Expanding from 16 to over 55 ranchers over the course of the past 40 years, Apple Hill has become one of the most popular destinations during the fall season.

  While it is also open during other parts of the year for christmas tree farms, weddings and other events, the fall months are the most popular.

   Junior Melissa Khurani said that she goes with her family to Apple Hill every year and while they haven’t had a chance to go yet this year, they are planning on going soon.

  “We always start at rainbow orchard and get our apple donuts, then we go to Larsen’s to get apples and apple dumplings,” Khurani said. “We then eat lunch at the little field across the street and stop at Kids Inc. on the way home to get apple pies.”

  One of the most popular aspects of Apple Hill are the apple related foods that are sold by the different ranchers.   

  Senior Tanvi Mehta already went to Apple Hill this season and said that her and her friends explored about 10 of the farms.

  “Boa Vista, Abels and High Hill are the farms that stood out,” Mehta said. “I remember going to Boa Vista because I always get apple pie, apple butter, apple jams and other apple products there.”

  Khurani agreed that the apple related foods are a huge draw to Apple Hill.   

 “We always get apples, apple dumplings and an apple pie,” Khurani said. “My favorite are the apple dumplings.”

  Junior Iris Chan agreed that one of the main reasons why so many people go to Apple Hill is for the delicious apple treats.

  “My personal favorites  are their cinnamon sugar donuts and apple cider,” Chan said.       

  According to the Apple Hill website, the number one most popular farm is High Hill Ranch. At this farm alone they sell over 20 different types of apples plus apple products including desserts and drinks.

  While food is one of the most popular reasons to go to Apple Hill, there are also many other attractions that people can take advantage of.

  “My favorite thing to do at Apple Hill is to look at the craft booths,” Chan said. “They all have really unique and handmade items.”

  In addition to crafts, the different ranches also have activities such as hay rides, fishing, face paint, apple picking and much more.

  “We went through a couple little kid corn mazes,” Mehta said. “And we saw some little animals, which was fun.”  

  Because many of the activities are catered toward younger kids, Freshman Matthew Handy said he remembers going on trains and riding horses when he went to Apple Hill as a child.

  Since the ranches open toward the beginning of fall, Chan said she thinks that a lot of people go to embrace the time of year.

  “I think so many people like going to apple hill because the food is amazing and it is a great way to get into the autumn spirit,” Chan said. “They really know their way around an apple.”

  Many local families have made it their  tradition to go to Apple Hill at least once a year.

  “It is an annual thing (my family) does every year,” Handy said. “We always do it right before we set up our Halloween stuff so it gets us in the mood.”

  Khurani agreed that Apple Hill is a great place for people to spend time with family and friends and enjoy the season.

 “I like Apple Hill because it’s like our little family tradition every year,” Khurani said. “It’s a fun way to make memories.”