Is it possible to experience fall in New England without going apple picking? Most definitely, although it sounds like the perfect way to spend a fall day. If you decide to go, I recommend you go early or to a different place than we did. We decided to go to Lyman Orchards, which seemed to be more "theme park" and less working farm. We've never done a corn maze before, so we started there. Mark and Jessica had enough of that after about 2 minutes. The drawback of changing your mind in a maze, you still have to find your way out. Luckily for us we were provided with trivia directions. You find a big post with a number on it, answer that numbered question on your paper and the right answer will "point" you in the right direction to the next big, numbered post. There was no going back - so we pressed forward. 40 minutes later - we're out! and we lived to tell about it!
 |
| small break from a bad mood - finding baby corn! | |
|
We visited their country store which was filled with delicious baked goods, local produce, and lots of other yummy foods. It was so crowded that my daughter hung onto the back of my shirt for dear life - lest she be lost forever in the crowds. The lines were so long at the register - I think solitary register - that I could have been starving and wouldn't have wanted to buy anything there. We waited in a line only half as long at the concession stand on the patio. The food was only okay - I was still thinking of the pies and donuts inside the store.
We ate and ran - to our car. We came for apple picking, and so far this was a total cluster. They had fun ideas for potentially fun activities - but VERY poor planning can ruin everything! With a few changes and tweaks and that place would REALLY be great!
We followed the signs to the pick-your-own orchards. Once we parked our car it was easy to get lost - once you were on foot there weren't very many directions to the apples ready to pick. We wandered and walked a while and then - who hooo! apples!
 |
| a solitary granny |
|
 |
| peek-a-boo! | | |
 |
| 18 lbs of empire, red delicious, granny smith, and more! yummy! |
The apple picking was really fun and rewarding. The apples were flavorful, juicy, and fresh! We are going to do more pick-your-own next spring, summer and fall and go for berries and other fruits offered at the local farms in Connecticut. I love the idea of supporting local farmers, eating fresh, local foods, and spending time together as a family. We'll pass on the corn maze....
and the scenery can't be beat!
 |
| view while picking apples at Lyman Orchards |
click here to view more of our apple picking photos
No comments:
Post a Comment