Apple picking…not all orchards or days are created equal
Oct 1st, 2009 by Laura
We like to go apple picking but somehow the autumn got past us last year before our trek to the orchards. We had been going to the same place, Shelburn Farms in Acton for the last several years and noticed the energy and activities were really accelerating. Boy, missing last year didn’t prepare us for what they had evolved to. Granted we showed up on the most glorious Saturday afternoon — sunny and warm, but were surprised we had to wait in line to park. While I waited my husband also waited in line to buy hot cider doughnuts. In the time I waited to find a spot my daughter passed out in the back seat and as I carried her over to the concession stand line, bribing her with the doughnuts to wake up, I noticed a new fence along the orchard and a queue to get into the orchard. Ack!! She saw the bouncy house and the previously dead weight that was my girl nearly leap from my arms. Too bad you needed a “pass” to use the bouncy house ($5 per kid for house and other activities) and my husband was already through the concession line where you need to buy the pass. Once we also explained that they also could not play on the rider toys because we didn’t have a pass, we got on line to pick. Fortunately the line was very quick and we began our adventure of picking apples (then taking three bites and dropping them on the ground, at least that was what my three year old’s style was.) The picking itself didn’t take too long. Though the ones by the entrance were pretty picked over, it is a large enough place that the full tree were still to be found further out.
But my husband and I were in agreement - a new place next year or at least visiting on a cloudy day to avoid the crowds. I think with a less beautiful day or going earlier it might have been perfectly fine. It is a lovely spot and not too far (maybe 40 minutes from my place in Somerville), but it depends what you are are looking for. I have heard of some great places that are more low key, but I have to admit I love the caramel apples and cider doughnuts which seem to go hand in hand with the hay-riding/bouncy house jumping/petting-zoo circuses these farms become during the season.
I did make a pie this year — my first one! I highly recommend this pie recipe. I came out great, even for a novice, though the Cortlands suggested by the orchard for the pie were a little mushy. I might just cut them a little larger next time — of course we have enough apples for several next times…
Check out last year’s apple post and comments for other ideas for pick-your-own apples in the area.
I totally agree about Shelburne Farms - too many “extras” now, it wasn’t always like this, or maybe my kids were littler so they didn’t notice the bouncy castle/pony rides- we had been going there every Fall for five or six years, but last year we said enough. This year we went to Russell Orchards up in Ipswich and it was fantastic - free hayride to the fields, which were full of delicious PYO apples. Free petting zoo and little playground. Fresh cider donuts (make sure to get the piping hot ones!) and a fun store, where I am pretty sure you can also get caramel apples (and ice cream! and wine!).
This is SO true! I grew up in Michigan and not all orchards are created equal. Then again, I’m allergic to raw apples… maybe it’s lost on me. I do love orchards though!
we go every year to shelburne farm in acton. it’s the perfect blend of everything you want: apple orchards you can wander, pony rides, great cider donuts, hay rides, and more.