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Illinois Apple Farms - U-Pick 'Em And Enjoy
As the days begin to shorten and the leaves begin to change, apple-picking season moves into full swing across America, particularly in the Northeast. In late August, September and early October, there's no better way to take in the beautiful time of year than an afternoon spent in the orchards, away from the hustle and bustle of the produce aisle in the supermarket. Here is some advice on apple picking around the Chicago metropolitan area.
Many orchards also have homemade apple cider and cinnamon donuts, as well as pick-your-own pumpkin patches that will be fully ripe and ready for Halloween. Others offer hayrides, live music, petting farms, and special weekend activities geared toward families.
Each Fall marks the Great Maine Apple Day, where everyapplething from pies to ciders is judged. The Maine Pomological Society also hosts an apple ID session with an expert from FEDCO Trees. According to researchers at the University of Maine, there are about 1,000 different varieties of apple
Before you head out, consider what you'll do with the apples that you pick. Different varieties are better suited for different purposes. Apples certainly make for great healthy snacks all by themselves and some of the most popular varieties for eating include the Macintosh, the Empire, Idared, The Red Delicious, and the Jonathon. If sauces or pies are in the plan, try the Cortland, the Golden Delicious, the Russet, and the Mutsu.
At some orchards, you can dive in early with late Spring berry picking. But if you're an apple hold-out, note that each variety ripens at a different time of the harvest season (late August to mid-November), so call ahead to be sure your destination hasn't been picked clean of your favorite apples.
Apple Picking in the Chicago Metropolitan Area
Illinois' rural Rockford region, about an hour's drive out of Chicago, is full of sprawling apple orchards and pumpkin patches, and offers seasonal fun such as hayrides and craft fairs for Christmas shopping.
Edward's Apple Orchard is an autumn staple. Located on more than 60 acres of farmland, Edward's offers apples, pumpkins, raspberries, squash and other gourds, and 2,200 chrysanthemum plants. Kids will love the farm animals and horse-drawn wagon rides out into the apple orchard. Parents will love the Apple Barn, a revamped barn turned modern shop with preserves, home décor items, and of course, apples. Enjoy live bluegrass music on the weekends.
Note that Edward's has expanded to two locations, so please call ahead to be sure of the schedule of activities taking place at each one.
On Rockford's west side is another must-visit, Curran's Orchard, which specializes in using low amounts of chemicals on their apples and pure juice in their ciders. Younger children can find their way out of a mini-maze of straw bales, or peer at massive beehives through glass while parents shop for jams, apple butter, salad dressing, and homemade maple syrup.
About an hour-and-a-half northwest of Chicago's landmark Sears Tower is Fiorello's Pumpkin Patch-- whoever thought you could have so much fun with pumpkins! Launch pumpkins across a field with a slingshot, have your pumpkin decorated by an artist, and much more!
Edward's Apple Orchard East, 7061 Centerville Rd, Poplar Grove, Illinois 61065- 815/765-2234
Edward's Apple Orchard West, 8218 Cemetery Rd, Rockford, Illinois - 815/963-2261
Curran's Orchard, 6385 Kilburn Ave, Rockford, Illinois - 61103 - 815/963-7848
Fiorello's Pumpkin Patch, 3178 Il. Route 173, Caledonia, Illinois - 61011 - 815/765-2587
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