It is fall in New England. That means Apples are everywhere! I took the kids Apple Picking at Russell Orchards in Ipswich, MA this year. It was a blast!
There really are a lot of choices for Apple Picking in New England. I try to go to a new place every year. It is always an adventure with the kids. They graze on fallen apples like feral deer, and want to try every variety.
This year we took the trek up to Russell Orchards in Ipswich. It is a little ways off the beaten path of our weekly drive to Maine for us, but a good diversion.
Hay Ride to the Apple Picking
Weekends at Russell Orchards are pretty busy. So busy in fact, that their weekday pay per pound Apple Picking is unrealistic. Instead, you purchase a bag that, if filled, is roughly 10 pounds of apples. At the exit an employee of the orchard just gives a quick look to make sure that you do indeed have a proper bag, and off you go.
Once you get your bag you need to get to the apples. This is quite a large orchard. And not all of the apple trees are open to the public each day. To get to last weekends picking location, we were treated to a complimentary hayride. It helped build the anticipation, and by the time we reached the apples, the kids were ready to sprint off picking their favorites.
So many varieties at Russell Orchards
I was amazed by the apple varieties available. Most of the orchards I’ve been to over the last few years have had 3-4 apple varieties. And usually one of them was not open for picking at the moment. Here we had the option of McIntosh, Macoun, Empire, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, and Cortland. Obviously the kids had to try each kind. Thankfully I was able to convince them that they could in fact each take a bite out of the same apple to see if they liked it. And they were pretty good about not picking more of each variety than they wanted to take home. Though on occasion they would get pretty excited by a huge apple that they just had to have, even if they were done with that kind.
After picking apples, we walked all the way back to the farmhouse. It was a fairly good distance, but there were well marked paths to keep you on track. The store at the farm sells an amazing selection of local goods. Tons of produce and fruit, plus ice cream and keepsakes by local artisans. There is also an enormous cider press that you can see working away. A petting zoo is here as well with a variety of rescued and retired farm animals that you can feed and pet. If you are visiting without the kids, they also have a winery. Fun for all ages!
If you are eager to use your apples the moment you get home, try out these Apple Pie Pancakes! My kids love them, and they are sure to be a crowd pleaser!
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