It’s an apple upgrade in Oak Glen after two drought-starved years
The apples have bounced back in Oak Glen, one of Southern California’s premier growing regions. Trees are full and shops are full of fresh fare after two years of disappointing harvests tied to the drought.
“We’re good,” Nina Foster, vice president of the Oak Glen Apple Growers Assn., said by phone. “This year, we have a bumper crop.”
The area’s traditional apple season runs from Labor Day to late November. Foster said that the mile-high town, 90 minutes from Los Angeles, enjoyed a very strong opening weekend and big crowds have been steady along the five-mile loop of orchards, shops, galleries and restaurants.
Last weekend, a line 50 deep waited for barbecue at Los Rios Rancho, 39611 Oak Glen Road, and pick-your-own apple orchards and pumpkin fields were packed — though the apples seem to be having a better season than the pumpkins.
A farming region dating to the 1860s, Oak Glen is a moist, cool pocket surrounded by desert. Its pioneer heritage is on display all year but peaks in September and October, with hayrides, festivals and cider mills.
Hikers are encouraged to spend part of the day viewing the ponds and oak forests of Wildlands Conservancy, next to Los Rios Rancho.
Another popular stop is Snow-Line Orchard, 39400 Oak Glen Road, which now offers a winery and tasting room.
Directions from Los Angeles: Take the I-10 east. Exit Oak Glen Road. Left on Oak Glen Road for several miles to the loop of 30 stores, orchards and assorted other businesses.
Info: www.oakglen.net
Twitter: @erskinetimes
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