Dole specializes in produce products. This located packs and distributes strawberries and other fruit. The wholesale distributor supplies its products to regional grocery stores and other business clients.
Cover's Apple Ranch is a true hidden gem for families and foodies alike. On the inside they offer a casual counter-style restaurant that serves daily specials and a range of sandwiches on freshly baked bread alongside hot apple pie and sweet pressed cider made from their own locally-grown apples. A small gift shop featuring unique handmade local crafts can also be found within their doors, along with a fudge counter and small produce section that features fruits and vegetable grown on the ranch. On the outside, they are a working ranch with a small farm, one-of-a-kind playground and miniature train for visiting children to enjoy.
Parking and public transportation at Cover's Apple Ranch
The ranch is far enough off the beaten path that public transportation is not available in the immediate area. They have a very well-maintained parking lot though, conveniently located directly in front of the main entrance and free of charge.
Best and worst time go to Cover's Apple Ranch
With daily lunch specials, the restaurant can get busy around noon on weekdays but it's worth it to try the delicious food. Although Cover's is open year-round, the fall months are the ideal time to visit. The apples are at their peak ripeness, the pumpkin patch makes for fantastic pictures, the hay bale maze is fun for the kids and the roast turkey (served with all the fixings) is a local favorite.
Admission to Cover's Apple Ranch
Cover's is admission-free and offers several free and affordable activities for children and adults alike. This is one of the many reasons it is such a popular spot for families and many locals even use the picnic area for birthday parties and family gatherings.
Must see/do at Cover's Apple Ranch
The ranch has a very unique tree house playground for children featuring a slide, bridge and swings. There is also a miniature caboose and freestanding cutouts that make great photo opportunities. Beside the playground is a paved walking trail that takes visitors on a tour through the barn and around the enclosures of the small on-site farm. The farm houses various animals on rotation including cows, pigs, peacocks, chickens, geese, bunnies, goats and sheep. There is no charge to visit the animals but for mere pocket change grains can be purchased from dispensers along the path to feed them. The farm and playground are surrounded by the tracks of a miniature train that also passes through tunnels on the property. The (very affordable) train ride tickets can be purchased in the gift shop.
Other places to visit near Cover's Apple Ranch
Black Oak Casino is a short drive from Cover's Apple Ranch and houses a non-smoking Family Entertainment Floor on the bottom level. The Family Floor features a private entrance (so children aren't required to cross the gambling floor upstairs), two kid-friendly sit-down dining options (Kingpins and The Mill) alongside an arcade and full 24-lane bowling alley. The bowling rates are very reasonable and the environment is much cleaner and brighter than traditional bowling alleys.
Insider tip for visitors to Cover's Apple Ranch
Say hi to the bees! Just to the left of the front door (inside), Cover's visitors are greeted by a window into the world of bees. A glass panel allows a sneak peek of Tuolumne Honey Company's busy buzzers, hard at work making the local honey that is available for purchase on-site. For a special treat pick up a jar of Tuolumne Honey Company's "Creamed Honey" which spreads like butter and is a favorite among locals. Try it on a warm biscuit from Cover's kitchen. You won't be disappointed.
Author's bio: Ann Milligan is a wife, mom, author and artist who resides in California's beautiful Motherlode region. She can often be found painting the local wildflowers, singing off-pitch with her kids and nom-nom-noming.
