A Slower Side of Fall: Peaceful November Visits to Apple Hill® Growers
After the excitement of harvest season, November brings a calm, cozy charm to our corner of the woods — a time when the air feels a little crisper, the crowds thin out, and the golden glow of fall settles over the orchards. It’s the perfect season to slow down, soak in the colors, and rediscover the simple joys of life.
The leaves are still showing off their shades of amber, red, and gold, creating a beautiful backdrop for a quiet walk through the orchards. There’s still plenty of fall fun to be had — from taking in those last few weekends of U-pick apples to treating yourself to a warm slice of pie or a cup of cider at your favorite stop. Many ranches still have apples ripe for picking, and with smaller crowds, you can take your time exploring, snapping photos, and enjoying that perfect orchard moment without the rush.
Bakery Favorites for the Holiday Table
November is the perfect time to stock up on pies and baked goods for your Thanksgiving table or holiday gatherings. Many of our bakeries offer frozen pies ready to bake at home, so you can enjoy those fresh-baked flavors straight from your own oven. From classic apple and pumpkin to berry and pecan, each pie is made with the love and tradition that make Apple Hill® Growers treats so special.
Be sure to visit a few of your favorite bakeries, including:
Apple Pantry Farm, Apple Ridge Farms, Delfino Farms, Drew Bean Farms, Fudge Factory Farm, Grandpa’s Cellar, Harris Family Farms, Hidden Star, High Hill Ranch, Larsen’s Bake Shop, and Rainbow Orchards.
It’s also a great time to pick up apple butter, jams, and seasonal baked goods to share (or save for yourself) as the holidays approach. There’s nothing like a freezer stocked with delicious pies when guests come calling!
Shop Local: Handmade Gifts and Craft Treasures
Looking for that perfect gift for someone who’s hard to shop for? You’ll find wonderful handmade treasures all around our ranches — from artisan soaps and candles to jewelry, woodcrafts, home décor, and seasonal goods made by local crafters.
Several ranches host talented local makers throughout the season, including Delfino Farms, High Hill Ranch, Apple Ridge Farms, Hidden Star, Fudge Factory Farm, and Pine-O-Mine Ranch. These spots are perfect for browsing unique gifts while enjoying the fresh air and festive spirit of our growers.
Shopping from our local artisans is a meaningful way to support the community — and you’ll head home with something truly one-of-a-kind.
Wineries with Seasonal Sips and Holiday Specials
While you’re visiting, be sure to stop at a few of your favorite Apple Hill® Growers wineries to enjoy their holiday specials and seasonal releases. The tasting rooms are cozy this time of year, offering a relaxed, intimate atmosphere to sip, chat, and take in the late autumn scenery.
Pick up a few extra bottles for your holiday table or to have on hand for unexpected gift-giving. A bottle of local wine makes the perfect last-minute hostess gift or thoughtful token of the season — and each label carries a little piece of our charm.
Christmas Tree Farms Opening as Early as Mid-November
As the last of the leaves fall, a new tradition takes root — the opening of our Apple Hill® Growers Christmas tree farms, some of which begin welcoming families as early as mid-November. It’s the perfect way to transition from the beauty of fall to the magic of the holiday season.
You can find your holiday tree at Apple Country Christmas Trees, Crystal Creek Tree Farm, Fudge Factory Farm, Hacienda Orchard, Harris Family Farm, Hillside Tree Farm, Indian Rock Tree Farm, Madrone Tree Hill, O’Halloran’s Apple Trail Ranch, Rapetti Farms, Rucksack Cellars and Silverthorn Meadows, all offering fresh, beautiful trees from Noble to Douglas Fir, there is a tree for every need, grown right here.
From choosing your tree to sipping hot cocoa by the fire, visiting our Christmas tree growers is a beloved tradition for many families. It’s the perfect way to ring in the holidays and carry the warmth of the Hill into your home for the season ahead.
Plan Your November Visit
So come visit us this November — where the pace slows down, the colors shine brighter, and every stop feels like a moment to savor. Whether you’re apple picking, pie shopping, wine tasting, or finding your family Christmas tree, November offers a quieter kind of magic that’s worth experiencing before the year ends.