I always start to think about fall when August takes her paintbrush and swipes the maple tree with an orange flare. We try to spend the remaining days of summer in the sunshine, whether it’s swimming, barbecuing, or just playing in the yard.
As September comes along, the leaves start to fall more quickly and the gold overtakes the green in the trees. And, I must admit, I really look forward to my first pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks (grande 3 pump, non-fat, no-whip, anyone?). Luckily my birthday is in August and there is usually a Starbucks gift card mixed in there.
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Related post: Fun Fall Activities – Fall Bucket List
It’s also apple picking season in New England. There are so many orchards in the region, including Pick Your Own (PYO) options.
They’re saying 2017 is going to be a banner year for apples! I have vivid memories of 2014 where the spring frost, summer rains, and fall warmth were just right that the trees were overflowing with apples. The ancient trees at my parents’ house struggled under the weight. One apple in particular, (Google says it might be a Dutchess of Oldenburg variety), just poured juice when you bit it. With each bite, the perfume filled your nose. We are mighty blessed to experience these things.
If you’re visiting the region, find the closest orchard to you:
- Connecticut
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Maine
- New York*
*I know New York isn’t technically New England but it’s so close and we share a lot of common features! Plus, they have a booming cider industry!
Apple-picking can be fun for the whole family. If you have little kids, here are a couple of things to remember:
- Orchards can be uneven and hilly so bring a carrier or jogging stroller. For a carrier, I use an Ergo (affiliate link) that has been with us since our daughter was born. For a jogging stroller, I use an old Reebok similar to this one that I was able to get through a Facebook tag sale site!
- Walk to the end of the row of the orchard before you start picking so your bag will be getting heavier as you are starting your way back.
- Watch out for bees if you have an allergy in your group. Bees, which are very important pollinators, are attracted to the sweetness of the half-eaten apples that maybe on the ground. So be safe and bring your Epi-pen.
- Tell the kids to watch for potholes or fallen apples. No one likes a sprained ankle.
- Pick an orchard that has a food option. Some places have cafes, food trucks, or other vendors on the weekends. Hangriness can easily destroy an otherwise beautiful day.
- Bring home some of the farm’s specialty baked goods. Around here, our orchards have world-famous pies, apple cider donuts, and delicious jams.
- Bring your camera and take a ton of pictures!
Soon after you get home, start enjoying those apples! Whether it’s fresh eating (I love packing an apple and portable nut butter packets for an afternoon snack) or baking, there are so many ways to enjoy. If you feel an apple overload, try making some muffin and apple breads to freeze or various jellies, chutneys, and even apple mix to can.
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