowbrook
Apple Farm, another small family run orchard where “U-Pick”
the Apples. Fall treats include fresh dipped caramel apples,
apple chips, jams, and apple butters. They do have a farm
with animals so it’s a great stop for kids.
Hungry? Country dining is a big part of the local experience
and culture, with many options to choose from starting with
Apple Dumplin's Restaurant. Set in a charming 1880's building
this little bit of county hospitality offers great food
and friendly service. They are open weekends only, Friday
to Sunday.
However, if you want to jaw with the locals, Law's Oak Glen
Coffee Shop is the place. A family owned spot since 1953,
and winners of past Inland Empire Magazine's "Best
Breakfast" and "Best Slice of Pie" awards.
Their baked treats are made fresh daily, and they are open
Monday-Thursday until lunch hours, and weekends until 7pm.
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Oak Glen California |
Cider Mill Oak Glen |
Of course, you if explore
long enough, you can always find an apple-wood smoked BBQ
featuring tri-tip, ribs and chicken apple sausage is served
on the weekends. Finally, after a
hard day of pickin’, you’re likely to want to
unwind, and the Oak Glen Tavern and Restaurant is the spot
for cocktails in a sports lounge setting. Karaoke fans can
try out their skills, or play a game at the pool tables
while listening to local entertainment.
Lodging comes in many forms around Oak Glen.
The Yucaipa Regional Park is located in the foothills of
the San Bernardino Mountains as you approach the community.
With nearly 900 acres, there’s sure to be a spot for
your RV or tent. If you’re into
something a little quainter, the Serendipity Ranch B&B
is a quiet retreat for couples or travelers with children.
Oak Glen is located in the mountains above
the San Bernardino Valley, about an hour and a half from
Los Angeles or Orange County, and two hours from the San
Fernando Valley. The atmosphere is a small town one, with
many places and orchards closing at sundown. Calling ahead
for reservations at the lodging establishments is recommended.
Give yourself enough time for the drive, so you have time
for apple picking.
Directions: From Los Angeles,
take I-10 / San Bernardino Freeway east to San Bernardino
(approximate 50-60 miles). Turn right towards Cherry Valley
(0.2 mile), then turn left (east) onto Cherry Valley Blvd.
(3.4 miles). Turn left (north) onto Beaumont Ave. (0.8 mile).
Road name changes to Oak Glen Road. You'll reach Oak Glen
in about five miles |
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Julian
- North San Diego
County, U-Pick apples, mine tours and apple pie |
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Toms
Farm - Family destination with kids
rides and fresh produce. |
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Tanaka
Farms Orange County organic farm with
U-Pick and farm tours. |
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