Get Ready to Fork Up Some Fun at the Placerville Apple Festival

Do you want to explore a slice of heaven on Earth? Then head to Placerville, a small town in the Sierra Nevada foothills, and join the thousands of people who attend the Placerville Apple Festival every year. It’s a celebration of all things apple, offering delicious treats, fun activities, and an opportunity to savor the autumn season. So, put on your apple-picking gear, pack up your car, and let’s go to Placerville!

The Festival That Never Disappoints

The Placerville Apple Festival is a must-visit for all apple lovers out there. It’s an annual event that takes place in October, usually on the second weekend of the month. The festival has been occurring for over 50 years, and it keeps getting better and better. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, you’ll be delighted by what the festival has to offer.

A Brief History of the Festival

The first Placerville Apple Festival was held in the early 1960s. It was initially a small gathering of local farmers who showcased their apple products in the town square. But as years passed, the festival grew in popularity, and more vendors and attractions were added. Today, the festival spans eight blocks of Main Street and several adjoining streets, and it attracts visitors from all over California.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Year’s Festival

The festival promises to be an apple-mazing experience for everyone. There will be over 100 vendors selling various apple-based products, such as apple pies, caramel apples, apple cider, and apple butter. You can also shop for unique crafts, clothes, and jewelry made by local artisans.

But the festival isn’t just about eating and shopping. It also offers plenty of entertainment options, including live music, dance performances, and a carnival. There will be a kid’s zone with a petting zoo, pony rides, and face painting. And for the adventurous souls, there will be a zip line and a rock-climbing wall.

If you’re interested in history, you can take a tour of the El Dorado County Historical Museum, which showcases the region’s apple-growing past. You can also visit the Historic Gold Rush Town of Coloma, where gold was first discovered in California in 1848.

Tips for Enjoying Your Time at the Festival

To make the most out of your visit to the Placerville Apple Festival, follow these tips.

Plan Your Visit Ahead of Time

Don’t be caught off guard by the festival’s crowds and parking. The festival attracts thousands of visitors, so make sure to arrive early to find a good parking spot. You can also take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service that runs from the El Dorado Transit Center to the festival site.

It’s also a good idea to plan your visit around the festival’s schedule of events. Check the festival’s website or pick up a program guide to see what’s happening each day.

Come Prepared

Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. The festival takes place outdoors, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure your feet are happy. The sun can be strong during the day, so protect your skin with sunscreen and a hat. And if you think you might get chilly in the evening, bring a light jacket.

Also, bring cash. Some vendors might not accept credit cards, and lines for the ATMs can be long.

Sample Everything

The Placerville Apple Festival is a foodie’s paradise, so make sure to try everything. From pies to cider to apple sausages, there’s something for everyone. Don’t be afraid to sample new flavors or ask the vendors for recommendations. And if you find something you love, stock up on it!

Have Fun

The most important tip of all is to have fun. The festival is a celebration of apples and autumn, so enjoy the festive atmosphere, the live music, and the friendly crowds. Take lots of pictures, try new things, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

The Best Apple Treats You Must Try

The Placerville Apple Festival is famous for its mouth-watering apple-centric treats. Here are some of the best ones you should try.

1. Apple Pie

Nothing says fall like a warm slice of apple pie. The festival has plenty of pie vendors, so you can find the perfect one for your taste buds. Whether you like it with a lattice crust, topped with caramel sauce, or a la mode, you won’t be disappointed.

2. Apple Cider

Sipping on some apple cider is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly fall day. The festival has a variety of cider vendors, so you can try different blends and flavors. And if you want to take something home with you, buy a gallon or two to enjoy later.

3. Apple Sausage

If you’re looking for something savory, try the apple sausage. It’s a sausage made with pork and apple bits, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor. You can eat it on a bun or on its own, and it pairs well with a cold beer.

4. Caramel Apples

Caramel apples are a classic fall treat, and the festival has some of the best ones. The apples are dipped in gooey caramel and rolled in various toppings, such as nuts, chocolate chips, or sprinkles. They’re the perfect treat to snack on while walking around the festival.

The Perfect Weekend Getaway

The Placerville Apple Festival is the perfect excuse to take a break from your busy life and spend a weekend in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Here’s a list of other things to do while you’re in Placerville.

Visit Apple Hill

Apple Hill is a collection of orchards, farms, and wineries that celebrate the harvest season. You can pick your own apples, pumpkins, or flowers, explore the farm animals, or enjoy a wine tasting. Apple Hill is only a few miles from Placerville, so it’s an easy addition to your itinerary.

Go Wine Tasting

Placerville is part of the El Dorado wine region, which is known for its award-winning wines. There are several wineries in and around Placerville, so you can go on a wine tour or visit a tasting room. Some of the popular wineries are Boeger Winery, Bogle Vineyards, and Lava Cap Winery.

Explore Historic Placerville

Placerville has a rich history that you can explore by visiting the town’s landmarks and museums. Take a walking tour of the Main Street Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit the Fountain-Tallman Museum, which showcases Placerville’s Gold Rush-era past. Or check out the Hangman’s Tree, a historic oak tree where outlaws were once hanged.

Enjoy the Outdoors

The Sierra Nevada foothills are a nature lover’s paradise. You can go hiking in the nearby El Dorado National Forest, which has miles of trails and stunning vistas. You can also go fishing, kayaking, or rafting in the South Fork of the American River, which is renowned for its whitewater rapids.

A Helpful Table for Your Festival Planning

There’s something for everyone at the Placerville Apple Festival, whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, a music lover, or an adventure seeker. So, pack your bags, grab your friends or family, and join the festivities. The festival might be once a year, but the memories will last a lifetime.

References:

[1] El Dorado County Historical Museum. https://www.edcgov.us/Government/museum/Pages/el_dorado_county_historical_museum.aspx

[2] Apple Hill Growers Association. https://applehill.com/

[3] El Dorado Winery Association. https://eldoradowines.org/