Seeing this and other apple threads bounce, we decided on an apple-picking trip this weekend. I did some scouting online, and we headed up I-90 towards Woodstock.
Our first stop was
All Season Farm, just off of Rt. 176 in Woodstock - where we promptly turned around and got back in the car after seeing the crowds, petting zoo, moon-bounce, cafe and other non-apple entertainment. We moved on up the road to
Woodstock County Orchard, which not only was more our speed, and offered U-Pick raspberries as well. Tastings of the apple varieties and orchard maps were offered at the front tent:
Don't be dissuaded by the following sign
It's really a reminder to keep a careful eye on your kids. Everyone was very, very friendly and they have wagons for the kids.
The orchard is lovely, with Redcorts, Empires, Jonagolds, Jonamacs, Red Delicious, Senchu, and Honeycrisp were ready to pick, and Galas at half-price as this was their last weekend. Not only were the apples less expensive than All Season, there were bushels, pecks and half-pecks available. We bought a peck of Galas for $5, and a peck of mixed for $10 - and picked a pint of raspberries for $4. They also have local honey for sale.
Quote from the back of their map
"'Agritainment" is the latest trend at apple orchards. It means combining agriculture with entertainment, like petting zoos, hayrides mazes, etc... This isn't for us. Our priority is the fruit. We like the peaceful Woodstock countryside, and we think picking apples & raspberries is entertaining in itself."
We all had a great time, and arrived at Mitsuwa for dinner tired, sunburnt and full of apples.