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34 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | SEPTEMBER 2020 | "The heat of autumn is different from the heat of summer. One ripens apples, the other turns them to cider…" Jane Hirshfield. Make it a September to remember. Let's shake off the doldrums and get out into the fresh air. Wow…can you believe it's almost apple picking time at Oak Glen? Remember, Oak Glen's Apple Picking Season officially kicks off over Labor Day weekend and runs through Thanksgiving weekend. This is one of the most scenic historic spots in Southern California, and is nestled in the heart of apple country in Oak Glen where the summers are cooler and the winters dusted with snow. The five mile scenic loop of 30+ ranches, farms and businesses are open year- round. The Law family came into the area with its own apple orchard in the early 1930s and built the first roadside packinghouse, opening the first restaurant and gift shop soon after. In 1996, a wildland trust came to Oak Glen and offered a picnic area and hiking trails, as well as many special activities that makes Oak Glen appealing to virtually everyone. Oak Glen's apple orchards produce a variety of apples including the Vasquez and King David, which are grown only in Oak Glen, as well as antique varieties no longer commercially available such as Ben Davis, Gravenstein and Pink Pearl. The orchards to visit include: Snowline, an orchard-known for their wine tasting, cider and hard cider as well as apple cider mini donuts and U-pick raspberries. Los Rios Rancho has a great bakery, BBQ Cafe, U-pick Fruit, Country Store, nature trails, picnic grounds, petting zoo, horseback rides, wagon rides, and a corn maze. Stone Pantry Orchard has U-Pick apples, pears, blackberries, and pumpkins and you can press your own cider. Willow Brook Apple Farm has U-Press Cider, U-Pick Apples, Berries, Honey, BBQ Sauce, Jams and Jellies. Stone Soup Farm allows you to savor your experience by taking a piece of it home with you. At Stone Soup Farm, they offer handcrafted and local artisan products. Riley's Farms is a working apple orchard and living history farm featuring pick-your-own fruit, living history education, dinner theater, group banquet facilities and extended, historically-themed overnight stays. So get out and enjoy the local areas, get some fresh air, and pick some apples; you're sure to have a great time. Until we meet again in the Main Clubhouse Ballroom, be safe. For membership contact Sherry Case at (951) 533-3584 or Linda Powers at (951) 769-3101. For fruit harvesting contact Judy Garth at (951) 797-3130. For general information contact President, Pam Mikkelsen at (951) 797-3080. Happy gardening. Garden Club Just in case: Check with your club contact to confirm meeting place, date, and time.