How could you leave the classic activity of fall, the Apple Orchard visit off a top ten list for autumn fun? You can’t.  In Minnesota we are blessed with the University of  Minnesota’s College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Sciences and they are the creators of the Honeycrisp apple. I don’t know about the rest of the world, but in Minnesota these have become the classic go to eating apple.  They are sweet and crunchy and meet the requirements of a delicious apple.  I am also looking forward to the enjoying a First Kiss apple, which is another breed developed by the University of Minnesota. This breed brings a little more pucker to the Honeycrisp and are a great precursor to the season, as they are available at the end of August.

I am very lucky to live within fairly close proximity to two really great apple orchards.  My favorite is Pleasant Valley Orchard that is within a few miles of my house. Located near the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin, it is truly focused on the science of growing apples.  They do a lovely little shop with a few gifts that is a must visit and they also do a hayride around the orchard.  My nephews love the corn pit! It isn’t very large, a kiddie pool with kernels, but it is a great little addition to the experience of picking your own apples. They also have a little petting zoo with goats and an tractor that they like climbing on as well. The Birkholz family brings in local musicians to play on weekends and do themed weekends all fall that you can learn about on their blog.

Just down Highway 95 in Stillwater, Minnesota there is Aamodt’s Apple Farm. Their spread is larger and much more focused on bringing in the families for the experience of the apple orchard.  I find it is less focused on the actual apple picking experience, which is much more regulated and harder to get in on. However, they have a great store with already picked apples and many different baked goods and cute little fall trinkets. The apple cider donuts are always a favorite! Aamodt’s Apple Farm is also a very kid centered experience. They also have a petting zoo with goats, and they have a tiny little apple train that kids can ride on. In addition, there are two swing set/jungle gyms that are a huge attraction. If you arrive in time to wait for a hay ride out to various parts of the orchard, that is available as well at a cost.  On various weekends, there are different vendors that are on site as well, depending on whether they have a theme going on that weekend.

I know these are local areas, but visiting an apple orchard, whether simply to purchase apples or pick or even just enjoy the fall feel, it is a must. Plus, it sets you up for the next item on the top ten list: Baking!