Three Apple-Growing Areas That Offer Direct Sales to the Public

The three largest apple-growing areas in Southern California that offer roadside sales to the public:

Oak Glen --Take Interstate 10 east from Los Angeles, past Redlands to the Yucaipa off-ramp. Left to Oak Glen Road. Left about 10 minutes to Oak Glen.

Twelve orchards offer apples, cider and other apple products. More than three dozen specialty shops and restaurants.

Harvest season runs to late October, with sales continuing until entire crop is gone, usually in December. All orchards open seven days a week in harvest season, from about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Julian --From Los Angeles, take Interstate 5 south to Oceanside, then California 78 east slightly more than 50 miles to Julian.

Nearly 25 small growers offer a full range of apple products. Specialty shops, restaurants and historic attractions in nearby town of Julian.

The last apples are often sold as late as February. Orchards open seven days in season, about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tehachapi --Take Interstate 5 north from Los Angeles to California 14 north (near Newhall). Exit California 14 at Tehachapi off-ramp and continue two miles to orchards.

About 25 growers offer more than 25 varieties of apples and a range of apple products. Some growers sell commercially only. Arts and crafts shops. Bus tours offered. Applefest Weekend, featuring dancers, singers and an arts-and-crafts fair, ends today.

Harvest runs until roadside-sales crops are gone. Many orchards open seven days a week, generally 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Others open weekends only.