Here are local places to go Apple Picking:
SLO Creek Farms
Riley's Apple Farm- 6455 Monte Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 San Luis Obispo County
- Phone: (702) 245-3135
- Open: Now through December 1, 2014. Everyday from 11am to 4pm.
- We now have a u-pick for the public to come and enjoy with their friends and family. 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
- 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
- 11212 Elizabeth Lake Rd Leona Valley, CA 93551 Los Angeles County
- Phone: (661) 270-9524
- Open: Call to verify hours: Saturdays & Sundays, 9:00am-5:00pm
- Located in a Country setting, 250 acres U-pick ranch Apples: Gala, Fuji, Braeburn, Golden Delicious, Arkansas Black, Winesap Other Fruit: Cherries, Last Chance Peaches, Apricots
- Website: http://skymeadow.farmvisit.com/
- 12201 S. Oak Glen Road Oak Glen / Yucaipa, CA 92399 San Bernadino County
- Phone (909) 797-4061
- Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 - 4. No appointment needed. Closed on Mondays only.
- Our latest apple to pick is Braeburn! Still picking McIntosh, Red Delicious, Spartan, Baldwin, Glen Seedling, Red Jonathan, & Red Fuji.
- Website: http://www.rileysapplefarm.com/U-Pick.html
- 22710 Highline Road Tehachapi, CA 93561 Kern County
- Phone: (661) 823-9829
- Open: After Sept 20th, call to verify, Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm; Closed Monday and Tuesday
- U-pick Apples and Raspberries
- Website: http://driesfarms.blogspot.com/
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!!
