CAMINO–
The mild weather in the foothills in October and November has boosted sales in Apple Hill. The group of 55 apple ranches market the area as a fun family activity.
Veterans Day is the tail end of a three day weekend and is usually busy, but the weather has been a plus.
“The whole hill is talking about being 25% up this year because of the weather. The weather is important for us,” said Evelyn Abel, owner of Abel’s Acres, an apple hill destination with patio dining, and pony rides for children. Hundreds of people were at the ranch on Veteran’s Day, many in shorts and T-shirts.
There were numerous exceptions. People wore sweatshirts, long pants and heavy coats prepared for brisk weather. Tammy Imlay was among them.
“I just moved from Idaho where it’s snowing, so this is just crazy. I’m not just used to this at all,” Imlay said.
Also on the ranch are a dozen crafts booths set up in tents. Shannon Taylor sells water beads used as a base for plants and flower arrangements. She was getting a lot of foot traffic today. She said temperatures have consistently been in the low to mid-70’s every weekend.
“Last year there was wind, snow, rain, our tent caving in; so yes, a big difference,” Taylor said.
While growers know that, in the long run, rain would be better for the state which has been through several drought years. But, for now, Apple Hill growers are enjoying the weather that they have.
“No complaints, everybody’s smiling big,” Abel said.