We’ve always looked forward to welcoming you to Meadow Lakes Orchard for U-Pick season, but this year, things have taken an unexpected turn. Unfortunately, the late freezes we experienced in May had a significant impact on our crops, and as a result, we won’t be able to offer our much-anticipated U-Pick experiences this season.
It’s always hard when nature throws us a curveball, but that's the reality of farming. While we are still able to provide freshly picked apples for our already scheduled school tours and customers who come to the farm, the amount we harvested simply isn’t enough to accommodate the usual U-Pick festivities. But, that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop!
We have a solution for all of you apple lovers looking to pick your own. We’ve partnered with some amazing friends and fellow farmers nearby, and they’re ready to welcome you to their orchards for a fantastic U-Pick experience. So grab your baskets, and let us introduce you to some incredible new destinations where you can still pick fresh apples and enjoy the seasonal harvest to the fullest!
Discover NOMA Resorts: A Hidden U-Pick Gem Just Above Kinsman Flats
If you’re up for a scenic drive, let us introduce you to NOMA Resorts, just above Kinsman Flats. This beautiful orchard is only an hour and a half from Auberry, and the trip there is half the fun. We take the 222 over to Mammoth Road – just follow that route, and soon you’ll find yourself in apple heaven.
NOMA Resorts is a bit of a hidden gem, with Gala, Red and Golden Delicious, and a few heirloom varieties like the beloved Arkansas Black. Their U-Pick days fall on Thursday-Sunday from 1 PM to 6 PM, making it a perfect afternoon outing for you and the family. Price for a small bag is $14. Check out the link above for Orchard info, and for their unique stays: HERE.
Whether you’re looking to fill your pantry with fresh apples or just enjoy a day out in nature, this orchard has something for everyone. It’s a peaceful spot, with acres of apple trees set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, and you’ll find the same friendly, welcoming atmosphere we strive to offer at Meadow Lakes Orchard.
When you get there, be sure to ask for J.C. or Rick and tell them we sent you! These two know everything about apples and will guide you through the best varieties to pick based on your taste preferences. Their knowledge and passion for their orchard make this a truly special experience, and we’re excited for you to visit them.
Sierra Cider: A Taste of Mariposa’s Finest
If you’re ready for something a little different, we’ve got another treat for you – Sierra Cider in Mariposa County. If you haven’t already heard of them, you’re in for a delightful surprise. Sierra Cider is a family-run operation with a passion for both apples and cider, offering a variety of hard ciders and fresh apple juice in their tasting room.
They’re open year-round, but their U-Pick season is in full swing from Thursday-Sunday, 12 PM to 8 PM, making it a fantastic destination if you’re looking for a full day out with friends or family. Their apple varieties range from classics to unique types that you may not have tried before, making it a great spot for apple enthusiasts and adventurous eaters alike.
One of the things that makes Sierra Cider so unique is its upcoming events. This year, they’re planning a haunted maze for Halloween, which is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. If you love the idea of picking apples and sipping cider while wandering through a spooky maze, this is the place for you!
And if you’re thinking ahead to the holidays, Sierra Cider will also have a pumpkin patch, and later in the season, they’ll be selling Christmas trees. It’s a great opportunity to get a jumpstart on your holiday planning while enjoying the beauty of a local orchard.
The drive to Sierra Cider is another stunning one. You’ll pass through Mariposa’s picturesque hillsides, and once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by rows of apple trees, a cozy tasting room, and the warm hospitality that apple farms are known for. Whether you’re picking apples, tasting their ciders, or exploring their upcoming events, Sierra Cider offers a full day of fun and relaxation.
Expand Your Horizons: Explore the Surrounding Areas
While we wish we could host you for U-Pick at Meadow Lakes Orchard this year, we’re thrilled to introduce you to these new experiences just a short drive away. NOMA Resorts and Sierra Cider both offer unique takes on apple picking and farm life (you'll be amazed at how Dan Gamel saved NOMA from the Creek Fire of 2020), and we encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and explore these nearby orchards.
And we would love to hear what you think! If you make the journey to either of these orchards, let us know how your experience was. Did you try a new apple variety you loved? Did you get lost in Sierra Cider’s haunted maze? We want to hear your stories and experiences, and you can always drop us a note through our website or social media.
The Future of U-Pick at Meadow Lakes Orchard
While this year’s U-Pick season may not have gone as planned, we’re already looking ahead to next year. Farming is full of surprises, but one thing we know for sure is that we’ll keep working hard to bring you the best apples and experiences in the years to come.
We’re grateful for your understanding and patience this year, and we’re excited to still share our fresh apples with you in our retail store. We have Golden Delicious apples fresh off the trees, and you’ll find apple chips, jams, and all of your favorite baked apple treats available as well.
Though we can’t host U-Pick this season, we hope you’ll still visit us on the farm for a taste of the harvest and take advantage of our new offerings. We also hope you’ll take the opportunity to visit our friends at NOMA Resorts and Sierra Cider, and enjoy all the beauty and bounty that neighboring farms have to offer. Our goal is to build lasting partnerships with every apple farm across the Sierra Nevada to bring you the best apple picking, and unique-stay experiences in the world, while supporting local artisans and promoting economic vitality in surrounding communities.
Thank you for being part of the Meadow Lakes Orchard family, and we look forward to seeing you soon! Stay tuned for updates on next year’s U-Pick season, and until then, happy apple picking at our friends’ farms!
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