f you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle for a day, you need to check out Southern California’s greatest secret. Nestled in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains lies a hidden gem destination that embodies the idyllic small-town charm we all crave during the holiday season.
Welcome to Oak Glen, a charming apple town less than a two hour drive away from Orange County. Visitors flock from all over Southern California to partake in seasonal activities like berry picking in the summer, sledding during the snowy months, and loading up on all things apple-flavored in the fall.
Oak Glen is known for its abundant apple orchards and historic charm, but few know about the annual Apple Butter Festival that takes place every Thanksgiving weekend.
The Oak Glen Apple Butter Festival is a family-friendly event that appeals to all ages. Nearly all businesses in the town of Oak Glen partake and offer apple-flavored treats and fall activities for the entire family to enjoy.
The art of apple butter making dates to the 16th century when farmers would collect their year’s end harvest and cook the apples for winter preserves. It celebrates the end of the fall season and represents a cherished tradition that continues to make memories for years to come.
The festival is not just a celebration of the history behind apple butter but pays homage to the region’s rich agricultural history. Oak Glen has a long-standing tradition of apple cultivation and agriculture, and the Apple Butter Festival serves as a reminder of the area’s roots.
Here’s what you can expect from some of the businesses celebrating Oak Glen’s Apple Butter Festival.
Los Rios Ranch has been a prominent business in Oak Glen and the oldest apple farm in California since 1906. It’s easily one of the most popular destinations when visiting the small town with plentiful apple orchards to pick apples from and homemade mini donuts made fresh every hour.
Thanksgiving weekend, Los Rios Ranch will be stoking the fires under its 100-year-old copper pot where staff will be cooking down the last of their seasonal apples. They’ll also offer live music, cider tasting, and carriage tours around their massive property making it the perfect place for a romantic date destination.
Be sure to walk the historic grounds of Riley’s Farm, which is on the property. Riley’s Farm will bring you back to the colonial days when the whole family could take part in candle making, axe throwing, and more.
Another hotspot in Oak Glen during the Apple Butter Festival is Wilshire’s Apple Shed, which serves up wood-fired sourdough pizza and apple lattes.
The general store will be teeming with apple butter made in-house and other apple goodies. You won’t find a better general store in the area.
So, grab yourself a pizza and a seasonal apple-butter latte to warm up during this Thanksgiving weekend.
After you’ve had your fair share of apple butter goodness, it’s time to head on over to the Oak Tree Mountain Village where you’ll find apple pies and handcrafted goods. Oak Tree Mountain Village is home to the famous Apple Annie’s — home of the original mile-high apple pie. This is the quintessential small-town diner where you can enjoy a steaming slice of apple pie and a cup of coffee.
You’ll find plenty of locally owned businesses in Oak Tree Mountain as well as a petting zoo, mountain slide, and free-range peacocks to keep you company. During the festival, Oak Tree Mountain Village will also host a craft fair with local artisans and food stands.
When leaving Oak Glen’s apple- scented air behind, it becomes clear why this charming town’s cherished traditions will continue to create family memories for years to come.