Picture golden vineyards, crimson and orange orchards, fresh pies, wine tasting, crisp weather and the perfect backdrops for autumn photos. Apple season may be winding down, but there are still plenty of reasons to visit the Apple Hill Growers’ farms before the end of the year. Now that the rush of harvest is behind us, now is a great time to visit our family farms and get your family ready for the holidays!
A few do’s and don’ts for visiting:
Do take home a pie (or two) for Thanksgiving! It is hard to name a more quintessential fall dessert than hot, apple pie! The bake shops of Apple Hill are working overtime to create delicious pies in many styles for your holiday meals. Insider tip: you might consider ordering ahead of time.
Don’t think you can’t enjoy pie for the rest of the year. Take home a few of your favorites frozen to save for Christmas and beyond. Frozen pies will stay delicious for up to a year in the freezer. It might be good to stock up on a few in case that apple pie craving hits in March.
Do bring your family to see the area decked out in holiday flair! Most bake shops and tasting rooms will be decorated in the spirit of the season! Enjoy a cup of hot apple cider and take in the fall foliage. The area is also flush with prime spots to get a great family photo for your holiday card or your Instagram feed.
Don’t think it’s too early to get a Christmas Tree. The smell of fresh pine is synonymous with fall in the foothills. Many Apple Hill tree farms open the weekend after Thanksgiving and visitors can pick their perfect tree, and in some places, cut it down themselves.
Do some shopping for stocking stuffers. Most farms produce artisan products that make great hostess gifts or stocking stuffers. From jams, sauces and mulling spices to olive oils, nuts, and lavender sachets, Apple Hill farms are stocked with fun and locally made items for everyone on your list.
Don’t leave without wines for your holiday tables. The area is home to nine wineries all producing wine of distinct quality that pair perfectly with everything from turkey to prime rib and everything in between. Don’t forget to pick up some bubbles to ring in 2022!