It's Apple Picking Time

I've never actually gone apple picking, and this year an early spring warm spell followed by a drop in temperatures (plants bloomed too early and were then damaged) has seriously decimated the apple crop. Still...it's that time of year. The orchards have opened their doors to the crowds seeking apples, cider, pies and all of that energizing, crisp autumn air. And while most orchards are limiting quantities and picking days (check with the orchard before you go), there are still plenty of other activities at the orchards.

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This orchard (Kuipers Family Farm) has a corn maze, a petting zoo and a number of other activities.

The Haunted Forest

This one (All Seasons Orchard) also has a corn maze along with music, a hay mountain for kids to climb on and lots of other activities. 

Mini Zip Park

We have a number of apple orchards in Illinois, and most of them have many activities other than picking apples (when your season is short, orchard owners have to expand in order to compete and to make a living, I'm sure). Here's a link to orchards in Illinois with a map to show just how many there are around here. But in the end, it all comes down to apples. And pumpkins. Sometimes corn or other crops. And even Christmas trees. 

If you've never gone apple picking, here's a video from Becker Farms (in New York) on how to pick apples. (Becker Farms also has a vineyard and a brewery). 

But even if it's not apple picking time where you are, any day is a good day to enjoy a nice, crisp apple.

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