Cool temperature is in the air which signals that fall is finally here! Other than the beautiful fall foliage, we are lucky to live in an area here in North Carolina where there are so many fun things to do with the family. You can go to a fall festival or a pumpkin patch, corn maze and even go apple picking.
Our first time experience of apple picking was indeed fun and exciting because coming from a tropical country where apples are not grown, it was mine and my son’s first time to see apples on the tree, much less, pick them. And that being our first time, we did learn a few things from that.
So, here’s my handy tips for you if you’re planning to go apple picking in the fall.
Find Your Orchard
There are different varieties of apples. Know which variety of apples you want to pick and if they are available for picking. You may call the orchards to find out or check their websites for information.
Choose the Best Time To Go
Weekends are usually packed so if you can, go on a weekday.
Go Early
The earlier you go, the better to avoid the crowds. We went early and sure enough, you could easily count the few people that were there.
Pick Apples Correctly
Pick apples from the outside in. We’ve learned that apples on the outside and lower branches ripen fastest not to mention, they’re easier to grab.
Dress Appropriately
We went in early September so it was still warm. But if you go in October, weather can be chilly by then so make sure you are dressed for the weather.
Bring the Kids
Nothing is more fun and exciting than bringing the kids with you. I can still remember how fascinated my son was with all the apples on the trees. Prior to this, his only experience of seeing fruit in a tree was that of bananas and coconuts. He’d also seen several of the Dole pineapple fields in the Philippines, but pineapples come from a plant, not a tree, something that was a surprise to the hubs. But my son had so much fun when we went apple picking.
Bring Your Camera
Don’t ever forget to capture the moments. Looking at these photos that I’ve taken still puts a smile on my face. Such happy memories should be captured, relived and reminisced.
Enjoy Every Moment
Apple picking is such a fun thing to do with the whole family. Take your time and savor every moment.
Cool article, actually I never picked an apple in my life. Just used to get them from supermarket lol. Well after reading this article I can’t wait to find a place to pick apples. Can you let me know where I can have a chance to pick apples? :p
Hi Surya. Are you in the U.S.? If you are, try searching online on the closest apple farm near you. Hope that helps. We’re lucky that we have a county that exports most of its apple crop across the United States. 🙂
Well I’m not in the U.S. I’m at France. Nice to hear that and I will give it a try here in France if I can find an apple farm 🙂
I would love to visit France someday. I hope you get to find an apple farm there, Surya. If not, you’re always welcome to visit the U.S. 🙂 Have a great day!
these are smart tips for sure. we always try to pick the right time to go- i think that’s an essential tip!!
I miss apple picking soooo much! I used to live in New England and it was a fall tradition, now that I’m in Florida I think about driving north all the time to try to take the kids but this time of year is so busy.
I live in Upstate NY and apple picking definitely gets crazy – I agree about getting there early to avoid the crowds! Thanks for sharing your tips.
These are some cool tips. I remember going with my family and it’s time to go again as the weather cools off. Great for making pies.
Apple picking sounds fun! I am in a tropical country so I know what you mean, lol! I’d love to experience it!
We have really enjoyed apple picking as a family. I like to try out new varieties of apples.
I love picking apples. I have a friend who has a ton of apple trees.
I went apple picking for the first time the other week with my daughter. These are some great tips. I know I let her grab which ever apples she thought were going to be good (Shes 4, so mainly what ever one she could reach) I only had 2 or 3 that were not the greatest of apples, so I was happy