Tuolumne, CA
coversappleranch.com
Location: 19211 Cherokee Rd., Tuolumne, CA. Tel: (209)928-4689. coversappleranch.com
Apples orchards have long been a feature of Tuolumne County, part of California Gold Country set among the Sierra foothills. Not far from a top tourist attraction, Columbia State Historic Park in Jamestown, is Cover's Apple Ranch in the town of Tuolumne.
The Ranch is unique, and its pies, apple deserts and ciders are simply delicious. It's definitely worth a visit to try some famous Mile High Apple Pie! As you enter the facilities or maybe use the drive-thru, you'll notice the ladies wear old-fashioned bonnets and cape dresses, while the men working in the orchards have long beards. They practice the customs of the Old Brethren Church.
The apple pie recipe is relatively simple and traditional, but the magic is in the hand stacking and packing of apple slices into a huge mound shaped like a mountain. You're getting more fresh apples per bite and less of the crust--the ideal pie for those who are apple nuts.
The ranch includes a bakery, deli, train rides, tours, and lots to explore before or after you eat. But the star of the show is the pie--no way around it.
The orchard that includes trees planted between the 1920's and 1930's still produces premium apples. Every fall you'll find a selection of antique varieties of apples that are not readily available elsewhere. These include Paragon and Stamin Winesaps, Arkansas Black, Common Red Delicious, Early Blaze and Golden Delicious.
A train runs on Saturdays and holiday providing an enjoyable ride for kids and adults, and a 100 year old barn is full of animals for kids and adults to watch and enjoy.