Escaping the hustle and bustle of the city was just what the doctor ordered, and I found a cozy sanctuary just a few hours east of LA, nestled in the San Bernardino mountains: the charming town of Oak Glen. This idyllic autumn destination boasts lush greenery, apple orchards, and a crisp, refreshing temperature in the low 50s. It was as if I had stepped into the quintessential embodiment of fall.
My adventure began with a visit to Snowline Orchard, driven by curiosity to discover if the buzz surrounding it was justified. Spoiler alert: it absolutely was. The warm, melt-in-your-mouth apple cider donuts, paired with the delightful Raspberry cider, were a match made in heaven. The serene ambiance, shrouded by misty mountains, only enhanced the experience.
My next stop took me to Oak Glen Preserve, and it quickly became the highlight of my day. Surprisingly, I found myself on an impromptu hiking expedition, and every step was worth it.
Amid the towering Coniferous trees, breathing in the cool, crisp autumn air, I had a revelation – I’m not a city girl at heart. Towering over nature, I made a life-altering decision to one day call the countryside home. Wandering through the mountains, disconnecting from the demands of the modern world, and savoring nature by the tranquil lake left me in a state of pure serenity. Oak Glen was a gentle reminder that nature always offers solace.
Following my nature-filled exploration, I ventured to the local markets and mercantile.
This part of Oak Glen transported me to the essence of small-town charm. The air was thick with the fragrance of fresh local honey, homemade jellies, and butters.
I couldn’t resist sampling some honey at Holy Honey, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of divine. Of all the exquisite flavors, the coconut honey stole my heart. I had no idea that honey could boast such a range of flavors, and it was evident that these products were crafted with genuine care and love.
The grand finale of my day was a visit to Los Rios Rancho, where I experienced the joy of apple picking for the very first time.
It was a heartwarming activity, and as I strolled through the apple orchards, I couldn’t help but judge the apples by their covers – a bit of whimsy, I admit.
The setting was exceptional for a fall evening, and Oak Glen provided the most picturesque backdrop for a day filled with autumn delights. The quiet and peaceful atmosphere, along with the abundance of homemade and local products, made this escape an unforgettable experience.
To wrap it up, my visit to Oak Glen transported me to a place where California’s usual sunny warmth gave way to the enchanting embrace of autumn, proving that even in Southern California, the magic of fall is very much alive.
As Halloween draws near, Oak Glen reminds me of the classic phrase, “Trick or Treat.” But here, the trick is as simple as a day spent in the great outdoors, which is precisely what makes it a pleasurable treat. Wishing you a Happy Halloween!
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
